Can Azelaic Acid Be Used with BHAs?
The world is a strange place when it comes to skin care. There are a few popular ingredients that are the undisputed leaders and have earned a permanent place in our daily skin care routines. One of the most popular or well-known is salicylic acid, a member of the BHA family. While these powerful ingredients are incredibly effective, little attention is paid to lesser-known ingredients, including azelaic acid.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a gentle exfoliant that is derived from wheat, barley, and rye. However, when used in skin care formulations, a lab-made form of the ingredient is preferred to ensure it is fully stable and effective.
Compared to other alpha hydroxy acids (also known as AHAs), azelaic acid is gentler on the skin and exfoliates the skin without causing as much irritation. You’ll notice that your skin tone becomes smoother and more even, and signs of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars are significantly reduced.
Unlike other exfoliating acids, azelaic acid does not cause the same increase in UV sensitivity. But that doesn’t mean you can avoid using an SPF of 30 or higher every day. For added sun protection, it’s important to use sunscreen every day to keep your skin healthy and happy.
Now that you understand what this clever ingredient does, let’s move on to understanding how to incorporate it into your daily routine. With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at whether or not you can use azelaic acid with your BHA.
If you’re still wondering what azelaic acid is and how it works on the skin, you can read a dedicated blog post about it on The Beauty Insiders. If you’re unsure about how to use salicylic acid in your skincare routine, check out our Skin School for a more detailed explanation of how it works.
Can you use azelaic acid after your BHA?
Yes, you can, but I would advise against it. That’s simply because while azelaic acid works well on the skin, you’ll find it to be a difficult ingredient to use due to a lack of complete understanding of the full potential of this powerful ingredient. Additionally, it’s difficult to work with, and you’ll often find formulas that rarely contain more than 10% of the active ingredient, as this can cause the azelaic acid to become grainy, which can cause skin irritation.
With that in mind, perhaps this explains my hesitation to use azelaic acid with my BHA. That’s because BHAs like salicylic acid are so effective at getting deep into the pores and removing dead skin cells. Stacking the two ingredients together can cause unwanted skin irritation and dryness. It’s best to avoid using them together, but you can also use them on alternate days. We’ll discuss this in more detail in the next section of the blog post.
Can salicylic acid and azelaic acid be used together?
Yes and no, I mean, you can use both in your daily skincare routine, but you should avoid stacking them because it can be too much for the skin. For best results, it’s best to alternate formulas containing these impressive skin ingredients.
Since each of these ingredients exfoliates the top layer of your skin, it’s best to use them in your routine at night. Not only does this allow them to work on your skin undisturbed while you sleep, but it also helps to avoid overexposure to UV rays and other free radicals, such as from pollution, harsh climates, and other environmental influences. Apply an SPF of 30 or higher in the morning to protect your skin barrier, ensure it’s fully functioning, and keep you looking and feeling your best.
What makes azelaic acid unique compared to other chemical peels is that it’s a tyrosinase inhibitor. This essentially means that it prevents the development of hyperpigmentation, as the anti-inflammatory and anti-pigmentation properties of the ingredient prevent the overproduction of melanin on the surface of the skin. You will also find that other issues such as spots, clogged hair follicles, and areas of uneven skin tone are treated as well. As I mentioned, azelaic acid does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, but daily use of sunscreen can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Can BHA Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid be used together?
Yes, you can, but it is best not to use them at the same time. You will often find Niacinamide mixed into formulas that contain BHA and Azelaic Acid. This is due to Niacinamide’s moisturizing properties, ensuring that moisture is absorbed into the skin and locked in, leaving the complexion hydrated, radiant, and plump.
To really reap the benefits of these three powerful ingredients, you can combine Niacinamide with an ingredient you use that night to address dryness or irritation. I still recommend alternating between Azelaic Acid and BHA to avoid overloading the skin with a variety of different pH levels, which often leads to undesirable side effects such as rashes, redness, itchy skin, and dryness. If you want to learn more about using azelaic acid and niacinamide together, read our dedicated blog post.
Here you can review the unsung skin hero, azelaic acid, and how to use it with BHAs like salicylic acid. Bonus tip: If you have a sensitive, dry, and easily irritated skin type, a 24-hour patch test is a must before applying any new product to your skin. Of course, don’t forget that you should also consult your doctor or dermatologist before trying anything new on your skin. If you have any skincare questions, you can follow us on Instagram for daily skincare tips, exclusive giveaways, and other new product launches.
