Combining and layering ingredients and products is one of the favorites things we’ve learned from Korean beauty. After all, why settle for one active when we can explore the benefits of multiple ones, right? Learn what ingredients to combine to amp up the effectiveness of your skin care products.
Ingredient: Salicylic Acid
What Does It Do? This chemical exfoliant, found in products like Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear™ Micro Milk Peel, removes sebum and treats acne
Better Together: Use it with soothing and anti-inflammatory formulas. Look for botanical brighteners in the ingredients list: licorice, soy, pine and willow bark (found on COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, for example) can help by treating hyperpigmentation and dark spots too.
Ingredient: Vitamin C
What Does It Do? Boosts collagen production, brightens and moisture the skin. Find it in products like Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum.
Better Together: Combine your favorite vitamin C formula with peptides and copper peptides to win the fight against wrinkles, and with glutathione to enhance its brightening powers—bye-bye, melasma!
Ingredient: Lactic and Glycolic Acids
What Do They Do? Exfoliate, add moisture, and brighten the skin.
Better Together: Use lactic (milder option) or glycolic acids with antioxidants like green tea and resveratrol to get even better results, that is, a brighter and more radiant complexion. Hint: The Skinfood Tea Tree Bubble Foam Cleanser is one of our go-to products.
Ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide
What Does It Do? Fights bacteria to treat acne.
Better Together: Goes well with chemical exfoliants like salicylic and glycolic acids, allowing benzoyl peroxide to penetrate deeper into the skin. You can apply a layer of benzoyl peroxide over a salicylic acid toner like Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner, for example: The first one will act killing bacteria and shrinking existing blemishes while the other will control oil production to help prevent new pimples.
Ingredient: Retinol
What Does It Do? This derivative of vitamin A is a potent antioxidant, the star ingredient of some well-known eye creams (like IOPE’s Pro-Retinol Eye Corrector). It reduces wrinkles and decreases hyperpigmentation.
Better Together: Moisturizing and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, marshmallow extract or glycerin. These two guys help minimize the irritation vitamin A can cause, especially in sensitive skins.
+ Share with us in the comments how you like to combine and layer your skin care products!
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Collaborated: Stephen Ko.
