We all have that special someone who always brings the best out of us. Not only that you guys are better together, but you also complement each other through both weaknesses and strengths. This doesn’t only apply to our relationship as a human, but also in skincare. While a lot of people only focusing on what ingredients won’t work together, on the other hand, some ingredients work synergistically and complement each other when either formulated together or layered in your skincare routine. Why should they do it all alone, when two (or more) is better than one, right? 

These following combinations will step up your skincare game experience and results to the next level. Let’s go through each of the great combinations you don’t want to miss on your skincare routine from now on!

For all skin type: 

Antioxidant

Antioxidant fights off skin-damaging free radicals. It helps prevent the formation of wrinkles, premature aging, dryness, dull skin, and hyperpigmentation. However, antioxidants were known to be unstable on their own, so it needs a partner-in-crime to work together with them. When they are paired together in a formulation, they can create a powerful house of antioxidants for your skin.     

1. ✔︎ Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic acid 
2. ✔︎ Green tea + Caffeine
3. ✔︎ Centella asiatica + Vitamin C 

How to use: Use them daily, day (more important) and night, pair it with SPF

Skin barrier 

Our skin barrier is our skin’s first-line of defense that protects our skin from environmental stressors and stimuli. So you can imagine if our skin is a palace, our skin barrier is the guard on the main entrance. They are the first person to encounter any danger from the outside to protect everything on the inside. However, with the increasing amount of stress, pollution as well as the uptrend of high percentages of active ingredients, our skin barrier can be easily compromised. That’s why it is always good to have a skincare product that can help replenish back the natural component of your skin barrier.

1. ✔︎ Ceramides + Cholesterol + Fatty acids 
2. ✔︎ Niacinamide + hyaluronic acid 
3. How to use: Use them daily, day and night. Layer more at night to prevent water loss (TEWL) overnight. 

2. For acne-prone skin:

   Everyone has to deal with acne at least once in their life. Acne is a multifactorial condition that leads to the formation of inflamed clogged pores. It is caused due to excessive production of sebum, a pile of dead skin cells, and overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria. Therefore, it is always great to have ingredients that can target them from multiple angles. These combinations may help improve your acne condition and prevent future formations of it. 

1. ✔︎ AHA + Retinols
2. ✔︎ Niacinamide + Salicylic acid 

How to use: Start slowly from 1-2 times a week and scale up from there. It’s always good to start slowly with these combinations since it may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin.

For hyperpigmentation

As we age, we have to deal with more hyperpigmentation issues. Do you know that there are many ways you can tackle hyperpigmentation? From the formation or transfer of melanin to the removal of dead skin cells to fades them. Combining ingredients that target multiple pigment formation pathways can also speed up their process to fade any dark spot, uneven skin tone, or acne marks. But, don’t forget to always pair them with a sunscreen to prevent any further pigment darkening.

1. ✔︎ Niacinamide + Retinols
2. ✔︎ Glycolic acid + Vitamin C
3. How to use: Start slowly from 1-2 times a week and scale up from there. Depending on concentration and formulation, it may be too strong for everyday use.

5. For aging

   We all want to stay young for as long as we can. While we know that retinols are the “royal” ingredients for anti-aging by themselves. However, if you find the right-hand man for it, they will do an even better job in comparison to them as a stand-alone ingredient. These combinations can synergistically boost the way your retinol keeping your skin plump, soft, and youthful. These combinations will not only improve your skin collagen production but also keep your skin hydrated and wrinkle-free for as long as they can.

7. 1. ✔︎ Retinol + peptides 
   2. ✔︎ Retinol + hyaluronic acid 
   3. ✔︎ Retinol + ceramide 

How to use: Start slowly from 1-2 times a week and scale up from there. Depending on concentration and formulation, it may be too strong for everyday use. 

Among the combinations above, which combinations are your favorites? Pick a combination that are suitable based on your skin concern. No matter which one is your favorite, don’t forget to pair them with your sunscreen every single day.