Combining Active Ingredients: Retinol, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, & More! | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Understanding active ingredients, what makes an ingredient a classified drug, and how to combine retinol, niacinamide, vitamin c, exfoliating acids, and benzoyl peroxide in your skincare routine. Let’s go!
0:00 intro
0:40 marketing trends for ingredients
1:57 what is an active ingredient
2:49 active vs. drug
4:35 what is a inactive ingredient
5:47 basis of your skincare routine
6:56 retinoids
7:21 niacinamide
7:34 vitamin c
8:06 aha/bha
benzoyl peroxide
8:53 ingredient combo dos and don’ts
LET’S GET INTIMATE SERIES (Ingredient Deep Dives)
Retinoids: ​​ • Let's Get Intimate: Re...
Niacinamide: • Let's Get Intimate: Ni...
Vitamin C: • Let's Get Intimate: Vi...
AHA/BHA: • Let’s Get Intimate: Ex...
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[@a.d.d.8813]

*VIDEO SUMMARY:* The six holy grail of actives: 1. Vitamin A (retinol, retinoids, etc) 2. Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) 3. Vitamin C 4. AHAs (Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Mandelic acid) 5. BHAs (Salicylic acid) 6. Benzoyl peroxide *_Beware of combining:_* • Vitamin A with benzoyl peroxide. Because benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent, and a retinol is technically an antioxidant. So together they can cancel each other out and be futile, and be very irritating. - _How to combine?_ Spread them out. Use the retinol in one night and the benzoyl in other nights. • Vitamin C with vitamin A. It depends really, I don't know how to write this part so just re-watch the video. (9:49) • Vitamin A with AHAs. Only if you're a veteran and if you have tolerated the retinol, and retinol with AHAs together. Same is true for vitamin A with BHAs (salicylic acid), just be careful and get acclimated with the retinol first or your face will explode (not literally but you get it). *_Best combo:_* • Vitamin C with ferulic acid and vitamin E. It's just good. • Vitamin C and Niacinamide. It might be very confusing because something... something... (11:58) but studies have shown they boost each other's effects. Combine them all you want. • Vitamin C and spf. No brainer, they're good together, they were meant for each other. • Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide). They can be paired with everything, the only thing to keep in mind is to keep the percentage of Niacinamide to 2-5%, no need for higher. • AHAs with vitamin C. Both are formulated in acidic ph, so they tend to amp each other up. Be aware of this combo if you have sensitive skin. • AHAs with BHAs. They're both acids but they work differently, so they don't clash. Just be aware that you don't need a crazy high percentage when combining. Moral of the story: 1. Have a basic skincare routine down. 2. Don't blow your face out with high percentage concentration 3. When in doubt, patch test it. If you have sensitive skin, always patch test your product combo. Otherwise, go to town and make a skin routine smoothie. Edit: I'm so glad I could help some people out with this comment. We are all in this together to figure out the puzzle that is skincare.

[@user-ii2qc2bh9v]

thanks a lot

[@valentinamkhitaryan9909]

Thank you

[@jennifferreyes]

Wow thank you! Seeing it in writing helped me to understand it better! Thanks so much ❤

[@MrsBungle78]

Thank you!🙏☺️

[@marianna7702]

Thanks.

[@boonavite3200]

8:54 benzoyl peroxide + retinol 9:49 Vitamin A + C 10:32 Vitamin A + AHA/BHA 11:38 Vitamin C + Vitamin E + ferulic acid 11:58 Vitamin C + Niacinamide 12:43 Vitamin C + SPF 13:03 Niacinamide /Vitamin B3 combos 13:18 AHA + Vitamin C 13:54 AHA + BHA

[@michellebriggs3419]

I’m just

[@2863]

I’m just

[@valentinamkhitaryan9909]

Thank you

[@joycedgrt]

Timestamp 'niacinamide + vitamin B3' is not correct. Because niacinamide = vitamin B3. Niacinamide can me combined with everything, just be aware that the concentration is not higher than 5%. Thanks for the timestamps @boonavite3200 !

[@boonavite3200]

Thanks! Will edit

[@Patti-1962]

I'm so glad you have a channel, Dr. Idriss. I have stopped watching other skincare channels because i want my information to come from someone who is knowledgeable..... like a dermatologist!! My skin has suffered from the misinformation that I've received from some of these channels. Not anymore!!!!

[@gertj363]

Knowledgeable and trustworthy!! Thank you Dr Shereene

[@marieJennell]

Couldn't agree more!! Her and DrDray are my go to on here I learn so much from those 2 awesome dermatologists thank u Jesus!

[@m.7340]

Her and dr dray are my go to

[@valrose6083]

@@m.7340 SAME! Tho i also like Dr Dray, Dr David Lim, Dr Alexis Stephens, Doctorly and the Budget Dermatologist 😅🥰💕 they’re allllll so amazing!

[@goosebump91]

Yep, also Michelle Wong from Lab Muffin, a cosmetic chemist, has been dispelling so many beauty myths (especially sunscreen) for me

[@franss7554]

This is a whole gem of information. Dr. Idriss literally summarized months of my research digging on the internet preparing for my skincare routine and added even more to it. She’s literally an angel.

[@maureen4194]

Thank you for such great information. Your skin is looking better and better. I cannot wait until your products come out!

[@MsBritishwoman]

Love your channel. So informative and concise for what's out there in the market when it comes to skincare. I appreciate you don't sugar coat products and are specific to what they can and cannot do for your skin. Keep educating us consumers. Your a phlepher of information and I appreciate that!

[@goosebump91]

I love how chill your energy is in this video

[@kaylynn7227]

You are literally answering all my questions and concerns, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge!

[@myraaac6731]

Thank you so much! I was 100% confused about this topic and I needed this! Thanks!

[@bonnieoliver219]

You know he is absolutely adorable ! Even from a distance. Thanks for your guidance!

[@ariannepine3157]

Hello Dr Idriss! Thank you for always putting on high-quality content that's informative and fun! I've been following your channel since last Spring and can safely say that my skin has never looked better. THANK YOU SO MUCH ❤️❤️❤️ Best wishes from Bulgaria

[@candacehughes1428]

I just want to thank you for your channel! I have taken so many of your tips! It has been a major game changer for my skin! ❤

[@lsaz4378]

So glad I found you I have so many questions and here you are answering them !!!

[@user-xt6cr5dm6l]

This is the best video ever to resolve all my doubts about skincare and ingredients THANK you!

[@midlifemom5829]

Thank u for this subject! There are too many YT channels that tout actives but do not explain how to safely incorporate it in a routine. So much appreciate to you for your guidance!

[@clkhoo821]

Im so glad that I found ur channel! It is always more secure to listen to a professional like u when comes to skincare. U are so cheerful, straight to the point, & ur content is not difficult to understand. Thank you so much for making all these videos ❤

[@unperfectperfectionist]

Loving the more authentic feeling presentation in this one

[@allegra1952]

You’re a Master, Doc, straight to the point in a very clear way! Thanks again as usual! ❤️

[@pcastrohp]

I wish I could like this video a thousand times! This is invaluable information for anyone trying to understand how to properly take care of their skin. You are a SAINT! Thank you so much Dr. Shereene! Hugs from a Brazilian fan :)

[@dorothygilbert1056]

Thank you so much for everyting you do. I look forward to Saturday moring each week because I know I always learn something new. It's the way you explain that makes it not only very informative but also easy to understand. 🌷😊

[@loriallred4727]

OMGEEEEE. So much great info here - need to go back and watch again and take notes! Thank you!!

[@alfiemarie]

i love how you explained all of this, i learned so much without feeling overwhelmed. thank you so much dr. shereene!

[@amirhoseinghods]

Thank you, Dr. Shereene for sharing all these information. I greatly appreciate it.

[@Heather-tv5jo]

Thank you very much for teaching me how to take care of my skin. I’m wearing spf daily! ❤️

[@MsBritishwoman]

I so appreciate and thank you for your knowledge regarding all facets of skincare and what's good and damaging for us individuals who ( let's confess) are pretty ignorant when it comes to choosing a skin care product and using it effectively for what it was manufactured to do in benefitting our skin. You make it easy to understand! Much appreciate your weekly vlogs. Keep em coming and we'll keep watching!

[@joannaq659]

Going way back to this old video and this is the BEST VIDEO. THANK YOU

[@sergeyvesselovsky150]

Thank you again and again for your informative, educational content. I’m learning so much from you, and in the process, enjoying my skincare routine more and more as I learn to understand it more deeply. I am so thankful we all have a professional like you to help us create the right order in our heads regarding this important ritual, aka skincare, in our lives! You are amazing! Thank you 🙏🏿❤️

[@TipsWithTulip]

“Listen to your skin!” Best advice ever. Then Dr. Shereene takes it further. 10 out of 10! Thank you

[@Spook__Show]

Dr. Idriss, you are an absolute QUEEN! Thank you for sharing your knowledge here! Truly the most valuable skincare channel!

[@ARS1508]

You’re the only one I would listed to about skin care. You’ve saved my skin ❤

[@jaydsh]

the biggest issue with combining actives is that skincare brands have become obsessed with releasing products with high percentage actives, when in reality you dont even need that high of a percentage. a perfect example of this is the paula's choice 20% niacinamide, when all studies have been done with 3-5% niacinamide. (and all that costing like 50 euro's??)

[@KristenKras]

Not to mention that higher concentrations of these ingredients are irritating to some people's skin.

[@charlyjgm]

That's a fair point... but just because there is not a study analyzing those % doesn't mean those % are not effective, and the other way around. It's just that there's no testing. Also there will always be someone potentially irritable at any %.

[@catnip4587]

Maybe 20% is added but the other ingredients in the product dilute the final content?

[@emaanali2020]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p37apJumjMmqapo

[@ivyrosesalem4917]

Oh my gosh, i’m fangirling! 😭😍 How can someone be both extremely beautiful and highly intelligent? Can’t help but smile throughout your video.

[@Goez1988]

So glad that I found you. I’m into skincare since 2017 and still learning so much from you.

[@lifelyrics5659]

Wow… years of knowledge

[@456ism]

This channel is da bomb. Finally saw a cosmetic dermatologist for the first time - they had nothing to change about my skincare routine/products and I credit that to you. LESS IS MORE.

[@evakamieniak2311]

Love everything you talk about! You turned me into a skin nerd!❤

[@analaginhas4474]

I just subscribed and binge watched so many of your videos! U post so much I'm so happy! These are great keep them coming!

[@annefresnido7010]

Thank you so much for this content! Sooo informative! I will definitely go back to this video of yours when trying out a new active (or even an inactive). 😊😊

[@ladybug2413]

Such a good, informative vid. (I love that your husband is just chillin in the back)

[@lymphlab7652]

Clear concise and practical advice. Your patients are lucky to have you in their lives. As am I 😊

[@sheenatran2600]

Good morning dr. Shereene, thank you for your education and I love your glowing skin today and God blessing you and your family 🤗

[@PatriciaSolismua]

Love your videos. I am an esthetician and love skincare. I love combining mandelic and vitamin c. It has helped my hyperpigmentaion so much. I use during the day, I also did in the evening aha glycolic with 2% hq for only 3 months and my skin really looks great! I have always also done vitamin a and cycle between retinol, retinoid,retinyl propionate

[@leachville3001]

Thank you Dr. I love your informative videos. Please keep up the fantastic work!🥰

[@loleezi]

This one of the most helpful skincare videos I’ve seen (and i asked this question on a previous video-so thank you!!)

[@susanwright802]

You are my absolute go-to for no B.S skin care advice, Dr. Idriss. The beauty space is soooooooo over populated by influencers peddling snake oil with no skincare expertise whatsoever. Grrrrrr. You are such a breath of fresh air and your knowledge is supreme. Thank you!!!!!!!

[@darleenfarnsworth4862]

Once again you've explained everything perfectly...you're the Best. ❤

[@ineedhoez]

You have kept me from destroying my skin! Thank you! 3 months of work and my skin is beautiful! I can finally go make up free!!! I feel amazing. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@lydiawerner1906]

You are looking extra STUNNING and GORGEOUS today! As always, thank you so much for these videos, you are so good to us! Love the science, facts and lack of BS in your videos ♥️♥️ Have a great weekend, you deserve it!

[@peakay6729]

Agreed. I have to go back and watch again as I was just mesmerised by her beauty instead of listening and taking notes. ❤️

[@NancyFosterLouise]

Excellent, informative and you are sooo classy….soothing as well. Others bring in Pop Ups….totally a distraction from the great info and YOU! ❤ thank you! So refreshing…💫🥰💯🌹🦋

[@jackiek4159]

I love how real your videos are with your husband in the background! Love the way you describe skincare in a simple and easy to understand way! 😍🙌🏻

[@yasminjaneeyre1795]

excellent advice as always - thank you so much for keeping going to educated us! I wish you had a clinic in the UK - if not, then I will have to get to NYC soon ..

[@rhondamullins6192]

Thank you for this incredible video explanation of actives! It has helped me so much!

[@r.0101]

I've added retinol into my routine and will never look back! no need for make up anymore. i used to use toners, bhas, masks, every product I could try, and it was way too much work. the retinol does what all those products do in 1 step. so happy

[@meowmi1130]

Dr. Idriss,Thank you for this. You made it so clear and easy to understand. I was drawn to your channel because of how beautiful and flawless your skin is, and I thought to myself that you're a living example. If I want to learn anything about beautiful skin, I'd better listen to you lol.

[@caitm88]

Would love to see a video for safe skincare to use during pregnancy for ACNE prone skin! 💕💕

[@penombre_terruer2924]

Love your content. Thank you. I'm hoping you can do a video on razor bumps and ingrown hairs someday. Treatment, prevention, and getting rid of the scarring. Glycolic acid and Benzoyl Peroxide seem to help but I'd love to hear your take and see what else to do!

[@okpolivictory9575]

Thanks for breaking this down and not making me waste money on what i didn't need. New subscriber 😃 😊

[@annettesilveira4374]

Thank you Dr. Idress. Turns out I’m doing everything right. Why? Because I’ve listened to you and taken your advice 😊

[@wildhairchronicles4009]

Absolutely love you and thank you for explaining us so much for our skins...

[@stephanieblanton9048]

This was fantastic content and very practical! Thanks!

[@Mellyouttaphase]

Ah. This is what I was looking for. I have no problem combining Tret and AHA (Alpha H Liquid Gold) on the same night and the DERISION I have received about this. THANK YOU 🙏

[@geralynp1]

Thank you! Your overview really helped me navigate through this. Xoxo

[@karenkammen2484]

I’m so glad I found your channel ! I can’t stop binge watching then as well as learning a ton of useful info . You make me laugh quite often as well , and your husband in the background this morning real life and very funny 😆

[@franss7554]

This is a whole gem of information. Dr. Idriss literally summarized months of my research and added even more to it. She’s literally an angel.

[@thejam7129]

Literally?

[@lynettejenkins9213]

Dr. I dress you are the best. I never miss your videos. Thank you I have learned so much from you.🇨🇦🥰❤️

[@sniksder22]

What a great video. I can’t wait until your skincare is available. And I’m really looking forward to my appointment with you in October!! And did I mention how absolutely beautiful you look! Someday can you give us a peek into this makeup look? Love it all. Thanks! 👏🏻🙏🏻💄💛

[@rubyleeder3895]

Thank you so much for this highly informative video! Much appreciated! 🥰

[@glowysu]

Thank you Dr. Sherin Idris. Thanks to you, I have a routine that suits me perfectly. Can you make a video about the different skin types?

[@inathompson8293]

Great content as always! Also, i like that kids and husband are aloud to be in the background. Keep inviting them Doctor.

[@sharksac3]

Very excellent video. Dr. Idriss! Thank you.

[@Naxyy80]

You’re so informative and soooo beautiful! Thank you for existing

[@khadijamazhar7436]

im so glad i came across your channel. you are an angel

[@samcollier2396]

You’re wonderful - thank you! Started to take care of my skin at 69 (yikes - I know!) and at 73 it’s better than it’s ever been albeit aging. You’re advice has been on point for me and you deliver it in such a wonderfully personable way. Again, thanks!

[@lindakoberna3465]

I started at 50 and it's never too late. It is probably the only thing that I have been fully committed to for over 2 years. I just went on a cruise and my skincare had its own bag.

[@florenceminjoot5475]

You are the best! I watch you cos I love your beauty skin care guidance

[@louisedemers7050]

This video was so instructive, thank you!

[@FashionbyBrittany]

This is the BEST video on this subject to be honest. I have had the absolute worse cystic acne from trying out a retinol product from a unreliable company and my skin has constant breakouts of acne since. I’ve been using the la Roche acne line but haven’t seen much improvement. So! The last 4 days I have been using the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, Olay Vitamin C Serum, and the Cerave Moisturizer and I can’t believe how a simple routine has improved my skin in such a short period of time! So my question to you! I just bought a cerave resurfacing retinol, Ordinary 5% AHA, and the Paula’s Choice 2% in hopes to marry them all together one day for absolute perfection. How long should I wait before introducing one of those at a time? 😫 I’m so impatient but don’t want to flare up my skin. Thanks so so much. ❤

[@kristipriestley3604]

Thank u so much, u truly are the best! I have learned so much from you and I just discovered ur channel a week ago!

[@tamasaha1263]

Hi Dr Sherene, hope you are doing well. I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I feel after discovering your chanel. You have helped me understand my skin better and choose products wisely rather than just buying everything that any influencer suggests. I truly appreciate the time and effort you put in for these videos. I always look forward to your videos every Saturday. Love from India ❤ Lastly, I would be thankful if you could discuss about 2 topics in your upcoming videos- 1) Could you suggest how to treat corn and calluses, my foot skin tends to be very hard so I am curious/worried to know about it. 2) What would be your approach in treating melasma in people with skin of color.

[@jaimewilley6357]

I have recently discovered you and you are becoming one of my favorites. Great video and y'all are hilarious at 2:07!!

[@trishmcgrath7124]

Thank you as always. This was very helpful indeed

[@Yaya_likestocomment]

Omg i was just searching if mixing vit c and niacinamide is okay. Thank goodness i found youuuu

[@e.l.2734]

Very useful information, as always!

[@jodipartridge]

This was wonderful! Thank you so much!!

[@ashleyzirnheld8330]

I love your channel. I love how you make it easy for us everyday. Folk to understand My favorite dermatologist KZbinr

[@nikki3078]

Very helpful. I was told that using glycolic acid and retinol in the same routine cancels out each other. Finally, got an answer to this question. Thanks for the educational video!

[@modiglianilover7721]

I sometimes combine glycol acid and retin a in the evening with no side effects whatsoever. Works great 👌🏻

[@katharinalahner3500]

this is your best video (and I have almost watch all haha), thanks so much!

[@Azhagusuryaa2696]

Im sooooo gladdd i find youuuuuuuu doc ❤.. Nooo more searching in KZbin for confusion.. New subscriber. 🎉🎉

[@sunnydays761]

I love how you include women in their 50s and in menopause ages I am 60 years old and I have dry skin and one of my biggest problems. I thinks is puffy eyes due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Any chance you can any traduce or find ways of helping those who have thyroid issues thank you have a great day.

[@Janelou42]

Oooooooooh I been waiting for this!😍 I hated all those skincare videos of people that use 20+ things in irregular steps and be like- you're not meant to put these togetherrr.. or the sunscreen and 2 steps later a facemask 🙈

[@ejbooks]

Great information. Appreciate you explaining all of this. You look fantastic and enjoyed your reactions to your husband! Quite funny!😊😊

[@JFatGlentract]

Can you dive into skin considerations and best routines for those working night shift? Also, I’d love to hear your take on CO2 lasers or other options for improving developing hooded eyelids?

[@themezoner1349]

Thank you for this videi. I was confused before, when everybody was saying no no for retinol/BHA combination while my skin kept saying yes yes 😊

[@VioletFem]

Thank you! This was really informative.

[@alexiawagner2514]

Thank you, Dr. Shereene Idriss ❤❤❤❤

[@ayaisash]

aaa so happy to have come across yer channel. verh informative. thankyouuu.

[@beebeddingfield6145]

This content is amazing, thank you so much!

[@MsTD1995]

I love your channel so much! so informative. XX from Israel :)

[@christinecarter6836]

I'd love it if you could do a video on the best actives/regime for sun damaged skin, and I don't mean a few freckles I mean solar keratoses and dry flakey areas. So many of us suffer this way as we age and I've personally found I have to be more careful with what I use, like acids or niacinamide.

[@bumblebeemer]

god, thank you. I was just venting today that everyone seems laser-focused on the sensitive skin types, just saying 'don't' to combining & layering actives, instead of sharing any info on what can be!

[@KaStraker]

OMG. White suits you wonderful! Thanks for all the knowledge!

[@carolinemarie44]

Thank you for this clear explanation!