Can Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid be Used Together?
The popularity of these acids has risen in recent years, and every skincare brand uses it in at least one of their popular products.
The only downside is that these acids are extremely potent and contain active ingredients that can be used in a wide variety of formulas. This is great for getting impressive and eye-catching results, but there is a risk of overdose.
Yes, you can have too much, and if layered or used incorrectly, these powerful skincare heroes can weaken the skin barrier, irritate the skin, severely dry it out, and cause redness.
Before we get started, let’s take a look at what exactly azelaic acid and glycolic acid do for the skin. What are they?
Benefits of Azelaic Acid?
Derived from grains like corn, wheat, and rye, azelaic acid is not actually in the AHA family, but rather belongs to a class of drugs called dicarboxylic acids.
It is often used to treat problem areas such as rosacea and acne because it can reduce swelling and redness in the skin. It also fights any bacteria on the surface of the skin that can cause clogged pores and rashes, leaving you with clearer skin.
What are the benefits of glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is one of the most popular and commonly used of the AHAs. It is extracted from sugar cane and works on the outer surface of the skin.
When used, it removes the buildup of dead skin cells that are often found on the outer surface and can cause a range of issues, from noticeable fine lines to frequent rashes to a dull complexion.
Now that you have a better understanding of how each ingredient works, let’s take a closer look at whether you can use azelaic acid and glycolic acid together.
Can glycolic and azelaic acid be used together?
Yes, taking azelaic acid and glycolic acid together is considered completely safe. Using both acids in your daily routine is a simple change that can make a huge difference for your skin.
Many medical and skin care experts agree that azelaic acid is well tolerated by almost all skin types, even mildly sensitive skin.
However, it can be difficult to find azelaic acid in over-the-counter formulas, which makes this skin care ingredient quite unique in its own right. Gentle enough for sensitive people, but not strong enough to stay within the prescribed ingredient range.
It’s important to remember that both acids exfoliate the skin, which is why it’s important to use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. What can’t be mixed with azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is considered a skin ingredient that is easy to incorporate into your daily routine and combines effectively with other acids. However, this does not mean that certain ingredients should be avoided.
For example, if you combine azelaic acid with salicylic acid, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist to ensure that your skin can tolerate the combination of these acids. This can prevent the skin from becoming irritated and dry, and prevent signs of a damaged protective barrier due to over-irritation of the skin.
Can glycolic acid be used with other acids?
Yes, you can, but be careful, it is easy to over-exfoliate without realizing it. Glycolic acid is one of the most effective AHAs and can be a great addition to your skin care routine as long as your skin naturally tolerates it.
As with other acids, such as lactic and malic acids, it is important to alternate or use glycolic acid with other acids in your formula. Many people with combination to oily skin often find that the combination of salicylic and glycolic acids can lead to clearer, more radiant skin. However, this is not the case for everyone.
Therefore, before applying a new ingredient or product to your face, it is important to test it on an area of skin for 24 hours to avoid any adverse skin reactions. What products should not be used with glycolic acid?
Avoid mixing vitamin C with glycolic acid. You will find that vitamin C is often considered unstable and difficult to combine with other ingredients. This is often the result of outdated research that describes vitamin C as an extremely unstable and highly reactive skin ingredient.
This is because glycolic acid and vitamin C have a low pH, which means they are both strong and weak acids, which can cause an imbalance on the surface of the skin. This imbalance can lead to skin irritation and other issues such as dryness and redness on the surface of the skin.
If you want to learn more about taking vitamin C, read the related blog post on what not to mix with vitamin C. Can I use azelaic acid every day? Yes, you can use azelaic acid every day, or even twice a day, as part of your daily skin care routine. They are often included in a range of different skin care products, allowing you to tailor your treatment to your skin and the issues you want to address. So if you have a more sensitive skin type, you can choose to wash your face as it washes away from the skin. If you have combination or oily skin, you can opt for something more potent, like a serum.
Can I use glycolic acid every day?
You really can! Just like azelaic acid, you can use it twice a day. If you follow my advice, I would opt for a high glycolic acid exfoliating toner. Because toners are formulated to exfoliate the skin without stripping ingredients
that linger on the skin for a long time and cause irritation.
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.
