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.
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.
