Can You Mix Retinol and Azelaic Acid Together?
Azelaic acid and retinol are two skincare ingredients that deliver unique and impressive results. You have no doubt already know about the benefits of retinol and how it can improve the overall look and feel of the complexion whilst helping with skin clarity. Known for being one of the most potent skin ingredients, retinol provides an array of benefits for the skin, from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst combating blemishes and breakouts. Azelaic acid on the other hand provides similar benefits but has a far gentler approach and can be used on sensitive and rosacea prone skin.
With both powerhouse ingredients delivering such impressive, noticeable results, it’s no wonder we’ve seen the question of today’s blog post circulating. So, let’s dive in and find out more about whether you can mix retinol and azelaic acid together. Before we get started however, let’s have a quick refresher on both azelaic acid and retinol and how they benefit the skin.
What are the benefits of Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid can reduce inflammation on the skin and can calm any flare-up of breakouts on the skin surface.
Azelaic acid contains antibacterial properties that help remove dirt, bacteria, debris, and build-up of sebum found in the pores.
Azelaic acid is known for its ability to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and post acne scarring.
Azelaic acid provides mild exfoliation ridding the skin of the build-up of dead skin cells and giving the face a smoother, more even texture and finish.
Azelaic acid does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to any UV exposure.
If you wanted to know more about azelaic acid, you can check out our dedicated blog post about it over on The Beauty Insiders.
What are the benefits of Retinol?
Retinol works at combating breakouts, spots, and acne.
Retinol can work in the lower layers of the skin and helps to boost collagen and elastin production.
Retinol increases the speed of skin cell turnover ensuring signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots are significantly reduced.
Retinol improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as firming any loss of elasticity.
Don’t forget if you needed to know more about how retinol works on the skin, check out the blog post, what are the skincare benefits of retinol.
Can you use retinol with azelaic acid?
Yes, you can, but be careful if you have a sensitive skin type as too much exfoliation can become too much for the skin. If you find you have an oily and blemish prone skin, you may find teaming both retinol and azelaic acid together will be an effective power duo. Azelaic acid will help by reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, especially any scarring left behind from acne flare-ups. You’ll also find your skin feels cleaning with retinol penetrating further down in the skin and unclogging the pores of excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria build-up.
With each ingredient working effectively alone, as well as in a team you’ll find the overall look and feel of your complexion is improved. Signs of pigmentation are reduced, and acne is treated.
One important point to remember about teaming these powerhouse ingredients together, is to ensure you apply a daily SPF of 30 and above to ensure you protect the skin from exposure to free radical damage, such as pollution and harmful sun damage.
What goes first azelaic acid or retinol?
This very much depends on the type of product the ingredients are formulated in to. In previous blog posts I have discussed how the basic skincare rule is to apply your products from thinnest consistency to the thickest. You’ll often find azelaic acid is usually formulated into products, such as exfoliating toners, serums, or face washes, all of which are used during separate stages of your routine. As for retinol, this potent powerhouse will come in products such as serums, face oils, and moisturisers, all of which are applied at the later stage of your skincare routine.
If you find yourself still a little confused, a simple way of remembering the application order is the fact that retinol should only be used at night and so applying it to the cleansed skin before you head off to bed will make things a lot easier to remember. You will also find that azelaic acid provides effective skin exfoliation meaning it is able to slough away the build-up of dead skin cells and debris revealing fresh, more absorbent skin underneath allowing any products you apply afterwards to absorb quickly into the lower layers of the skin.
Can I use niacinamide, azelaic acid and retinol together?
Yes, you can, but not all together as this can be too much for the skin. Niacinamide and retinol are perfectly safe to use together as you’ll find the humectant traits of niacinamide are able to counteract the drying effects of retinol keeping the complexion plumped, hydrated and comfortable.
To use all three ingredients together it may be a case of alternating when you use azelaic acid and retinol when it’s teamed with niacinamide. The most effective way would be to use an exfoliating toner enriched with azelaic acid after cleansing in your morning routine. You can then follow this in the evening by applying retinol and niacinamide as this will ensure enough time has passed and the pH levels of skin have rebalanced from the morning.
Is azelaic acid better than retinol?
Both azelaic acid and retinol perform similar benefits for the skin, but both still contain their own unique and beneficial properties. Therefore, many use both potent ingredients simultaneously in their routines to reap the rewards in the quickest and easiest ways. Therefore, if you skin can tolerate it, use both ingredients together, not forgetting of course to apply a daily SPF for protection from UV rays.
There you have it, hopefully I have answered most of your questions about mixing azelaic acid and retinol together, but if you have any more, do come and 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.
