Can Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid Be Used Together?
The acid’s popularity in recent years has led every skincare brand to include it in at least one of its popular products.
The only downside is that these acids are very potent and contain active ingredients used in various formulations. This is great for achieving impressive and eye-catching results, but there is a risk of overuse.
Yes, you can be eating too much, and when layered or used incorrectly, these potent skin heroes can weaken the skin’s barrier, irritate the skin, dry it out badly and cause redness.
Before we get started, let’s review what exactly azelaic and glycolic acids do for the skin. What Are the
Benefits of Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid, derived from grains such as corn, wheat, and rye, isn’t actually in the AHA family, but rather a class of drugs called dicarboxylic acids.
It is often used to treat problem areas like rosacea and acne because it reduces swelling and redness of the skin. It also fights any bacteria on the skin’s surface that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, leaving your skin
clearer.
What Are the Benefits of Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is one of the most popular and commonly used acids in AHAs. It is derived from sugar cane and acts on the outer surface of the skin.
When applied, it removes the buildup of dead skin cells that often reside on the outer surface and can cause a range of problems, from prominent fine lines to frequent breakouts to a dull complexion.
Now that you have a better understanding of how each ingredient works, let’s take a closer look at whether you can use azelaic acid and glycolic acid together.
Can glycolic acid and azelaic acid be used together?
Yes, taking azelaic acid and glycolic acid together is considered completely safe. Using these two acids in your daily routine is a simple switch that will have a huge impact on your skin.
Many medical and skin care experts agree that azelaic acid is well tolerated by almost all skin types (even mildly sensitive skin).
However, you might be hard-pressed to find azelaic acid in over-the-counter formulations, making this skin-care ingredient quite unique in its own right. Gentle enough for those with sensitivities, but not enough to stay within
the prescribed ingredients.
It’s important to remember that both acids exfoliate the skin, which is why it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. What not to mix with azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is considered a skin ingredient that can be easily incorporated into your routine and combines effectively with other acids. However, that doesn’t mean there are some ingredients that should be avoided.
For example, when combining azelaic acid and salicylic acid, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or dermatologist to ensure that your skin tolerates the combination of these acids. This prevents the skin from becoming
irritated and dry, and prevents signs of a compromised protective barrier due to over-stimulation of the skin.
Can glycolic acid be used with other acids?
Yes, you can, but be careful, it’s easy to over exfoliate without really realizing it. Glycolic acid is one of the most potent AHAs available, and as long as your skin naturally tolerates it, it can be a great addition to your
daily skincare routine.
For other acids, such as lactic acid and malic acid, it is important to alternate or use glycolic and other acids in the formulation. Many people with combination to oily skin often find that a combination of salicylic and
glycolic acids can lead to clearer, more radiant skin. However, this is not the case for everyone.
Therefore, it is imperative to patch test any new ingredient or product for 24 hours before applying it to the face to avoid any adverse skin reactions. Which products should not be used with glycolic acid?
Avoid combining vitamin C with glycolic acid. You’ll find that vitamin C is generally considered unstable and difficult to combine with other ingredients. This is often the result of outdated research that describes vitamin C
as a highly unstable and highly reactive skin component.
This is because glycolic acid and vitamin C have a low pH, which means they are both strongly acidic and easily acidic, which can cause imbalances on the skin’s surface. This imbalance can lead to skin irritation and other
problems, such as dryness and redness on the skin’s surface.
If you want to learn more about taking vitamin C, check out the dedicated blog post on what not to mix with vitamin C. Can I use azelaic acid every day? Yes, you can use azelaic acid daily, even twice daily as part of your daily
skincare routine.
Often formulated in a number of different skin care products, you can tailor your regimen to your skin and the concerns you want to address. I mean, if you have a more sensitive skin type, you can opt for a face wash because it
rinses off the skin. If you have combination or oily skin, you can opt for more effective products such as serums.
Can I use glycolic acid every day?
You really can! Just like azelaic acid, you can use it twice a day. If you take my advice, I’d go for a glycolic acid-rich exfoliating toner. This is because toners are formulated to exfoliate the skin without the ingredients
staying on the skin for long and causing irritation.
