The beauty world is always full of new and exciting products that promise to revolutionize our skincare routine. It can be tough to keep up with the latest trends and determine which ingredients suit our skin. However, some tried-and-true ingredients continue to be famous for a reason. Azelaic acid and vitamin C are two such ingredients. The two are popular because they offer a wide range of benefits for the skin. But can you use azelaic acid and vitamin C together?
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Azelaic Acid?
- 2 What Does Azelaic Acid Do for Skin?
- 3 What Should You Not Mix With Azelaic Acid?
- 4 What is Vitamin C?
- 5 What Does Vitamin C Do for Skin?
- 6 What Should You Not Mix With Vitamin C?
- 7 Can You Use Azelaic Acid And Vitamin C Together?
- 8 What Goes First Vitamin C or Azelaic Acid?
- 9 FAQs
- 10 Conclusion
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a natural dicarboxylic acid found in grain foods. It’s also produced by yeast that lives on normal skin. Azelaic acid is thought to be an essential part of the skin’s self-defense system. It has many properties that make it beneficial for the skin that are often overlooked. It is a lab-engineered form of azelaic acid that is more stable and effective.
What Does Azelaic Acid Do for Skin?
Azelaic acid is good for brightening the skin tone and evening out pigmentation. Azelaic acid is also an anti-inflammatory, which means it can be helpful for acne-prone skin. It is an effective treatment for hair bumps (folliculitis) and can help decongest clogged pores. As an antibacterial antioxidant, it can help open up the pores and reduce the number of pimples, according to Caren Campbell, MD.
Some of the many perks of using azelaic acid include:
- It can improve uneven skin tone and reduce acne scars because it inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme required for melanin formation.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it helps relieve the redness, and discomfort, associated with acne, and rosacea flare-ups.
- Removes dead skin cells, exfoliates the skin gently, and unclogs pores.
- Combats acne-causing bacteria, which helps treat and prevent acne breakouts.
What Should You Not Mix With Azelaic Acid?
According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, you should avoid mixing azelaic acid with other exfoliating acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or mandelic acid. Azelaic acid is unique because it offers both anti-inflammatory and exfoliating benefits. If you mix it with other acids, you may compromise its ability to soothe the skin.
Also, avoid layering azelaic acid with BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) acids like salicylic acid. Both BHAs and AHAs can increase the chances of dryness and irritation. However, consider using sunscreen after application for added protection. According to Zeichner, even low-level UV light can increase the chances of pigmentation, undoing what you might have accomplished with the Azelaic Acid.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can lead to cell death. Vitamin C also helps boost collagen production, the main structural protein in the skin that keeps it looking firm and young.
What Does Vitamin C Do for Skin?
Vitamin C helps to brighten the skin and even out skin tone by reducing the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, which can help to soothe irritated skin.
The use of vitamin C comes with a wide range of benefits, including the following:
- Fights hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scars while brightening and evening out the skin.
- Increases the production of collagen, tightens the skin, and makes fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
- A potent antioxidant that reduces inflammation while also combating irritation and damage caused by UV radiation.
What Should You Not Mix With Vitamin C?
Vitamin C can be unstable, so it’s essential to pair it with other ingredients that will help to stabilize it. Avoid using vitamin C with BHA and AHA acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, as these can make it less effective. You can, however, use vitamin C with sunscreen for added protection against UV damage.
Can You Use Azelaic Acid And Vitamin C Together?
With both azelaic acid and vitamin C being powerful ingredients, it’s no surprise that people would be against wanting to use them together. There’s a general belief that combining the two could lead to your skin experiencing adverse effects.
While it’s true that using both products together may be too overwhelming for your skin, no evidence suggests it’s unsafe to do so. Many people find that using both products provides quicker results than using either one alone.
If you’re interested in using both azelaic acid and vitamin C, it would be best to apply each one separately. This will help avoid any potential irritation or sensitivity that your skin may experience. When applied correctly, azelaic acid and vitamin C can work together to provide beautiful, healthy skin.
Some experts suggest using vitamin C first, followed by azelaic acid. Vitamin C is packed with antioxidants that make it a free radical-fighting powerhouse. That’s why it’s best applied in the morning skincare routine, so it can work throughout the day and keep your skin healthy and protected. Apply an azelaic acid-enriched product in the evening to help combat any concerns while you get your beauty sleep.
What Goes First Vitamin C or Azelaic Acid?
You can alternate between the two in your morning and evening skincare routine. You can use vitamin C serum in the morning and azelaic acid at night. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, therefore it’s best to apply it during the day while your skin is exposed to the sun.
FAQs
Azelaic acid or vitamin C for hyperpigmentation?
Both azelaic acid and vitamin C can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. According to a 2013-study, azelaic acid is more effective than vitamin C when it comes to fighting hyperpigmentation.
Should I use azelaic acid before or after moisturizer?
It’s best to apply azelaic acid after cleansing and before applying moisturizer. This will help to ensure that your skin can fully absorb the product and reap all of its benefits.
Can I use the ordinary vitamin C suspension with azelaic acid?
Yes, you can use the ordinary vitamin C suspension with azelaic acid. However, it’s important to note that vitamin C can be unstable and may not work as effectively when mixed with other ingredients.
Can you use azelaic acid and vitamin C in the morning?
No. Azelaic acid should be used in the evening, and vitamin C should be used in the morning. This is because vitamin C is a more potent antioxidant and works best when applied during the day.
Should I use niacinamide or azelaic acid?
Niacinamide and azelaic acid have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, but azelaic acid is also a mild exfoliant. However, niacinamide is more suited for drier skin as it helps rebuild your skin barrier. If you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, azelaic acid may be better. If you want to learn more about azelaic acid, check out our article about azelaic acid and purging.
Conclusion
Azelaic acid and vitamin C are potent ingredients that can offer various benefits to your skin. Since there are no adverse side effects or evidence suggesting that using both products together is unsafe, feel free to use them together. However, it would be best to use them separately; Vitamin C in the morning and azelaic acid in the evening. Doing so will help prevent any potential irritation while still allowing you to enjoy all the benefits that these two products offer.
Hi, it’s Judy!
