Can Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C be used together?
When it comes to using skincare ingredients together, the first thing you need to know is that you’re using the most effective combination. Azelaic acid and Vitamin C are both potent ingredients that individually deliver compelling and impressive results. It makes perfect sense to want to use these two powerhouses together, because why wouldn’t you want to reap the fruits of your labor?
But I understand your hesitation, so today we’re taking a look at how to use both Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C in your daily routine. Which is better, Vitamin C or Azelaic Acid? Azelaic acid and Vitamin C both offer impressive skin benefits, some similar and some unique to each ingredient.
Once your skin has built up tolerance, you can use these ingredients alone or in combination. Benefits of Azelaic Acid for Skin. Exfoliates the outer surface and removes dead skin cells. Removes excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and impurities from pores.
Fights acne-causing bacteria by causing active spots, blemishes, and breakouts. Reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by sun damage and acne. Contains anti-inflammatory properties to reduce skin redness, swelling, and inflammation caused by rosacea and acne.
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin. Contains antioxidant properties to protect skin from daily stressors of free radicals. Boosts collagen production in the lower layers of the skin to fight signs of sagging skin. Repairs and reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Helps brighten skin for a radiant complexion. Minimizes inflammatory skin conditions such as red spots or rosacea. Both azelaic acid and vitamin C are safe to use on nearly all skin types, except those with skin conditions that are too severe.
Tends to be sensitive.
If you’re unsure whether to incorporate these ingredients into your routine, consult a dermatologist to avoid side effects. Should I take vitamin C first, then azelaic acid, or vitamin C first?
Yes, many skin care experts recommend vitamin C over azelaic acid. Depending on your skin type, this may mean applying a vitamin C-rich serum first, waiting 10 minutes, and then following up with an azelaic acid product.
If you need my advice: even if your skin type can tolerate these ingredients, try vitamin C in your morning routine and azelaic acid in your evening routine. Not only will you get the best of both ingredients, you’ll also avoid the risk of skin irritation or dryness.
If you want to learn more about using azelaic acid and vitamin C together, read our dedicated blog post. Can I use a moisturizer after using azelaic acid?
In fact, you may find azelaic acid in skincare products like serums, face washes, or cleansers. Because skincare products are applied in order from thinnest to thickest, moisturizer is one of the last products to be applied to the skin.
You’ll also find that applying a moisturizer after using azelaic acid can keep the skin comfortable, hydrated, and healthy, and can soothe and relieve minor signs of irritation by exfoliating.
Does azelaic acid damage the skin barrier?
Yes and no, because azelaic acid chemically exfoliates the outer surface of the skin. Azelaic acid helps remove impurities from the skin, but it also reduces the thickness of the outer layer of the skin, which can lead to irritation and dryness over time.
To counteract the risk of such skin irritation or surface damage, you can combine an azelaic acid product with another product containing hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Both are hydrating and effective at locking moisture into the skin barrier.
When the skin barrier is functioning properly, healthy, and has the right amount of moisture, it can protect itself from free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental influences.
How to use azelaic acid on your face?
A lot depends on the product that contains azelaic acid. As I mentioned earlier, there are many skin care products, from toners to topical gels, that can be infused with azelaic acid.
Since azelaic acid requires a prescription, the acid content in the formula is usually quite high, so a small amount can go a long way. All you need to do is apply a thin layer of the product and gently massage it into the skin, gradually massaging upwards
focusing on problem areas. You can then rinse it off or leave it on your face as needed. Of course, don’t forget that you need to wear SPF 30+ every day to protect yourself from further sun damage.
Can azelaic acid help fight wrinkles?
It’s not true, and there is no evidence that using azelaic acid can help fight signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. The main anti-aging benefit of using azelaic acid is that it fights all signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. By reducing hyperpigmentation, your skin tone will look more even, radiant, and youthful due to the antioxidant effects.
I hope you now have a better understanding of using azelaic acid and vitamin C together, and as I suggested before, if you have concerns about using these powerful ingredients together, consult your doctor or dermatologist. Also remember: if a product causes irritation or dryness after daily use, discontinue use and seek medical advice. Follow us on Instagram for more skincare tips, exclusive offers, and product launches!
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.
