"Can You Mix Azelaic Acid with Moisturizer for Healthy Skin?"

Can You Mix Azelaic Acid with Moisturiser?

If you’re up to date with the latest blog posts here on Beauty Insiders, you will be aware of how a lot of focus has been on the unsung hero, azelaic acid. Now, don’t worry too much if you haven’t, I won’t take it personally, but here is a brief rundown of what the ingredient is and how it works on the skin.

What is azelaic acid?

Naturally derived from grains, such as barley and rye, azelaic acid is an effective skin ingredient that can be used to combat acne and rosacea flare-ups. It can do this with the help of the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties found in the powerhouse.

You’ll often find over the counter products often contain percentages of the acid that are 15% or lower, if you are wanting something that is more potent, you can opt for a professional peel or facial.

It is important that you consult with a doctor or dermatologist about finding the best formula to target any acne concerns, without any drying or irritating side effects. If you wanted to know more about azelaic acid, check out our dedicated blog post about it how it works on the skin.

Now we have had a little refresher, we can dive right in to finding out more about whether you can mix azelaic acid with moisturiser.

How do you use azelaic acid with moisturiser?

There are a variety of skincare products that contain active levels of azelaic acid, from face washes, serums, and toners. This will determine how you use azelaic acid with a moisturiser, but here is a routine to for you to use that is found to be simple and effective.

Cleanse the skin fully with a face wash or cleanser

Follow the cleanser with an exfoliating toner

Apply a layer of hyaluronic acid enriched onto the skin to help lock moisture into the surface

Follow this with a serum containing azelaic acid

Apply a layer of moisturiser

Finish off with an SPF of 30 and above if you are using this routine during the day

Everyone’s skin is different so this routine may require some tweaking to fit and suit, but it is a highly effective routine that allows each active ingredient to perform its benefits on the skin with little to no negative side effects.

The role of a moisturiser is often something that isn’t clear to many of us. Unlike serums, it is only able to work on the outer layers of the skin. If you are wanting to target specific concerns, such as signs of ageing or hyperpigmentation, it’s best to use a serum for that and instead use your moisturiser to create a physical layer on the skin. This will act as a barrier and help protect the complexion from exposure to free radical damage, such as pollution and UV rays.

Do I put on azelaic acid before or after moisturiser?

This is down to personal preference and the formula containing azelaic acid itself, however, if you were to ask for my opinion, I would apply azelaic acid before your moisturiser and after a serum containing hyaluronic acid.

The hyaluronic acid in the serum will help lock moisture into the skin and counteract the drying effects azelaic acid can often have. Follow this with a serum enriched with azelaic acid will not only help it to absorb quickly but will help it deliver quicker results. Finally, apply a physical barrier on the surface of the skin with your moisturiser for overall improved protection.

Can I use niacinamide and azelaic acid together?

Yes, you absolutely can! The beauty of niacinamide is the fact that it carries the same humectant benefits of hyaluronic acid as well as some additional benefits of its own, such as its ability to refine the pores and strengthen the skin barrier. By teaming the pair together, you’ll find there is a potent power duo that will battle against breakouts, spots, and blackheads. You will also find, that if you are prone to dark spots or scarring post acne these two skin ingredients will help counteract the pigmentation of the discolouration of the skin whilst reducing blemishes and preventing any new ones from developing.

Azelaic acid as an ingredient is often favoured by many skin experts and dermatologist to help combat acne, however salicylic acid is considered the more popular choice for many already have an established understanding of the BHA. There is nothing preventing you from using these acids in your routine, it will just be a case of alternating the days you apply them. Just a word of advice, it’s best to use them during your evening routine for added protection against certain free radicals that are present during the day, such as UV light.

What goes first niacinamide or azelaic acid?

Ideally you should apply niacinamide before azelaic acid as this will ensure the skin is hydrated and more absorbent. This will help the acid to penetrate the lower layers whilst avoiding any unwanted skin irritation, such as dryness, itching, redness, and rashes on the skin. Having said that, it is important to remember the basic skin rule of application, starting with the thinnest consistency and working your way up to thicker formulas. Ensuring you apply your products correctly will ensure the skin reaps the rewards of these ingredients allowing them to deliver optimal results.

Can I use azelaic acid on wet skin?

Not really, as azelaic acid is not the same as other acids, such as hyaluronic acid. HA contains humectant properties that benefit from being applied to wet skin as the moisture is locked in, leaving your complexion plumped, nourished, and hydrated. For the best results with azelaic acid, apply it onto semi-dry skin after you used hyaluronic acid, and before your moisturiser.

There you have a little more information about using azelaic acid together with a moisturiser. Don’t forget to get in touch if you have any further skincare questions, you can find one of our skin experts on Instagram.

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.

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