How to use Azelaic Acid with Tretinoin
The ingredients in today’s blog post are both well known within the beauty industry, for everyday people whoever, their names and benefits they deliver to the skin can still feel unknown, but not to worry, as this will be cleared up by the end of this blog post.
You’ll find that there are a vast variety of skincare products that contain both powerhouse ingredients, but the question is, how can you use azelaic acid with tretinoin. This is exactly what we’ll be demystifying in today’s blog post and with any luck, you’ll have a better understanding of how to team these under the radar skincare ingredients together and the results you’ll see on your skin.
Can you use tretinoin and azelaic acid?
Before I share with you the best way to use tretinoin and azelaic acid together, let’s first take a closer look into the benefits you can expect to see when using them.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a medication also known as retinoic acid and often formulated into many skincare products used to help treat acne and sun-damage such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation. You’ll also find it is able to target deeper set wrinkles and improve the overall skin texture and tone. As potent as tretinoin is at targeting these skin concerns, with it comes something to bear in mind, that is having to introduce it slowly into your everyday skincare routine.
A common side effect of using any form of retinoic acid, also known as vitamin A, is an increase in flaky, dry patches of skin. This is perfectly normal for most skin types and is a result of your skin simply building its tolerance to the potency of tretinoin and its skin boosting benefits. If you are wanting to know more about tretinoin you can check out our dedicated blog post.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Often mistaken as a member of the large Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family, azelaic acid is a chemical exfoliant derived from grains, such as barley, wheat, and rye. It can work at sloughing the layer of dead skin cells and impurities that often lead to the complexion appearing dull, lack lustre and often showing signs of breakouts.
Suitable for almost all skin types especially when teamed with hydrating and nourishing skin ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Both provide impressive humectant properties meaning they can draw water into the skin and lock it into place keeping the protective skin barrier hydrated and plumped for the entire day. This will help combat any potential dryness caused when using azelaic acid in your daily skincare routine.
When teaming azelaic acid and tretinoin together an important factor you must take into consideration is using the correct combination and best percentages of each formula. For example, many scientific studies have shown the highest performing combination of 20% azelaic acid and 0.05% tretinoin cream will provide effective treatment for melasma and hyperpigmentation. With tretinoin helping to combat pigmentation to uneven skin tone and azelaic acid helping rid the skin of dead skin cells often which tends to make dark spots appear darker. Word of advice, stick to using this potent cocktail in your evening skincare routine as both ingredients increase the photosensitivity of the skin. Let tretinoin and azelaic acid overnight whilst you catch some beauty sleep and don’t forget to follow this with a high factor of sunscreen to protect the skin from UV exposure.
How do you use tretinoin and azelaic acid together?
I’ve mentioned this a few times over on The Beauty Insiders blog, but the product formulation each ingredient play an important role in how you use azelaic acid and tretinoin together. The general skin rule is applying your products from thinnest to thickest consistency, this will allow each product to absorb into the skin without having to compete with the physical barrier a thicker consistency would create. You’ll probably find that azelaic acid and tretinoin are formulated into similar products, most likely serums or other thicker products so allowing about 15 minutes in between applications will allow enough time for the product to fully absorb into the skin.
What goes first azelaic acid or retinol?
It is considered that applying azelaic acid after the type of retinol in are introducing into your routine, this will allow the skin to be prepared and ready for azelaic acid resulting in each product to absorb into the lower layers and get to work sloughing the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities that often clog the pores leading to blackheads and other breakouts.
When should azelaic acid be used in routine?
To reap the rewards of azelaic acid in your routine, it is best to apply it to skin that has been fully cleansed, after a toner and gentle exfoliation. This will result in azelaic acid being able to penetrate the new layer of skin effectively and get to work targeting all manner of skin concerns.
Having said that, much like all skin types introducing a skin ingredient requires some time and dedication. Starting off with a consultation with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure it is safe for you to add the ingredient into your routine.
What can you not mix with azelaic acid?
When using azelaic acid it is recommended to avoid layering it with potent acids, such as the popular BHA, salicylic acid. This is because an increase in skin sensitivity and irritation which can not only cause a lot of discomfort but will prevent azelaic acid and any other skincare ingredient applied unable to deliver the best level of results.
Can you apply moisturiser after azelaic acid?
You can, in fact, it is considered overall a good idea as this will help calm and soothe the skin after the chemical exfoliation azelaic acid provides. Opting for a moisturiser that is enriched in a hydrating and nourishing ingredient, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide will keep the skin water and oil levels balanced and the protective barrier fully functioning allowing it to combat any signs of free radical damage.
I hope that today’s post has answered some questions you have had about using azelaic acid and tretinoin, don’t forget if you have any 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.
