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 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.
