Can I use Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid Together?
The popularity of acids in recent years has resulted in every skincare brand including them into at least one of their popular products. The only downside is the fact that these acids are highly effective, with active levels of the ingredients used in various formulations. This is great for giving you impressive and noticeable results, but there is the risk of overdoing it. Yes, you can have a little too much of a good thing and when layered or used incorrectly, these potent skin heroes can leave the skin barrier weakened, irritated, severely dry with flare ups of redness.
Before we get started, let’s quickly recap about what exactly azelaic acid and glycolic acid can do for the skin.
What is azelaic acid good for?
Derived from grains such as barely, wheat and rye, azelaic acid isn’t actually a member of the AHA family, but instead is a medication named dicarboxylic acid. It is often used to treat areas of concern, such as rosacea and acne due to the fact it is able to reduce swelling and redness to the skin. It is also able to combat any bacteria on the skin surface that can lead to the pores becoming clogged resulting in breakouts, leaving you with skin clarity.
What is glycolic acid good for?
One of the most popular and used acids in the AHA, glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and can work on the outer surface of the skin. When applied it is able to slough away the build-up of dead skin cells that often sit on the outer surface and develop into a number of concerns, from fine lines becoming more prominent, frequent breakouts and lack lustre complexion.
So now you have a better understanding of how each of these ingredients work, let’s now investigate further and see whether you can use azelaic acid and glycolic acid together.
Can glycolic and azelaic acid be used together?
Yes, it is considered perfectly safe to use azelaic acid and glycolic acid together. Using both acids in your daily routine is an easy change to make for a huge impact to your skin.
Many medical and skincare experts believe that because azelaic acid is so easily tolerated by almost all skin types, including the mildly sensitive. Having said that, you may find it difficult to find azelaic acid in over-the-counter formulas making this skincare ingredient quite unique in its own way. Gentle enough for those with sensitivity but not potent enough to remain as a prescribed ingredient.
It is important to remember that both these acids work at exfoliating the skin which is why it is vital you apply sunscreen on a daily basis, yes even on days its cloudy.
What can you not mix with azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is considered a skin ingredient that can be introduced into your routine easily and can be teamed with other acids effectively. This however doesn’t mean there are some ingredients that should be avoided. It is recommended that when it comes to layering azelaic acid with salicylic acid for example you must consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure your skin can tolerate using them together. This will avoid the skin becoming irritated and dry with signs of damage caused to the protective barrier from overstimulating to the skin.
Can you use glycolic acid with other acids?
Yes, you can but with caution, it is easy to over exfoliate the skin without you really realising. Glycolic acid is one of the most potent AHAs making it a great addition to anyone’s daily skincare routine, providing your skin will tolerate it of course. As for other acids, such as lactic and malic it is really a case of alternating which formulations or time you use glycolic acid and other acids together.
Many of those with a combination to oily skin type will often find teaming salicylic and glycolic acid together will result in clear, glowing skin. This, however, is not the case with everyone so performing a patch test of any new ingredients or products for 24 hours before applying it over the face is important to avoid unwanted skin reactions.
What products should not be used with glycolic acid?
You should avoid layering vitamin C with glycolic acid. You’ll find that vitamin C is often considered unstable and is difficult to layer with other ingredients. This is often the result of outdated research describing vitamin C as a highly unstable skin ingredient making it highly reactive. This is because the pH levels of both glycolic acid and vitamin C are low meaning, they are both very acidic and can easily cause an imbalance of the skin surface. This imbalance will lead to skin irritation and other concerns such as dryness and flushing of the skin surface.
If you are wanting to know more about how to vitamin C, check out dedicated blog post about what not to mix with vitamin C.
Can I use azelaic acid every day?
Yes, you can use azelaic acid every day, in fact you can use it twice a day in your daily skincare routine. Often formulated into several different skincare products you can tailor your regime to suit your skin and the concerns you are wanting to target. What I mean by this is if you have a more sensitive skin type you can opt for a face cleanser as this is rinsed from the skin. For combination or oily skin types you can go for a more potent product such as a serum.
Can I use glycolic acid every day?
You can indeed! Just the same as azelaic acid you can use it twice a day. If you wanted my suggestion, I would choose an exfoliating toner enriched in glycolic acid. This is because the formula of the toners enabling the skin to be exfoliated without the ingredient remaining on the skin for too long resulting in irritation.
There you have a little more information about how to use azelaic acid and glycolic acid together, don’t forget you can come and follow us on Instagram if you have any questions.
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.
