Can Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C be used together?
When using skincare ingredients together, the first thing to make sure is that you’re using the best combination. Azelaic acid and vitamin C are both highly effective ingredients that can deliver significant and impressive results on their own. The desire to use these two powerhouses together makes perfect sense, because why wouldn’t you want to reap the fruits of your labor?
But I understand your hesitation, which is why today we’re going to dive into how to use both azelaic acid and vitamin C in your daily routine.
Which is better, vitamin C or azelaic acid?
Both azelaic acid and vitamin C can deliver impressive skin results, with some being similar and others being unique to each ingredient. Once your skin has built up a tolerance to these ingredients, you can choose to use these ingredients alone or in combination.
Benefits of Azelaic Acid for Skin
Exfoliates the outer surface and removes dead skin cells
Clears excess sebum, dirt, bacteria and impurities from pores
Fights acne-causing bacteria to prevent the formation of active spots, blemishes and acne flare-ups
Reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by sun damage and acne
Contains anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the redness, swelling and inflammation of the skin caused by rosacea and acne
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
Contains antioxidant properties, ensuring it protects the skin from daily stresses of free radical damage
Boosts collagen production in the lower layers of the skin to fight signs of sagging skin
Repairs and reduces the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation
Helps brighten your complexion for a radiant look
Minimizes redness or inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea
Azelaic acid and vitamin C are suitable for almost all skin types, except those prone to severe sensitivity. If you are unsure whether to add these ingredients to your routine, consult a dermatologist to avoid adverse reactions.
Do you use vitamin C first and then azelaic acid?
Yes, many skin care experts recommend using vitamin C before azelaic acid. Depending on your skin type, this may mean applying a vitamin C-rich serum first, waiting 10 minutes, and then applying an azelaic acid product. If you need my advice: even if your skin type can tolerate these ingredients, try using vitamin C in your morning routine and azelaic acid in your evening routine. Not only will you benefit from the benefits of both ingredients, but you’ll also avoid the risk of skin irritation or dry skin.
If you want to learn more about using azelaic acid and vitamin C together, read our dedicated blog post.
Can I apply a moisturizer after azelaic acid?
It’s actually possible. You’ll find azelaic acid in skin care products like serums, face washes, or cleansers. Since skin care products are applied in order from thinnest to thickest, moisturizer is one of the last products to be applied to the skin.
You’ll also find that using an azelaic acid moisturizer will leave your skin feeling comfortable, hydrated, and healthy, and minor signs of irritation will be soothed and relieved by exfoliation.
Does azelaic acid damage the skin barrier?
Yes and no, and the reason for this is that azelaic acid chemically exfoliates the outer surface of the skin. Azelaic acid is useful in keeping your skin blemish-free, but it also reduces the thickness of the outer layer of the skin, which can cause irritation and dryness over time.
To avoid the risk of this type of irritation or surface damage to your skin, you can combine an azelaic acid product with another product that contains hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Both of these products have hydrating properties and are effective at locking moisture into the skin barrier. When the skin barrier is functioning properly, healthy, and has the right amount of water, it can protect itself from free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental influences.
How to use azelaic acid on your face?
A lot depends on the product that contains azelaic acid. As I mentioned earlier, there are a range of skincare products that can be added with azelaic acid, from cleansers to topical gels. Since azelaic acid requires a prescription, the acid content in the formula is usually quite high, so a small amount goes a long way. All you need to do is apply a thin layer of the product and gently work it into your skin, focusing on problem areas. You can then rinse it off or leave it on your face if necessary. Of course, don’t forget to apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day to ensure you are protected from further sun damage.
Does Azelaic Acid Help Fight Wrinkles?
This is not true, there is no evidence that using azelaic acid helps fight signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. The most important anti-aging benefit of using azelaic acid is its ability to fight signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. When areas of pigment are reduced, your skin tone becomes more even, radiant, and more youthful due to the antioxidant effects.
I hope you now have a better understanding of how to use azelaic acid and vitamin C together. As I suggested before, if you have concerns about using these powerful ingredients together, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist. It is also important to remember that if using the product in your daily life causes irritation or dryness, you should stop using the product and seek medical attention. Follow us on Instagram for more skincare tips, exclusive offers, and product launches!
