Can I Mix AHA with Azelaic Acid?
I wouldn’t be surprised to hear you’re puzzled about what exactly azelaic acid is and how it benefits the skin. The beauty industry is full to bursting with highly potent and effective ingredients so the thought of one more shouldn’t cause too much concern. After all, it’s known that azelaic acid is a well-kept secret amongst skincare fans meaning you will often only find it in professional treatments or niche skincare brands.
If you are wondering what’s so great about azelaic acid, you can check out our dedicated blog post about it and how it works on the skin. Today’s post however is going to involve a more detailed look into finding out whether you can mix AHA with azelaic acid.
Can I use azelaic acid with AHA?
Yes, you can as it is known for working well and in conjunction with other skin ingredients, even those that are more potent, such as the popular AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. Don’t let the name fool you, as it isn’t as harsh as you may think to believe. In fact, azelaic acid is also safe and effective to work on almost all skin types, even those prone to rosacea. Because if its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, azelaic acid is also highly effective at treating acne-prone skin without stripping the skin of sebum which often leads it to overproducing oil creating a never-ending cycle of constant breakouts and flare-up in acne. Having said that, using azelaic acid as the only ingredient is not considered the best plan at treating acne and needs to be teamed with other hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to counteract the common drying effects of azelaic acid.
What should you not mix AHAs with?
To avoid any unwanted skin irritation, you should not mix AHAs with the following skincare ingredients.
BHA’s such as salicylic acid
This is because applying two types of acid on the skin will become too irritating. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, is oil soluble and can penetrate further into the skin than the AHAs, like glycolic acid. AHAs work on the outer surface of the skin and sloughing away the build-up of dead skin cells, debris, bacteria, and other impurities. There is nothing however, stopping you from using these ingredients in your routine. It is just a case of applying alternate ingredients during different stages of your everyday skin routine.
Retinol
Retinol is known for speeding up the cycle of the skin cell turnover which can often leave it feeling dry and irritated. To prevent the skin from becoming more agitated it’s best to apply your skincare product enriched in an AHA, such as glycolic acid, in the morning and leave your retinol for the evening.
Vitamin C
With vitamin C providing exfoliating effects on the skin, by teaming it with a alpha hydroxy acid enriched product with vitamin C will result in too much exfoliation and irritated.
If you are wanting to know more about what not to mix with AHAs, you can check out the blog post which goes into more detail how to use these ingredients easily and effectively in your everyday skincare routine.
Can I mix niacinamide with azelaic acid?
Absolutely! It is known that azelaic acid and niacinamide are able to work well together. The humectant traits of niacinamide ensure that water surrounding the face is draw into the skin and locked into place. You will also find that niacinamide ensures the pores are refined and the protective skin barrier is strengthened and remain functioning correctly.
For optimal results, it’s best to applying your azelaic acid enriched product first, followed by a serum packed with niacinamide to help reduce any risk of the acid causing the skin to become dry and irritated.
Can I use azelaic acid with glycolic acid?
Yes, you can use azelaic acid and glycolic acid together. Many will find that teaming the two is a great alternative for the extremely potent skin ingredient, tretinoin. By layering azelaic acid and glycolic acid together, you are exposing your skin to the same results as tretinoin but in a more tolerable way for the skin.
When using azelaic acid and glycolic acid together you are ensuring your skin is left feeling younger, smoother, plumped, and vibrant with an all-over improved skin tone. If you wanted to know more about teaming these powerhouse ingredients together, check out the blog post, can you use azelaic acid and glycolic acid together.
Where do you put azelaic acid in routine?
You’ll often find that azelaic acid is formulated into all manner of skincare products. The basic skincare rule is to apply your products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. The products containing azelaic acid are often serums and moisturisers and should be applied to the skin during the later stage of your routine. Ideally, to gain optimal results you should apply your azelaic acid after you have used a cleanser and exfoliating toner to remove all traces of bacteria, debris, dirt. By doing this you will find any formulas applied after will absorb quickly and penetrate the lower layers of the skin.
Can you use azelaic acid every day?
You can, in fact, you can use azelaic acid twice a day, even by those who have a sensitive skin type and are prone to some conditions such as rosacea. Unlike some other acids, building the skin’s tolerance is something that can be easily achieved and won’t take too long. You will also be able to work your way up to how many days a week you can apply the acid onto your skin.
Does azelaic acid break you out?
Yes, azelaic acid can cause you to break out due to the fact the skin cell turnover is increased rapidly resulting in the skin purging. Purging is often mistaken as acne, when in fact it is clearly a sign the skin is receiving deep cleansing with the gunk, excess sebum, and debris found in the pores is pushed out of the surface. Keep using your product and you’ll find that after 4 weeks, your skin will have clarity and a healthy all over glow.
There you have a little more detail about mixing AHA and azelaic acid together, remember that if you ever have any concerns, it’s best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist. If you have any more skincare questions, come, and follow us on Instagram.
