These Are the Skincare Ingredients You Should Be Mixing Together

There is so much information out there about skincare, but how do you know who to trust?  One thing we do know for sure, however, is that mixing certain products during your routine can either cause significant damage or can heal your skin barrier, no matter what skin type you have. Bougeoir has done some solid research to give you a well-rounded guide to what products you should be mixing for radiant skin.

Retinol and Peptides
Known for drying up active acne and tightening those fine lines, retinol is the way to go. Although it does have plenty of benefits, the product does have some drawbacks. Without proper care, retinol has the capacity to dry up your skin and damage your skin barrier. That's why you need nourishing  peptides  to layer on top. Peptides make your skin more durable and help with any irritation from the retinol. 

Antioxidants and Sunscreen
We don't often realize the effects sun damage can have on our skin until it's too late.  Sunscreen is a necessary addition to your skincare routine, and it's important to apply it multiple times throughout the day. If you're looking to amplify your sun protection one step further, adding antioxidants is the way to go. Not only will it add an extra barrier, it will also make your skin feel soft and refreshed. One of the easiest ways to get this combo is to find an SPF that contains antioxidants, making a two-step process into one.

Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid
At first glance, you may think pairing two acids together isn't a good idea; however, these two make the perfect team. Salicylic acid is known for breaking down any debris or oil that has built up underneath your skin, while glycolic acid, a more gentle exfoliant, acts as a protective barrier and only plays a role on the surface of your skin. With that being said, we still do recommend using a thicker moisturizer on top to prevent irritation. 

Vitamin C + Vitamin E
Vitamin E is no slouch as a skin care ingredient itself, but when paired with vitamin C, the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states that the combination is more “effective in preventing photodamage than either vitamin alone.” Both work by negating free radical damage, but each combats different types of UV damage. By adding vitamin C and E serums into your routine, or using products that contain both, you’re giving your skin double the antioxidant ammunition to fight damage from free radicals and more UV damage than vitamin C by itself.

Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid
By now you’re probably wondering: if vitamin C and E is good, and vitamin C and ferulic acid is too, what about a combination of all three? The answer is rhetorical: Do you love stability and antioxidants? It’s the best of all worlds, offering triple the protective powers.
With antioxidants like vitamin C and E working in tandem to undo the damage caused by UV rays, you’re probably thinking how it makes sense to apply this combination under your sunscreen for extra UV protection. And you’d be right.

Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid
On its own, vitamin c can help brighten your skin and make it look healthier, but it isn't working to its full potential. Because it's a thinner product, it won't last too long when exposed to sunlight. That's why ferulic acid is a step you won't want to miss. When combined with vitamin C, ferulic acid gives the product a long shelf life, making it worth those extra dollars.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Squalane
Although not widely known, squalane, a deeply moisturizing oil, can be essential when using heavier products such as AHAs. The acids can be really harsh on your skin, causing redness and itchiness if not careful. Layering squalane on top of these products will not only help ease any discomfort but will also help retain moisture. 

Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid
Niacinamide has been everywhere lately and with reason. Most products need specific pairings to work properly; however, this one works universally. As a form of vitamin B3,, niacinamide is found in many of the foods we eat, including meat, fish, and dairy products, so why not nourish our faces with it as well? The product is known for preserving skin youthfulness and smoothing the appearance of fine lines or bumps. Pairing it with hyaluronic acid will lead to a glowy, natural complexion