Can I use AHAs with Azelaic Acid, Clindamycin, Zinc, and Niacinamide?
We have never been more aware of skin care and its active ingredients. When used correctly, they can have incredible benefits for the skin and its overall health and appearance. I admit, sometimes it feels like some scientist is using an endless amount of active ingredients, but it’s just something that takes some time to get used to and pays off.
This brings us to the benefits of layering these ingredients mentioned in today’s blog post. So the question is, can AHAs be used with Azelaic Acid, Clindamycin, Zinc, and Niacinamide? Before we get into how these ingredients
affect the skin, we will briefly discuss the benefits of these active ingredients.
What are fruit acids?
AHAs, also known as alpha hydroxy acids, are the name of a group of chemical peels.
They are taken from a variety of natural sources such as fruits, grains, and dairy products.
The most popular AHAs are glycolic, lactic, and malic acids, all of which are found in a variety of skin care formulas.
AHAs remove layers of dead skin cells, dirt, and debris that build up on the surface of the skin, which can lead to breakouts, flaky patches, and a dull, lackluster complexion.
Some AHAs work deep within the skin, opening up the pores and removing excess sebum, bacteria and dirt.
Each acid has a different strength. Therefore, it is important to know your skin type to choose the most effective formula.
If you want to learn more about AHAs, read our dedicated blog post.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Found naturally on the skin, it is derived from grains such as barley, wheat and rye.
Often confused with AHAs, but it has its own unique benefits and skin-improving properties.
Contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can fight some skin problems such as acne, rosacea and uneven skin tone.
Promotes skin cell turnover, allowing the skin to heal faster and become smoother.
Has a larger molecular size, which means it is a weak acid suitable for all skin types.
If used correctly, it can be combined with other active ingredients.
Learn more about Azelaic Acid in this blog post.
What is Clindamycin Zinc?
This combination belongs to a group of ingredients known as “anti-acne” ingredients.
Often prescribed because it is more effective for problem skin.
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that inhibits the growth of skin bacteria and increases acne breakouts.
Zinc helps protect skin cells from free radicals, such as UV rays, pollution, and other skin-damaging toxins.
Known to cause peeling, itching, severe dryness, and increased redness.
There are some safety concerns, so you must consult your doctor.
What is Niacinamide?
Also known as vitamin B3 and niacinamide, Niacinamide has a variety of benefits for the skin.
It works for a variety of skin concerns, from reducing pores and fine lines to dullness and uneven skin tone.
Niacinamide is rich in antioxidants, which keep the lipid barrier strong and protect against free radicals and other oxidative stress.
Acts as a humectant to keep skin hydrated and moisturized, leaving skin healthy and plump with youthful elasticity.
Regulates the skin’s sebum production to keep it balanced, healthy, and functional.
For more information on Niacinamide, visit Beauty Insider.
Now that we’ve given a brief overview of how these ingredients affect the skin, let’s take a closer look at how to incorporate these ingredients into your daily skincare routine.
Can AHAs and Azelaic Acid Work Together?
Yes, AHAs and azelaic acid can be used together if used correctly. By combining these active ingredients, you can combat a range of skin concerns, from acne and aging to dullness and uneven skin tone. There are a variety of ways to combine these acids for optimal results without adverse side effects.
Allow about 30 minutes between applications. This works best for people whose skin has already developed a tolerance to the active ingredients and will benefit from the combination of these active ingredients in the same treatment.
Use one active ingredient in your morning routine and the other in the evening. This gives the skin enough time to rebalance its pH and for each active ingredient to work effectively on the skin.
You can also alternate the acids in the evening. This is ideal for people who are just starting to incorporate these ingredients into their daily routine, as it allows you to benefit without causing irritation.
When using any method, consider your skin type and how it reacts to the ingredients you use. If you have any concerns about using these active ingredients, consult your doctor or dermatologist for reassurance.
Can Niacinamide be used with Azelaic Acid and Zinc?
Yes, it can, but it requires some effort to use. Start with niacinamide and azelaic acid to ensure you get the best layering effect of these active ingredients. These ingredients form a highly effective combination, and while they work well individually, they really benefit when used together. Niacinamide minimizes any dryness or irritation to the skin caused by azelaic acid. Zinc can be applied 30 minutes later, ensuring there is enough time for the pH to rebalance and stabilize. If you are using a product or formula that you have never used before, I recommend doing a 24-hour patch test to see if your skin is happy with it. Simply apply 10p of the product to the inside of your forearm. Leave it on for 24 hours. If it does not irritate, you can apply it to your face. How can I incorporate clindamycin into my daily skin care routine? Clindamycin is an antibiotic ingredient that is commonly found in topical products or oral medications. Both are effective for people with severe acne caused by bacteria and can reduce the inflammation associated with this problem. When you use topical clindamycin products, you may notice that they have a lotion or gel-like consistency.Following your doctor’s instructions, you can apply clindamycin to thoroughly cleansed skin in the morning or evening. It’s best to use after moisturizing to avoid irritation or increased risk of dryness.
The last step in any skin care routine is to protect your skin from further damage with SPF. This should be done even on cloudy days, as UVA rays are always present and can cause sun damage, which can cause long-term stress on the skin.
You can find more information about using AHAs with azelaic acid, clindamycin zinc, and niacinamide there. If you still have any questions, you can reach me through our Instagram. We look forward to seeing you there.
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.