Azelaic Acid Meets Retin-A: Tips for Clearer Skin

Can Azelaic Acid Be Used with Retin-A?

When it comes to skincare, using powerful ingredients can feel like mixing potions in a bubbling cauldron. Some of the most potent options—like Retin-A and azelaic acid—seem straight out of a skincare spell book.

But here’s the real magic question: Can azelaic acid be used with Retin-A?

If you’ve been wondering how to use these two powerhouse ingredients safely and effectively, this post will guide you through everything you need to know.

What Are the Benefits of Retin-A?

Retin-A, also known as tretinoin, is a prescription-strength derivative of vitamin A. It’s widely considered one of the most effective skincare ingredients available today.

Here are the top benefits of adding Retin-A to your skincare routine:

Regulates oil production: Perfect for acne-prone or oily skin types.

Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation: Gradually lightens discoloration and evens out skin tone.

Boosts skin cell turnover: Speeds up your skin’s natural exfoliation cycle to reveal brighter skin.

Targets signs of aging: Smooths fine lines, softens wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity.

Despite its impressive benefits, Retin-A is also known for potential side effects like dryness, peeling, and irritation. This is why it’s important to use it properly.

Retin-A also breaks down in sunlight, so it should always be applied at night. Make sure to follow up with SPF 30 or higher during the day to protect your skin.

What Are the Benefits of Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. In skincare, a synthetic version is used for purity and consistency.

Although it’s often overlooked, azelaic acid offers a wide range of skin benefits:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Great for calming redness, rosacea, and irritation.

Anti-bacterial action: Helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores.

Gentle exfoliation: Smooths rough skin and clears away dead skin cells.

Brightens skin tone: Reduces hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks, and uneven texture.

It’s ideal for those with sensitive or reactive skin, as it’s generally less irritating than other actives like glycolic acid or retinol.

While azelaic acid may take longer to show visible results, consistent use can significantly improve your complexion without harsh side effects.

Can I Use Azelaic Acid and Retin-A Together?

Yes, you can use azelaic acid with Retin-A—but you need to apply them correctly to avoid irritation and achieve the best results.

These two actives are both strong and effective, which means they can irritate the skin if not introduced properly or layered incorrectly.

There are three main ways to combine them safely in your skincare routine:

1. Alternate Their Use on Different Nights

One of the safest approaches is to alternate between azelaic acid and Retin-A on different evenings. For example:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Use Retin-A

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: Use azelaic acid

Sunday: Give your skin a break or apply only hydrating products

This approach prevents over-exfoliation and gives your skin time to recover between actives.

2. Use Azelaic Acid in the Morning and Retin-A at Night

Another effective method is to split them between day and night. Use azelaic acid in your morning routine and apply Retin-A in the evening.

Azelaic acid is stable in sunlight and does not cause photosensitivity like other acids. Just remember to still wear sunscreen during the day.

This way, both ingredients can work independently without overwhelming your skin.

3. Use Them in the Same Routine with Proper Spacing

If your skin is well-adjusted to both ingredients, you may be able to apply them during the same routine. But spacing is key.

Apply one active, wait 20–30 minutes, then apply the second. This gives your skin time to rebalance its pH and prevents product conflict.

Make sure to follow with a gentle moisturizer to protect your barrier and lock in hydration.

Which Goes First: Azelaic Acid or Retin-A?

The order depends on the texture of the products you’re using. Follow the basic skincare rule: apply products from thinnest to thickest.

If your azelaic acid product is a lightweight toner or serum and your Retin-A is a cream, apply azelaic acid first. Then follow with Retin-A.

A sample routine might look like this:

Cleanse

Apply azelaic acid serum or toner

Wait 20–30 minutes

Apply Retin-A

Finish with a moisturizer

If both products are serums or creams with similar textures, choose based on skin needs or alternate nights to reduce potential irritation.

Can I Combine These With Other Ingredients?

Yes—but be cautious. Here are a few ingredients that pair well with both azelaic acid and Retin-A:

Niacinamide: Helps calm the skin and lock in hydration. Great for reducing redness and strengthening the barrier.

Hyaluronic acid: Provides deep hydration without irritation and supports skin healing.

Ceramides: Replenish and protect the skin barrier, especially helpful when using strong actives.

Avoid pairing strong exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid in the same routine as Retin-A and azelaic acid unless guided by a dermatologist.

Is Azelaic Acid Better Than Retin-A?

That depends on your skin’s needs. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Choose Azelaic Acid If:

You have sensitive skin that reacts easily to strong actives

You’re treating rosacea, redness, or mild acne

You want a gentler exfoliant that improves skin tone gradually

Choose Retin-A If:

Your primary concerns are wrinkles, fine lines, or loss of elasticity

You’re targeting moderate to severe acne

You want a faster result with more intensive cell turnover

Some people even find it beneficial to start with azelaic acid before slowly introducing Retin-A to help their skin adjust.

Who Should Avoid Using Both Together?

If you have extremely dry, flaky, or easily irritated skin, using both at the same time might be too much for your barrier.

Start slow. Always do a patch test when introducing a new active. Use a small amount on the jawline or neck and monitor for 24 hours.

And always consult your dermatologist before combining strong prescription products like Retin-A with other actives.

Tips for Using Retin-A and Azelaic Acid Together

Hydrate deeply: Use products with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to keep the skin barrier healthy.

Introduce slowly: Start with one ingredient and wait 2–3 weeks before adding the other.

Protect daily: Wear SPF 30 or higher every day, especially if using Retin-A.

Be patient: Results take time. Give your skin 6–12 weeks to adjust and show visible improvements.

Simplify your routine: Avoid overloading your routine with too many actives at once.

Conclusion: Can You Use Azelaic Acid with Retin-A?

Yes—you can use azelaic acid with Retin-A, and they can be a powerful duo when used correctly. The key is to introduce them gradually and listen to your skin.

Alternate their use, space out their application, and always prioritize hydration and sun protection. Used wisely, this combination can help improve acne, pigmentation, and signs of aging.

If you’re still unsure about how to add these ingredients to your routine, reach out to a skincare professional or dermatologist for personalized advice.

For more skincare tips, expert routines, and product recommendations, follow us on Instagram @BeautyInsiders. Or browse our blog for in-depth posts on azelaic acid, Retin-A, and everything in between.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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