Take a look at your vanity table and you might find yourself using multiple beauty products at any one time. Examine each product’s ingredients list and you’ll spot some of the most common and buzz-worthy ones such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin C to name a few.

One of the risks of trying so many different products then is the lack of visible results and worse, signs of skin allergy such as redness and itchiness. To safeguard your skin, consider matching beauty ingredients based on their compatibility. Here, Dr Sean Lim from IDS Clinic tells us which skincare duos work best together to help keep our skin healthy and happy. 

Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide

“Hyaluronic acid is able to attract and bind water, providing hydration and suppleness to the skin. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) aids in strengthening the skin barrier by stimulating ceramide production, and lipids that play an essential role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. This reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and enables the skin to retain the moisture provided by the hyaluronic acid. 

Both also have age-defying properties. Niacinamide stimulates collagen production in the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The hydrating effect hyaluronic acid has on the skin further enhances the effects of niacinamide, which is why IDS Rejuvenating Complex Plus (RC+) serum contains both of these ingredients.”

Vitamin C + SPF

“When used together, vitamin C is able to tackle the free radicals that escape sunscreen protection, enhancing the skin’s overall protection against UV damage.

Both also work together to prevent photodamage which commonly presents as uneven skin texture and the development of pigmentation. Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen synthesis, fades hyperpigmentation, and brightens the skin. Sunscreen further enhances these effects by protecting the skin from UV-induced damage.”

Retinol + Peptides

“Retinols boost collagen production by accelerating cellular turnover and stimulating fibroblasts. This helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.

However, the use of retinols may initially lead to some irritation and dryness due to its exfoliating effect which can be mitigated with the concurrent use of peptides. Peptides work as signals to stimulate the production of more collagen and elastin, supporting the rebuilding process stimulated by retinols. A great example of a product that combines these two powerhouse ingredients is IDS RC+ age-defying treatment which rejuvenates and protects the skin.”

Vitamin C + Vitamin E

“Both have synergistic antioxidant effects, scavenging free radicals associated with chronic sun exposure. Vitamin C is water-soluble, exerting its effect in water-based parts of the skin while vitamin E is fat-soluble, working on the fat-based parts of the skin. This provides effective protection against UV damage across all environments of the skin.

Both of these vitamins also work well together to target multiple signs of aging. Vitamin C improves skin texture, lightens hyperpigmentation, and brightens skin tone. Vitamin E strengthens the skin barrier, prevents water loss, and keeps the skin hydrated and supple.

At the same time, vitamin C helps to regenerate oxidized vitamin E, and vitamin E helps stabilize vitamin C which can potentially be unstable and degrade quickly when exposed to light and air. 

This is why IDS C+ serum has both vitamin C and vitamin E to help achieve a superior antioxidant action and strong collagen stimulation.”

Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides

“Hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin, providing hydration to the skin. This creates a supple environment that supports repair of the skin barrier, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ceramides are lipids or fat molecules that are essential in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. This helps to maintain the elasticity and smoothness of the skin. When used in conjunction, ceramides help to seal in the moisture provided by hyaluronic acid by reinforcing the skin barrier and thus preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping the skin hydrated for longer. 

An example would be IDS Moisture Boost (MB) moisturizer, containing both of these active ingredients to provide lasting hydration and nourishment throughout the day.”

First published on HerWorld