Can You Mix Azelaic Acid with Moisturiser?

**Can You Mix Azelaic Acid with Moisturiser?**

Yes, you can absolutely mix **azelaic acid** with **moisturizer**, but there are a few important things to consider in how you apply them together for optimal results. Here’s a breakdown of how to incorporate both into your skincare routine and the best way to layer your products for maximum benefits.

### What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a **naturally derived ingredient** (from grains like barley, rye, and wheat) known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and exfoliating properties. It’s often used to treat acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and general skin texture issues. Azelaic acid helps to:

– **Unclog pores**: Prevents acne and breakouts.

– **Brighten skin**: Reduces hyperpigmentation like dark spots and post-acne scars.

– **Calm inflammation**: Helps with rosacea and other redness-related skin concerns.

### How to Use Azelaic Acid with Moisturiser

Azelaic acid is typically used in **serum or cream form**. If you’re using azelaic acid as part of your skincare routine, here’s how to effectively layer it with a moisturizer:

1. **Cleanse the Skin**: Start by using a gentle face wash or cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.

2. **Apply an Exfoliating Toner (Optional)**: If you use a toner in your routine, go for an **exfoliating toner** (optional), especially one that is gentle and free from harsh acids, as azelaic acid already provides exfoliation.

3. **Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Optional)**: If you’re prone to dryness, apply a **hyaluronic acid serum** to lock moisture into the skin. This helps to hydrate and balance out the potentially drying effects of azelaic acid.

4. **Apply Azelaic Acid Serum or Cream**: Now apply the **azelaic acid serum** (or cream) to target acne, hyperpigmentation, or inflammation. Azelaic acid can be a bit drying, so this step will help address that.

5. **Follow with Moisturiser**: After the azelaic acid has been absorbed into your skin (wait about 1-2 minutes), follow with a **moisturizer**. The moisturizer will help lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier.

6. **Finish with Sunscreen (AM routine only)**: If you’re using this routine in the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum **SPF 30 or higher** to protect your skin from UV damage, especially since exfoliating acids like azelaic acid can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

### Should Azelaic Acid Be Applied Before or After Moisturiser?

In general, **azelaic acid should be applied before moisturizer**. This allows the active ingredient to penetrate and deliver its benefits, while the moisturizer will form a barrier on top to lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental damage.

Here’s the ideal order:

1. **Hyaluronic Acid (optional)**: Hydrates and locks in moisture.

2. **Azelaic Acid**: Targets acne, pigmentation, and inflammation.

3. **Moisturiser**: Seals everything in and provides hydration and protection.

### Can You Use Azelaic Acid on Wet Skin?

It’s best not to apply **azelaic acid** directly to **wet skin**. While some ingredients (like **hyaluronic acid**) benefit from being applied to damp skin, azelaic acid works best when the skin is **slightly damp or semi-dry**. Applying it to too-wet skin may dilute its effectiveness or cause irritation.

A good approach is to allow your skin to air dry or pat it gently with a towel after cleansing and before applying azelaic acid.

### Can You Mix Azelaic Acid with Niacinamide?

Yes, **azelaic acid and niacinamide** can be used together and make a great pair. Both ingredients have anti-inflammatory benefits, and together, they can help with:

– **Reducing acne and breakouts**: Both ingredients can help minimize pore congestion and calm redness.

– **Fading dark spots**: Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of pigmentation, and when combined with azelaic acid, it can speed up the process of fading dark spots or post-acne scars.

In this case, it’s best to apply **niacinamide first**, followed by **azelaic acid**, as niacinamide helps hydrate and calm the skin, making it more receptive to the azelaic acid.

### Can You Use Azelaic Acid with Other Actives Like AHA/BHA?

You can use azelaic acid with **milder AHAs and BHAs**, but it’s best to alternate them (for example, use AHA/BHA in the evening and azelaic acid in the morning). Combining strong exfoliants like AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid) or BHAs (like salicylic acid) directly with azelaic acid can be too harsh and lead to irritation.

### Key Tips for Using Azelaic Acid:

– **Start Slowly**: If you’re new to azelaic acid, begin by using it every other day or just a few times a week. This will help your skin build tolerance.

– **Moisturize**: Since azelaic acid can be drying for some people, it’s crucial to follow up with a good moisturizer to prevent dryness or irritation.

– **Use Sunscreen**: Azelaic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so applying sunscreen every day is essential to avoid UV damage.

### Conclusion

Yes, you can mix **azelaic acid with moisturizer**—in fact, it’s recommended to use moisturizer after applying azelaic acid to seal in hydration and protect the skin. Just make sure to apply the azelaic acid serum or cream **before** the moisturizer, and be mindful of how your skin reacts to avoid irritation.

If you have any further questions about your skincare routine, feel free to reach out to skincare professionals or drop us a message on **Instagram** for more personalized advice!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected