Can You Use Azelaic Acid for A Sunburn?
Azelaic acid has a reputation for treating acne and rosacea without any unwanted side effects. Favoured by many for working on the skin and providing exfoliation in a similar way to other acids, the main difference being the fact that azelaic acid is known for its stability in formulas and how gentle it is on the skin compared to other popular acids, such as glycolic acid.
Today we plan to explore into how the acid works on the skin and answer the question of whether you can use azelaic acid on sunburn. I’ll quickly explain the benefits of the acid for those of you who haven’t been paying attention at the back.
What is azelaic acid and what does it do for the skin?
Derived from grains, such as barley, wheat, and rye
Contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Can help those suffering with acne and rosacea by clearing the pores, ridding them of bacteria preventing any further breakouts from developing, whilst calming inflammations
Comes in a variety of percentages, available in over-the-counter formulas and prescription topical treatments that can contain up to 15 percent
Combats signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots ensuring the skin can heal quickly
Improves the skin’s texture making it smoother and leaves the complexion glowing
If you wanted to learn more about the benefits of azelaic acid, there is a full dedicated blog post on The Beauty Insiders.
Is azelaic acid sun sensitive?
No, azelaic acid is not sun sensitive which is an unusual trait to have for a chemical exfoliating acid. However, this does not mean you can start skipping your SPF application as if the skin is left unprotected to sun exposure, the newly exfoliated skin cells will become damaged which can then lead to all manner of skin concerns. By this I mean the lipid barrier that sits on the surface of the skin will be compromised and weakened. This is because it will become stripped of the vital water and oil it needs to protect the skin from free radical damage, such as UV rays, pollution, central heating, and other environmental aggressors.
When the skin surface is damaged you will find signs of premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles become more visible, as well as dark spots and areas of pigmentation worsening. Therefore, it’s important to apply nourishing and hydrating ingredients as well as daily SPF to keep the protective skin barrier strong and functioning properly.
What acid is good for sunburn?
Acids that perform exfoliation should be completely avoided on sunburn, exfoliating burnt skin will result in severe irritation and dryness. There is one acid that can be used and is known for being delivering impressive results for sunburn and that is hyaluronic acid. Don’t let the name fool you, it works very differently to other acids. Instead of sloughing away the layer of dead skin cells, instead hyaluronic acid works as a humectant. By this I mean it can draw water into the skin and locking it into place keeping the skin plumped and hydrated all day long. This will work wonders on skin that has caught too much sun, especially if you pop your hyaluronic acid product into the fridge.
What should you not put on sunburn?
There are a few things you should avoid when you have sunburn, here are some examples of what to do to help calm and heal the skin.
Avoid wearing tight clothing
When the skin is burnt, it will respond to the trauma by increasing blood flow to the area. The skin needs loose fitting clothes to prevent the skin suffer from redness, swelling, and increased risk of developing blisters.
Avoid using petroleum jelly
Wait until the sunburn has improved before applying petroleum jelly as this product makes it impossible for heat to escape. Instead opt for after sun formulas enriched in aloe vera and other hydrating, breathable ingredients.
Do not exfoliate
Whilst the skin is healing avoid using any form of exfoliation, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinol, and physical face scrubs. Once the skin is healed and no longer experiencing sunburn you can reintroduce your skincare favourites back into your routine.
Do not peel or scratch your sunburn
As tempting as it may be to scratch and peel your flaking skin, it is best to apply liberal amounts of hydrating products instead. This will keep the skin supple, hydrated, and avoid any potential irritation and further discomfort.
Remember to stay hydrated
Up the ante with your water intake to keep the skin hydrated and able to heal quickly.
There you have some examples of what not to use on sunburn. Remember to keep sunburn out of the sun and regularly apply sunscreen of at least 30.
Is it bad to put salicylic acid on sunburn?
Yes, it is advised to not use salicylic acid on sunburn. This is because the skin, which is already experiencing increased sensitivity will become stripped of the water and oil needed in the skin barrier.
You will also find that the sebum production begins to overproduce the oil in the skin which will then lead to a flare up in acne and other breakouts. As I have already mentioned, you should avoid using exfoliating acids on the sunburn, instead focus on healing the skin and once it is back to its best condition you can then start using your normal skincare routine.
Does azelaic acid reduce redness?
Yes, one of the main benefits of azelaic acid is its ability to reduce and calm redness. Therefore, many with sensitive skin types who are prone to redness and other skin conditions such as rosacea. The anti-inflammatory properties in azelaic acid can calm the flare-ups and reduce swelling. As effective as azelaic acid to use on redness doesn’t lead to the same effective results on sunburn due to the skin being damaged from overexposure to UV rays which can worsen and reach deeper into skin if used with exfoliating ingredients.
There you have a little more about using azelaic acid on sunburn, don’t forget if you have any further questions, you can find 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.
