Can you mix azelaic acid with salicylic acid?
It’s often hard to find a skincare ingredient that can treat both acne and rosacea, but azelaic acid does just that, with its many skin-boosting properties, such as being antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This allows the acid to kill bacteria in the lower layers of the skin that would normally clog the pores. These are often the cause of acne and breakouts, and many people find that applying azelaic acid topically can help clear the skin of dead skin cells, debris, and bacteria.
You’ll also find that exfoliation combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of azelaic acid can soothe and significantly improve flare-ups of rosacea and other skin sensitivities.
There are even more benefits to azelaic acid that I’ll share with you now.
Azelaic acid helps prevent future breakouts and acne
Azelaic acid is a comedolytic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores, but ensures that they are always clear. This can make them smaller and reduce the problem of blackheads and pimples.
Azelaic acid is considered a safer alternative to other powerful skincare products
Many people find retinoids and other potent ingredients, especially those designed to fight acne, to be effective. Azelaic acid is effective enough to clear up severe acne and cystic acne on the skin without the drying side effects associated with tretinoin.
Azelaic acid fights dark spots and helps improve melasma
Azelaic acid can fight dark spots by limiting the production of melanin in the lower layers of the skin. It does this by blocking the enzymes needed for melanin to make the pigmentation of dark spots and melasma darker.
Now that you know what azelaic acid does and how it affects the skin, let’s move on to find out if you can mix it with salicylic acid. The Beauty Insiders has also dedicated a blog post on its skincare benefits if you want to learn more about this acid.
Can Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid be Mixed?
Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, the combination of these skin ingredients can be effective in fighting blemishes and acne. Understandably, the idea of combining the two acids can lead to disaster. You’ll be surprised to learn that azelaic acid can work well with salicylic acid when the ratio of the active ingredients is small. Another option is to use each ingredient every other day to avoid unwanted skin reactions. If you find that your skin is oily and you have built up a tolerance to both of these powerful ingredients, you can use each ingredient on the same day but at different stages of your routine. For example, many people find that using azelaic acid in the morning and then salicylic acid in the evening is the best way to use each ingredient.
To determine if your skin is happy with both ingredients, it’s best to do a 24-hour patch test before applying to your face. You can also consult with your doctor or dermatologist to make sure you’re using the best formula for your skin.
What Not to Mix with Salicylic Acid?
There are some ingredients that should not be mixed with salicylic acid, and here are some examples.
Don’t Mix Salicylic Acid with Vitamin C
This is because the pH levels of both acids are too similar, and when used on top of each other, they can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, and flaking. To reap the benefits of these powerful properties, it’s best to alternate them. Many skin care experts prefer to use vitamin C in the morning, as the antioxidants ensure that it strengthens the skin’s barrier against free radicals like UV rays and pollution. You can then use salicylic acid in the evening to thoroughly cleanse your skin, removing any residue and bacteria that has accumulated during the day.
Don’t Mix Salicylic Acid with Retinol
It’s best to avoid mixing these ingredients because both are too strong to work effectively, but can actually wreak havoc on the skin. When you mix salicylic acid and retinol together, your skin can become dry, irritated, and develop redness and rashes. By alternating between these ingredients at night, you can reap the skin benefits without any of the adverse, severe side effects of use.
For more details, see the blog post “What Not to Mix with Salicylic Acid?” where you can learn more about how to use salicylic acid with other ingredients in your daily routine.
Is Salicylic Acid Better or Azelaic Acid?
There are many similarities between salicylic acid and azelaic acid. The main difference is that azelaic acid is generally gentler on the skin. Azelaic acid would make a great ingredient if you have a sensitive skin type that’s prone to acne breakouts. or similar outbreaks.
On the other hand, salicylic acid can inhibit the production of sebum in the skin, making it perfect for people with oily skin. There are also some studies that show that azelaic acid can generally increase sebum production, which means that people with oily, acne-prone skin should avoid it altogether.
As you can see, each ingredient is a great skin supplement if you suffer from acne and frequent breakouts. However, neither acid is suitable if you want to fight signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, azelaic acid can benefit the skin by fighting dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which worsen and become more noticeable with age.
Can Azelaic Acid Bleach the Skin?
Technically it does, but not in the way you might initially think. What I mean is that azelaic acid can brighten the skin in areas of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. This is possible because it contains the enzyme tyrosinase, which is required for the production of melanin. Melanin affects skin pigmentation and can be overproduced in areas of the face that have been damaged by excessive sun exposure, aging, and acne scarring. Azelaic acid can control melanin production, which can have a significant effect on hyperpigmentation and dark spots over time.
Okay, hopefully I’ve answered your question about mixing azelaic acid with salicylic acid. If you have any other skin care questions, feel free to reach out to us by following us on Instagram.
