What Not to Mix with Azelaic Acid?
Many people mistakenly believe that azelaic acid is a member of the larger family of alpha hydroxy acid chemical peels. However, the problem with azelaic acid is that, believe it or not, it is neither an AHA, BHA, nor a PHA.
Derived from yeast that naturally occurs on the skin, it is popular with dermatologists for its versatility and gentleness. Not to mention the effects it provides for a clear complexion by combating acne breakouts and other skin imperfections. It is incorporated into a variety of skincare products, from face washes to leave-on treatments, all of which deliver impressive results. For more information on this unique skin ingredient, visit our website for a dedicated blog post on what it is and the benefits you can expect.
Now that I’ve briefly explained what azelaic acid is, let’s look at what not to mix with azelaic acid.
Can Vitamin C and Azelaic Acid Be Mixed?
Both Vitamin C and Azelaic Acid are highly effective ingredients that deliver immediate results to the skin. With this in mind, you might think that combining them together isn’t a great idea. Generally, it’s considered to be completely harmless. However, to avoid feeling too intense on the skin, it’s best to apply each ingredient separately.
Which came first, vitamin C or azelaic acid?
Since vitamin C is packed with antioxidants, making it a powerful force against free radicals, it’s best to use it in your morning skincare routine to allow it to work throughout the day, protecting your skin and keeping it healthy. Then at night, you can use azelaic acid-rich products to address any concerns during your beauty sleep.
Can Azelaic Acid and Lactic Acid Be Mixed?
Technically, azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that works similarly to AHAs and BHAs, but also offers other skin benefits, such as: B. It has a huge effect on skin tone and correcting other skin concerns. However, there’s nothing wrong with combining azelaic acid with other chemical peels like lactic acid. You’ll find that using these acids together can help you address any concerns and target specific areas of your skin, making it easy to treat uneven skin texture, dark spots, and signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
Since lactic acid is considered one of the gentlest AHAs, combining azelaic acid with lactic acid is a great place to start if you have dry skin or are new to using acids in your skincare routine. That way you can avoid overloading your skin and unwanted side effects.
Can I mix azelaic acid with glycolic acid?
Yes, you can. As I mentioned in the previous section of this post, the combination of AHAs and azelaic acid is completely safe. Using glycolic acid and azelaic acid has the added benefit that the combination of active acid concentrations with the skin has been shown to have a greater impact on the skin than tretinoin. For those who are unsure, tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is commonly found in prescription drugs and medical products designed to treat and clear acne and other serious skin blemishes.
Just a warning: glycolic acid is the most potent of the AHAs and can cause skin irritation if overused on the skin. That’s why I recommend that you consult a doctor or dermatologist first. Then do a 24-hour patch test before applying the acid all over your skin to avoid any adverse skin reactions.
What else can I use in addition to azelaic acid?
Ideally, you should apply a moisturizer with a daily SPF of 30 or higher over azelaic acid.
To get the most out of azelaic acid, it’s best to use it in the later stages of your routine. Many skin care experts recommend adding AHAs (like lactic and glycolic), BHAs (like salicylic acid), and retinols (retinol) before using azelaic acid. This ensures that these active ingredients can work their way into the skin while clearing away dead skin cells, allowing the azelaic acid to absorb quickly and effectively into the skin.
Can I use a moisturizer after using azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is praised for its versatility and is used in a range of skin care products. This is important because when using skin care products, I generally achieve the best results when I apply the product based on the thickness of the formula. This usually means that a moisturizer should be applied at the end of your routine. You will also find that applying a moisturizer after using products containing azelaic acid will help balance the skin and add more moisture to the skin. This is an effective way to combat signs of dryness that can occur when using azelaic acid and other chemical peels.
Can salicylic acid and azelaic acid be mixed?
When it comes to using azelaic acid with BHAs (especially salicylic acid, which is the most commonly used), many dermatologists are hesitant to recommend combining these two powerful duos. It is believed that the small molecular size of salicylic acid allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin, causing some irritation side effects. While azelaic acid is much gentler, the combination of these two acids can be too harsh on the skin and you’ll notice an increase in dryness, redness, and general discomfort.
If you want to use these two ingredients in your daily routine, I recommend alternating between them and don’t forget to wear sunscreen every day to ensure your skin is protected from UV rays.
What are the side effects of azelaic acid?
You may be wondering why I wanted to share the side effects of this acid with you after explaining how gentle azelaic acid is on the skin. Because even with the gentlest ingredients, there is always a chance of side effects. If you are unfamiliar with an ingredient or may be using skincare for the first time, you should always seek the help of a dermatologist or a trained professional to ensure that your new product or routine is the best fit for you and your skin type.
The main side effects that may occur when using azelaic acid are:
Itching
Burns
Stinging
Stinging
These should only be mild sensations, but if you experience any of the above side effects severely or for a long time, stop using the product immediately and call your doctor.
Here are some examples of which acids work well and which ones you should avoid when using azelaic acid in your skin care routine. As always, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram.
