While it can be tempting to throw every active ingredient at your skin when you’re facing an issue, it’s important to remember that more isn’t always merrier when it comes to skin care. 

My advice is to try and keep your ritual as simple as possible, and when introducing a new ingredient go slow and go low, or patch test. 

With that said, there are some definite ingredient combinations to avoid when defining your skin care routine - read on for my expert take:

Retinol & AHAs: Since these exfoliate the skin, using them together can increase the risk of redness, irritation and peeling. Use them on alternate days to avoid over-exfoliation. 
Retinol & Benzoyl Peroxide: These ingredients can deactivate each other, reducing their effectiveness. Make sure to use them at different times of day, or on different days. 
Retinol & Vitamin C: Retinol works best in an alkaline environment while vitamin C requires an acidic pH - so using them together compromises their efficacy. Apply vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening for optimum results. 
Retinol & Salicylic Acid: Both can dry out the skin significantly, leading to irritation and triggering excess oil production. Use salicyclic acid in the morning and retinol at night to minimize adverse effects. 
Benzoyl Peroxide & AHAs/BHAs: Combining these can lead to excess exfoliation and irritation. Avoid layering them in the same routine. 

Our JOY Prescription: 

Our MOON SWIM Hydrating Body Wash contains moisture-locking vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, expertly blended with skin stress-alleviating adaptogen ashwagandha and microbiome-boosting prebiotic inulin to ensure daily dirt, impurities and pollution are rinsed away effectively yet ever-so-gently - without compromising the efficacy of your other body care ingredients.