"Effective Skincare Combinations: Mixing Vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs"

Can vitamin C be mixed with AHA and BHA?

When it comes to the vast world of skincare, there is a lot of confusion about chemical acids and their role in everyday life.

It seems that some of us are still a bit reluctant to use products like AHAs and BHAs, so the thought of using vitamin C with them can be understandably overwhelming.

Time to stop panicking because we’re here to demystify it all, and with any luck we could have answered the question at the end of today’s blog post, “Can you mix Vitamin C with AHAs and BHAs?”

But before we dive in, let’s quickly review what these ingredients are and what they can do for your skin.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a multifunctional skin ingredient that has been used in the beauty industry for many years. Only recently has this mighty powerhouse been able to shake off the misconceptions that have surrounded it for years.

This is because it is considered unstable, which means it can cause various skin irritations and prevent product formulations from working effectively on the skin. Vitamin C has won over dermatologists, skincare professionals

and fans alike with some proven stable ingredients.

The following are examples of some of the benefits you can expect from using vitamin C. If you’d like to learn more about this ingenious ingredient, read our in-depth blog post.

Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, which means it fights free radical stress like pollution, UV rays and central heating. They are all known to damage the surface of the skin.

Vitamin C increases collagen production, ensuring skin appears plumper, revitalized and youthful. That’s because vitamin C contains two essential enzymes your skin needs to produce collagen: prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl

hydroxylase.

Vitamin C fights hyperpigmentation, dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the skin’s surface. It reduces the production of melanin that reaches the surface and causes dark spots to become more pigmented. Over time, you will

notice visible changes and improvements in your complexion.

Vitamin C restores skin radiance. This is due to its blend of skin lightening properties. However, with regular use, you will notice a huge difference in the look and feel of your complexion. What are AHAs?

AHAs, also known as alpha hydroxy acids, are a type of chemical peel that has become an absolute favorite among beauty lovers. Depending on their structure, they either occur naturally or are synthetically blended into a range

of skin care products.

The difference between AHAs and physical peels is that they break the bond of dead skin cells to the skin’s surface. This allows the acid to slough off dead skin cells without physically rubbing them off your face.

By removing unwanted skin cells, bacteria, dirt, debris and other impurities from your skin, you will have new skin that is fresh, vibrant, healthy, happy and radiant. Learn more about the skincare benefits of AHAs in our

dedicated Skin School post.

What are BHAs?

BHA, also known as beta hydroxy acid, is considered a close relative of AHA. Often considered more effective, they should not be used by those with dry skin types prone to sensitivity as they can be too harsh on the skin.

The main difference between AHAs and BHAs is that BHAs, specifically the most commonly used acid, salicylic acid, are oil-soluble and have a smaller molecular size, which means it can penetrate deeper into the skin and reach the

lower layers of the skin.

If you want to learn more about how BHA works on your skin, check out our post on skin schools. Can vitamin C be mixed with AHA and BHA?

The short answer is yes, but only once you nail it will your skin be satisfied. I mean, you have to make sure you know your skin type first before trying to put these ingredients together.

Those with oily skin may find their skin elastic enough to use a careful combination of these acids and vitamin C. However, before you start applying these products to your skin, you should make sure that you are still using

these formulations effectively.

The easiest way to combine Vitamin C with AHAs and BHAs is to remember the basic skin rules of using products from the thinnest to thickest formulations. This allows each product to deliver optimal results without competing with

the physical barriers created by thicker formulas.

You’ll often find vitamin C in serums and face oils. So, you may choose to follow your serum with an exfoliating toner rich in AHAs (like glycolic acid) or BHAs (like salicylic acid). Use in combination with a moisturizer or

other hyaluronic acid-rich serum for extra refreshed skin. Moisturizing keeps skin hydrated while counteracting possible dryness.

If you notice signs of redness, increased sensitivity, or skin irritation, it’s best to stop using all three potent substances in your daily routine and alternate the acids. You can do this by using your acid on different days

or times of day, leaving your vitamin C serum in the morning and your acid of choice in the evening.

Can BHA and Vitamin C be used together?

Yes, you can, but only if you use each ingredient correctly in your daily life. As I mentioned before, using BHA and vitamin C together can be effective, but it can also dry out the skin. For best results, allow sufficient time

between applications to allow skin’s pH to rebalance and avoid unnecessary irritation.

For best results, use an exfoliating toner with BHA (most commonly salicylic acid) after cleansing your face. Leave on for about 30 minutes, then apply a vitamin C-enriched serum, followed by a moisturizer enriched with

hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients.

If you find that your skin is still showing signs of irritation, your other option is to thoroughly cleanse your skin at night with a BHA product after your vitamin C serum has pre-washed your skin from a day of free radical

damage.

Can AHAs and BHAs be mixed with hyaluronic acid?

The beauty of hyaluronic acid as a skincare ingredient is that it works seamlessly with a variety of other ingredients, even powerhouses like salicylic and glycolic acids.

When combined with these powerhouses, it’s generally considered best to use hyaluronic acid after exfoliation, as it prevents any potential dryness. Instead, the skin benefits from the fact that moisture is locked on the face

and has a protective skin barrier with proper moisture content to keep it functioning. This keeps the skin healthy and protected from free radicals and other environmental influences.

Can Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C Be Used Together?

Yes, you can use glycolic acid and vitamin C together, but make sure you know what you’re doing! If you’re concerned about your skin looking dull, notice signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, or are showing signs of aging,

then Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C are a powerful combination.

If you stagger these ingredients, you can achieve amazing skin results as it helps rebalance your skin’s pH and prevent irritation from set in. We detail how to use glycolic acid and vitamin C together in our dedicated Beauty

Insiders blog post.

How do salicylic acid and vitamin C work together?

The difference from salicylic acid and glycolic acid is that salicylic acid has a significantly smaller molecular size. This allows it to penetrate to the bottom of pores to remove dirt, bacteria, excess sebum and other

impurities. You’ll often find that salicylic acid is very effective, but it can easily irritate your skin. Glycolic acid is also very effective, but due to its larger molecular size, it mainly acts on the outer layers of the

skin. How you use salicylic acid and vitamin C together will depend on your skin type and the habits you already have. That’s because, as I mentioned before, using these ingredients requires enough time between applications or

choosing to alternate times to pay off without causing unnecessary skin irritation.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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