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“Effective Use of Kojic and Azelaic Acids in Skincare Routines”
Beauty

“Effective Use of Kojic and Azelaic Acids in Skincare Routines”

24 March 2025


Can You use Kojic Acid and Azelaic Acid?






When it comes to skincare ingredients, there are a few active ingredients that are so beloved that everyone seems to use them on a daily basis. On the other hand, there are active ingredients that are hidden in the beauty




industry but are not yet household names or prestigious names. Today’s blog post focuses on two outsiders, azelaic acid and kojic acid. What exactly do these ingredients do to the skin and how do you use them 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 exfoliants in the AHA family. It is a by-product of various mushrooms and fermented foods such as soy sauce, rice wine, and sake. Has the ability to block the amino acid tyrosine,




which is responsible for the production of melanin. This makes kojic acid one of the most effective whitening and whitening acids. Those concerned about sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation and melasma areas. You’ll find



that kojic acid is also an effective ingredient in fighting breakouts and acne due to its antibacterial properties. Kojic acid is very effective in fighting acne and pigment spots, but you may find that it can cause increased




skin irritation, especially if your skin type is dry and prone to sensitivity.



Because of its high potency, you can find kojic acid in concentrations of 1% or less in various formulations. Such a high percentage means that this active ingredient works effectively when applied to the skin (mainly hands and




face) occasionally and for short periods of time. Depending on the product formulation will determine how the kojic acid is applied to the skin. Some formulations, such as soaps, cleansers, and face washes, contain effective



amounts of acid and should be rinsed off the skin immediately. For products that are left on the skin for an extended period of time, you will find that kojic acid has limited effectiveness as it absorbs poorly in the lower




layers of the skin.



If you’re interested in learning more about kojic acid, here are some powerful facts about kojic acid that you can learn from insiders in the beauty industry.




What is Azelaic Acid?



Often confused with AHAs, this dicarboxylic acid is derived from grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. Azelaic acid has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and is an active ingredient in fighting acne,




uneven skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and more.



Azelaic Acid dissolves the top layer of skin and the buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria and other impurities. All of this leads to blemishes like blackheads, flaky plaques, and premature signs of aging, which are




exacerbated by the fact that fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable.



Azelaic acid is considered one of the mildest acids and can be used effectively by those with sensitive skin. Azelaic acid also has unique properties that make it especially effective on people with darker skin tones. Powerful




acids fight pigmented spots on dark or dark skin without increasing the risk of sensitivity and irritation.



You can learn more about azelaic acid at The Beauty Insiders, where we have blog posts about its benefits, how it affects skin, and the best ingredients to use with it.

Can kojic acid and azelaic acid be used?

Yes, but only if they are properly applied to the skin. Both acids have similar pH levels, and both are more acidic and can alter the skin’s natural pH, causing irritation and weakening of the skin barrier, which can lead to

skin damage. Kojic and azelaic acids are used in a variety of ways. The following are examples of valid combinations.

Allow approximately 30 minutes between applications

Adhering to this time will allow the skin and pH to stabilize and avoid unwanted side effects or irritation. Ideally, I recommend using both at night, as this will limit exposure to further free radical damage such as UV rays,

pollution, and harsh weather.

Alternate dates for each acid

Alternating each acid throughout the day will give you the best results without the risk of irritation. Again, I recommend applying the acid to the skin at night for peace of mind and to avoid increased itching and irritation.

use them at different times of the day

You can use each acid at different times of the day instead of switching dates. Start using azelaic acid in your morning routine, and don’t forget to apply SPF for extra protection. This allows the mild acidity to work on the

skin throughout the day. You can then apply kojic acid at night, which is more effective but more likely to cause irritation when exposed to UV rays.

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

ingredients or formulations.

Is Kojic Acid an AHA?

Yes, it is, although it’s not as well-known as glycolic or lactic acid. Kojic Acid works on the surface of the skin to remove dead skin cells, dirt and debris. In this way, new, vibrant skin is revealed, the complexion appears

radiant and healthy, and the skin barrier is strengthened, able to protect itself from further skin damage. It also penetrates the subdermis to unclog pores of excess sebum and bacterial buildup, contributing to the clarity and

overall health of the complexion.

The final property of kojic acid is that it inhibits the overproduction of melanin by amino acids, which leads to the darkening of melasma and hyperpigmentation. Kojic acid is a powerful whitening ingredient, but it can cause

increased irritation, especially after a chemical peel has occurred on the skin’s surface. So, as I’ve emphasized before, it’s important to apply SPF daily for extra sun protection.

There you can get more information on lesser known acids and their benefits for the skin. If you have any other 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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