Can I Mix Ferulic Acid with Azelaic Acid?
Even if you consider yourself pretty clued up about skincare ingredients and how they work on the skin, I wouldn’t be surprised to find you a little puzzled about what exactly ferulic acid and azelaic acid do for the skin. This is only because both acids are usually overshadowed by other ingredients that have become household names, such as hyaluronic acid and retinol.
So, what is it about these acids that make them so effective on the skin, and if you haven’t started using them yet, is there a chance you’re missing out on a new skin saviour? Let’s find out more about mixing ferulic acid and azelaic acid together, but before we do, here is a quick refresher course on both powerhouses and how they work on the skin.
What Is Ferulic Acid?
Ferulic acid, also known as hydroxycinnamic acid, is derived from molecules found in the cell walls of various plants such as, oats, peanuts, oranges, and brown rice. Packed with antioxidants this acid works hard at combating any potential damage caused by free radicals, such as UV exposure, pollution, central heating, and other environmental aggressors. Once applied to the skin ferulic acid can fully protect the skin against any potential damage and neutralising the impact the free radical has on the face. The only thing ferulic acid is unable to do is repair any existing damage caused to the skin.
You’ll often find that ferulic acid is developed as a liquid form and is formulated into serums and moisturisers. You’ll also find that when formulated correctly, it will come in specific packaging to help prolong its lifespan and prevent the serum from oxidising. This could either be an opaque bottle or one that is airtight. It is also best to store your ferulic acid products out of direct sunlight to stop the product turning a dark muddy colour.
There is more to find out about ferulic acid over on our Skin School page on the website, so check that out!
What Is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is found in grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. Enriched in various beneficial properties, such as anti-inflammatories and antimicrobial it is one of the few skincare ingredients that can help target acne and rosacea. Highly effective and beneficial for almost all skin types, azelaic acid can simultaneously calm any flare-up in rosacea and reduce the severity of any acne breakouts. Known for working gently on the skin, ferulic acid is often favoured by many as a great alternative to other more potent actives. The results are the same but without any negative side effects, such as dryness, redness, and itching.
You’ll find that azelaic acid comes in a variety of skincare formulations, from face washes to creams. This ensures you can introduce azelaic acid into your routine in a simple and effective way without having to alter your current skincare regime. There’s more to learn about azelaic acid over on the blog, so check that out for more information.
Can you mix ferulic acid and azelaic acid?
Yes, you can mix ferulic acid and azelaic acid together as they both work on different areas of the skin and won’t overload it. As I have already mentioned, ferulic acid is packed with antioxidants, and is able to ward off any further damage to the skin caused from exposure to free radicals and other environmental aggressors. Whilst ferulic acid works on the skin, you’ll also find azelaic acid is able to gently slough away the build-up of dead skin cells that can cause the complexion to dull, lack lustre, and littered with blemishes. With azelaic acid being known as one of the gentlest acids, you will also find it is able to work together with many acids, even ones that are more potent.
Bearing in mind however, that you need to balance out how much exfoliation your skin is exposed to so try alternating the days you use each of these acids and try teaming them with hyaluronic acid to help lock moisture into the skin and avoid any negative side effects.
What should you not mix with ferulic acid?
Ferulic acid is one of the rare skin ingredients that can not only work effectively with other actives, but will in fact, boost their results on the skin. It particularly works well with certain skin ingredients that contain a lot of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E. By layering ferulic acid it is thought to not increase any skin sensitivity, just if you remember to apply a daily SPF of 30 and above ensure you are protecting the skin.
Can you use azelaic acid with other acids?
Yes, you can use azelaic acid with other acids, don’t let the word “acid” confuse you into thinking using them together is a recipe for disaster as they will be too potent on the skin. As I have already mentioned, azelaic acid is a gentle acid and works well with many other skin ingredients, and on almost all skin types. Having said that, it is still important to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any new formula or ingredient onto the face. The easiest way to do a patch test is to apply a small, 10p size amount of the product onto the inner forearm and leave it for 24 hours. If there are no signs of irritation or redness, it’s a clear indication your skin is happy with the product. If you find yourself with any further worries, it’s best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist.
How often should you use ferulic acid?
You can use ferulic acid every day, preferably during your morning routine as the rich antioxidant traits of the acid will keep your skin protected from any daily exposure to free radicals. You’ll find it is particularly successful at combating UV light and pollution and teaming your ferulic acid with other potent actives will give the skin a boost in overall protection.
I hope that this blog post has cleared up a few questions you have about both powerhouse ingredients. Don’t forget, if you have any more questions, come, and follow us on Instagram, you’ll find one of our skin experts in the DMs!
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.
