Can Azelaic Acid Be Used Together with Retinoids?

Even if you’re not into skincare, you’ve probably heard of the ingredient retinol, also known as retinoids. It’s earned a solid reputation for its effectiveness and impressive results, especially for those who are acne-prone or concerned about the signs of aging.

Speaking of azelaic acid, I wouldn’t be surprised if you said you’ve never heard of this powerful substance. It’s truly an unsung hero that’s been getting a lot of attention lately. If you’re still a little confused, let’s do a quick recap of what these ingredients are and how they work on the skin.

What is a retinoid and how does it work on the skin?

Retinoids are a potent form of vitamin A that are known for their impressive anti-aging and anti-acne properties.

It works by increasing the rate of skin cell turnover, which can naturally last up to 30 days. This shouldn’t be confused with exfoliation, as retinol works deeper in the skin to boost collagen and elastin production.

It’s known for its high effectiveness, but it can often cause skin irritation, flaking, dryness, and itching, especially when you first introduce it to your skincare routine.

For best results, you should use retinol in your routine at night, as the ingredient loses its effectiveness and becomes completely useless when exposed to UV rays.

If you want to learn more about retinol/retinoids, read our dedicated blog post. We also explain whether retinol and retinoids are the same substance, which you can read here.

What is azelaic acid? How does it work on the skin?

Derived from grains such as wheat, rye, and barley, azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Azelaic acid can effectively clear out bacteria that build up in your pores, helping to fight pimples and common acne.

It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help fight redness, rashes, and other skin conditions such as rosacea.

Azelaic acid gently removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, rejuvenating your complexion and giving you a healthy glow all over.

For more information on how azelaic acid can benefit your skin, check out our dedicated blog post. You can also find several other blog posts about this smart acid and the best ways to use it in your skincare routine.

Now let’s get into the details of whether you can use azelaic acid and retinoids together.

Can retinol and azelaic acid be used together?

Yes, you can certainly use retinol and azelaic acid together. Both ingredients work on the skin in similar ways and successfully address certain skin issues like acne and hyperpigmentation. Dark spots and melasma are two major issues that can be treated by combining these powerful approaches.

This is because azelaic acid inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of melanin, the pigment in the skin that often makes hyperpigmented areas appear darker. Retinol supports the effects of azelaic acid by boosting cell turnover and making dark spots less noticeable.

Which comes first, azelaic acid or retinol?

This depends on the consistency of the product, as a basic skincare rule is to apply formulas in order from thinnest to thickest. If both are similar products with the same consistency, the order of application does not matter.

You just have to focus on whether your skin has developed a tolerance for both ingredients. Therefore, we recommend that you slowly introduce each ingredient into your routine at first. Ideally, you should alternate between using them at night, one at a time, to give your skin the boost it needs while avoiding any unwanted irritation or breakouts. Once your skin is used to using both azelaic acid and retinol products together, you can then use both products in your daily routine. For best results, wait about 30 minutes between applications to allow your skin’s pH to rebalance.

How to Use Azelaic Acid, Retinol, and Vitamin C?

Using all three active ingredients may take some time for the skin to adjust to the application. Once you have achieved this and your skin is not showing any signs of irritation, you can then use all three products in your daily routine. The most effective way to do this is to start with a vitamin C-rich serum in your morning routine. Not only will this help restore your skin’s radiance, but the antioxidant-rich vitamin C also provides additional protection. They fight any free radical exposure, such as UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors.

You can then use azelaic acid and retinol in your evening routine, starting with the thinnest formula.

This is the most effective way to use these ingredients to keep your skin healthy and radiant, improving the overall finish and texture of your skin. Before using any of these ingredients, we recommend that you consult with your doctor or dermatologist to make sure your skin can tolerate all three ingredients in your routine.

What not to mix with azelaic acid?

It is believed that it is best not to mix azelaic acid with beta hydroxy acids (also known as BHAs, such as salicylic acid). This is because the skin is exfoliated too much and the two acids work on different layers, causing an imbalance in pH. If you want to learn more about what not to mix with azelaic acid, read our dedicated blog post for more information.

I hope I answered some of your questions today about using azelaic acid and retinol. Don’t forget: If you have any other questions, visit us on Instagram. You can reach one of our skin care experts in a private message!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected