Using L-ascorbic acid, DMAE, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) together

Thank you for your question. You're asking about combining L-ascorbic acid, DMAE, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) in your skincare routine.

Here's a breakdown of your questions:

1. Can you mix DMAE & Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 into a face cream and apply it before sunscreen with L-ascorbic acid?
   While you can likely mix DMAE and Argireline into a suitable cream base, applying this mixture immediately before a product containing L-ascorbic acid (like your sunscreen) might not be ideal. L-ascorbic acid is most effective at a low pH, while DMAE is typically alkaline. Applying an alkaline/neutral product before an acidic one can potentially raise the skin's pH, reducing the absorption and efficacy of the L-ascorbic acid that follows.

2. If not, what should be used first?
   To maximize the effectiveness of L-ascorbic acid, it's generally best applied at a low pH on clean skin. Since your L-ascorbic acid is mixed into sunscreen (which is applied later in your routine), applying the DMAE/Argireline cream first, then the sunscreen with L-ascorbic acid, is not the optimal order for the L-ascorbic acid.

   A better approach to avoid potential pH conflicts and ensure optimal efficacy is to separate the application times:

   • Morning: Use your sunscreen containing L-ascorbic acid (as you currently do).
   • Night: Apply your cream mixed with DMAE and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8.

   If you prefer to use them in the same routine, apply the cream with DMAE and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 first, wait about 15-20 minutes for it to absorb and the skin's pH to stabilize, and then apply the sunscreen with L-ascorbic acid. However, separating morning and night is generally simpler and more effective.

3. Is using them morning and night too frequent?
   Using these ingredients once or twice daily is generally acceptable for many people. However, the frequency depends on the concentration of the ingredients and your individual skin's tolerance. It's always recommended to start using new active ingredients slowly (e.g., once a day or every other day) and gradually increase frequency as your skin tolerates it. If you experience any irritation, reduce the frequency or concentration.

In summary, while mixing DMAE and Argireline is possible, applying this mixture right before an acidic L-ascorbic acid product can reduce the effectiveness of the L-ascorbic acid. Separating their application to morning and night is the recommended approach.