Can Azelaic Acid be used with Retin A?
When you layer powerful ingredients, it can sometimes feel like a wizard working in a bubbling cauldron. Especially when you go for the strongest, most potent ingredients like retinoic acid and azelaic acid, whose names really do sound like magic.
Our question: Can Azelaic Acid be used with Retin A? We’re going to dive into this question today, so stay tuned if you want to know the answer. But before we do, let’s quickly summarize what each ingredient can bring to the skin.
What are the benefits of Retinoic A?
Retinol A, a derivative of Vitamin A, is a popular ingredient in skincare products, often applied to the face in an effective topical formula. Here are the main benefits of using Retin A in your skin care routine.
Helps regulate oily and acne-prone skin types by controlling sebum production.
Targets areas of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, allowing them to fade over time and become less noticeable on the skin’s surface.
Increases the rate of the skin’s cell cycle, ensuring that new skin cells appear on the outer surface, resulting in a brighter, more even, and smoother complexion.
Specialized to fight signs of skin aging like fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
Due to the high potency of Retin A and its derivatives, you should be aware of some side effects which can lead to increased skin sensitivity and severe dryness. You also need to remember to use this powerful powerhouse in your evening routine as Vitamin A is deactivated by UV radiation. If you want to learn more about Retin A, we at Beauty Insiders have published a series of blog posts on the subject.
What are the benefits of Azelaic Acid?
Derived from grains like wheat, rye and barley, Azelaic Acid is undoubtedly an unsung hero for the skin. This acid is often overshadowed by other popular ingredients, but it has many skin benefits such as:
Contains anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can reduce redness and rosacea.
It is rich in antibacterial properties, so it fights acne and breakouts, and clears pores clogged with excess sebum, bacteria and impurities.
Works on the outer surface of the skin to remove layers of dead skin cells, leaving skin radiant and healthy.
Targets areas of hyperpigmentation and dark spots for a brighter, more radiant complexion and an even-toned complexion.
As I mentioned before, azelaic acid certainly doesn’t fly under the radar when it comes to skincare ingredients. Even though it’s great for improving skin, it can take some time to work. This explains why professionals and dermatologists rarely prescribe it. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t incorporate azelaic acid into your daily routine. There are many over-the-counter formulas that deliver results and are beneficial to the skin. Learn more about this ingenious ingredient in our dedicated blog post.
Now that we’ve got some questions out of the way, let’s explore these two ingredients further and find out how to use them together most effectively.
Can Azelaic Acid and Retin A be used together?
In short: Yes, but only if you follow the application rules. What I mean by that is, you need to make sure you apply these active ingredients correctly to get the best results while avoiding unwanted side effects.
There are ways to use Retinol A and Azelaic A together, alternating between using each active ingredient in the evenings during the week. You can also choose to use Azelaic Acid in the morning and Retin A in the evenings for your skincare routine. You can also use both in the same routine, leaving 20 to 30 minutes between applications; just make sure your skin has built up tolerance before mixing the two ingredients. The short break between applications gives the skin enough time to balance pH and prepare for the next application. You can also combine these two powerful ingredients with other hydrating ingredients to lock moisture into the skin and keep the natural lipid barrier fully functional and healthy.
Do I use azelaic acid before or after retinol?
It depends on the product formula containing the corresponding active ingredient. What I mean is that a basic rule of skincare application is to apply skincare in order from thinnest to thickest. This ensures that each product can be fully absorbed into the skin without competing with the barrier of other thicker formulas.
You can often find azelaic acid and retinol A in similar products. For best results, I recommend using an exfoliating toner rich in azelaic acid, then a serum with hyaluronic acid, and finally another serum or moisturizer with retinol. Using these active ingredients at night allows each ingredient to do its job in the skin without interference from free radicals like pollution, UV rays, and other environmental influences.
Is Azelaic Acid Better Than Retin A?
I spent some time explaining how azelaic acid and retinol A work effectively together, but how do the benefits of these clever ingredients compare? The easiest way to determine which one is better for you and your skin is to consider these factors.
How sensitive your skin is and how likely it is to dry out
The choice of ingredients you use on a daily basis will largely depend on the sensitivity of your skin. For example, retinol is a known drying ingredient. So if your skin type is dry or reactive skin that gets irritated easily, you may be better off with azelaic acid.
Determine which skin concerns you want to treat
While azelaic acid and retinol have similar properties, such as: B. Antibacterial properties, retinol is known for its impressive ability to fight signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. So if you want to treat aging skin, retinol is your best bet. Otherwise, you can use azelaic acid to fight acne, breakouts, or clogged pores.
Identify the root cause of the problem
If you want to find out the root cause of your problem, I recommend consulting a doctor, dermatologist, or medical professional to examine each of these ingredients in more detail and find out which ones are good for your skin and which ones can cause more problems.
I hope I have answered some of your questions today about using azelaic acid and Retin A together. Don’t forget to visit us on Instagram for more skincare tips and if you have any additional questions, contact one of our skincare experts.
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.
