Can Vitamin C be taken with Azelaic Acid?
You may already know what Vitamin C is, but azelaic acid’s lesser-known benefits are often overlooked. This ingenious multifunctional acid has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years and is often found in formulas as a key active ingredient. You may have already benefited from it without even realizing it. So let’s learn more together and see if you can combine Vitamin C with Azelaic Acid! Don’t forget to follow Procoal on Instagram for all things skincare. What is Azelaic Acid? It occurs naturally in grains like barley and wheat and was later synthetically formulated to make it stable and easy to incorporate into skincare products. Azelaic acid is a member of a class of drugs known as dicarboxylic acids, which are often confused with members of the AHA and BHA families. It was originally formulated in topical skincare products to combat acne and rosacea. It’s packed with
antimicrobial properties and chemical exfoliating abilities to counteract the formation of dead skin cells, pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes.
It also fights hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scars, while its impressive anti-inflammatory properties make it gentle enough to soothe rosacea and redness. Would you like to learn more? More information can be found in our Skin School post on Azelaic Acid.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C isn’t just in your morning orange juice, it’s one of the most popular and commonly used ingredients in skincare. It’s packed with antioxidants that fight everyday stressors caused by free radicals like UV damage and pollution.
With its powerful damage-neutralizing abilities, you’ll find that Vitamin C fights fine lines and wrinkles, as well as fights dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leaving you with a healthy glow and even skin tone. There’s a detailed blog post covering the benefits of Vitamin C, so be sure to check that out.
Now that you understand the benefits of these two powerful ingredients, let’s take a closer look at the two together. Can Vitamin C be taken with Azelaic Acid? The short answer is: Yes, Azelaic Acid and
Vitamin C are packed with antioxidants and skin-conditioning properties that help even out skin tone and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I recommend using these ingredients with caution, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
It may take some time for your skin to get used to using both ingredients on a daily basis. To improve skin tolerance, I recommend supplementing with vitamin C in the morning and azelaic acid in the evening. This way you can have a
guaranteed reward while avoiding side effects, irritation, or discomfort. For more on this topic, visit the Beauty Insider blog. Click here to learn more.
What can Azelaic Acid be applied to?
Fortunately for all of us, Azelaic Acid is relatively easy to incorporate into our daily routines. It can even be versatile and can be combined with other active ingredients, including acids. Here are some examples of
ingredients that can be applied with Azelaic Acid.
Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide. The combination of these two ingredients can improve the overall appearance and health of your skin. Acne scars and dark spots are noticeably different due to less inflammation and congestion.
Both Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide work on the outer surface of the skin, with Niacinamide locking moisture within the protective barrier to keep the skin as healthy and functional as possible.
Azelaic Acid and AHA BHA. While combining azelaic acid with an AHA or BHA could spell disaster, it’s actually completely safe to use. Azelaic acid is gentle enough that it won’t disrupt the skin barrier or cause dryness.
You should be careful about using other, stronger acids on your skin, though, as overuse can lead to severe dryness, redness, and acne. For a simple yet effective routine, you can use products that contain an AHA (such as
alternative glycolic acid) and a BHA (such as salicylic acid).
Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C Combining these two powerful ingredients is simple. Both are rich in antioxidants and work together to rejuvenate the skin, repair damage, and protect the outer barrier while keeping it vibrant.
Follow a Routine. As I mentioned earlier, it’s best to alternate ingredients in your skincare routine to avoid adverse reactions.
Here are three examples of the best ingredients to layer with azelaic acid. Given the presence of other popular ingredients in skincare, I recommend seeking advice from your doctor, dermatologist, or licensed healthcare professional before incorporating a new ingredient into your routine.
Which is better, azelaic acid or vitamin C?
If I had to decide which skin ingredient is better, Vitamin C or Azelaic Acid, I would go with Vitamin C. Both forms of Vitamin C are naturally found in the skin. Since both ingredients have an impressive range of benefits for the skin, they are completely safe to use together. If you are new to either ingredient, I recommend doing a patch test 24 hours beforehand to prevent irritation.
To do a patch test, apply 10p of the skincare product to the inside of your forearm and leave it on overnight. If you don’t notice any swelling or irritation in the morning, you can apply the cream to your face. Can acids and Vitamin C be layered? Yes,
You can, but it may take some time to figure out what works best.
Here are some options you can try. Option 1: Use Vitamin C and AHA/BHA at different times This is the best option for people with extremely dry and sensitive skin. By using acids and Vitamin C at different times, you can
ensure reflux without worrying about irritation or disrupting the skin barrier. You will also find that by using these ingredients at different times of the day, you can adjust the pH of your natural protective barrier.
This is important because it prevents the risk of the skin’s surface becoming weak and vulnerable due to exposure to free radicals. Option Two: Vitamin C and AHA/BHA Combination If used correctly, the combination of acids
Effective combinations with vitamin C are possible. However, you must remember that the development of skin tolerance can affect the effectiveness of each ingredient. If you want to learn more about what not to mix with vitamin C, read the corresponding blog post.
