Can Retinol and Azelaic Acid Be Mixed Together?

**Can Retinol and Azelaic Acid Be Mixed Together?**

Yes, **retinol** and **azelaic acid** can be used together in your skincare routine, but with a few considerations. Both of these ingredients offer powerful benefits, from reducing acne and pigmentation to boosting skin texture and collagen production. When combined effectively, they can work synergistically to improve the overall appearance of your complexion. However, as they are both potent actives, it’s important to understand how they interact with the skin and how to use them properly to avoid irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

### What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like barley and wheat, and it is known for its **gentle exfoliating properties**. Here’s a quick rundown of its benefits:

– **Anti-inflammatory**: Azelaic acid helps soothe skin, reducing redness and inflammation, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin or conditions like **rosacea**.

– **Antibacterial**: It helps to clear up acne and prevent future breakouts by killing acne-causing bacteria.

– **Reduces hyperpigmentation**: Azelaic acid can lighten dark spots, post-acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even skin tone.

– **Mild exfoliation**: Azelaic acid sloughs off dead skin cells, revealing smoother skin without the intense irritation some other exfoliating acids might cause.

### What is Retinol?

Retinol, also known as **vitamin A**, is one of the most potent skincare ingredients for **anti-aging** and **skin renewal**. It speeds up skin cell turnover, encourages collagen production, and can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Here’s a breakdown of its benefits:

– **Speeds up skin cell turnover**: Helps fade dark spots and acne scars, revealing smoother and brighter skin.

– **Stimulates collagen production**: Increases skin elasticity, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

– **Fights acne**: Helps prevent clogged pores, reduces sebum production, and treats existing acne.

– **Thickens the skin**: This makes your skin more resilient to free radical damage.

### Can Retinol and Azelaic Acid Be Used Together?

Yes, **retinol and azelaic acid can be used together** but with caution. Both ingredients work on skin texture and pigmentation, but they have different mechanisms. Here’s how they can complement each other:

– **Azelaic acid** is gentler and often used to soothe the skin, while **retinol** is more aggressive in terms of exfoliation and increasing skin cell turnover.

– Combining these two can help **reduce acne**, improve **skin tone**, and tackle **hyperpigmentation** and **fine lines**. Azelaic acid’s soothing properties can also help mitigate some of the irritation that can occur with retinol use.

### How to Use Retinol and Azelaic Acid Together

While they can be used in the same routine, it’s crucial to apply them **correctly** to avoid irritation. Here are some tips:

#### 1. **Layering Order**

You’ll need to layer these ingredients in the correct order for maximum effectiveness:

– **Use Azelaic Acid in the Morning**: Azelaic acid can be used in the morning, as it does not make the skin more sensitive to the sun like retinol does. Apply it after your cleanser, toner, and before your moisturizer and sunscreen.

– **Apply Retinol at Night**: Since retinol increases sun sensitivity, it should only be used in the evening. Apply it after cleansing, and wait for it to fully absorb before applying a moisturizer.

#### 2. **Alternate Use (If Needed)**

If your skin is particularly sensitive or prone to irritation, you might want to **alternate** these ingredients to reduce the risk of over-exfoliation. For example:

– **Morning**: Azelaic acid (daily or every other day, depending on skin tolerance)

– **Evening**: Retinol (start with 2-3 times a week and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance)

#### 3. **Start Slow**

Both retinol and azelaic acid can cause irritation if your skin isn’t used to them, so start by using them sparingly. Begin with **low concentrations** and gradually increase as your skin adjusts.

#### 4. **Hydration Is Key**

Both retinol and azelaic acid can be drying, so make sure to keep your skin hydrated. Follow up with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration and protect your skin’s natural barrier.

#### 5. **SPF is Essential**

Both azelaic acid and retinol increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it’s crucial to wear **sunscreen** every day, even if you’re not using these ingredients that day. Opt for **SPF 30 or higher** to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

### Which Ingredient Should Be Used First: Azelaic Acid or Retinol?

The order of application depends on the formulation of the products, but as a general rule:

– **Azelaic Acid** is typically found in **serums** or **creams**, which are usually lighter in consistency. Apply it first.

– **Retinol** can be found in **serums**, **oils**, or **moisturizers**, which are typically thicker. Apply retinol **last** in your evening routine after azelaic acid has had time to absorb.

Remember to wait a few minutes between applying each product to give your skin time to absorb them properly and avoid irritation.

### Can You Use Retinol, Azelaic Acid, and Niacinamide Together?

Yes, **niacinamide** can be safely used with both **retinol** and **azelaic acid**, but like with the others, care must be taken to avoid irritation. Niacinamide has **anti-inflammatory properties** and can help soothe the skin, making it a great complement to these actives. The best way to use them together is:

– **Morning**: Use azelaic acid and niacinamide (azelaic acid as a toner or serum and niacinamide as a serum or moisturizer).

– **Evening**: Use retinol and niacinamide together (apply retinol first, then niacinamide).

You can also alternate between using azelaic acid in the morning and retinol in the evening, as discussed above.

### Is Azelaic Acid Better Than Retinol?

Both **azelaic acid** and **retinol** have unique benefits, and neither is universally better than the other. It really depends on your skin’s needs:

– **Retinol** is a powerhouse for anti-aging, acne, and overall skin texture improvement. It’s great for tackling fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars but can be harsh on sensitive skin.

– **Azelaic acid** is a gentler option, especially for those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. It’s also effective for treating acne, pigmentation, and reducing inflammation.

In many cases, using **both** together can give you the best of both worlds: retinol for its anti-aging and acne-fighting properties, and azelaic acid for its gentle, anti-inflammatory effects that help with pigmentation and overall skin clarity.

### Final Thoughts

In conclusion, **retinol and azelaic acid can be used together**, and doing so can enhance your skincare routine, especially if you’re dealing with acne, hyperpigmentation, or aging concerns. Just make sure to start slow, monitor your skin’s response, and always use sunscreen during the day. If you have sensitive skin or are unsure how your skin will react, consider alternating their use or consulting with a dermatologist for personalized advice.

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.

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