Azelaic Acid vs Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne Similarities, Differences and How To Choose Between The Two

Azelaic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne Treatment: Similarities, Differences, and How to Choose Between Them

Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two ingredients commonly recommended for acne-prone skin, but how do they differ? Is one more effective than the other?

Learn about the similarities and differences between the two substances and how to determine which one is right for you.

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a common choice for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and mild skin irritations. Azelaic acid also has powerful antioxidant effects that help neutralize free radicals that cause environmental damage to all skin types, including sensitive skin. With its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, the naturally occurring acid helps eliminate acne-causing bacteria on the skin while breaking the link between elevated testosterone levels and other hormonal changes, thereby minimizing hormonal breakouts.

Benefits of Azelaic Acid

The benefits of Azelaic Acid include:

Clinically proven to reduce acne1

Clinically proven to reduce rosacea lesions2

Relieves irritation and redness

Kills bacteria on the skin, reducing and healing acne breakouts

Brightens complexion

Opens clogged pores and removes dead skin cells

Improves skin texture

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

Lightens acne scars and hyperpigmentation

Minimizes hormonal breakouts

Gentle enough for sensitive skin

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antiseptic that treats acne by releasing free radicals into the skin to kill acne-causing bacteria. It has mild sebum-inhibiting and keratolytic properties, meaning it inhibits excess oil production and dissolves skin flakes and lesions. 3 These actions help clear acne, but can cause dry and flaky skin. Like azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce redness and irritation, as well as other skin conditions like rosacea.

Benzoyl Peroxide Benefits

Benefits of benzoyl peroxide include:

Clinically proven to reduce acne4

Clinically proven to reduce rosacea lesions5

Soothes inflamed skin

Controls oil production

Clears clogged pores

Exfoliates dead skin cells

Azelaic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide

Clinical studies have shown that topical azelaic acid is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide and other popular acne treatments, such as topical retinoids, erythromycin, and oral tetracycline, in reducing acne.6 However, azelaic acid is known to be much gentler on the skin than other products, is less harsh on the skin, does not cause peeling or irritation, and does not make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Discover more similarities and differences between azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide below.

Azelaic Acid 14% Cream

• Reduces acne and rosacea

• Brightens skin tone and fades brown spots

• Unclogs pores and improves skin texture

Regular Price $45

Add to Cart

Similarities

Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide:

Clinically proven to reduce acne and rosacea

Have antimicrobial properties, killing bacteria on the skin

Exfoliates, unclogs pores, removes dead skin cells

Relieves inflammation, reduces redness and swelling

Differences

They appear to work the same, but what is the difference between azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide? Quite a few, it turns out. Although azelaic acid shares similarities with acne and has been shown to be effective in treating acne, azelaic acid is considered gentler, making it a suitable choice for those with sensitive skin. Benzoyl peroxide is known to cause flaking and irritation, and can dry out the skin when trying to prevent excess oil. The ingredient also has bleaching properties, which can affect hair and clothing if used incorrectly. You are more susceptible to sun damage when using benzoyl peroxide, so it is important to use sunscreen and protective clothing or avoid sun exposure.

Another important difference between azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide is that azelaic acid promotes the skin’s cell renewal process and stimulates collagen production to heal and repair damaged skin. Azelaic acid is also an antioxidant, which means it reduces free radicals in the skin. For these reasons, azelaic acid can be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, benzoyl peroxide actually promotes free radicals in the skin, and repeated use may cause sunburn-like changes in the skin. 7

Can Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Be Used Together?

There may be benefits from using azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide together. Some studies show that using azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide together is actually more effective than using benzoyl peroxide alone. 8

Due to its antioxidant properties, using azelaic acid can also counteract or neutralize the potential damage of free radicals released by benzoyl peroxide.

When and how should you use azelaic acid compared to benzoyl peroxide?

Both azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be used once or twice daily, depending on your skin type and condition. When using both ingredients together, it is recommended to cleanse the skin first, moisturize, apply benzoyl peroxide first, and apply azelaic acid last. Whether you use azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide or both, always use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen afterwards. Although azelaic acid offers stronger protection and will not make you more sensitive to the sun, it is still recommended that you use a sunscreen to protect your skin and health.

Developed by dermatologists and chemists, Base Skincare Azelaic Acid 14% Cream has the highest over-the-counter azelaic acid content. Formulated with a moisturizer base, this product layers well with other ingredients without causing irritation or pilling. It is especially useful when used with drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide because it can help moisturize the skin.

Other products you may want to add to your acne treatment routine include FS Niacinamide Lotion 10% (to soothe skin and aid DNA repair), FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (to lock in moisture), and Night Renewal Cream with 2% Granactive™ Retinoid (to improve overall texture).

Key Insights

In summary, azelaic acid is good for acne, but so is benzoyl peroxide. Both kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin, reduce inflammation, and open clogged pores while removing dead skin cells. However, when it comes to the differences between azelaic acid and benzoyl, there are some important distinctions to remember: Azelaic acid is a powerful antioxidant, while benzoyl peroxide promotes the production of free radicals in the skin. While azelaic acid is gentle enough to be used on the most sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide may cause flaking and redness and may dry out the skin.

If you’re still unsure which product to use, we recommend starting with azelaic acid as a gentler option. Then, if you need more help, you can also use benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment along with other acne-fighting ingredients in your basic skincare line.

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.

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