Can vitamin C be combined with azelaic acid?
You probably already know what vitamin C is, but the little-known benefits of azelaic acid are often overlooked. In recent years, this ingenious multifunctional acid has flourished, often appearing in formulations as the main
active ingredient. Chances are, you’ve already benefited from it without even realizing it.
So let’s find out more together and see if you can combine vitamin C with azelaic acid! Don’t forget to follow Procoal on Instagram for skincare concerns. What is Azelaic Acid? It occurs naturally in grains such as barley and
wheat, and was later formulated synthetically to make it stable and easy to incorporate into skin care products.
Azelaic acid is a class of drugs known as dicarboxylic acids, which are often mistaken for members of the AHA and BHA families. Originally formulated in topical skin care products to combat acne and rosacea. It’s packed with
antibacterial properties and chemical exfoliating powers to counteract the formation of dead skin cells, pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes.
It also fights hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and post-acne scars, while remaining gentle enough to calm rosacea and redness with its impressive anti-inflammatory properties. Do you want to know more? For more information, see
our Skin School post on azelaic acid.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C isn’t just found in your morning orange juice, it’s one of the most popular and widely used skincare ingredients. Rich in antioxidants, it fights daily stress from free radicals like UV damage and pollution.
With its powerful damage-neutralizing abilities, you may find that vitamin C fights fine lines and wrinkles, as well as combats dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leaving you with a healthy-looking glow and an even-toned
complexion. There’s an in-depth blog post on the full benefits of vitamin C, so be sure to check it out.
Now that you know the benefits of these two powerful ingredients, let’s take a deeper look at the combination of these two ingredients. Can vitamin C be combined with azelaic acid? The short answer is yes, azelaic acid and
vitamin C are both rich in antioxidant and skin conditioning properties that help even out skin tone and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I recommend using these ingredients sparingly, especially if you
have dry or sensitive skin type.
It may take some time for your skin to get used to using these two ingredients on a daily basis. To enhance skin tolerance, I recommend vitamin C in the morning and azelaic acid in the evening. By doing this, you can ensure a
reward while avoiding any adverse reactions, irritation or discomfort. You can find out more on this topic on the Beauty Insider blog. Click here to learn more.
What can azelaic acid be put on?
Fortunately for all of us, azelaic acid is relatively easy to incorporate into our daily lives. You might even find it versatile, combining it with other active ingredients, including acids. Here are some examples of which
ingredients can be coated with azelaic acid.
Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide. The combination of these two ingredients can improve the overall appearance and health of the skin. With less inflammation, less congestion, post-acne scars and dark spots are visibly different.
Both Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide work on the outer surface of the skin, with Niacinamide locking in moisture within the protective barrier, keeping it at its healthiest and most functional.
Azelaic Acid and AHA BHA. While combining azelaic acid with an AHA or BHA could spell disaster, it’s actually completely safe to use. Azelaic Acid is gentle enough not to disrupt the skin barrier or cause dryness.
Still, it’s best to keep an eye out for other, stronger acids you’re using on your skin, as overuse can lead to severe dryness, redness, and acne. For a simple yet effective routine, alternate products containing AHAs (like
glycolic acid) and BHAs (like salicylic acid).
Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C Combining these two powerful ingredients is a simple task. Both are rich in antioxidants and work together to help rejuvenate the skin, repair damage, and protect the outer barrier as you go about your
daily routine. As I mentioned before, it’s best to rotate each ingredient in your regimen to avoid unwanted reactions.
Here are three examples of the best ingredients to coat with azelaic acid. With other popular skincare ingredients in mind, I recommend seeking the advice of a doctor, dermatologist, or licensed healthcare professional before
introducing any new ingredient into your routine.
Which is better, azelaic acid or vitamin C?
If I had to decide which skin ingredient is better, vitamin C or azelaic acid, I would choose vitamin C. This is because both forms of vitamin C are naturally found in the skin. Since both ingredients have an impressive array of
skin benefits, they’re completely safe to use together. If both of these ingredients are new to your routine, I recommend doing a patch test 24 hours in advance to prevent irritation.
To do a patch test, apply 10p of skincare to the inner forearm and leave overnight. If you don’t experience any swelling or irritation in the morning, you can apply the cream to your face. Can acid and vitamin C be layered? Yes,
you can, but it may take some time to learn what works best.
Here are a few options you can try. Option 1: Using Vitamin C and AHA/BHA at Different Times This is the best option for those with extremely dry and sensitive skin. By using acids and vitamin C at different times, you can
ensure returns without worrying about irritation or skin barrier disruption. You’ll also find that by using these ingredients at different times of the day, you can adjust the pH of your natural protective barrier.
This is important because it prevents the risk of the surface of the skin becoming weak and brittle from exposure to free radicals. Option Two: Combination of Vitamin C and AHA/BHA When used correctly, the combination of acids
and vitamin C can be a powerful combination. However, you must remember that developing your skin’s tolerance will affect how each ingredient works best. If you want to learn more about what not to mix with vitamin C, read the
related blog post.
