Azelaic acid and salicylic acid are two popular skincare ingredients that are best for their beneficial properties. Azelaic acid is a naturally-occurring dicarboxylic acid from whole grains and has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) from willow bark. It has the ability to penetrate deep into the pores, making it an effective ingredient for addressing acne and blackheads. But can these two ingredients be used together for even better results? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of using azelaic acid and salicylic acid together, as well as some tips for how to use them safely and effectively.
Azelaic Acid
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Azelaic acid is a naturally-occurring dicarboxylic acid that is derived from whole grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. It is widely used in skincare as it offers a range of benefits for the skin.
One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is its ability to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone. It is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to soothe irritated skin and reduce the appearance of redness and rosacea. Additionally, azelaic acid can also help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
Azelaic acid also has anti-bacterial properties that make it an effective ingredient for treating and preventing acne. It works by reducing the production of keratin, a protein that can clog pores and cause acne. Additionally, it helps to reduce the growth of the bacteria that causes acne, P.acnes.
Azelaic acid has the ability to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It can inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment that causes discoloration. This can help to even out the skin tone and make the skin appear brighter.
Another benefit of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types. Those with sensitive skin can use it and is safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is derived from willow bark. It is widely used in skincare for its ability to unclog pores and treat acne.
One of the main benefits of salicylic acid is its ability to penetrate deep into the pores to remove impurities and excess oil. This makes it particularly effective at unclogging pores and treating acne.
Salicylic acid also has exfoliating properties, which help to speed up cell turnover and reveal brighter clearer skin. It helps to remove dead skin cells and impurities from the surface of the skin, revealing a more even and brighter complexion. This can also help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Additionally, salicylic acid can also help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, by promoting cell turnover. It also helps to regulate sebum production, which can help reduce the appearance of oily skin.
Salicylic acid is suitable for most skin types and it can be used in various forms such as cleansers, toners, serums, and spot treatments, depending on the individual’s specific needs.
Azelaic Acid or Salicylic Acid: Which acid is best?
Both azelaic acid and salicylic acid are effective ingredients in skincare, but they are best used for different purposes.
Azelaic acid is a great ingredient for those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin as it is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It can help reduce the appearance of redness and uneven skin tone, and also helps to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is particularly effective at unclogging pores and treating acne. It works by breaking down the bond between the cells that line the walls of the pores, which helps to clear out any trapped oil and bacteria. It also has exfoliating properties which help to speed up cell turnover and reveal brighter clearer skin.
Both of these ingredients are effective for treating different skin concerns. However, in general, azelaic acid is a gentle and less-irritating option, so if you have sensitive skin and/or looking for general improvement with less irritation, you may consider azelaic acid first. But, if you are looking to target more specific skin concerns like acne or blackheads, salicylic acid may be more effective.
Salicylic acid or azelaic acid: What to use first
When using azelaic acid and salicylic acid together, it’s important to pay attention to the order in which you apply them. It’s best to use products with a lower concentration of active ingredients first; then follow up with products that contain higher concentrations.
One approach could be to use a product with azelaic acid first, followed by a product with salicylic acid. This approach is particularly useful if you have sensitive skin, as azelaic acid is a more gentle ingredient. Using azelaic acid first will also help to soothe and calm the skin, which will make it better able to tolerate the stronger exfoliating effects of salicylic acid.
Another approach could be using salicylic acid first if your main concern is acne, blackheads, or oily skin. Salicylic acid will penetrate deeper into the pore and clean out the impurities and oil. Then use azelaic acid for overall improvement and to help reduce redness or uneven skin tone.
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Azelaic acid and salicylic acid serum: Benefits
Using a serum that combines azelaic acid and salicylic acid can offer a number of benefits for the skin.
One benefit is that it can help to unclog pores and clear up acne while also reducing inflammation and redness. Salicylic acid is an effective ingredient for treating acne because it penetrates deep into the pores to remove impurities and excess oil, while azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.
Another benefit of using a serum that combines these two ingredients is that it can help to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. Azelaic acid can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, while salicylic acid can help to brighten and even out the skin tone.
Additionally, the combination of azelaic acid and salicylic acid can provide gentle exfoliation and can help to speed up cell turnover, revealing smoother, brighter, and clearer skin.
It’s important to note that serum with both azelaic acid and salicylic acid can provide various benefits. You should always patch test first before using it, especially if you have sensitive skin.
What should you not use with azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is a safe skincare ingredient, but there are a few things that you should avoid using with it to ensure optimal results and avoid any potential irritation.
- Retinoids: Don’t use Azelaic acid and retinoids together. Retinoids can increase sun sensitivity and make skin more prone to redness. Therefore, it’s best to use them at different times of the day, such as using retinoids at night and azelaic acid in the morning.
- Physical exfoliants: physical exfoliants such as scrubs or facial brushes can be too harsh when used with azelaic acid, and may cause irritation. It is always best to stick to gentle chemical exfoliants such as AHAs and BHAs.
- Strong acids: Azelaic acid is a mild acid, and it’s best to avoid using other strong acids at the same time. This is because it can increase the risk of irritation and sensitivity.
- High concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide: When used in high concentrations, benzoyl peroxide can also be an irritant. It’s best to avoid using high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide products while using azelaic acid.
- Other strong actives: Other strong actives like hydroquinone, kojic acid, and vitamin C should be used with caution and under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Azelaic acid or Salicylic acid for acne
Salicylic acid and azelaic acid are both effective ingredients for treating acne, but they work in different ways.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is particularly effective at unclogging pores and treating acne. It works by breaking down the bond between the cells that line the walls of the pores. This helps to clear out any trapped oil and bacteria. It also has exfoliating properties which help to speed up cell turnover and reveal brighter clearer skin. Salicylic acid is particularly good for people with oily skin, clogged pores and whiteheads, and blackheads.
Azelaic acid is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredient that can treat acne. It helps to reduce the production of keratin, a protein that can clog pores and cause acne. Azelaic acid also helps to reduce redness and inflammation. This can be beneficial for people with sensitive skin or those with a history of eczema or rosacea. Additionally, azelaic acid can also help improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.
