Can Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid be Used Together?
The popularity of this acid in recent years has led to every skincare brand using it in at least one of its popular products.
The only downside is that these acids are extremely potent and contain active ingredients that can be used in a 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, become severely dry, 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 host 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 or not 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 irritation and dryness of the skin and prevent signs of damaged protective barriers 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 highly acidic and weakly acidic, 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 because it washes away from the skin. If you have combination or oily skin, you can opt for a more potent product, such as 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 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.
