How to Use Azelaic Acid and Retinol Together (2023)

Unsure how to combine Azelaic Acid and Retinol in your skincare routine? Get the answers to your questions about how to combine these two actives.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. These are products I’ve personally used, as well as are recommended by other skincare experts.

If you’re someone who’s into skincare, then you’ve probably heard about Azelaic Acid and Retinol. These ingredients have been trending lately, especially for their ability to tackle acne and hyperpigmentation.

However, figuring out how to use them together can be a bit tricky, leaving many people wondering whether they should be using one or the other.

In this blog post, I’ll dive into some of the most frequently asked questions about using Azelaic Acid and Retinol. I’ll discuss their benefits, how they work, and everything you need to know to use them safely and effectively.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is one of those skincare ingredients that really delivers. When you apply it, it turns into retinoic acid, which gets to work deep in your skin. It’s not just marketing talk; this stuff has science to back it up.

So, what does it actually do? For starters, it speeds up the process of skin cell renewal. This means you’re shedding old cells and making room for new, healthier ones, which leaves your skin smoother. It also stimulates collagen production, giving your skin a firmer texture.

Beyond that, retinol has antioxidant properties that help fight off the environmental factors that can age your skin prematurely. And if you’re dealing with acne, it can help there too by preventing your pores from getting clogged.

To sum it up, retinol can:

• Reduce wrinkles for real, not just make them less visible
• Help fade dark spots and even your complexion
• Make your skin look brighter and feel firmer
• Minimize the appearance of large pores
• Be a useful ally in your fight against acne

So, it’s a versatile ingredient that addresses a range of skin concerns, making it a go-to for many skincare routines.

Best Retinol Products

• SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Serum: 0.1%, Retinal 1ppm, and Bakuchiol 5,000ppm to promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the skin.

• Paula’s Choice CLINICAL Treatment: 0.3% Retinol, 2% bakuchiol extract & peptides stimulate collagen to tackle signs of aging for a radiant, youthful appearance.

• Skinceuticals Retinol Night Cream: 0.3% retinol cream that packs an anti-aging punch. It reduces wrinkles and fades away dark spots.

• Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster : 1% retinol booster. Mix with your moisturizer to reduce irritation.

What is Azelaic Acid?

Ever come across azelaic acid? It’s a dicarboxylic acid found naturally in grains like wheat and barley. The cool thing is, it’s gentle enough for all skin types, even if you’re dealing with sensitive skin or rosacea.

So, what’s it good for?

• Inflammation: It’s a champ at reducing redness and inflammation, making it useful for tackling acne and rosacea.
• Exfoliation: This acid helps clear out dirt, bacteria, and oil from your pores, giving you a cleaner complexion.
• Antibacterial: It’s got the ability to kill off bacteria, which is often the culprit behind acne.
• Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation: It can lighten dark spots and even out skin tone by messing with melanin production.
• Skin Texture: If you’re dealing with rough or bumpy skin, azelaic acid can help smooth things out.

Even though it exfoliates, it’s generally easy on sensitive skin, so you don’t have to worry too much about irritation.

Best AZELIAC ACID Products

• My Favorite – Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Cream Gel: Uses 10% azelaic acid, 0.5% salicylic acid, and licorice root to clarify uneven tone, target stubborn spots and soothe irritation resulting in smoother, more radiant, younger-looking skin.

• Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration: Serum with Azeliac Acid, Tranexamic Acid, & Niacinamide that visibly reduces stubborn discoloration, post-blemish marks, scars, and spots—for all ethnicities and skin shades.

• Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%: high concentration of glycinated azelaic acid complex, along with niacinamide, vitamin C and coffee seed extract to help improve the appearance of skin tone, for brighter-looking skin.

• The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: Cream-like formula that brightens skin tone and visibly improves skin texture.

Azelaic Acid and Retinol: What’s The Difference?

Retinol and Azelaic Acid are both go-tos for dealing with acne and dark spots, but they’re not twins; they’re more like cousins. Here’s how they differ:

Here’s how they differ:

How They Work:

Azelaic acid dives into your pores and exfoliates, clearing out dead skin cells. It’s effective but not as potent as some other acids like glycolic or salicylic.

Retinol, meanwhile, speeds up your skin’s natural cell turnover. It nudges your skin to ditch dead cells faster but doesn’t clear your pores. It’s a subtle difference, but it counts.

Skin Sensitivity:

Retinol can be a bit of a drama queen, causing irritation, dryness, and redness, especially when you’re new to it.

Azelaic acid is more like the chill friend who rarely causes a scene; it’s generally well-tolerated, even if your skin is on the sensitive side.

Anti-Aging Benefits:

Retinol is your go-to for reducing and preventing wrinkles. It’s like the skincare equivalent of a time machine.

Azelaic acid can make you look fresher by dealing with acne and dark spots, but it’s not your best bet for hardcore wrinkle-fighting.

So, while both have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant perks, they do it in their own ways. Azelaic acid is more about exfoliating and pore-cleaning, while retinol focuses on cell renewal and repair.

these differences, they both have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. They both facilitate cellular turnover but Azelaic acid can exfoliate pores while Retinol increases cell renewal and repair.

So, which one is better for you?

If you’re trying to improve fine lines and wrinkles at the same time as treating acne and hyperpigmentation, then Retinol is probably more suited to your skin.

However, if you have sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, then your skin may struggle to tolerate retinol and you may be better suited to Azelaic Acid.

Keep in mind that formulation also matters, so it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist to figure out the best approach for your skin.

Who Should Use Retinol?

If you’re on a quest to tackle wrinkles, acne, and dark spots, retinol is your best bet. It’s a top pick for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles without a prescription. But hold on, there are some caveats.

Retinol isn’t for the faint of skin. It can be a bit intense, especially if you’re the sensitive type. But if your skin can take the heat, retinol offers a bunch of benefits, like speeding up cell turnover and boosting collagen.

Got acne or dark spots? Retinol can help with that too. It’s particularly good at fading those stubborn dark marks that acne leaves behind and can even put the brakes on new breakouts.

So, if your skin is pretty resilient and you’re after a multi-tasking over-the-counter product, retinol is worth considering.

Just ease into it to let your skin adjust, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Who Should Use Azelaic Acid?

Got sensitive skin but still want to tackle acne or dark spots? Azelaic acid could be your go-to. It’s gentler than retinol, so you won’t have to deal with the redness or peeling that some people experience with stronger treatments.

While it’s not a wrinkle-fighting champ like retinol, it’s a safer bet if your skin tends to react badly to harsh products. And let’s be real, the last thing you want is for a treatment to make your wrinkles look worse because it dried out your skin.

So, if you’re in the sensitive skin club but still want to address acne or dark spots, Azelaic acid is worth a shot. Throw in a solid moisturizer, and you’ve got yourself a skin-friendly combo.

Can You Use Retinol And Azelaic Acid Together?

Thinking about doubling up on retinol and azelaic acid? You can, but let’s go over some ground rules first.

If you’ve got sensitive skin, maybe sit this one out. Both ingredients are pretty strong and could lead to irritation or dryness. For those with sensitive skin, it’s smarter to stick with one active at a time.

But if your skin is more on the resilient side, this duo can be a real win for tackling issues like hyperpigmentation, acne, and even wrinkles.

Azelaic acid is a pro at reducing dark spots by messing with the enzyme that helps produce melanin. Retinol speeds up how quickly your skin cells turn over, which can make your skin look brighter and feel smoother.

Worried about pH levels? Don’t be. Retinol works best at a pH of around 5.6, and azelaic acid likes a pH of 4.0-5.0. They’re close enough to play well together. And even if they preferred different pH levels, your skin’s natural pH will help them adjust.

So, if your skin can handle it, using retinol and azelaic acid together can give you some serious skincare benefits. Just remember to keep an eye out for any signs of irritation.

How To Use Retinol And Azelaic Acid Together

So you’re sold on the idea of using both retinol and azelaic acid. Great! Here’s how to make them work together in your skincare routine, tailored to your skin type and needs.

Go for a 2-in-1 Product: The simplest way is to find a product that’s got both azelaic acid and retinol. This takes the guesswork out of layering and timing. Just apply the combo serum as directed.

Morning and Night Routine: If you prefer separate products, use azelaic acid in the morning and retinol at night.

This is backed by research and it’s how I personally do it. It minimizes the risk of irritation and maximizes the benefits. Just remember, retinol is a no-go for morning use; it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Ease Into It: If you’re new to either ingredient, introduce them one at a time. Start with one—say, retinol—for a month, and then bring in azelaic acid. This gives your skin a chance to adjust and helps you spot any adverse reactions.

Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: Even if you’re only using retinol at night, daily sunscreen is a must. Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun, so protect it to get the best results from your skincare routine.

Is It Okay To Mix Retinol With Azelaic Acid?

You might be wondering if it’s a good idea to mix retinol and azelaic acid into a single product for a one-step application. The short answer is no, it’s not recommended.

Here’s why: Mixing these two powerful ingredients can create a formula that’s too harsh for your skin. It could damage your skin barrier and even cancel out the benefits of one or both ingredients.

Skincare products are carefully formulated with specific concentrations and pH levels to work effectively. When you mix two different products, you’re messing with that balance, which could make them less effective.

So, what’s the better approach? Use a product that already contains both ingredients or apply azelaic acid in the morning and retinol at night. This way, you get the benefits of both without risking any adverse effects on your skin.

And don’t forget, it’s always a good idea to introduce new active ingredients one at a time. This helps you spot any skin reactions and ensures you’re giving your skin the best care possible.

FAQ

What Not to Mix with Azelaic Acid

If you’re using azelaic acid, it’s best to avoid mixing it with other active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or Vitamin C. The reason?

You risk irritating your skin. However, you can still use these ingredients at different times of the day. For example, use azelaic acid in the morning and an AHA or BHA at night.

Always read the product labels and follow the instructions if you’re unsure about combining skincare products.

Can You Use Azelaic Acid Before Retinol?

I wouldn’t recommend applying both of these actives in your routine. As mentioned earlier, Azelaic acid is gentle enough for morning use, while retinol is best for nighttime because it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

What Not to Mix with Retinol

When it comes to retinol, here are some combinations to be cautious about:

• Retinol + AHAs/BHAs: This combo can lead to overexfoliation. It’s better to use them on alternate days.
• Retinol + Benzoyl Peroxide: This might be too harsh for your skin. If you want to use both, consider applying them at different times of the day.
• Retinol + Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid): While it’s okay to layer these, it’s generally better to use Vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.

Wrap Up

Choosing between Azelaic Acid and Retinol boils down to your specific skin issues. Both ingredients can tackle problems like hyperpigmentation and acne, but they work in different ways and may suit different skin types.

Remember, everyone’s skin is unique. What works wonders for one person might not be the best fit for another. So, if you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your skin’s needs.

Your skincare journey is a personal one, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and do your own research.