Can you mix azelaic acid with salicylic acid?
It’s often hard to find a skincare ingredient that can treat both acne and rosacea, but azelaic acid does just that, with its many skin-boosting properties, such as being antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This allows the acid to kill bacteria in the lower layers of the skin that would normally clog the pores. These are often the cause of acne and breakouts, and many people find that applying azelaic acid topically can help clear the skin of dead skin cells, debris, and bacteria.
You’ll also find that exfoliation combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of azelaic acid can soothe and significantly improve flare-ups of rosacea and other skin sensitivities.
There are even more benefits to azelaic acid that I’ll share with you now.
Azelaic acid helps prevent future breakouts and acne
Azelaic acid is a comedolytic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores, but ensures that they are always clear. This can make them smaller and reduce the problem of blackheads and pimples.
Azelaic acid is considered a safer alternative to other powerful skincare products
Many people find retinoids and other potent ingredients, especially those designed to fight acne, to be effective. Azelaic acid is effective enough to clear up severe acne and cystic acne on the skin without the drying side effects associated with tretinoin.
Azelaic acid fights dark spots and helps improve melasma
Azelaic acid can fight dark spots by limiting the production of melanin in the lower layers of the skin. It does this by blocking the enzymes needed for melanin to make the pigmentation of dark spots and melasma darker.
Now that you know what azelaic acid does and how it affects the skin, let’s move on to find out if you can mix it with salicylic acid. The Beauty Insiders has also dedicated a blog post on its skincare benefits if you want to learn more about this acid.
Can Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid be Mixed?
Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, the combination of these skin ingredients can be effective in fighting blemishes and acne. Understandably, the idea of combining the two acids can lead to disaster. You’ll be surprised to learn that azelaic acid can work well with salicylic acid when the ratio of the active ingredients is small. Another option is to use each ingredient every other day to avoid unwanted skin reactions. If you find that your skin is oily and you have built up a tolerance to both of these powerful ingredients, you can use each ingredient on the same day but at different stages of your routine. For example, many people find that using azelaic acid in the morning and then salicylic acid in the evening is the best way to use each ingredient.
To determine if your skin is happy with both ingredients, it’s best to do a 24-hour patch test before applying to your face. You can also consult with your doctor or dermatologist to make sure you’re using the best formula for your skin.
What Not to Mix with Salicylic Acid?
There are some ingredients that should not be mixed with salicylic acid, and here are some examples.
Don’t Mix Salicylic Acid with Vitamin C
This is because the pH levels of both acids are too similar, and when used on top of each other, they can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, and flaking. To reap the benefits of these powerful properties, it’s best to alternate them. Many skin care experts prefer to use vitamin C in the morning, as the antioxidants ensure that it strengthens the skin’s barrier against free radicals like UV rays and pollution. You can then use salicylic acid in the evening to thoroughly cleanse your skin, removing any residue and bacteria that has accumulated during the day.
Don’t Mix Salicylic Acid with Retinol
It’s best to avoid mixing these ingredients because both are too strong to work effectively, but can actually wreak havoc on the skin. When you mix salicylic acid and retinol together, your skin can become dry, irritated, and develop redness and rashes. By alternating between these ingredients at night, you can reap the skin benefits without any of the adverse, severe side effects of use.
For more details, see the blog post “What Not to Mix with Salicylic Acid?” where you can learn more about how to use salicylic acid with other ingredients in your daily routine.
Is Salicylic Acid Better or Azelaic Acid?
There are many similarities between salicylic acid and azelaic acid. The main difference is that azelaic acid is generally gentler on the skin. Azelaic acid would make a great ingredient if you have a sensitive skin type that’s prone to acne breakouts. or similar outbreaks.
On the other hand, salicylic acid can inhibit the production of sebum in the skin, making it perfect for people with oily skin. There are also some studies that show that azelaic acid can generally increase sebum production, which means that people with oily, acne-prone skin should avoid it altogether.
As you can see, each ingredient is a great skin supplement if you suffer from acne and frequent breakouts. However, neither acid is suitable if you want to fight signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, azelaic acid can benefit the skin by fighting dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which worsen and become more noticeable with age.
Can Azelaic Acid Bleach the Skin?
Technically it does, but not in the way you might initially think. What I mean is that azelaic acid can brighten the skin in areas of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. This is possible because it contains the enzyme tyrosinase, which is required for the production of melanin. Melanin affects skin pigmentation and can be overproduced in areas of the face that have been damaged by excessive sun exposure, aging, and acne scarring. Azelaic acid can control melanin production, which can have a significant effect on hyperpigmentation and dark spots over time.
Okay, hopefully I’ve answered your question about mixing azelaic acid with salicylic acid. If you have any other skin care questions, feel free to reach out to us by following 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.
