There are as many skin care ingredients as there are skin types and concerns. Whilst many ingredients work well on their own, combining certain ingredients, whether it be in one product or separate products can make them even more effective.

Aside from understanding which ingredients work well together, you may also want to consider a few other factors when pairing skin care products, such as skin type and skin tone.

Consider your individual needs when it comes to skin type. If you have an oilier skin, then pairing products that are focused on hydration may not be ideal.

Skin tone plays a big part too. Those prone to pigmentation need to avoid combinations that may cause irritation as this can stimulate pigment-making cells which will increase hyperpigmentation.

Once you have figured out what your ultimate skin care goal is, you can play cupid with your skin care and find some perfect matches. To help you along here are a few matches made in heaven:

1. Retinoids & Peptides:

Both of these are powerful and are great to use together because they complement each other. Despite their many benefits such as smoothing lines and wrinkles, and reducing dark spots, retinoids can cause irritation and dryness in the skin and this is where pairing them with peptides works. Peptides, essentially proteins found naturally in the skin, help reduce any irritation, and strengthen and nourish the skin.

       Try: REN Bio Retinoid™ Youth Serum and SUR.MEDIC Collagen Lifting Cream

2. Retinoids + Hyaluronic Acid:

   Retinoids are responsible for increasing cellular turnover of the skin and for stimulating collagen production. Hyaluronic acid works as a hydrating agent and draws the water into your skin cell to make your skin plump. This is a great combo for overall healthy skin.

       Try: Skin Proud Recharge Serum and REN Flash Hydro-Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion

3. Vitamin C + Vitamin E:

   Vitamin C is known to be one of the best antioxidants in skincare and is highly effective at improving skin tone and brightness. Vitamin E on the other hand is hydrating, has antioxidant qualities and also comforts the skin, especially irritated and sensitive skin. Paired together in the same product or in different products you can expect this duo to brighten, hydrate and protect the skin.

       Try: Neogen Vita Duo Day Cream

4. Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid:

   For those of you who have not heard of ferulic acid, it is an antioxidant derived from fruits, grains, vegetables, and certain grasses. This natural acid helps prevent environmental stress. Ferulic acid is also thought to help stabilize vitamin C and acts as a booster to both vitamin C and E. This makes it extremely effective in fighting skin damage.

      Try: Erborian Yuza Vitamin Mask 

5. Glycolic Acid + Salicylic Acid:

   Glycolic acid comes from sugar cane and is one of the most used of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). As a chemical exfoliator, it is brilliant at removing dead skin cells. Salicylic Acid on the other hand is oil soluble meaning it can get further into the pores removing debris, dirt, and excess sebum, which are responsible for blocking pores and ultimately causing pimples and blemishes.
   Together this powerhouse delivers awesome results but should ideally not be mixed as this may cause skin reactions and damage to the skin barrier. They are best used together but at different stages of your skin care regimen or even at different times of the day.

      Try: REN Micro Polish Cleanser and Neogen A-Clear Soothing Pink Eraser

6. ANYTHING & SPF:

   The bottom line is that sun protection in the form of an SPF is a must have element of every skin care regimen, regardless of what ingredients you are using. However, many of the ingredients discussed in this article are powerful and can leave your skin vulnerable and more susceptible to sun damage. For this reason, it is recommended that you either use a moisturiser that has an SPF or apply a separate sunscreen daily.

       Try: Neogen Day Light Protection Airy Sunscreen

So, decide what’s important for your specific skin type and give one of these combinations a chance to work their magic on your skin. Just make sure you don’t forget the SPF as well!