Can Azelaic Acid be used after an AHA peel?
With a name as ominous as azelaic acid, I can’t blame you if you’re worried about using it in your daily skincare routine. If you add an AHA peel to the mix, you’ll probably be in a state of dizziness.
No need to panic, as we’re going to answer exactly this question in today’s blog post. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in and learn more. If you want to learn more about azelaic acid, you can read our dedicated blog post about it and find out how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Can AHAs and Azelaic Acid be used together?
In short: yes, you can use azelaic acid and AHAs together. If you use these acids correctly, you don’t have to worry about side effects. However, an important factor that you shouldn’t forget is keeping your skin’s pH balanced, as this is often the cause of many skin reactions, irritations, and side effects. When using azelaic acid and other AHAs (such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid) at the same time, it’s recommended to wait 10 minutes between applications, as this gives enough time for the skin’s pH to rebalance.
We often find that many people mistakenly believe that azelaic acid is a member of the AHA family, when in fact it is an exfoliating acid. Derived from yeast that occurs naturally in the skin, azelaic acid is favored by many because it is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to dryness and sensitivity. However, every skin type is unique and doing a 24-hour patch test will help you determine if the formula is best suited to your needs without any unwanted side effects.
Can Azelaic Acid be Used After an AHA Peel?
This is not the case, as the AHAs used in chemical peels contain medicinal properties, which means they are highly effective. The best ingredients to use after an AHA peel are humectants like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Both have hydrating properties that lock in moisture to the skin, leaving it looking plump, radiant, hydrated and happy. If you follow the care instructions after a peel, not only can you avoid skin irritation, but you can also see fast results.
What Should We Use After an AHA BHA?
Since AHAs and BHAs deeply exfoliate the skin, they can cause dryness and irritation to the skin. To combat this, you can follow up your AHA or BHA products with a serum that contains hydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. The combination of these active ingredients gives you a beautiful, radiant complexion.
Here’s how it works: The exfoliating properties of AHAs and BHAs remove dead skin cells, dirt, and debris that can build up on the surface of the skin and cause acne and breakouts. BHAs also work deep into the pores to help remove excess sebum, bacteria, and other impurities, all of which can lead to further skin issues like blackheads and pimples.
Once the skin’s unwanted layer of impurities is cleared away, any additional formulas you apply to the skin will be absorbed quickly, resulting in faster results and healthier skin. Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant, attracting and locking in moisture to the skin, providing additional hydration to the skin. Not only does this ensure a radiant complexion, it also strengthens the lipid barrier, protecting the skin from free radical damage caused by things like pollution, UV rays, and other environmental influences.
What shouldn’t Azelaic Acid be used with?
Like salicylic acid, azelaic acid is equally effective when combined with BHA, but stacking the two active ingredients is not generally recommended.
This is primarily because both ingredients have a low pH and are acidic. When the skin is naturally acidic, it can cause reactions such as redness, itching, flaking, and severe dryness.
If you have concerns about using powerful ingredients together, I strongly recommend seeking the help of a dermatologist or a trained professional who can advise you on the best formulas and products for you and your skin’s needs.
Can azelaic acid be used with BHA?
Yes, but always make sure you apply it to the skin correctly. There are a variety of ways to combine these active ingredients, which many people find effective without worrying about skin irritation.
You can vary the time of day you apply each ingredient to your skin. Because BHA, like salicylic acid, is more potent than azelaic acid, I recommend waiting until the evening to apply it to avoid excessive UV exposure and possible skin damage. Remember to wear SPF sunscreen every day to fully protect your skin from sun damage, such as hyperpigmentation, aging, and loss of elasticity.
Use each ingredient individually on different days. This way you can reap the benefits and avoid unwanted side effects.
Wait up to 15 minutes between each application. This can often feel time-consuming, but it’s the best time to ensure your skin’s pH is rebalanced and ready for the next step in your routine.
These recommendations have proven successful for many people when using azelaic acid and BHA together. As I mentioned before, if you’re concerned about which formula to use and how well they work on your skin, do a 24-hour patch test. After this, you’ll see if your skin is happy with the product, and you can then apply it directly to your face.
Does Azelaic Acid Detoxify?
Yes, it can. As with all active ingredients that exfoliate the skin, you’ll find that they have a purifying effect. Purification is often confused with acne, but it’s the result of “phlegm” in the pores being pushed to the surface of the skin, causing short-term acne. Cleansing rarely lasts longer than 4 weeks, but if you notice blemishes still appearing after 2 months, this could be a sign that your skin is reacting to the formula. In this case, you should discontinue using the product.
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