Can Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid be Used Together?
The popularity of these acids has risen in recent years, and every skincare brand uses it in at least one of their popular products.
The only downside is that these acids are extremely potent and contain active ingredients that can be used in a wide variety of formulas. This is great for getting impressive and eye-catching results, but there is a risk of overdose.
Yes, you can have too much, and if layered or used incorrectly, these powerful skincare heroes can weaken the skin barrier, irritate the skin, severely dry it out, and cause redness.
Before we get started, let’s take a look at what exactly azelaic acid and glycolic acid do for the skin. What are they?
Benefits of Azelaic Acid?
Derived from grains like corn, wheat, and rye, azelaic acid is not actually in the AHA family, but rather belongs to a class of drugs called dicarboxylic acids.
It is often used to treat problem areas such as rosacea and acne because it can reduce swelling and redness in the skin. It also fights any bacteria on the surface of the skin that can cause clogged pores and rashes, leaving you with clearer skin.
What are the benefits of glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is one of the most popular and commonly used of the AHAs. It is extracted from sugar cane and works on the outer surface of the skin.
When used, it removes the buildup of dead skin cells that are often found on the outer surface and can cause a range of issues, from noticeable fine lines to frequent rashes 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 and azelaic acid be used together?
Yes, taking azelaic acid and glycolic acid together is considered completely safe. Using both acids in your daily routine is a simple change that can make a huge difference for 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, it can be difficult to find azelaic acid in over-the-counter formulas, which makes this skin care ingredient quite unique in its own right. Gentle enough for sensitive people, but not strong enough to stay within the prescribed ingredient range.
It’s important to remember that both acids exfoliate the skin, which is why it’s important to use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. What can’t be mixed with azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is considered a skin ingredient that is easy to incorporate into your daily routine and combines effectively with other acids. However, this does not mean that certain ingredients should be avoided.
For example, if you combine azelaic acid with salicylic acid, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist to ensure that your skin can tolerate the combination of these acids. This can prevent the skin from becoming irritated and dry, and prevent signs of a damaged protective barrier due to over-irritation of the skin.
Can glycolic acid be used with other acids?
Yes, you can, but be careful, it is easy to over-exfoliate without realizing it. Glycolic acid is one of the most effective AHAs and can be a great addition to your skin care routine as long as your skin naturally tolerates it.
As with other acids, such as lactic and malic acids, it is important to alternate or use glycolic acid with other acids in your formula. Many people with combination to oily skin often find that the combination of salicylic and glycolic acids can lead to clearer, more radiant skin. However, this is not the case for everyone.
Therefore, before applying a new ingredient or product to your face, it is important to test it on an area of skin for 24 hours to avoid any adverse skin reactions. What products should not be used with glycolic acid?
Avoid mixing vitamin C with glycolic acid. You will find that vitamin C is often considered unstable and difficult to combine with other ingredients. This is often the result of outdated research that describes vitamin C as an extremely unstable and highly reactive skin ingredient.
This is because glycolic acid and vitamin C have a low pH, which means they are both strong and weak acids, which can cause an imbalance on the surface of the skin. This imbalance can lead to skin irritation and other issues such as dryness and redness on the surface of the skin.
If you want to learn more about taking vitamin C, read the related blog post on what not to mix with vitamin C. Can I use azelaic acid every day? Yes, you can use azelaic acid every day, or even twice a day, as part of your daily skin care routine. They are often included in a range of different skin care products, allowing you to tailor your treatment to your skin and the issues you want to address. So if you have a more sensitive skin type, you can choose to wash your face as it washes away from the skin. If you have combination or oily skin, you can opt for something more potent, like a serum.
Can I use glycolic acid every day?
You really can! Just like azelaic acid, you can use it twice a day. If you follow my advice, I would opt for a high glycolic acid exfoliating toner. Because toners are formulated to exfoliate the skin without stripping ingredients
that linger on the skin for a long time and cause irritation.
