Can I Mix AHA with Azelaic Acid?
I wouldn’t be surprised to hear you’re puzzled about what exactly azelaic acid is and how it benefits the skin. The beauty industry is full to bursting with highly potent and effective ingredients so the thought of one more shouldn’t cause too much concern. After all, it’s known that azelaic acid is a well-kept secret amongst skincare fans meaning you will often only find it in professional treatments or niche skincare brands.
If you are wondering what’s so great about azelaic acid, you can check out our dedicated blog post about it and how it works on the skin. Today’s post however is going to involve a more detailed look into finding out whether you can mix AHA with azelaic acid.
Can I use azelaic acid with AHA?
Yes, you can as it is known for working well and in conjunction with other skin ingredients, even those that are more potent, such as the popular AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. Don’t let the name fool you, as it isn’t as harsh as you may think to believe. In fact, azelaic acid is also safe and effective to work on almost all skin types, even those prone to rosacea. Because if its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, azelaic acid is also highly effective at treating acne-prone skin without stripping the skin of sebum which often leads it to overproducing oil creating a never-ending cycle of constant breakouts and flare-up in acne. Having said that, using azelaic acid as the only ingredient is not considered the best plan at treating acne and needs to be teamed with other hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to counteract the common drying effects of azelaic acid.
What should you not mix AHAs with?
To avoid any unwanted skin irritation, you should not mix AHAs with the following skincare ingredients.
BHA’s such as salicylic acid
This is because applying two types of acid on the skin will become too irritating. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, is oil soluble and can penetrate further into the skin than the AHAs, like glycolic acid. AHAs work on the outer surface of the skin and sloughing away the build-up of dead skin cells, debris, bacteria, and other impurities. There is nothing however, stopping you from using these ingredients in your routine. It is just a case of applying alternate ingredients during different stages of your everyday skin routine.
Retinol
Retinol is known for speeding up the cycle of the skin cell turnover which can often leave it feeling dry and irritated. To prevent the skin from becoming more agitated it’s best to apply your skincare product enriched in an AHA, such as glycolic acid, in the morning and leave your retinol for the evening.
Vitamin C
With vitamin C providing exfoliating effects on the skin, by teaming it with a alpha hydroxy acid enriched product with vitamin C will result in too much exfoliation and irritated.
If you are wanting to know more about what not to mix with AHAs, you can check out the blog post which goes into more detail how to use these ingredients easily and effectively in your everyday skincare routine.
Can I mix niacinamide with azelaic acid?
Absolutely! It is known that azelaic acid and niacinamide are able to work well together. The humectant traits of niacinamide ensure that water surrounding the face is draw into the skin and locked into place. You will also find that niacinamide ensures the pores are refined and the protective skin barrier is strengthened and remain functioning correctly.
For optimal results, it’s best to applying your azelaic acid enriched product first, followed by a serum packed with niacinamide to help reduce any risk of the acid causing the skin to become dry and irritated.
Can I use azelaic acid with glycolic acid?
Yes, you can use azelaic acid and glycolic acid together. Many will find that teaming the two is a great alternative for the extremely potent skin ingredient, tretinoin. By layering azelaic acid and glycolic acid together, you are exposing your skin to the same results as tretinoin but in a more tolerable way for the skin.
When using azelaic acid and glycolic acid together you are ensuring your skin is left feeling younger, smoother, plumped, and vibrant with an all-over improved skin tone. If you wanted to know more about teaming these powerhouse ingredients together, check out the blog post, can you use azelaic acid and glycolic acid together.
Where do you put azelaic acid in routine?
You’ll often find that azelaic acid is formulated into all manner of skincare products. The basic skincare rule is to apply your products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. The products containing azelaic acid are often serums and moisturisers and should be applied to the skin during the later stage of your routine. Ideally, to gain optimal results you should apply your azelaic acid after you have used a cleanser and exfoliating toner to remove all traces of bacteria, debris, dirt. By doing this you will find any formulas applied after will absorb quickly and penetrate the lower layers of the skin.
Can you use azelaic acid every day?
You can, in fact, you can use azelaic acid twice a day, even by those who have a sensitive skin type and are prone to some conditions such as rosacea. Unlike some other acids, building the skin’s tolerance is something that can be easily achieved and won’t take too long. You will also be able to work your way up to how many days a week you can apply the acid onto your skin.
Does azelaic acid break you out?
Yes, azelaic acid can cause you to break out due to the fact the skin cell turnover is increased rapidly resulting in the skin purging. Purging is often mistaken as acne, when in fact it is clearly a sign the skin is receiving deep cleansing with the gunk, excess sebum, and debris found in the pores is pushed out of the surface. Keep using your product and you’ll find that after 4 weeks, your skin will have clarity and a healthy all over glow.
There you have a little more detail about mixing AHA and azelaic acid together, remember that if you ever have any concerns, it’s best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist. If you have any more skincare questions, come, and follow 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.
