Can I mix AHAs with Azelaic Acid?
I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re wondering what exactly azelaic acid is and how it can benefit your skin. The beauty industry is filled with powerful and effective ingredients, so the idea of adding another one shouldn’t be too concerning. Lastly, azelaic acid is notoriously a well-kept secret among skincare enthusiasts, meaning you can usually only find it in specialty treatments or niche skincare brands.
If you’re wondering what the benefits of azelaic acid are, you can read our dedicated blog post about it and how it works on your skin. However, today’s post will take a closer look at whether or not you can mix AHAs with azelaic acid.
Can I use azelaic acid with AHAs?
Yes, you can, as it’s known to work well with other skin ingredients, even with stronger ingredients like the popular AHAs B. glycolic acid and lactic acid. Don’t let the name fool you, as it’s not as aggressive as you might think. In fact, azelaic acid is safe and effective for nearly all skin types, even those prone to rosacea. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, azelaic acid is also very effective for treating acne-prone skin without stripping the skin of sebum, which often leads to excessive oil production and an endless cycle of constant breakouts and acne breakouts. However, using azelaic acid as a single ingredient is not considered the best solution for treating acne and must be combined with other moisturizing and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to counteract the typically drying effects of azelaic acid.
What Shouldn’t AHAs Be Mixed With?
To avoid unnecessary skin irritation, do not mix AHAs with the following skincare ingredients.
BHAs, Like Salicylic Acid
This is because applying both acids to the skin is too irritating. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, are oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper into the skin than AHAs, such as glycolic acid. AHAs work on the outer surface of the skin to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, debris, bacteria, and other impurities. However, there is nothing wrong with using these ingredients in your daily routine. All you need to do is alternate the ingredients at different stages of your daily skincare routine.
Retinol
Retinol is known to speed up the skin cell renewal cycle, which can often make the skin feel dry and irritated. To prevent your skin from becoming more irritated, it’s best to use a skincare product rich in fruit acids, such as glycolic acid, in the morning and save the retinol for the evening.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has an exfoliating effect on the skin. However, combining it with products rich in alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C can lead to over-exfoliation and skin irritation.
If you want to learn more about what not to mix with AHAs, you can read the blog post which explains in more detail how to easily and effectively use these ingredients in your daily skincare routine.
Can I mix niacinamide with azelaic acid?
Absolutely! Azelaic acid and niacinamide are known to work well together. The moisturizing properties of niacinamide ensure that moisture is drawn into the skin around the face and locked there. You’ll also find that niacinamide ensures that pores are refined and the skin’s protective barrier is strengthened and functioning properly.
For best results, it’s best to use a product rich in azelaic acid first and then a serum containing niacinamide to reduce the risk of the acid drying out and irritating the skin.
Can I use Azelaic Acid with Glycolic Acid?
Yes, you can use Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid together. Many people find the combination of the two to be a great alternative to the highly effective skin ingredient, Retinoic Acid. By using Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid together, your skin will get the same effects as Retinoic Acid, but it will be easier for your skin to tolerate.
Using Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid together will make your skin feel younger, smoother, plumper, more vibrant, and improve your skin tone overall. If you want to learn more about combining these powerful ingredients, read the blog post “Can I use Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid together?”
Where do you use Azelaic Acid in your daily routine?
You’ll often find Azelaic Acid in a variety of skincare products. The basic rule of skincare is to apply products in order from thinnest to thickest. Products containing Azelaic Acid are typically serums and moisturizers and should be applied to the skin later in your routine. For best results, it’s best to apply Azelaic Acid after using a cleanser and exfoliating toner to remove all bacteria, debris, and dirt. This way, any formula you apply afterwards will be quickly absorbed and penetrate into the lower layers of the skin.
Can Azelaic Acid be used daily?
Azelaic acid can be used twice daily, even for those with sensitive skin that is prone to certain conditions such as rosacea. Unlike other acids, skin tolerance is easy to build up and doesn’t take too long. You can also increase the number of days per week that you apply the acid to your skin.
Does Azelaic Acid Cause Rash?
Yes, Azelaic Acid can cause rashes because skin cell turnover is increased rapidly, which purifies the skin. Skin clearing is often mistakenly thought of as acne, even though it is clearly a sign of thorough cleansing of the skin by pushing dirt, excess sebum, and debris from the pores to the surface. Continue using your products and you will notice that after 4 weeks, your skin will become clearer and have an overall healthy glow.
You can learn more about the AHA and Azelaic Acid combination here. Remember, if you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult a doctor or dermatologist. Follow us on Instagram for any other skincare questions you have.
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.
