Can You use Kojic Acid and Azelaic Acid

When it comes to skincare ingredients, some are so well-regarded that everyone seems to be using them in their daily lives. On the other hand, there are active ingredients that fly under the radar and are well established in the beauty industry but are not yet household names or well-known. The focus of today’s blog post is on two outsiders, azelaic acid and kojic acid. What exactly do these ingredients do for the skin and how can they be used together?

In the next section, we’ll explain the benefits of these ingredients and how to effectively incorporate them into your daily skincare routine.

What is Kojic Acid?

Kojic acid is one of the lesser-known chemical peels in the fruit acid class. It is a byproduct of various mushrooms and fermented foods like soy sauce, rice wine, and sake. It is able to block an amino acid called tyrosine, which is responsible for the production of melanin. This makes kojic acid one of the most effective whitening and bleaching acids. It is great for those suffering from sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. You’ll also find that kojic acid has antibacterial properties, making it an effective ingredient for fighting breakouts and acne. Kojic acid is very effective for acne and hyperpigmentation, but you will find that it can cause increased skin irritation, especially if you have dry, sensitive skin.

Due to its high potency, you can find kojic acid in concentrations of 1% or less in a variety of formulas. This high percentage means that this active ingredient can work effectively when applied to the skin (primarily hands and face) occasionally and for short periods of time. Depending on the product formulation will determine how kojic acid is used on the skin. Some formulations, such as soaps, cleansers, and face washes, contain effective amounts of the acid that should be rinsed off the skin immediately. For products that are left on the skin for a long time, you will find that kojic acid has limited effectiveness, as it is poorly absorbed into the lower layers of the skin.

If you would like to learn more about kojic acid, you can learn more about this powerful substance at The Beauty Insiders.

What is Azelaic Acid?

This dicarboxylic acid is often confused with AHAs, but it is extracted from grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. Azelaic acid has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a highly effective ingredient for fighting acne, uneven skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and more.

Azelaic acid removes the top layer of skin and the accumulation of dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities. All of this can lead to skin imperfections such as blackheads and skin flakes. Signs of premature skin aging increase, and fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable.

Azelaic acid is known as one of the gentlest acids and can be used effectively by people with sensitive skin. Azelaic acid also has unique properties that make it particularly effective for people with darker skin tones. The powerful acid fights pigmentation spots on black or dark skin without the added risk of sensitivity and irritation.

You can learn more about azelaic acid at The Beauty Insiders, where we have blog posts on its benefits, what it does for your skin, and the best ingredients to use together.

Can you use kojic acid and azelaic acid together?

Yes, but only if you apply them to your skin correctly. Both acids have similar pH levels, with both being more acidic and altering the skin’s natural pH, causing irritation and weakening the skin barrier, which can lead to skin damage. There are a few different ways to use kojic acid and azelaic acid. Here are examples of effective combinations.

Allow about 30 minutes between applications

Waiting this long will allow your skin and pH levels to stabilize and avoid unwanted side effects or irritation. Ideally, I recommend using both products in the evening, as this limits exposure to further free radical damage, such as UV rays, pollution, and bad weather.

Alternate the days you use each acid

By alternating the days you use each acid, you will get the best results without the risk of irritation. Again, I recommend only applying the acids to your skin at night, which ensures you avoid increased itching and irritation.

Use them at different times of the day

Rather than alternating, you can use each acid at different times of the day. Start using azelaic acid in your morning routine, and don’t forget to apply SPF for extra protection. This means the gentler acid can work on your skin throughout the day. You can then use kojic acid in the evening, which is more potent and less likely to cause irritation when exposed to UV radiation.

As with all skincare ingredients, it’s important to make sure your skin benefits from the new ingredients you add to your routine. Therefore, it’s important to consult your doctor or dermatologist before using any new ingredients or formulas.

Is Kojic Acid an AHA?

Yes, it does, although it’s not as well-known as glycolic or lactic acid. Kojic acid works on the surface of the skin to remove accumulated dead skin cells, dirt, and debris. This reveals new, glowing skin, makes the complexion appear radiant and healthy, and strengthens the skin barrier to prevent further damage. It also penetrates the lower dermis to remove excess sebum and bacterial buildup from the pores, helping to maintain skin clarity and overall healthy complexion.

One final property of kojic acid is that it prevents amino acids from overproducing melanin, which can cause signs of melasma and hyperpigmentation to become darker. Kojic acid is a highly effective whitening ingredient, but it can cause increased irritation, especially after chemical exfoliation of the skin’s surface. So, as I’ve already stressed, it’s important to wear SPF every day for extra protection from the sun.

Here’s more information on this lesser-known acid and its benefits for your skin. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us 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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