Can I Mix Active Ingredients With The Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule?
It’s been a little bit since the Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule hit shelves and it’s been exciting to see some of you really enjoy the repair effect it’s delivering to your skin. Let’s see a show of hands - how many of you are on your way to peeled-egg skin?
If this is the first time you’re hearing about this product, feel free to take a gander over to our first post on its history and benefits.
Today, I'm excited to bring you a quick and dirty rundown of the dos and don’ts when it comes to using this product with other active ingredients in your routine. The Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule has a relatively lower concentration of retinol at 0.015%, making it gentler and suitable for use by most people - including those with sensitive skin. But just because that’s the case, it doesn’t mean that there are no rules at all!
Let’s start with the DON’TS.
Don't: Chemical or Physical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid (AHA), lactic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), and gluconolactone (PHA) are hugely popular for their ability to remove dead skin cells. These acids break up the bonds that hold skin cells together, causing them to shed and make way for the regenerated skin beneath. Physical exfoliants like scrubs, brushes, and microdermabrasion devices work mechanically to remove dead skin cells.
Because retinol is a type of vitamin A that increases skin cell turnover, combining this ampoule with other exfoliating products or massagers can be overwhelming to your skin and might cause skin irritation. Use these products alternately in your skincare routine (e.g. exfoliants in the morning, Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule at night).
Avoid mixing Retinol Cica with BIJA TROUBLE LINE, VOLCANIC LINE, GREEN BARLEY LINE.
Don't: Vitamin C
Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) is a delicious skincare ingredient known for boosting collagen production, brightening and evening complexion. It is also an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties which make it a wonderful ingredient to work into your routine. But as with the exfoliants, experts also recommend against using retinol and vitamin C in the same routine because it can increase the risk of skin irritation. When I’m hoping to enjoy the benefits of both, I alternate between using one in the morning and one in the evening - and never skip sunscreen during the day!
Avoid mixing Retinol Cica with BRIGHTENING PORE LINE
While it’s very important to keep in the know about things that you shouldn’t mix with the Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule, it’s also a good idea to know about what works well with it.
Do: Moisturising and Hydrating
Moisturising and hydrating products are good for your skin in general - helping to strengthen your skin barrier and restore water lost during the day. It takes good ol’ H2O to support new cell growth, which is why moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, and betaine can give you a little boost and allow you to maximise the goodness out of the Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule.
Best to use Retinol Cica with GREEN TEA SEED SERUM, BLACK TEA YOUTH ENHANCING AMPOULE
Do: Soothing
The Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule has been through loads of rigorous testing to ensure it’s safe and not going to cause skin irritation, but you can go a step further by combining it with other soothing ingredients to calm your skin. Look out for ingredients like niacinamide, squalene, and lecithin to help reduce any redness or irritation that you may experience.
Best to use Retinol Cica with BIJA CICA BALM EX
But my best advice, as always, is to take the time to observe your skin carefully when incorporating a new product. Do your research and do your best to use complementary ingredients to best enjoy their benefits. You’ll know best what feels normal and what feels weird. Just pay close attention, and you won’t steer yourself off the path.
Happy repairing!
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