Can you use azelaic acid to treat a sunburn?
Azelaic acid is well known for treating acne and rosacea without the side effects. Many people like it because it works on the skin and exfoliates in a similar way to other acids. The main difference is that azelaic acid is known for its stability in formulas and gentleness on the skin compared to other popular acids, such as glycolic acid.
Today we want to look at how azelaic acid affects the skin and answer the question of whether you can use azelaic acid to treat a sunburn. For those who haven’t noticed, I will briefly explain the benefits of the acid.
What is azelaic acid? What does it do for the skin?
Obtained from grains such as barley, wheat and rye
Contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Can help those with acne and rosacea by clearing out pores and clearing out bacteria, preventing further breakouts and relieving inflammation
Available in different percentages, up to 15% in over-the-counter formulas and prescription topical treatments
Fights signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, allowing the skin to heal quickly
Improves skin structure, making it smoother and giving your complexion a radiant glow
If you want to learn more about the benefits of azelaic acid, see this detailed blog post on The Beauty Insiders.
Is Azelaic Acid Sun-Sensitive?
No, azelaic acid is not sun-sensitive, which is an unusual property for a chemical peel acid. However, this doesn’t mean you can skip the use of sunscreen, because when the skin is exposed to the sun without protection, newly shed skin cells can become damaged, which can lead to a variety of skin problems. What I mean by this is that the lipid barrier on the surface of the skin becomes damaged and weakened. This is because it is deprived of the vital water and oils it needs to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals such as UV rays, pollution, central heating and other environmental aggressors.
When the surface of the skin is damaged, you’ll notice signs of premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles becoming more pronounced, dark spots and pigmentation worsening. Therefore, it’s important to apply nourishing moisturizing ingredients as well as sunscreen every day to keep the skin’s protective barrier strong and functioning properly.
Which acids are good for sunburn?
Acids that have an exfoliating effect should be completely avoided for treating sunburn, as exfoliation of sunburned skin can lead to severe irritation and dryness. There is one acid that can be used to treat sunburn and is well known for its impressive results: hyaluronic acid. Don’t let the name fool you, it works very differently from other acids. Instead of shedding layers of dead skin cells, hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant. What I mean by this is that it draws moisture into the skin and locks it in, keeping it plump and hydrated all day long. This works wonders for skin that’s been exposed to too much sun, especially if you keep hyaluronic acid products in the fridge.
What shouldn’t you apply when you have a sunburn?
There are a few things you should avoid if you get a sunburn. Here are some examples of things that soothe and heal your skin.
Avoid wearing tight clothing.
When the skin is burned, it responds to the trauma by increasing blood flow to the area. The skin needs loose-fitting clothing to avoid redness, swelling, and an increased risk of blisters.
Avoid petroleum jelly
Wait until the sunburn subsides before applying petroleum jelly, as the product won’t let heat escape. Instead, opt for an after-sun formula that’s rich in aloe vera and other moisturizing, breathable ingredients.
No peeling
Avoid using any form of exfoliants, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinol, and facial exfoliants, while the skin is healing. Once the skin is healed and sunburns no longer occur, you can reintroduce your favorite skincare products into your routine.
Don’t peel or scratch the sunburn
While it’s tempting to scratch and exfoliate, it’s best to apply a generous amount of moisturizing products. This keeps the skin soft and hydrated and avoids possible irritation and further discomfort.
Remember to stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and heal quickly.
Here are some examples of ways to avoid sunburn. Remember to stay out of the sun and regularly apply sunscreen with at least 30% SPF.
Is it harmful to apply salicylic acid after a sunburn?
Yes, it is not recommended to use salicylic acid to treat sunburn. This is because the skin that has become sensitive loses the water and oils that the skin barrier needs.
You will also find that sebum production can cause the skin to produce too much oil, which can lead to breakouts of acne and other breakouts. As I mentioned before, you should avoid using exfoliating acids to treat sunburn and focus on healing the skin instead. Once it is back to its best condition, you can start your normal skin care routine.
Does Azelaic Acid Reduce Redness?
Yes, one of the main benefits of azelaic acid is its ability to reduce and calm redness. Because of this, many people with sensitive skin are prone to redness and other skin conditions such as rosacea. The anti-inflammatory properties of azelaic acid can calm flare-ups and reduce swelling. Azelaic acid is very effective for redness, but it does not have the same effect on sunburns because excessive UV radiation can cause damage to the skin, which can worsen and penetrate deep into the skin when used with exfoliating ingredients.
You can learn more about using azelaic acid to treat sunburn here. Don’t forget to find us on Instagram if you have any other questions.
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.