Can Retinol and Azelaic Acid be Mixed Together?
Azelaic acid and retinol are two skincare ingredients that have unique and amazing effects. No doubt you already know about the benefits of retinol and how it improves the overall appearance of your complexion while aiding in skin clarity.
Retinol is considered one of the most effective ingredients for the skin, with a range of skin benefits, from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to fighting blemishes and breakouts. Azelaic acid, on the other hand, has similar benefits but is gentler and can be used on sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
With these two powerful ingredients delivering such impressive, eye-catching results, it’s no wonder today’s blog post question is going viral. So let’s see if we can combine retinol and azelaic acid. However, before we get started, let’s take a quick look at azelaic acid and retinol and their benefits for the skin.
What are the benefits of azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid reduces skin inflammation and soothes acne on the surface of the skin.
Azelaic acid has antibacterial properties that help to clear dirt, bacteria, debris, and sebum from the pores. Azelaic acid is known for its ability to improve hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage and acne scars.
Azelaic acid gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells, resulting in a smoother, more even facial texture and makeup application. Azelaic acid does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation.
If you want to learn more about azelaic acid, you can read our dedicated blog post on Azelaic Acid on The Beauty Insiders.
What are the benefits of retinol?
Retinol fights breakouts, pimples and acne.
Retinol works on the lower layers of the skin to boost the production of collagen and elastin. Retinol speeds up skin cell turnover and ensures that signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots are visibly reduced.
Retinol improves fine lines and wrinkles and compensates for loss of elasticity. Don’t forget: If you want to learn more about the effects of retinol on the skin, read the blog post What are the benefits of retinol in skin care?
Can retinol be used with azelaic acid?
Yes, you can, but be careful if you have sensitive skin type as too much exfoliation can stress your skin. If you find yourself with oily and acne-prone skin, a combination of retinol and azelaic acid could be a solution
Being a powerful combination.
Azelaic acid helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, especially scars caused by acne flare-ups. You’ll also notice that your skin feels cleansed as the retinol penetrates deep into the skin and removes excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria from the pores.
As each ingredient works individually and as a team, you’ll notice an improvement in the overall look and feel of your complexion. Reducing pigmentation spots and treating acne.
When combining these powerful ingredients, be sure to apply SPF 30+ daily to ensure your skin is protected from free radical damage, such as pollution and harmful sun damage.
Which came first, azelaic acid or retinol?
A lot depends on the type of product the ingredients are formulated into. In a previous blog post, I explained that the cardinal rule of skin care is to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
You can often find azelaic acid in products like exfoliating toners, serums, or face washes, all of which are used at different stages of your skincare routine. When it comes to retinol, this powerhouse is found in products like serums, face oils, and moisturizers, all of which are part of your daily skincare routine. If you’re still a little confused, the order of use is easy to remember: retinol should only be used at night. So if you apply it to clean skin before bed, it’ll be easier to remember the order. You’ll also find that azelaic acid effectively exfoliates the skin, meaning it removes the buildup of dead skin cells and debris, revealing fresher, more hydrated skin underneath, allowing any products you subsequently use to quickly penetrate deeper. Can niacinamide, azelaic acid, and retinol be used together? Yes, it’s possible, but not at the same time, as this can be too much for the skin. It’s completely safe to use niacinamide and retinol together, as the hydrating properties of niacinamide can counteract the drying effects of retinol, thereby ensuring a more plump, hydrated, and comfortable complexion.
If you use all three ingredients at once, you may want to alternate azelaic acid with a combination of retinol and niacinamide. The most effective way to do this is to use an azelaic acid-rich exfoliating tonic in the morning after cleansing.
You can then apply the retinol and niacinamide in the evening, as this will ensure that enough time has passed and the skin’s pH is back in balance in the morning.
Is Azelaic Acid Better Than Retinol?
Both azelaic acid and retinol offer similar benefits for the skin, but still have their own unique beneficial properties.
Therefore, many people use both active ingredients together in their daily routine to reap the benefits in the quickest and easiest way. Therefore, if your skin can tolerate it, use both ingredients together, and of course don’t forget to wear sunscreen every day to protect yourself from UV rays.
