Can retinol and azelaic acid be mixed together?
Azelaic acid and retinol are two skincare ingredients that have unique and impressive effects. No doubt you already know about the benefits of retinol and how it improves the overall look and feel of your complexion while aiding in skin clarity. Retinol is known as one of the most powerful skin ingredients out there, and it has a range of skin benefits, from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to fighting blemishes and breakouts. Azelaic acid, on the other hand, has similar benefits but is gentler and can be used on sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
With both of these powerful ingredients delivering such impressive, eye-catching results, it’s no wonder this question has been making the rounds in today’s blog post. So, let’s dive in to learn more about whether you can mix retinol and azelaic acid together. However, before we get started, let’s take a quick look at azelaic acid and retinol and how they benefit the skin.
What are the benefits of azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid can reduce skin inflammation and calm acne breakouts on the surface of the skin.
Azelaic acid has antimicrobial properties that help remove dirt, bacteria, debris, and sebum buildup from the pores.
Azelaic acid is known for its ability to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and acne scars.
Azelaic acid gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells from the skin, resulting in a smoother, more even texture and surface on the face.
Azelaic acid does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation.
If you want to learn more about azelaic acid, you can read our dedicated blog post on Azelaic Acid on The Beauty Insiders.
What are the benefits of retinol?
Retinol is effective in fighting breakouts, spots, and acne.
Retinol works on the lower layers of the skin to help boost collagen and elastin production.
Retinol speeds up skin cell turnover and ensures that signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots are significantly reduced.
Retinol improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and replenishes lost elasticity.
If you want to learn more about what retinol can do for your skin, be sure to read the blog post “What are the benefits of retinol for skin care?”
Can retinol be used with azelaic acid?
Yes, you can, but be careful if you have sensitive skin as too much exfoliation can be taxing on the skin. If your skin is oily and prone to blemishes, the combination of retinol and azelaic acid can be an effective combination. Azelaic acid helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, especially scars caused by acne flare-ups. You’ll also notice that your skin feels clean as the retinol penetrates deep into the skin and clears out excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria from the pores.
Because each ingredient works both individually and as a team, you’ll notice an improvement in the overall appearance of your complexion. Signs of pigmentation are reduced and acne is treated.
An important thing to remember when combining these powerful ingredients is to apply SPF 30 or higher daily to protect your skin from free radical damage, such as pollution and harmful sun damage.
Which came first, azelaic acid or retinol?
This largely depends on the type of product the ingredients are formulated into. In previous blog posts, I’ve explained that the cardinal rule of skincare is to apply products in order of thinnest to thickest consistency. Azelaic acid is commonly found in products like exfoliating toners, serums, or face washes, all of which are used at different stages of your skincare routine. When it comes to retinol, this powerhouse is found in products like serums, face oils, and moisturizers, all of which are used later in your skincare routine.
If you’re still a little confused, an easy way to remember the order of application is to only use retinol at night. So it’s easier to remember if you apply it to clean skin before bed. You’ll also find that azelaic acid is an effective exfoliant for the skin, meaning it removes accumulated dead skin cells and debris, revealing fresh, more absorbent skin underneath, so any products you apply afterwards are quickly absorbed by the underlying layers of the skin.
Can Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, and Retinol be used together?
Yes, you can, but not at the same time, as this can be too much for the skin. Niacinamide and retinol can easily be used together, as the hydrating properties of niacinamide can counteract the drying effects of retinol, keeping your complexion plump, hydrated, and comfortable.
To use all three ingredients together, you’ll need to alternate between azelaic acid and retinol with niacinamide. The most effective way to do this is to use an exfoliating toner with azelaic acid in the morning after cleansing. You can then apply retinol and niacinamide in the evening to ensure that enough time has passed and your skin’s pH has rebalanced from the morning onwards.
Is Azelaic Acid Better Than Retinol?
Both azelaic acid and retinol offer similar skin benefits, but both have their own unique beneficial properties. As a result, many people use both of these powerful ingredients together in their daily routine to reap the benefits in the quickest and easiest way possible. If your skin can tolerate it, use both ingredients together, and of course don’t forget to apply a daily SPF to protect against UV rays.
That’s it. Hopefully, I’ve answered most of your questions about mixing azelaic acid and retinol. If you have any additional queries, though, visit us on Instagram.
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.
