What can be combined with azelaic acid?
If you’ve been in this space for a while, you know how much attention azelaic acid and its effects on the skin have received recently.
This powerful ingredient has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great ingredient for a variety of skin types, from acne-prone skin to skin with rosacea breakouts.
When applied to the skin, this acid can specifically fight problems and improve the overall appearance of the complexion.
Azelaic acid is available in a variety of formulas and is available in both over-the-counter and prescription products. The latter usually contain higher concentrations of the acid.
The main benefit of azelaic acid is that it significantly improves the symptoms of hyperpigmentation and discoloration caused by melanin. It can also relieve acne breakouts, redness, and rosacea.
If you want to learn more about azelaic acid and its benefits, read our blog post on The Beauty Insider.
Can azelaic acid be combined with other acids?
Yes, it is possible. Many experts even recommend combining azelaic acid with acids, even potent ones like salicylic and glycolic. However, it’s important to use the acid every other day.
This is the best way to harness the exfoliating and regenerating properties of these powerful acids without overly taxing or irritating the skin.
As for other acids like hyaluronic acid, you can easily combine azelaic acid with this effective moisturizer.
Don’t be fooled by the name: hyaluronic acid works differently than other exfoliating acids. Instead, it draws moisture from the surrounding skin and holds it there.
This not only counteracts the drying effects of azelaic acid, but also ensures that the lipid barrier on the surface of the skin is strengthened and moisturized.
What shouldn’t be mixed with azelaic acid?
As mentioned earlier, you can use other acids with azelaic acid. However, stacking ingredients should be avoided.
This can cause the skin to over-exfoliate and strip it of important oils and moisture. This can lead to an overproduction of sebum (the skin’s natural oil).
This can have a snowball effect leading to acne, rashes, and oily skin.
For more information on what not to mix with azelaic acid, see our blog post.
What to apply before and after using azelaic acid? This largely depends on the formula containing azelaic acid, as this determines the timing of application.
I have described the general rule for applying skincare in a previous blog post: start with the thinnest layer and work your way up to the thickest.
If you have chosen a cleanser or toner with azelaic acid, you should follow up with a serum and moisturizer.
In simple terms: always cleanse your skin thoroughly with a cleanser or face wash before applying azelaic acid. This loosens the dead skin cells clinging to the outer layer of the skin.
You can then apply azelaic acid products. This removes the dead skin cells and allows other active ingredients to penetrate into the lower layers of the epidermis.
As mentioned before, azelaic acid can have a drying effect on some skin types. Therefore, after using it, apply a serum that contains moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. This helps maintain the function of the skin barrier, keeping the skin healthy, moisturized, and radiant.
Can I use niacinamide with azelaic acid?
Yes, you can use niacinamide and azelaic acid together without any problems.
Niacinamide is often considered to have similar effects to hyaluronic acid and is considered an extremely useful ingredient, especially for people prone to acne.
This moisturizing effect can reduce inflammation, hydrate the skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and keep the skin healthy.
Niacinamide and azelaic acid may be effective for the skin, but everyone’s skin is different.
Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor, dermatologist, or other professional to understand which active ingredients and percentages are best for your skin and will achieve the desired results.
Is Azelaic Acid an AHA or BHA?
Azelaic acid is not an alpha hydroxy acid like glycolic acid or lactic acid, nor is it a beta hydroxy acid like the more common salicylic acid.
While azelaic acid works similarly to these common acids, it is actually a dicarboxylic acid. Azelaic acid is produced naturally in the body using yeast in the skin.
For skin care products, it is extracted from yeast found in barley, wheat, cereals, and rye. These are then processed in a laboratory into a refined ingredient used in many skin care products.
How often should you use azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is generally considered one of the gentler acids. How often you use it depends on you and your skin type.
If you are using this acid for the first time, I recommend that you introduce it slowly into your daily skin care routine to avoid adverse side effects.
Start using it in the evening so that your skin can develop the necessary tolerance. As an extra precaution, I would also like to remind you to apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 in the morning.
So, I hope I have answered your questions about azelaic acid and its possible combinations. If you have further questions, feel free to visit me on Instagram.
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.
