How Often Should You Use Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is undoubtedly an ingredient in skincare that doesn’t seem to get the recognition it deserves. There are other ingredients that are often better than azelaic acid. Especially when it comes to treating acne, pimples, and breakouts, there are some ingredients that are the king of blemishes. But don’t be fooled into thinking that azelaic acid can’t deliver impressive skin results and banish frequent acne flare-ups. The downside to this powerhouse is that, despite being around for a few years now, there’s still a lot to learn about.
So let’s turn our attention to exactly how often you should use azelaic acid, and what benefits you can expect from incorporating it into your daily routine. Don’t forget: If you want to learn more about azelaic acid, you can check out a full blog post on it and its benefits for your skin. Read here for more information.
How Often Should You Use Azelaic Acid?
Whether the product you’re using is prescription or over-the-counter, many dermatologists recommend applying a thin layer all over your skin first. You should do this after consulting with your doctor, dermatologist, or medical professional to ensure that azelaic acid is safe for you and your skin to use in your daily routine.
When using products rich in azelaic acid, you can start with a pea- or marble-sized amount and apply it evenly to your face and neck. If your skin tends to be sensitive, it is recommended to use the product every other day to avoid unwanted side effects.
Can Azelaic Acid be used daily?
Yes, you can! Of course, do a patch test 24 hours beforehand to make sure your skin can tolerate the use of azelaic acid. Here are some tips on how to effectively incorporate azelaic acid into your daily routine.
Start slowly and use it once every night.
Once your skin develops tolerance, you can use it twice a day.
If you want a gentler approach, choose a product like a face wash or cleanser that doesn’t stay on the skin for too long.
After using any product containing azelaic acid, use a moisturizer with a humectant like hyaluronic acid.
Use a product with an SPF of 30 or higher every day to protect against sun damage caused by UV rays.
If you experience signs of itching or irritation, stop using the product immediately.
By following these tips and the instructions on the product packaging, you will benefit from this powerful ingredient without any side effects.
When should you use azelaic acid routinely?
A lot depends on the product the ingredient is formulated with, as this will determine when you use it in your daily routine. The general skin rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency to avoid formulas competing with each other or blocking each other from absorption into the skin. If you use it in a serum, you can mix it with your favorite moisturizer once or twice a day after cleansing your skin and using an exfoliating toner. This ensures that the dead skin cells that build up are removed and any remaining dirt, bacteria, and impurities are swept away, allowing the following steps in your daily regimen to quickly penetrate the lower layers of the skin.
Can I use Azelaic Acid Twice a Day?
Yes, many skin care experts recommend using Azelaic Acid twice a day if you want to get the most out of this powerful ingredient. Although the word “acid” carries some cautious connotations, Azelaic Acid is one of the few chemical peels that is well tolerated by sensitive people. This causes Azelaic Acid to work on the outer layers of the skin by “telling” cells how to function, resulting in a smoother, healthier complexion and reversing signs of premature aging.
What Not to Mix with Azelaic Acid?
It is not recommended to mix Azelaic Acid with the popular and highly effective BHA salicylic acid. This is because of the increased potential for irritation and dryness. Compared to other acids used in various formulas, azelaic acid increases photosensitivity to UV rays, not radiation. Unfortunately, if you find yourself being a little lax with your daily sunscreen application, all the hard work azelaic acid puts into restoring your skin to its healthiest state is wasted.
Does Azelaic Acid Need to Be Washed Off?
No, not if you want to see the effects of this powerful acid quickly. There are many products that have high levels of azelaic acid, up to 20%, although these are usually prescription products. To reap the benefits of this acid, it’s best to apply serums, oils, creams, and moisturizers to your skin and leave them on as long as possible.
Is It Normal for Azelaic Acid to Burn?
Yes, some common side effects of using azelaic acid include itchy skin, burning sensations, stinging, and tingling. Depending on the amount of acid in the formula, this may be the most noticeable. To avoid this or other issues, be sure to consult a doctor or dermatologist before using azelaic acid in your skin care routine.
What Is Best Paired With Azelaic Acid?
The best ingredients to combine with azelaic acid for optimal results are hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and popular AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid. You can alternate days and different routines of using these ingredients to benefit from each ingredient’s potent effects on the skin while minimizing the risk of side effects. Since azelaic acid is considered safe for those who are sensitive or prone to rashes like rosacea, you may never stop once you incorporate it into your routine.
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.
