Can Azelaic Acid Be Mixed With Moisturizer?
If you’ve read Beauty Insiders’ recent blog post, you’ll know how much attention has been focused on the unsung hero, azelaic acid. If you don’t know this, don’t worry too much, I don’t take it personally, but here’s a quick summary of what the ingredient is and how it works on the skin.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Naturally derived from grains like barley and rye, azelaic acid is a powerful skin ingredient that can be used to fight acne and rosacea flare-ups. This is achieved with the help of this powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Typically over-the-counter products contain 15% or less of the acid. If you want a more potent approach, you can opt for a professional peel or facial.
It’s important that you consult with your doctor or dermatologist to find the best formula to treat your acne concerns without the drying or irritation side effects. If you want to learn more about azelaic acid, read our dedicated blog post on its effects on the skin.
Now that we’ve reviewed a bit, let’s jump right in to learn more about whether or not you can mix azelaic acid with your moisturizer.
How do I use azelaic acid with my moisturizer?
There are a variety of skincare products that contain active amounts of azelaic acid, from face washes to serums to toners. This will determine how you use azelaic acid with your moisturizer, but here is a general method that has been proven to be simple and effective.
Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a face wash or cleanser
Apply an exfoliating toner after cleansing
Apply a layer of hyaluronic acid-rich skin to lock in surface moisture
Follow up with a serum containing azelaic acid
Apply a layer of moisturizer
If using this routine during the day, the final SPF should be 30 or higher
Everyone’s skin is different, so this routine may take some adjustments to get used to, but it is a very effective routine that allows each ingredient to work its benefits on the skin without causing any negative side effects.
Many of us are often unclear about the role of moisturizer. Unlike a serum, it only works on the outer layer of the skin. If you are looking to address a specific issue like aging or hyperpigmentation, it is better to use a serum instead of using a moisturizer to form a physical layer on the skin. It acts as a barrier to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals such as pollution and UV rays.
Do I use azelaic acid before or after my moisturizer?
This comes down to personal preference and the azelaic acid formula itself. However, if you ask my opinion, I would use azelaic acid before my moisturizer and after my hyaluronic acid serum.
The hyaluronic acid in a serum helps lock in moisture in the skin and counteracts the drying effects that azelaic acid often has. If you follow up with an azelaic acid-rich serum, not only will it absorb faster, but it will also work faster. Finally, create a physical barrier on the surface of the skin with your moisturizer for improved overall protection.
Can Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid be used together?
Yes, you absolutely can! The beauty of Niacinamide is that not only does it have the same moisturizing benefits as hyaluronic acid, but it also has some benefits of its own, such as the ability to refine pores and strengthen the skin barrier. By combining these two active ingredients, you get an effective duo that fights breakouts, spots, and blackheads. You’ll also find that if you’re prone to dark spots or post-acne scarring, these two ingredients will counteract the pigmentation of skin discoloration while reducing blemishes and preventing new ones from forming.
Many skin experts and dermatologists often prefer azelaic acid as an anti-acne ingredient, but salicylic acid is considered a more popular choice because many people already have a deep understanding of BHA. There is nothing wrong with using these acids in your daily life, you just need to alternate the days you use them. Warm Tip: It is best to use them in your daily life at night to provide extra protection against certain free radicals present during the day, such as: B. UV rays.
Which comes first, niacinamide or azelaic acid?
Ideally, you should use niacinamide before using azelaic acid, because this ensures that the skin is well hydrated and more receptive. This helps the acid penetrate into the underlying layers while preventing unnecessary skin irritation such as dryness, itching, redness, and rashes. However, it is important to remember the basic skin application rule: start with the thinnest consistency and gradually increase to thicker formulas. If the product is used correctly, the skin will benefit from these ingredients and achieve the best results.
Can I use azelaic acid on wet skin?
This is not the case, because azelaic acid is different from other acids, such as: B, hyaluronic acid. HA has humectant properties and when used on damp skin it effectively locks in moisture, leaving your complexion plump, nourished and hydrated. For the best results with azelaic acid, apply to semi-dry skin after using hyaluronic acid and before moisturizer.
Here is more information on using azelaic acid with your moisturizer. If you have any more questions about skin care, don’t forget to contact us. You can find one of our skin experts 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.
