The beauty power couples

Tom and Jerry, Thelma and Louise, Ant and Dec – sometimes the best things come in pairs. And the same can also be said for your beauty routine.

Indeed if yours is in need of a boost, then it might be time to try some teamwork. From skincare to treat ments, when it comes to getting results, sometimes two really is better than one.

Pairing products, nutrientpacked foods and even in-clinic procedures can often help improve efficacy and maximise results. But how is it done?

Here we reveal the dynamic duos that’ll give you a real beauty boost.

SUPER SKINCARE

Some ingredients boast added benefits when they are combined with others.

Vitamin C + ferulic acid

The most potent forms of vitamin C are often unstable, making them vulnerable to light, heat and air. Enter ferulic acid, which helps to boost the lifespan and general effectiveness of vitamin C.

■■Try: Medik8 Super C Ferulic, £59 (lookfantastic. com) which combines vitamin C and ferulic acid for best protection against pollution and sun damage.

Retinol + hyaluronic acid

From acne-fighting to skin-plumping, there aren’t many topical ingredients that can compete with the benefits of retinol (vitamin A). However, it can cause redness, flaking and dryness, so team it with hyaluronic acid. Anti-inflammatory and hydrating, combining them provides retinol benefits without irritation.

■■Try: Pair soothing Q&A Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturiser, £8.50 (Sainsbury’s) with L’Oreal Paris Pure Retinol Revitalift Laser Night Serum, £27.99 (Boots), which has a high concentration of retinol.

Salicylic acid + niacinamide

While salicylic acid can unclog pores quickly, it can dry out your skin. Coupled with niacinamide, the pair work to help reduce sensitivity by boosting proteins in the skin and locking in moisture.

■■Try: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ SPF30 with Niacinamide, £18.50 (lookfantastic.com) is perfect for oily and blemish-prone skin types. It’s enriched with salicylic acid and niacinamide.

SPF + vitamin C

A broad-spectrum sunscreen and antioxidant vitamin C are both powerful skin products, helping to protect against damage. Used together, their effectiveness provides double the defence.

■■Try: The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Protect Lotion SPF30, £15 (thebodyshop.com), a citrusscented radiance booster, combining brightening vitamin C with skinshielding SPF30.

DIET DUOS

Foods have different nutrients that, when combined, work together to aid absorption, keep you full for longer, and boost health.

Green tea + lemon

Green tea is a low-calorie drink packed with antioxidants called catechins, which can help burn more calories and fat. But to make

it even healthier, add a squeeze of lemon to your cuppa as it helps your body absorb them.

Avocado + dark leafy greens

A spinach or kale salad is low in calories and high in nutrients, but not very filling. Team with a sliced avocado, which is packed with good fat, and it will help stave off hunger pangs. Also, avocado helps your body absorb more of the salad’s disease-fighting antioxidants.

Chicken + cayenne pepper

Chicken breasts are super healthy, packed with 27g of protein and fewer than 150 calories in one breast. Spice up this dinner staple with cayenne pepper – studies show it can help boost metabolism and keep you fuller for longer.

Steak + broccoli

Beef is rich in protein and iron, which your body uses to build red blood cells, helping to fight fatigue. When paired with vitamin C-packed broccoli, it will help your body absorb iron. Plus one small portion of broccoli has 65 per cent of all the vitamin C you need in a day.

TWIN TREATMENTS

The right combination of aesthetic treatments can complement each other, for more impressive results.

Thread lift + Botox

This non-invasive combination can deliver the results of a surgical facelift in one session. A thread lift restores and tightens the structure of sagging skin, while Botox can smooth skin and balance features. Costs from £1,200.

Glycolic peel + Profhilo

A terrific twosome for radiant skin. An exfoliating glycolic peel reveals fresher, younger skin and erases fine lines, while Profhilo, an injectable moisturiser, hydrates skin from the inside out. Costs from £500.

BodyTite + Forma

BodyTite uses radio frequencyassisted liposuction to break down fat cells, boost collagen and tighten skin. Forma improves skin tone and texture, stimulating new collagen and tightening the layers of the skin. Costs from £3,000.