The truth about mixing skincare brands: Does it really matter?

Your favourite cleanser is from one skincare brand, the serum your friend raved about (and you recently bought) is from another, and then there's your trusty moisturiser you've been using for years from yet another! But have you ever wondered whether you'd actually get better results if everything in your routine came from the same brand? Or is mixing and matching products from different brands perfectly fine? Skincare ranges are often designed to be used together, so does mixing things up mean you're missing out on something? Or is it simply a case of choosing the products that work best for your skin, regardless of the name on the bottle? There's certainly no rule that says your entire skincare routine needs to come from one brand. But there can be benefits to using products from the same range, and a few important things to consider when combining them with other products. So, does a perfectly matching bathroom shelf really equal better skin? Keep reading as we look at when it makes sense to stick with one range and when choosing from different brands might actually work better for you.   Do skincare products work better when they're from the same brand? A cleanser, serum and moisturiser don't automatically become more effective because they share the same logo. What matters more is whether the products are right for your skin and whether their ingredients and formulations work well together. That said, there can be advantages to using products that have been developed as part of the same collection for a very good reason! Skincare brands will often create collections around a particular skin type or concern, with complementary formulations designed to form a complete routine. That can make choosing your products much easier, particularly if you're trying to address something specific such as sensitivity, dehydration, pigmentation or signs of ageing. So rather than thinking one brand = better, it can be more useful to think about whether a particular collection makes sense for your skin.   When using products from the same collection makes sense If you have a particular skin concern you want to focus on, this is where using several products from the same collection can work really well. Pevonia's RS2 Collection, for example, has been created specifically for sensitive, redness-prone skin. So rather than choosing a cleanser for sensitive skin from one range, a serum for redness from another and then trying to find a moisturiser to work alongside them, you can build your routine using products that have all been developed specifically to target that concern. The same applies if ageing is your main concern. Pevonia's Power Repair Collection offers a complete range of products for mature skin, while the Micro-Retinol Collection is ideal if you're looking for a more intensive approach to smoothing, resurfacing and improving the visible signs of ageing. Of course, that doesn't mean you need to use every product in the collection! You might love the cleanser, serum and moisturiser but prefer an eye cream or mask from another brand. It's simply about finding the combination of products that works best for your skin!   Why mixing skincare brands can work just as well Sometimes the best routine for your skin won't come neatly packaged within one brand and that's perfectly OK! You may love the way your Pevonia cleanser leaves your skin feeling, find that a Phytomer moisturiser gives you exactly the hydration you need and prefer a targeted VIE Collection serum for a particular concern (I'm testament to this!). So why give up a product that works brilliantly for your skin simply because the label doesn't match the bottle next to it? Mixing brands also allows you to build a much more personalised routine. Your skin may be dry and experiencing pigmentation, for example, or sensitive but also showing signs of ageing. One collection won't necessarily address everything you want it to. This is where introducing more targeted products, such as serums or masks, can really help tailor your routine to what your skin actually needs. Sometimes one carefully chosen product is all your routine is missing.   What actually matters when mixing skincare brands? It's less about “can I use brand A with brand B?” and more about whether the actual products and ingredients you're using work well together! There are a few things worth keeping in mind: Active ingredients. You need to be careful about layering several high-strength actives simply because they're in different products. Retinoids, exfoliating acids and other intensive ingredients can all be fantastic for your skin, but using too many at once can quickly lead to irritation! Duplication. It's surprisingly easy to double up without realising it! If your cleanser contains exfoliating acids and you're following it with an exfoliating toner and then an active serum, your skin may be getting far more than you intended. Different brands don't necessarily mean different ingredients. Your skin type and concerns. This should always come first. Choose products because they address what your skin needs, rather than because they're trending or your friend swears by them (yes, even that serum we mentioned earlier!). Texture and layering. Products still need to be applied in the right order, regardless of which brand they're from. As a general rule, lighter, water-based products such as serums go on before richer creams and oils, with SPF always the final step in your morning routine. How your skin responds. If you're adding something new, particularly an active product, introduce it gradually rather than changing three or four things at once. If your skin suddenly becomes irritated or congested, it'll be much easier to work out which product might be responsible. Ultimately, what's inside the bottles matters far more than whether the bottles match!  Can you mix natural and cosmeceutical skincare? Absolutely! This is another area where you might think you need to choose one or the other, but you really don't! You may love natural, botanical and marine-based skincare for your everyday cleanser and moisturiser but want something more targeted when it comes to treating a particular skin concern. For example, you could build the nourishing foundation of your routine around Pevonia's botanical and marine formulations, then introduce a targeted VIE Collection or Medicalia product when you want to address concerns such as pigmentation, skin texture or more advanced signs of ageing. The same principles apply, though. Don't focus purely on whether something is labelled natural, cosmeceutical or dermaceutical. Look at the actual formulation, the active ingredients you're already using and how the products work together. And if you're introducing something more intensive, particularly retinol or exfoliating acids, take it slowly. Avoid adding several strong actives at once and give your skin time to adjust.   One brand or several, what's best for your skin? There really is no prize for having a perfectly matching bathroom shelf! If you love the simplicity of using a complete collection that's been developed for your particular skin type or concern, there are definite benefits to building your routine that way. You know the products have been created to work well together and are all focused on addressing the same skin concerns. But if your perfect cleanser comes from one brand, your favourite serum from another and the moisturiser your skin loves is from somewhere else, there's absolutely no reason to change them simply to make your routine match. In fact, choosing products from different brands can sometimes help you create a routine that's much more tailored to your individual skin’s needs! Ultimately, your skincare routine doesn't need to match. It needs to make sense. Choose products that work well together and address your individual skin concerns, regardless of the name on the bottle.

Spring has sprung! (About time too!) But does the arrival of warmer weather mean your skincare routine needs to change too? Should you be doing anything differently to prepare your skin for the warmer months ahead? And do you even need different skincare products for each season? The short answer is...sometimes. Just as your skin can change with age, hormones and lifestyle, it can also respond to changes in temperature, humidity, sun exposure, heating and air-conditioning. So it makes sense that the products your skin loved in the middle of winter might not feel quite right as we head into spring. But that doesn't mean you need an entirely new skincare routine every few months. For most of us, it's less about replacing everything in the bathroom cabinet and more about paying attention to what your skin needs and making a few simple adjustments when necessary. Your cleanser might stay exactly the same, for example, while your moisturiser suddenly feels too rich or you find you need a little more hydration and a little less facial oil. So, as we head into spring, let's look at what might be worth changing, what can stay exactly as it is and, most importantly, the signs that your skin might need something different.   Why can our skin change with the seasons? Your skin is constantly responding to the environment around you. During the cooler months, lower humidity, cold weather and indoor heating can contribute to moisture loss, leaving skin feeling drier, tighter or more sensitive. Then, as the weather warms up, increased humidity and perspiration can make richer products feel heavier, while more time outdoors means greater exposure to UV, heat and other environmental stressors. And let's not forget air-conditioning! Anyone who has spent a Sydney summer moving between 30-degree heat and an icy air-conditioned office knows that warmer weather doesn't necessarily mean your skin can't become dehydrated! The important thing is that everyone's skin will respond differently. So rather than changing your routine because the calendar tells you to, look at what your skin is telling you.   The signs your skincare routine might need an update You don't need to wait for a particular date to make a change. Instead, look out for things like your moisturiser suddenly feeling too rich or greasy, increased oiliness or congestion, skin feeling tight after cleansing, dry or flaky patches, increased sensitivity or redness and skin looking dull or feeling dehydrated If none of these sound familiar and your skin feels great? Carry on as you are!   Spring is here, so what might you need to change? Coming out of winter, one of the first things you may notice is that those richer creams and oils you loved during July and August are starting to feel like a little too much. If that's the case, try lightening your layers rather than stripping everything back! You could swap a particularly rich moisturiser for a lighter texture and use your facial oil (if you’ve been using one) only when you feel your skin craves it. Just be sure you don’t make the mistake of confusing lighter skincare with less hydration! Your skin still needs water, and warmer weather, sun exposure and air-conditioning can all contribute to dehydration. A lightweight hydrating serum is a great way to keep moisture levels topped up without adding heaviness. Try: Pevonia Power Repair Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it delivers an intensive boost of hydration while helping skin look plumper, smoother and more radiant. It’s ideal when you want hydration without a heavy layer! Oh and it features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%), combined with the powerful duo of marine collagen and hibiscus esculentus extract to deliver long-lasting hydration and skin smoothing results! Yes! Spring is also a good time to take another look at your morning routine. If you aren't already using an antioxidant serum, adding one can help support skin against the environmental stressors we're exposed to every day. Try: Vie Collection Vita C Concentrated Solution. Formulated with 10% stabilised Vitamin C, this lightweight serum helps brighten dull, lacklustre skin, even skin tone and protect against environmental damage. It’s perfect for giving your complexion a fresh spring boost! Do you need to change your active ingredients? Usually, no. If you're happily using retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or other active ingredients and your skin is responding well, there's no reason to stop simply because spring has arrived! What may need adjusting are the products you use around them. For example, if you use retinol and needed a rich moisturiser over winter to keep your skin comfortable, you may find you can move to something lighter as the weather warms up. The same goes for exfoliation. Don't automatically start exfoliating more because you want to get rid of “winter skin”. If your skin is looking dull, gentle exfoliation can certainly help remove dead surface cells and restore radiance, but more isn't necessarily better. Pay attention to your skin barrier. If your skin feels tight, sensitive or irritated, that's a sign to ease back, make sure you are using barrier repair skincare and exfoliate less not more! What should stay in your routine all year round? Some skincare essentials really don't need a seasonal timetable! Cleansing: A gentle cleanser that leaves your skin feeling clean and comfortable can work beautifully year-round. Hydration: Dehydration isn't just a winter problem. If your skin is thirsty, keep your hydrating serum in the routine whatever the temperature. Moisturiser: You may want to change the texture, but your skin still needs support maintaining its moisture barrier. And then there's the big one... SPF isn't seasonal. We definitely all talk about sunscreen more as the weather warms up, but SPF shouldn't be something you rediscover every spring! UV exposure is present throughout the year, which means broad-spectrum sunscreen should remain the final step in your morning skincare routine whether it's January or July. What can change is the texture you prefer. As the weather gets warmer, you may find yourself reaching for a lighter sunscreen that sits comfortably under makeup and doesn't feel heavy on the skin. Not sure which SPF is right for you? Our guide to choosing the best sunscreen for your skin explains the difference between UVA and UVB, mineral and chemical sunscreens, SPF levels and what to look for when choosing your everyday protection. And if you're starting to think ahead to beach days and summer holidays, have a read of our complete sun care guide for some of our favourite sunscreens, along with pre- and post-sun essentials.   So, does your skincare routine need a seasonal update? Maybe, but don't change your skincare simply because the season has changed. Change it because your skin is telling you it needs something different. Some products may work beautifully for you all year round, while others might come and go as the weather changes. So as we head into spring, take a look at your routine and, more importantly, take a look at your skin! If it feels comfortable, balanced and happy with what you're using, there's no reason to change a thing. And if it doesn't? Sometimes one small adjustment is all it needs.  

By the time we reach our 40s, most of us know a fair bit about skincare. We know we should cleanse, moisturise and wear SPF. We’ve probably tried our fair share of serums, masks and miracle ingredients along the way too! But knowing more about skincare doesn’t necessarily mean we’re getting everything right. In fact, some of the habits we’ve followed for years (or picked up in an attempt to tackle fine lines, pigmentation and dullness) could be doing our skin fewer favours than we think! Keep reading to discover 9 skincare mistakes so many of us over 40 make, and more importantly, what to do instead! Why does your skin change in your 40s? If your skin suddenly seems to have developed a mind of its own, there’s a reason for it. As we move through our 40s, collagen and elastin production gradually decline, cell turnover slows and our skin can produce less of the natural oils that help keep it soft and supple. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can also affect everything from hydration and sensitivity to breakouts and pigmentation, while skin can become thinner and less efficient at holding onto moisture. Skin that once felt fairly balanced may now feel drier, more dehydrated or sensitive. Fine lines can become more noticeable, pigmentation may become more visible and you might find that products you’ve happily used for years simply aren’t giving your skin quite what it needs anymore. Which brings us to your skincare routine. While we can’t stop these natural changes from happening, there are a few common skincare mistakes that could be making things harder than they need to be. Mistake #1. Using the same skincare routine you’ve had for years Found a cleanser and moisturiser you love and haven’t looked back since your 30s? It might be time to check they’re still right for your skin. There’s of course nothing wrong with sticking with products if you feel they are still working for you, but your skin’s needs can change considerably throughout your 40’s.  For example, the lightweight moisturiser you love, may no longer provide the nourishment your skin really needs. Or perhaps your routine simply isn’t addressing concerns such as pigmentation, fine lines or loss of firmness that weren’t on your radar 10 years ago! What to do instead: Take a fresh look at your skin rather than automatically replacing every product in your bathroom. How does it feel after cleansing? Does it still feel comfortable by the end of the day? What concerns would you actually like to address now? You may only need to make one or two changes, perhaps adding a targeted serum, switching to a more nourishing moisturiser or introducing an ingredient such as retinol. The best routine is the one that suits the skin you have today, not the skin you had ten years ago. Mistake #2. Over-exfoliating your skin As cell turnover naturally slows with age, exfoliation can be brilliant for removing dead surface cells and helping skin look smoother, brighter and fresher. The problem comes when we assume more exfoliation must mean better results! Exfoliating too frequently, scrubbing too aggressively or combining several exfoliating acids can compromise your skin barrier, leaving your complexion feeling tight, dry, sensitive or irritated. What to do instead: Don’t stop exfoliating! Just be sure to choose a gentle exfoliator and use it sparingly. How often you exfoliate will depend on your skin and the product you're using, but you certainly don't need to scrub away at your skin every day! once or twice a week is sufficient. Try: Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. It’s creamy formula combines natural jojoba beads to gently polish away dead surface cells, helping to smooth rough texture and brighten dull-looking skin without leaving it feeling stripped or dry. It’s a great option if you want the benefits of cleansing and gentle exfoliation in one easy step. If you’d prefer to avoid physical exfoliation, we also highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. This beautifully gentle enzyme-based formula encourages natural cell turnover without the need for scrubbing. It’s suitable for even sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, making it a great choice if your complexion is easily irritated. Wondering if you might have overdone it on the exfoliation? Read 8 signs of over-exfoliated skin and how to treat it. Mistake #3. Not giving your skin enough hydration One of the most common changes we notice in our 40s is that skin simply doesn’t hold onto moisture quite as well as it used to. And dehydration doesn't necessarily mean dry, flaky skin. Your complexion might look dull, fine lines can suddenly appear more pronounced or your face may feel tight even though you're faithfully applying moisturiser every day. It’s also worth remembering that dry and dehydrated skin aren't the same thing. Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water, and you can actually have oily skin that’s dehydrated. What to do instead: Think beyond moisturiser alone. Adding a hydrating serum containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can help boost hydration, followed by a moisturiser to help keep that precious moisture where you want it. Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum is one of our favourites for thirsty skin. Rich in hyaluronic acid, it delivers an intensive hit of hydration and helps leave dehydrated skin looking plumper, smoother and fresher. If your skin still is particularly dry, a nourishing face oil can provide an extra layer of comfort, while a hydrating mask once or twice a week is perfect when your complexion needs a little more. Need some additional inspiration? Discover 5 hydration heroes for seriously thirsty skin. Mistake #4. Skipping SPF (or only wearing it when it’s sunny!) If there’s one skincare habit worth being consistent about at any age, it’s sun protection so of course we couldn’t write this list without mentioning SPF! The problem is soo many of us still skip SPF especially in the winter months! Even though UV exposure contributes to many of the changes we associate with visible skin ageing, including pigmentation, fine lines, uneven texture and loss of firmness. And the exposure that adds up over time isn’t limited to hot summer days or afternoons spent lying on the beach! UVA rays are present throughout the year, including on cloudy days, which is why SPF needs to be an everyday habit rather than something we reach for only when the temperature rises. What to do instead: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning as the final step in your skincare routine, and remember to include your neck, décolletage and other exposed areas. Not sure which formula is right for you? Read our guide to choosing the best sunscreen for your skin.   Mistake #5. Using too many active ingredients Retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, peptides...there are so many brilliant skincare ingredients available now that it can be tempting to use all of them! And when fine lines, pigmentation, dullness and loss of firmness all seem to be demanding our attention at once, it's understandable that we want to tackle everything at the same time! But throwing too many active ingredients at your skin (particularly when you're layering strong formulas or introducing several new products at once) can lead to dryness, irritation and sensitivity. What to do instead: Be strategic. Choose active ingredients based on the concerns that matter most to you and introduce stronger formulas gradually. You don't necessarily need to use every active every day or at the same time. More isn't always better when it comes to skincare. A few carefully chosen products used consistently will usually serve your skin far better than an overflowing bathroom cabinet.  Mistake #6. Neglecting your skin barrier We spend so much time thinking about wrinkles, pigmentation and firmness that it's easy to forget about our actual skin barrier! Think of your barrier as your skin's protective outer layer. It helps keep moisture in and external irritants out. When it becomes compromised, skin can feel tight, dry, sensitive, itchy or irritated and products that normally feel perfectly comfortable may suddenly sting. What to do instead: Give your skin plenty of gentle, nourishing support alongside all those clever active ingredients. Look for ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide, and if your skin is feeling particularly reactive, simplify your routine while it recovers. Try: Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream is a lovely option for skin that needs both hydration and barrier support. Rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, marine collagen and peptides, it helps replenish moisture while leaving dry, mature skin feeling softer and more comfortable. Want to understand your barrier a little better? Read Barrier repair skincare: Why strengthening your skin barrier is a must. Mistake #7. Ignoring your neck and décolletage We can be incredibly diligent about caring for our face, but how many of us actually spend time giving our neck and decolletage the same attention? The skin on your neck and décolletage is thinner, contains fewer oil glands and is frequently exposed to UV, yet these areas are often left out of our daily skincare routine. Over time, dryness, pigmentation, fine lines and crepey texture can become particularly noticeable here. What to do instead: Start treating your neck and chest as an extension of your face. Take your skincare down a little further and, most importantly, remember SPF. Try: Phytomer Décolleté Parfait Neck and Décolleté Renewing Care is specifically formulated for this delicate area. The lightweight gel-cream deeply hydrates while helping to smooth the appearance of fine lines and creased skin and improve the look of firmness and uneven pigmentation. Find out more in Why your neck and décolletage age faster than your face (and what to do about it). Mistake #8. Changing products too often We’re constantly being introduced to new ingredients, products and skincare trends, so it’s hardly surprising that we’re tempted to keep trying something new. The problem is that if you change several products every few weeks, it becomes very difficult to know what’s actually working. Constantly introducing new active ingredients can also increase the likelihood of irritation. Skincare generally works best when you give it some consistency. What to do instead: Build a routine around a few well-chosen products that suit your skin and give them a proper chance to work. That doesn't mean you should persevere with something that is clearly irritating your skin or isn't suitable for you. But if a product feels good and contains ingredients suited to your concerns, resist the urge to replace it simply because something newer has caught your eye. Which leads rather nicely to our final mistake... Mistake #9. Expecting results too quickly We’d all love to apply a serum on Monday and wake up looking noticeably younger by Friday, but unfortunately skin doesn’t work that way! Some benefits can be seen or felt relatively quickly. A good hydrating mask, for example, can leave skin looking plumper, smoother and more radiant almost immediately. But concerns such as pigmentation, fine lines, uneven texture and loss of firmness take considerably more time to address. Ingredients such as retinol need consistent use before you can properly judge the results. What to do instead: Be realistic about what your skincare can achieve and how long it may take and give it time to work. Focus on consistency rather than constantly searching for the next miracle product and be realistic about what different products can achieve and how quickly. Most importantly, good skincare isn't about trying to make your skin look 25 again. It's about keeping it healthy, comfortable and looking its best at every age. So, is it time to update your skincare routine? Looking after your skin in your 40s doesn’t necessarily mean using more products or creating a complicated routine. In fact, quite often it means doing the opposite. Remember to pay attention to what your skin needs now. Cleanse gently, keep it well hydrated, protect it from UV, choose active ingredients carefully and give the products you use enough time to do their job! A few thoughtful changes to the habits you already have could be all your skin needs.