Can azelaic acid and vitamin C be used together?
When it comes to using skin ingredients together, the first thing to realize is that you’re using the most powerful duo possible. Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C are both powerful ingredients, each delivering dramatic and impressive
results. It makes perfect sense to want to use both of these powerhouses, because why wouldn’t you want to reap the rewards?
But I understand your hesitation, so today we’re going to find out how you can use azelaic acid and vitamin C together in your daily life. Which is better, vitamin C or azelaic acid? Both azelaic acid and vitamin C deliver
impressive skin benefits, some similar and others unique to each ingredient.
Once you have built up your skin’s tolerance, you can use these ingredients alone or in combination. Benefits of Azelaic Acid for the Skin. Exfoliates the outer surface and removes dead skin cell buildup.Removes excess sebum,
dirt, bacteria and impurities from pores
Fights Acne-Causing Bacteria by Provoking Active Spots, Blemishes, and Breakouts. Reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by sun damage and acne. Contains anti-inflammatory properties to reduce skin
redness, swelling and inflammation caused by rosacea and acne
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin. Contains antioxidant properties to protect skin from daily exposure to free radicals Boosts collagen production in the lower layers of the skin to fight signs of sagging skin.Repairs and reduces
the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Helps brighten the complexion for a radiant complexion. Minimizes inflammatory skin conditions such as erythema or rosacea. Both azelaic acid and vitamin C are safe to use on almost all skin types, except those prone to severe
sensitivity.
If you are unsure whether to incorporate these ingredients into your routine, consult a dermatologist to avoid any adverse reactions. Do you put the vitamin C before the azelaic acid or do you put the vitamin C first?
Yes, many skincare experts recommend vitamin C before azelaic acid. Depending on your skin type, this might mean starting with a vitamin C-enriched serum, waiting 10 minutes, and then applying an azelaic acid product.
If you need my advice, even if your skin type tolerates these ingredients, try vitamin C in your morning routine and azelaic acid in your evening routine. This not only gives you the best of both ingredients, but also avoids the
risk of skin irritation or dryness.
If you want to learn more about using azelaic acid and vitamin C together, read our dedicated blog post. Can I use moisturizer after using azelaic acid?
In fact, it is possible that you may find azelaic acid in skin care products such as serums, face washes or cleansers. Since skin care products are applied in the right order, from thinnest to thickest, moisturizer will be one
of the last products to be applied to the skin.
You’ll also find that applying a moisturizer after using azelaic acid leaves skin feeling comfortable, hydrated, and healthy, and that minor signs of irritation from exfoliation are soothed and relieved.
Does Azelaic Acid Damage the Skin Barrier?
Yes and no, this is because azelaic acid chemically exfoliates the outer surface of the skin. Azelaic acid helps remove impurities from the skin, but it also reduces the thickness of the skin’s outer layer, which can lead to
irritation and dryness over time.
To counteract the risk of such skin irritation or surface damage, you can combine an azelaic acid product with another product containing hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, both of which are moisturizing and effectively lock
moisture in. skin barrier.
When the skin barrier is functioning properly, healthy and has the proper moisture content, it is able to protect itself from free radicals such as pollution, UV rays and other environmental influences.
How to use azelaic acid on the face?
A lot depends on the products that contain azelaic acid. As I mentioned before, there are a range of skincare products, from facial toners to topical gels, that can be fortified with azelaic acid.
Since azelaic acid requires a prescription, formulations are usually quite high in the acid, so a small amount can go a long way. All you have to do is apply a thin layer of product and massage gently into skin, focusing on
problem areas. You can then rinse it off or leave it on your face as desired. Of course, don’t forget that you must apply SPF 30+ daily to keep you safe from further sun damage.
Can Azelaic Acid Help Fight Wrinkles?
This is not the case, there is no evidence that using azelaic acid helps fight the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. The main antiaging benefit of using azelaic acid is that it fights any signs of hyperpigmentation
and dark spots. By reducing hyperpigmentation, you’ll find your complexion looks more even, radiant and youthful thanks to antioxidant action.
I hope you now have a better understanding of how to use azelaic acid and vitamin C together. As I’ve suggested before, if you’re concerned about using these powerful ingredients at the same time, talk to your doctor or
dermatologist. Also remember: If a product causes irritation or dryness after daily use, stop using it and seek medical advice. Follow us on Instagram for more skincare tips, exclusive offers and product launches!
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.
