If you’ve read Beauty Insiders’ recent blog post, you’ll know how much attention has been focused on the unsung hero, azelaic acid. If you don’t know this, don’t worry too much, I don’t take it personally, but here’s a quick summary of what the ingredient is and how it works on the skin.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Naturally derived from grains like barley and rye, azelaic acid is a powerful skin ingredient that can be used to fight acne and rosacea flare-ups. This is achieved with the help of this powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Typically over-the-counter products contain 15% or less of the acid. If you want a more potent approach, you can opt for a professional peel or facial.
It’s important that you consult with your doctor or dermatologist to find the best formula to treat your acne concerns without the drying or irritation side effects. If you want to learn more about azelaic acid, read our dedicated blog post on its effects on the skin.
Now that we’ve reviewed a bit, let’s jump right in to find out more about whether you can mix azelaic acid with your moisturizer.
How to Use Azelaic Acid With Moisturizer?
There are a variety of skincare products that contain active amounts of azelaic acid, from cleansers to serums to toners. This will determine how you use azelaic acid with your moisturizer, but here is a general method that has been proven to be simple and effective.
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a cleanser or face wash
- After cleansing, use an exfoliating toner
- Apply a layer of hyaluronic acid-rich skin to lock in surface moisture
- Follow up with a serum containing azelaic acid
- Apply a layer of moisturizer
- If using this routine during the day, the final SPF should be 30 or higher
Everyone’s skin is different, so this routine may take some adjustments to get used to, but it is a very effective routine that allows each ingredient to work its benefits on the skin without causing any negative side effects.
Many of us are often unclear about the role of moisturizer. Unlike a serum, it only works on the outer layer of the skin. If you are looking to address a specific issue like aging or hyperpigmentation, it is best to use a serum and use a moisturizer to form a physical layer on the skin. It acts as a barrier to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals such as pollution and UV rays.
Do I use azelaic acid before or after my moisturizer?
This comes down to personal preference and the azelaic acid formula itself. However, if you ask my opinion, I would use azelaic acid before moisturizer and after a hyaluronic acid serum.
The hyaluronic acid in a serum helps lock in moisture in the skin and counteracts the drying effects that azelaic acid often has. If you follow up with an azelaic acid-rich serum, not only will it absorb faster, but it will also work faster. Finally, create a physical barrier on the surface of the skin with a moisturizer to improve overall protection.
Can Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid be used together?
Yes, you absolutely can! The beauty of Niacinamide is that not only does it have the same moisturizing benefits as hyaluronic acid, it also has some benefits of its own, such as the ability to tighten pores and strengthen the skin barrier. By combining these two active ingredients, you get a powerful combination to fight breakouts, spots, and blackheads. You’ll also find that if you’re prone to dark spots or post-acne scarring, these two ingredients will counteract the pigmentation of skin discoloration while reducing blemishes and preventing new ones from forming.
Many skin experts and dermatologists often prefer azelaic acid as an anti-acne ingredient, but salicylic acid is considered a more popular choice because many people already have a deep understanding of BHA. There is nothing wrong with incorporating these acids into your daily routine, you just need to use them on different days. Just a tip: It is best to use them in your routine at night to provide extra protection against certain free radicals present during the day, such as: B. UV rays.
Which comes first, niacinamide or azelaic acid?
Ideally, you should use niacinamide before applying azelaic acid, as this ensures that the skin is well hydrated and more receptive. This helps the acid penetrate into the underlying layers while preventing unwanted skin irritation such as dryness, itching, redness, and rashes. However, it is important to remember the basic skin application rule: start with the thinnest consistency and gradually increase to thicker formulas. If the product is used correctly, the skin will benefit from the ingredients and achieve the best results.
Can I use azelaic acid on wet skin?
This is not the case, because azelaic acid is different from other acids such as hyaluronic acid. HA has hydrating properties and when used on damp skin it effectively locks in moisture, leaving your complexion plump, nourished and hydrated. To get the best results from azelaic acid, apply to semi-dry skin after using hyaluronic acid and before applying moisturizer.
