In skincare, more isn’t always better. For many people, routines grow longer, shelves get fuller, yet concerns like acne marks, redness, or uneven texture refuse to budge. Dr Neera Nathan, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston, believes the issue often isn’t the products themselves — it’s how they’re being used together.
“Skincare works best when ingredients are paired with intention,” she says. Instead of chasing the latest launch, she suggests focusing on combinations that support each other and work with the skin’s natural processes.
How smart combinations change results
Dr Nathan explains that some ingredients perform well on their own, but deliver far better results when paired correctly. Take azelaic acid, for example. “When azelaic acid is used alongside sunscreen, it can help lighten post-acne marks more effectively,” she says, adding that sun protection prevents pigmentation from deepening. In contrast, azelaic acid works on inflammation and uneven tone.
For those struggling with redness or reactive skin, she highlights another pairing. Using azelaic acid with soothing ingredients, she says, can help calm visible redness and strengthen the skin barrier over time. “It’s not about being aggressive,” she explains. “It’s about choosing combinations that tell the skin to relax.”
Vitamin C is another ingredient she often discusses in terms of partnerships. “Vitamin C works best when it’s supported,” Dr Nathan says. Used with sunscreen, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by environmental damage. When combined with tranexamic acid, she adds, it can be particularly helpful for fading dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
Making retinol easier on the skin
Retinol remains one of the most effective — and misunderstood — skincare ingredients. While it’s known for improving texture and clarity, it’s also associated with dryness and irritation. Dr Nathan believes pairing is key to making it more tolerable.
“When retinol is used with niacinamide, it can help smooth skin texture while reducing irritation,” she says. Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and helps counteract inflammation, making the overall experience gentler.
She also recommends combining retinol with ceramides. “Ceramides help reinforce the skin barrier, which can minimize excessive dryness and purging,” she explains. Rather than seeing peeling as inevitable, she says smart layering can reduce unnecessary discomfort.
Practical fixes beyond the face
Dr Nathan’s approach extends beyond facial skincare. For concerns like rough, bumpy skin on the arms or legs — often called “strawberry skin” — she suggests combining urea with glycolic acid. “Urea hydrates and softens the skin, while glycolic acid helps exfoliate,” she says. Together, they can gradually smooth texture without harsh scrubbing.
For cracked or calloused heels, she recommends a simpler pairing. “Urea with an occlusive like petrolatum can significantly soften thick skin,” she notes. The urea draws moisture in, while the occlusive seals it, allowing the skin to repair itself overnight.
A calmer way to approach skincare
At the core of Dr Nathan’s philosophy is restraint. She encourages people to stop viewing skincare as a constant battle. “You don’t need ten new products,” she says. “You need a few that work well together.”
By focusing on combinations rather than accumulation, she believes skincare becomes less overwhelming and more effective. Results, she adds, come from consistency and compatibility — not complexity.
In an era of endless routines and viral trends, Dr Nathan’s advice offers a reset. Sometimes, better skin isn’t about doing more. It’s about pairing wisely, listening to your skin, and letting the ingredients do their job together.
“Skincare works best when ingredients are paired with intention,” she says. Instead of chasing the latest launch, she suggests focusing on combinations that support each other and work with the skin’s natural processes.
How smart combinations change results
Dr Nathan explains that some ingredients perform well on their own, but deliver far better results when paired correctly. Take azelaic acid, for example. “When azelaic acid is used alongside sunscreen, it can help lighten post-acne marks more effectively,” she says, adding that sun protection prevents pigmentation from deepening. In contrast, azelaic acid works on inflammation and uneven tone.
For those struggling with redness or reactive skin, she highlights another pairing. Using azelaic acid with soothing ingredients, she says, can help calm visible redness and strengthen the skin barrier over time. “It’s not about being aggressive,” she explains. “It’s about choosing combinations that tell the skin to relax.”
Vitamin C is another ingredient she often discusses in terms of partnerships. “Vitamin C works best when it’s supported,” Dr Nathan says. Used with sunscreen, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by environmental damage. When combined with tranexamic acid, she adds, it can be particularly helpful for fading dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
Making retinol easier on the skin
Retinol remains one of the most effective — and misunderstood — skincare ingredients. While it’s known for improving texture and clarity, it’s also associated with dryness and irritation. Dr Nathan believes pairing is key to making it more tolerable.
“When retinol is used with niacinamide, it can help smooth skin texture while reducing irritation,” she says. Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and helps counteract inflammation, making the overall experience gentler.
She also recommends combining retinol with ceramides. “Ceramides help reinforce the skin barrier, which can minimize excessive dryness and purging,” she explains. Rather than seeing peeling as inevitable, she says smart layering can reduce unnecessary discomfort.
Sometimes, better skin isn’t about doing more. It’s about pairing wisely, listening to your skin, and letting the ingredients do their job together.
Practical fixes beyond the face
Dr Nathan’s approach extends beyond facial skincare. For concerns like rough, bumpy skin on the arms or legs — often called “strawberry skin” — she suggests combining urea with glycolic acid. “Urea hydrates and softens the skin, while glycolic acid helps exfoliate,” she says. Together, they can gradually smooth texture without harsh scrubbing.
For cracked or calloused heels, she recommends a simpler pairing. “Urea with an occlusive like petrolatum can significantly soften thick skin,” she notes. The urea draws moisture in, while the occlusive seals it, allowing the skin to repair itself overnight.
A calmer way to approach skincare
At the core of Dr Nathan’s philosophy is restraint. She encourages people to stop viewing skincare as a constant battle. “You don’t need ten new products,” she says. “You need a few that work well together.”
By focusing on combinations rather than accumulation, she believes skincare becomes less overwhelming and more effective. Results, she adds, come from consistency and compatibility — not complexity.
In an era of endless routines and viral trends, Dr Nathan’s advice offers a reset. Sometimes, better skin isn’t about doing more. It’s about pairing wisely, listening to your skin, and letting the ingredients do their job together.
