The Best Way to Incorporate Azelaic Acid and Tretinoin Into Your Routine

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 Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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