Can You Use Azelaic Acid for More Than Six Months?
When it comes to using skincare ingredients, it is known that you must use them for a considerable amount of time before you reap the rewards. This is the general thought, but some are understandably unsure due to how harsh certain ingredients can affect the skin, especially if the ingredient we are talking about, is an exfoliating acid. Azelaic acid, for example, is often mistaken as working in a similar way as other acids, such as AHAs, glycolic acid and BHAs, such as salicylic acid.
If you are unsure of how azelaic acid works on the skin, this next part is for you. If you are already glued up with all thing’s skincare, you can skip to the next part to find out more about using azelaic acid for more than six months.
What is azelaic acid and how does it benefit the skin?
Azelaic acid is an acid that can provide exfoliation for the skin. You’ll find it is naturally occurring in the body made from yeast. When formulated into skincare products the ingredient is derived from cereals and grains ensuring it can slough away the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria that can sit on the surface of the skin. This can then lead to a flare-up in breakouts, areas of flaky skin, prominent signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and a dull looking complexion. Here is a little more detail about the benefits this clever acid can provide for the skin.
Azelaic acid can improve the skin tone, whether it’s sun damage, acne scarring, and post inflammation hyperpigmentation.
Azelaic acid fights acne with its antibacterial properties, all of which can target P. acnes, the bacteria found on the skin surface and develop into breakouts, such as spots and blackheads.
Azelaic acid is gentle enough to treat rosacea, known for being one of the least irritating acids to use on the skin as it can unclog the pores and reduce inflammation without being too harsh.
Azelaic acid is considered one ingredient that is safe to use during pregnancy, just ensure you have double check with your doctor or midwife before introducing anything into your routine.
If you wanted to find out more about azelaic acid and how it benefits the skin, there is a dedicated blog post for you to check out.
How long can I use azelaic acid?
How long you can use azelaic acid is dependent on the formula, your skin condition, and the reasons behind introducing the ingredient in the first place.
Once you have started using azelaic acid in your routine, you’ll often find your skin will appear to worsen after 2 weeks. This is a perfectly normal reaction, known as purging, and can last up to 3 to 4 weeks. It is simply a case of the acid working its way into the lower layers of the skin and unclogging the pores of dirt, sebum, and bacteria build-up. All this “gunk” is then pushed the surface resulting in breakout of blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads, and other spots. By the time 4 weeks has passed, you’ll your skin will rebalance, and you’ll have a notable improvement on your skin’s clarity. Continue to use this acid in your daily routine and once you reach twelve weeks, you’ll find the acid has delivered optimal results to your complexion.
It’s advisable that when using azelaic acid you need to ensure your skin is happy with the application. Although the acid is gentle, everyone’s skin is different and for peace of mind it is best to perform a patch test for 24 hours before using the ingredient on the face.
Can I use azelaic acid for years?
Yes, it is understood that azelaic acid can be used for years by those who benefit from it in their routine. There are many products enriched with azelaic acid, from serums, exfoliating toners, and topical skin treatments. These all contain active and effective levels of the acid and are often available over the counter, if it is something more potent you are after, there are specialist skin treatments available. Professional facials and chemical peels use high percentages of azelaic acid which should not be used on a daily basis. Instead to you should have a treatment like the ones mentioned about 3 to 4 times a year depending on the health of your skin.
You’ll find that once your skin has built a tolerance for azelaic acid, you can continue to use it for years to come to help keep your skin’s clarity, with an even skin tone and complexion that is full of youthful bounce.
Is it okay to use azelaic acid every day?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to use azelaic acid every day, as long as your skin shows no signs of irritation or reactions. If you have a dry or sensitive skin type that is prone to react to certain ingredients, try introducing azelaic acid into your routine slower. Many choose to apply it on alternative days to build the skin’s tolerance without any unwanted reactions. If you wanted to be extra cautious you can also decide to apply your azelaic acid product in the evening. Unlike most acids, azelaic acid doesn’t increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, however with newly exfoliated skin, the skin cells are more likely to become damaged, which is why it is vital you apply a daily SPF of 30 and above. You’ll also find that when applied to the skin during your evening routine the acid is able to work uninterrupted from any exposure to free radicals, such as pollution, central heating, UV light, and other environmental aggressors, leaving you to catch your beauty sleep and waking up with glowing skin.
How often can I use azelaic acid?
You can use azelaic acid daily, twice a day if your skin remains happy and healthy. If you find there is a slight hint of irritation, dryness, redness, or discomfort to the skin, you must stop using the product and seek the help from a doctor or dermatologist.
If you wanted to know more about azelaic acid and find out what it’s good for, check out our dedicated blog post.
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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.
