Can retinol and azelaic acid be mixed together?
Azelaic Acid and Retinol are two skincare ingredients that deliver unique and amazing results. You no doubt already know about the benefits of retinol and how it improves the overall appearance of your complexion while helping
to improve skin clarity.
Known as one of the most powerful ingredients for your skin, retinol has a range of skin benefits, from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to fighting blemishes and breakouts. Azelaic acid, on the other hand, has
similar benefits but is gentler and can be used on sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
With these two powerful ingredients delivering such impressive, eye-catching results, it’s no wonder that today’s blog post’s question is going viral. So let’s dig in to see if you can combine retinol and azelaic acid. Before we
get started, though, let’s take a quick look at azelaic acid and retinol and their benefits for your skin.
What Are the Benefits of Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid reduces skin inflammation and soothes breakouts of pimples on the skin’s surface.
Azelaic Acid contains antibacterial properties that help remove dirt, bacteria, debris and sebum from pores. Azelaic acid is known for its ability to improve hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and post-acne scars.
Azelaic Acid gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells for a smoother, more even texture and finish on the face. Azelaic acid does not increase skin sensitivity to UV radiation.
If you want to learn more about azelaic acid, you can check out our dedicated blog post on azelaic acid on The Beauty Insiders.
What Are the Benefits of Retinol?
Retinol fights breakouts, pimples and acne.
Retinol works on the lower layers of the skin to help boost collagen and elastin production. Retinol speeds up skin cell turnover, ensuring that signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots are visibly reduced.
Retinol improves fine lines and wrinkles and compensates for loss of elasticity. Don’t forget, if you want to learn more about the effects of retinol on your skin, check out the What are the benefits of retinol for skin care
blog posts.
Can retinol be used with azelaic acid?
Yes, you can, but be careful if you have a sensitive skin type as too much exfoliation can be taxing on the skin. If you find that your skin is oily and prone to blemishes, the combination of retinol and azelaic acid could be
a powerful combo.
Azelaic acid helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, especially scars caused by acne flare-ups. You’ll also find your skin feels cleansed as the retinol penetrates deep into the skin, unclogging excess
sebum, dirt and bacteria buildup from pores.
When each ingredient works effectively individually or as a team, you’ll notice an improvement in the overall look and feel of your complexion. Reduces pigment spots and treats acne.
An important thing to remember when combining these powerful ingredients is to make sure to apply SPF 30+ daily to ensure skin is protected from free radical damage such as pollution and harmful sun damage.
Which came first: azelaic acid or retinol?
This largely depends on the type of product in which the ingredients are formulated. In a previous blog post, I have explained that the basic rule of skin care is to apply the product from its thinnest to its thickest consistency.
You’ll often find azelaic acid in products like exfoliating toners, serums or face washes, all of which are used at different stages of your skincare routine. As for retinol, this powerful powerhouse is found in products like
serums, face oils, and moisturizers, all of which you’ll use as part of your daily skincare routine.
If you’re still a bit confused, it’s easy to remember the order of application: Retinol should only be used at night. So applying it to cleansed skin before bed makes things easier to remember.
You’ll also find that azelaic acid is effective at exfoliating your skin, which means it removes build-up of dead skin cells and debris to reveal fresher, more absorbent skin underneath, allowing any products you apply
afterwards to penetrate quickly lower level.
Can Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, and Retinol be used together?
Yes, it is possible, but not at the same time as it might be too much for the skin. Using Niacinamide and Retinol together is completely safe as the moisturizing properties of Niacinamide counteract the drying effects of Retinol
for a more plumped, hydrated and comfortable complexion.
If you use all three ingredients at the same time, you may need to alternate azelaic acid with the combination of retinol and niacinamide. The most effective way to do this is to use an exfoliating tonic rich in azelaic acid
after cleansing in the morning.
You can then apply retinol and niacinamide at night, as this will ensure that enough time passes and the skin’s pH rebalances in the morning.
Is Azelaic Acid Better Than Retinol?
Both azelaic acid and retinol have similar benefits for the skin, but still have their own unique beneficial properties.
Therefore, many people use both active ingredients together in their daily routine to reap the benefits in the quickest and easiest way. So if your skin can tolerate it, use both ingredients together, and of course don’t forget
to apply sunscreen every day to protect against UV rays.
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.
