Azelaic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne: How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin

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

Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two ingredients typically recommended for acne-prone skin, but how different are they? And is one more effective than the other?

Explore similarities and differences between these 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 like wheat, barley, and rye. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a common choice for acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and minor skin irritations. Azelaic acid also has potent antioxidant effects, which helps to neutralize the free radicals that lead to environmental damage in all types of skin, including sensitive skin. With its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, the naturally-occuring acid helps to eliminate acne-causing bacteria on the skin while disrupting the link between increased levels of testosterone and other hormonal changes to minimize hormonal breakouts.

Azelaic Acid benefits

Azelaic acid benefits include:

Clinically proven to reduce acne1

Clinically proven to reduce rosacea lesions2

Eases irritation and redness

Kills bacteria on skin to minimize and heal acne breakouts

Brightens skin

Unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells

Improves skin texture

Minimizes 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 sebostatic and keratolytic properties, which means it inhibits excess oil production and dissolves skin flakes and lesions.3 These effects help to clear up acne breakouts, but may cause the skin to dry and peel. Like azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, making it useful in decreasing redness and irritation and easing other skin conditions like rosacea.

Benzoyl Peroxide benefits

Benzoyl peroxide benefits include:

Clinically proven to reduce acne4

Clinically proven to reduce rosacea lesions5

Soothes inflamed skin

Controls oil production

Unclogs pores

Clears away dead skin cells

Azelaic Acid Vs Benzoyl Peroxide

In clinical studies, topical azelaic acid was proven to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide, as well as other popular acne treatments like topical tretinoin, erythromycin, and oral tetracycline for reducing acne.6 However, azelaic acid is known to be much gentler and less abrasive on the skin than the other products and will not cause peeling or irritation, nor will it make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

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

Azelaic Acid 14% Cream

• Reduces acne & rosacea

• Brightens skin, fades brown spots

• Unclogs pores, improves texture

Regular price$45

Add to cart

Similarities

Both azelaic and benzoyl peroxide:

Are clinically proven to reduce acne and rosacea

Have antimicrobial effects, which kills bacteria on the skin

Exfoliate skin to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells

Ease inflammation to reduce redness and swelling

Differences

They seem to work the same, but what is the difference between azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide? It turns out, there are quite a few. Despite their similarities and proven efficacy in treating acne, azelaic acid is considered gentler, making it a suitable choice for those with sensitive skin. Benzoyl peroxide is known to cause peeling, irritation, and may dry out skin in its attempts to inhibit excess oil. The ingredient also has a bleaching effect, which may affect hair and clothing if used incorrectly. And you are more vulnerable to sun damage when using benzoyl peroxide, so it is imperative you wear sunscreen and protective clothing or stay out of the sun.

Another key difference between azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide is that azelaic acid promotes the skin’s cell turnover process, triggering collagen production to heal and repair damaged skin. Azelaic acid is also an antioxidant, which means it reduces free radicals in the skin. These reasons make azelaic acid useful in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Benzoyl peroxide, on the other hand, actually promotes free radicals in the skin and if used repeatedly, may create skin changes similar to sun damage.7

Can You Use Azelaic Acid & Benzoyl Peroxide Together?

It is possible to benefit from using azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide together. Some research suggests that the combination of azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide is actually more effective than using benzoyl peroxide alone.8

Using azelaic acid may also counter or neutralize the potential damage of free radicals released by benzoyl peroxide because of its antioxidant properties.

When & How To Use Azelaic Acid vs Benzoyl Peroxide

Both azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be used once or twice daily depending on your skin type and condition. If you’re using the two ingredients together, it is recommended to cleanse skin first, moisturize, apply benzoyl peroxide first, and then apply azelaic acid last in your routine. Whether you use azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide, or both, be sure to follow up with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Though azelaic acid has more of a protective effect and will not make you more sensitive to sunlight, it is still always recommended to wear sunscreen to protect your skin and your health.

Foundation Skincare Azelaic Acid 14% Cream is dermatologist and chemist engineered with the highest non-prescription percentage of azelaic acid available. Formulated with a hydrating cream base, the product layers well with other ingredients without causing irritation or pilling. It can be especially useful when used alongside a drying ingredient like benzoyl peroxide because it can help moisturize skin.

Other products you may want to add to your acne-fighting routine include FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%, which calms skin and contributes to DNA repair, FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion to lock moisture in, and Night Renewal Cream with 2% Granactive™ Retinoid to improve overall skin texture.

Key Takeaways

In summary, azelaic acid is good for acne, but so is benzoyl peroxide. Both kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin, both reduce inflammation, and both unclog pores while clearing away dead skin cells. However, when it comes to the differences between azelaic acid and benzoyl, there are a few key ones to consider: azelaic acid is a powerful antioxidant while benzoyl peroxide promotes free radicals in the skin. While azelaic acid is gentle enough to be used on the most sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide is likely to cause peeling and redness while potentially drying out skin.

If you’re still not sure which product to use, we recommend starting with azelaic acid as the gentler option. Then, if you need more help, feel free to add benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment alongside other acne-fighting ingredients in the Foundation Skincare collection.

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.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected