Using multiple serums is a great way to customize your skincare routine to your specific needs. For example, if you find your skin is looking dull and dry, you can use a hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate the skin, and a vitamin C serum to brighten the skin (or a serum that contains both ingredients).
Yes! It is completely okay to mix two serums together, or even more. However, there are a couple of guidelines to abide by when mixing. Firstly, you need to mix each serum in the palm of your hand before applying to your face.
“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.
You can mix serums together in the palm of your hand before massaging them into your skin. This works best if all the serums are of the same consistency – otherwise, they won't blend together super smoothly, and you might end up with serums that feel (excuse this word), curdled.
Limit to Two Serums Per Routine
We recommend you use no more than two face serums per routine. Again, alternating skin care items is a strategy here. If you have many serums that you like, use one or two in your morning routine and two different serums in the evening.
Not only can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together, but when you do, they can help create a more effective skincare routine. Each one has skincare benefits, some of which we mentioned, but when combined, they can form a more potent formula that offers increased results.
There's no problem with using both retinol and vitamin C as part of your skincare routine, dermatologists say. In fact, Shirazi calls this combo a "power couple" when it comes to aging well.
When it comes to deciding which serum goes first, Dr. Austin says the rule of thumb is to always start light. “Always layer by consistency. Lighter serums will be easily and quickly absorbed while the heavier hydration serums/oils seal in the ingredients and leave your skin soft,” explains Dr.
Should I use Hyaluronic Acid before or after Retinol? You should use hyaluronic acid after retinol. And to maximise the benefits, you should use retinol first and then wait at least 30 minutes before applying hyaluronic acid.
Using multiple serums is a great way to customize your skincare routine to your specific needs. For example, if you find your skin is looking dull and dry, you can use a hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate the skin, and a vitamin C serum to brighten the skin (or a serum that contains both ingredients).
If you are applying a Vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid separately, it's suggested that you apply the Vitamin C first, and then add the hyaluronic acid afterward in order to help fortify the skin barrier and lock in the moisture.
Cocktailing your serums is an easy and fun way to cut down your routine as well as customize it to fight the skin concerns you're looking to alleviate. Just make sure to avoid mixing more volatile ingredients like vitamin C, AHA/BHAs, and retinol unless you've patch-tested or consulted with your dermatologist first.
You can absolutely use vitamin C and niacinamide together, Singh goes on to emphasize. That said, if you ever have any doubts as to whether it's safe to mix two skin care ingredients, a dermatologist can always offer advice.
Let Vitamin c dry off for a minute or two before applying the next product. To know more about Vitamin C, click here. Sublime's verdict: Wait for two minutes before layering.
Vitamin C works best in combination with vitamin E, ferulic Acid, vitamin B, and hyaluronic acid. Designed to deliver a high concentration of actives, a vitamin C serum is a popular choice in skincare.
For maximum absorption, serums should be applied to freshly cleansed skin. Apply the thinnest facial serum first, or, if serums are the same consistency, start by addressing your primary skin concern. Massage a few drops into the skin, then wait until absorbed before applying your secondary serum.
Order Matters: Serums are applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer. If you don't use toner, then apply serum directly after cleansing. Keep It Simple: It's best to layer no more than two serums at a time. Too many layers can possibly prevent the ingredients from absorbing as effectively.
Don't Mix: Niacinamide and vitamin C. Although they're both antioxidants, vitamin C is one ingredient that's not compatible with niacinamide. "Both are very common antioxidants used in a variety of skincare products, but they should not be used one right after the other," says Dr. Marchbein.
You can use multiple niacinamide-containing products in your routine, and it will still be non-sensitising as this ingenious B vitamin is well tolerated by all skin types. It's even suitable for use by those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
Can hyaluronic acid and retinol be used together? Unlike many other skin care ingredients out there, hyaluronic acid and retinol can be used in the same skincare routine. Not only that, but using them together can help to lessen the severity of the side effects that often come with retinol usage.
Niacinamide can be used with hyaluronic acid. They're both water-loving humectants and keep skin hydrated to maintain the protective barrier function of the skin. Both actives are safe to use, less likely to cause irritation and cause no serious side effects when used together.