Can Azelaic Acid be used with Sunscreen?
In an industry as crowded as beauty, the chances of certain ingredients being missing are high, which may explain why azelaic acid and its benefits have long flown under the radar. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be benefits from incorporating them into your daily skincare routine.
What is Azelaic Acid? And can we use it with sunscreen? Let’s look at this in a little more detail. Before we dive in, let’s quickly summarize what this unsung hero can do for your skin.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is an ingredient in skincare that is derived from grains like barley, rye, and wheat. Azelaic acid is known for its stability in formulas and is favored by many people who are prone to conditions like acne and rosacea. This is because it can reduce inflammation and block pigment production, improving the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
You’ll find azelaic acid in a variety of concentration percentages, with some containing up to 20% in prescription formulas. Over-the-counter products have much lower percentages, which for many people is the best way to introduce azelaic acid into their skincare routine. Some other benefits of using azelaic acid include:
Contains skin-soothing properties that can reduce signs of redness and sensitivity
Improve skin tone for a more even, clear complexion
Fights skin blemishes and reduces inflammation and redness
Improve skin tone by reducing dark spots, uneven skin tone, and areas of hyperpigmentation
Now that we’ve taken a quick look at azelaic acid and its effects on the skin, let’s take a closer look at how to use it with sunscreen.
Can Azelaic Acid Be Used with Sunscreen?
Yes, you can use azelaic acid with sunscreen because, unlike other acids, it does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation. However, it is still highly recommended to apply SPF 30 or above daily. This is because azelaic acid exfoliates the skin, causing new skin cells to be deposited on the surface, becoming more vulnerable to UV rays and the sun’s rays. Over time, this can lead to deeper skin damage, such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity can also appear. You’ll also find that a sunscreen applied daily creates a physical barrier on the skin, ensuring that the active ingredients in other products can remain undisturbed and protected. This means you can reap the benefits without having to worry about further skin damage.
What should not be used with azelaic acid?
For effective skincare, it is recommended not to mix or layer strong ingredients like salicylic acid with other salicylates. This is because the potential for increased skin sensitivity, irritation, dryness, and redness is high.
As for other ingredients, take the popular AHAs, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and even hydrating powerhouses like hyaluronic acid. They have all been shown to work effectively in combination with azelaic acid if used correctly and with enough time between applications to allow the skin’s pH to rebalance.
For more information on what not to use with azelaic acid, see our dedicated blog post.
Should I use azelaic acid before or after my moisturizer?
Azelaic acid works best when applied to the skin after using water-based products. I’m talking about cleansers, face washes, and other products. This is easy if you choose a product that contains azelaic acid (exfoliating toner or serum), both of which are applied to the skin before moisturizer.
A general skincare rule is to apply products in order of thinnest to thickest consistency, starting with your cleanser and ending with your daily SPF sunscreen. This ensures that all ingredients get to work in the right areas of the skin without competing with each other or having to penetrate thicker formulas.
What can you layer azelaic acid on?
There are several ingredients that can be layered with azelaic acid, with the most effective being niacinamide. By combining these powerhouses, you’ll notice all signs of congestion, inflammation, and problem areas. Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are visibly improved. You’ll also find that sebum production is regulated due to the unique benefits of niacinamide, resulting in an anti-acne duo for niacinamide and azelaic acid. Azelaic acid can reduce inflammation and redness, while niacinamide can prevent worsening spots and the formation of new ones.
When should you use azelaic acid in your daily routine?
As I mentioned earlier, this largely depends on the product that azelaic acid is formulated with. However, you’ll find this ingenious acid in products like exfoliating toners, serums, and moisturizers. This means using this ingredient in the later stages of your daily routine. If you have questions about how to use azelaic acid and whether incorporating it into your daily routine will benefit your skin, it’s best to consult a doctor before applying anything to your skin.
Where does azelaic acid go in your daily routine?
This largely depends on the formula that contains azelaic acid. This will help you determine where in your daily routine you need to use azelaic acid. You can often find skin care products like toners, serums, and moisturizers. All of these are used in the later stages of your daily routine after cleansing your skin. Where you use azelaic acid in your daily routine is up to you and what it does to your skin. If you have any questions, don’t forget to consult your doctor or dermatologist to find the best product for you and achieve the best results. Can Azelaic Acid Lighten Your Skin? Yes, azelaic acid can lighten the skin because it targets areas of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. By reducing the darkness of these problem areas, it also improves the overall appearance and texture of the skin. Due to the antioxidant properties of this ingredient, lipid levels in the protective skin barrier are replenished and healthy. This leads to an overall improved complexion. As I mentioned before, azelaic acid exfoliates the skin. Even though it is one of the most versatile ingredients, it is still important to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day to protect the fresh layer of skin from the sun. Here you have some more information about using azelaic acid and sunscreen. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more information.
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.
