Ever felt like you’re waging a losing battle against your skin? Or you looked in the mirror and noticed a huge zit smack dab in the middle of your forehead. Talk about a mood killer!
As someone who struggled with acne and hyperpigmentation for years, I know the feeling all too well. But fear not – there’s hope in the form of azelaic acid and retinol!
These two ingredients may sound like something straight out of a chemistry lab, but trust me; they’re the secret weapons you need to achieve the flawless complexion of your dreams.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about azelaic acid and retinol and explore their many benefits. Can you use azelaic acid and retinol together is probably one of the questions you have; I promise we’ll answer that!
Moreover, I’ll share my personal experience with these ingredients and the amazing results they’ve helped me achieve. So buckle up – it’s time to unleash the power of azelaic acid and retinol and take your skin to the next level!
Can You Use Retinol And Azelaic Acid Together?
Yes, you can use retinol and azelaic acid together!
At least from my experience, if you follow the right regime, there’s no harm in mixing the two. I’ve noticed that they even work better whenever I combine them.
According to this research, you’ll observe an enhanced azelaic acid efficacy when combined with retinoids to treat acne scars and acne. Moreover, their combination is handy for improving hyperpigmentation.
Having said that, as we have already established, azelaic acid and retinol achieve different results on the skin. While both help with cellular turnover, azelaic acid is a handy exfoliant. It helps with inflammation and bacteria. Retinol, on the other hand, boosts cell renewal.
Even though both can lead to skin irritation, retinol has extra side effects such as photosensitivity and dry skin.
What Is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is simply an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial skincare ingredient extracted from yeast. It is available in many forms, including creams, gels, and foams. Some of the benefits of azelaic acid include the following;
- Reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Reduces the appearance of melasma
- Treats rosacea
- Handy in treating acne
It works by not killing bacteria but also opening up clogged pores. Moreover, it brings with it antioxidant attributes that are efficient at protecting the skin from forming free radicals that lead to inflammation, further damaging the skin.
Generally, even the most sensitive skin can tolerate azelaic acid. The fact that it has a comedogenic ingredient means it does not contribute to acne breakouts.
Furthermore, in general, its side effects are mild, with only minor skin irritation.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol, on the other hand, is a type of retinoid – a group of compounds extracted from vitamin A. It is magical in boosting the skin’s production of elastin and collagen, which are proteins that help the skin maintain its texture and shape. Ultimately, it eases the appearance of large pores and wrinkles.
In other words, it is safe to say that retinol is an anti-aging powerhouse when it comes to skincare.
Topical retinol products are available in liquids, creams, and gels. Getting them over the counter is a walk in the park.
Note: Retinol isn’t the same as retinoic acid, which is a different kind of retinoid. These two boast many differences. The latter is stronger than retinol and more likely to cause side effects. Additionally, it’s available only through prescription.
Some of the benefits of retinol include the following;
- Reducing acne
- Mitigating the appearance of large pores
- Reducing spots from sun damage
- Enhances wrinkles and fine lines
- Eases psoriasis symptoms
Side Effects Of Mixing Azelaic Acid And Retinol
A majority of reports regarding the side effects of combining azelaic acid and retinol are anecdotal. According to some people, mild skin irritation might occur, but not much extensive research exists to explore the side effects.
If you have any concerns regarding the use of the two, you should talk to your dermatologist. The skin professional will advise about proper concentrations in the different products. He or she will suggest a combination product that might work well for your needs.
How To Use Azelaic Acid And Retinol
Now that we know that it is possible to use azelaic acid and retinol together, I can imagine you still come across a couple of questions about how to use the two ingredients. Here are the most important facts and tips.
How To Layer Azelaic Acid And Retinol
Of great importance to note is that some products contain azelaic acid and retinol, meaning combining them might not be necessary at times. If these ingredients are in different products, you only need to apply the thinner product and then utilize the thicker one.
Do the two have similar consistency? For instance, are they serums? If this is the case, it does not matter which one you apply first. However, you might need to introduce one product at a time to ensure your skin tolerates each well.
It is prudent to use azelaic acid two times a day while retinol once a day. Since sunlight is notorious for weakening retinol, you might need to use it only at night.
Always follow it up with a moisturizer, as retinol might cause skin dryness. On top of that, apply sunscreen as your final step in your skincare regime if you intend to get out in the sun.
Do You Use Azelaic Acid Before Or After Retinol?
Another common question that I’ve come across regarding the use of these two is, do you use azelaic acid before or after retinol? Well, from my experience, if you’re utilizing a moisturizer with an azelaic acid serum and retinol, you’d ideally utilize azelaic acid before retinol.
On the other hand, if you’re utilizing a toner featuring azelaic acid serum and retinol, you’d ideally utilize retinol before azelaic acid.
For incredible results, it is prudent to apply the one that features a thin consistency first. If both of them have a similar consistency, then the order does not matter.
When starting, I highly recommend introducing them one at a time. Utilize retinol for one month, then introduce azelaic acid – or vice versa.
Can I Use Azelaic Acid With Retinol Or Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is another superstar ingredient that has a wide range of benefits for the skin. It is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution. Moreover, it helps to brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and improve overall skin texture.
Using a combination of azelaic acid and vitamin C provides tons of benefits to your skincare routine. This is especially true when you’re expectant, as the combination is an incredible pregnancy-safe alternative to conventional retinoids and retinol.
Retinoids have been linked to birth defects when used during pregnancy. As a result, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using retinoids and retinol.
Azelaic acid helps to increase the penetration of vitamin C into the skin, allowing it to work more effectively. Vitamin C, on the other hand, helps to stabilize azelaic acid, preventing it from oxidizing and losing its efficacy.
Conclusion On Azelaic Acid And Retinol
It’s time to give your skin the superhero treatment it deserves with azelaic acid and retinol! These two mighty ingredients work together to fight off blemishes, wrinkles, and dullness, leaving you with the kind of radiant complexion that makes heads turn.
Using them together is more effective than singular. Combined, they can be efficient on almost all skin types, so you don’t need to worry about yours.
Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility – be sure to use these potent ingredients with care and consult a dermatologist if you have any questions. Therefore, go ahead, embrace your inner superhero, and give azelaic acid and retinol a try. Your skin (and your mirror) will thank you
By using the two, you’ll say goodbye to dull, uneven skin and hello to a radiant, youthful glow with azelaic acid and retinol.
Frequently Asked Questions
shop the post
