How to Use Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Together for the Best Results

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Azelaic acid and salicylic acid are powerful skincare ingredients that work wonders for your skin when used together. Azelaic acid is a gentle exfoliant that helps reduce acne and hyperpigmentation. In contrast, salicylic acid is a well-known beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation. This article will explore the benefits of using azelaic acid and salicylic acid together. I’ll answer common questions and provide product recommendations for those looking to incorporate these acids into their skincare routine.

Table of Contents

What are They?

Azelaic acid naturally occurs in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. It has been used for years to treat various skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. It works by gently exfoliating the skin and reducing inflammation.

Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is a well-known BHA. It helps unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and gently exfoliate the skin. It is commonly used to treat acne and other skin conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea.

Benefits of Azelaic Acid

To understand Azelaic acid, it is helpful to understand its benefits in your skincare routine. It is known for its numerous benefits, including:

Treating acne: Azelaic acid effectively treats mild to moderate acne, including whiteheads, blackheads, and papules. It works by reducing the growth of bacteria that cause acne and decreasing inflammation.
Reducing hyperpigmentation: Azelaic acid is also effective at reducing hyperpigmentation, which is a condition characterized by dark patches on the skin. It works by inhibiting melanin production, the pigment that gives the skin its color.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating rosacea, a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, flushing, and small bumps.
Anti-aging effects: Azelaic acid can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing cell turnover and collagen production.
Safe for most skin types: Azelaic acid is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be combined with other acne or anti-aging treatments.

Benefits of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a popular skincare ingredient known for its many benefits, including:

Treating acne: Salicylic acid is highly effective at treating acne and blackheads. It works by penetrating deep into the pores to unclog them, which helps to reduce the formation of new acne.
Exfoliating the skin: Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that can help exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells. This helps to smooth out the skin’s texture and promotes cell turnover.
Reducing inflammation: Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Improving the appearance of pores: Salicylic acid can help reduce the appearance of pores by unclogging them, giving the skin a smoother, more refined look.
Brightening the skin: Salicylic acid can help even out skin tone and improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots and acne scars.
Safe for most skin types: Salicylic acid, including sensitive skin, is generally safe for most skin types and can be used in various concentrations to target different skin concerns. The lower concentrations are reserved for more sensitive skin.

Overall, salicylic acid is a versatile and effective ingredient that can help improve the appearance and health of the skin. However, it’s imperative to note that salicylic acid can dry your skin. So, it’s essential to use it in moderation and follow up with a hydrating moisturizer.

Can You Mix Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Together?

Yes, using azelaic acid and salicylic acid together in your skincare routine is generally safe. Introducing them slowly and using them in moderation is important to avoid over-exfoliation.

Azelaic acid and salicylic acid have different functions in skincare, with azelaic acid primarily used to reduce inflammation, treat acne, and reduce hyperpigmentation. In contrast, salicylic acid is used to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and treat acne.

Combining both ingredients can help address multiple skin concerns, such as acne and hyperpigmentation. Still, it’s important to follow some best practices:

Start slowly: Introduce the products into your routine slowly, starting with a small amount and using them only a few times a week.
Use in moderation: Too many exfoliating ingredients can lead to over-exfoliation and skin irritation. It’s most effective to alternate between them and use them at different times of the day.
Moisturize: Both azelaic acid and salicylic acid can be drying to the skin, so it’s important to use a suitable moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Sun protection: Both ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen daily.

What Goes First: Azelaic Acid or Salicylic Acid?

It is recommended to use salicylic acid first, followed by azelaic acid. Salicylic acid helps to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin, making it easier for azelaic acid to penetrate and work more effectively. However, it is important to note that everyone’s skin is different, so paying attention to how your skin responds and adjusting accordingly is key.

What Should You Not Mix with Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a relatively gentle exfoliant, but it’s still important to be cautious about what you mix with it. Avoid using products with high levels of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), like glycolic or lactic acid. As these can cause irritation and potentially damage your skin’s protective barrier.

What Should You Not Mix with Salicylic Acid?

While salicylic acid can be a highly effective skincare ingredient, certain products should not be used in conjunction with it. Here are some ingredients and products that you should avoid using with salicylic acid:

Retinoids: Combining salicylic acid with retinoids can be too harsh and irritating for the skin. It’s best to use them separately and at different times of the day.
Benzoyl peroxide: Using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can also be too harsh on the skin. It can lead to irritation and dryness. To get the most effective results, it’s advisable to use them separately.
Vitamin C: While salicylic acid and vitamin C are effective at brightening the skin, using them together can cause skin irritation and reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients. Using them separately and at different times of the day is advisable.
Physical exfoliants: Avoid using physical exfoliants with salicylic acids, such as scrubs or cleansing brushes. The combination can be too harsh on the skin and lead to irritation.
Other acids: Using multiple acids in your skincare routine can be too harsh on the skin and lead to over-exfoliation. You should alternate between acids at different times of the day if you want to use multiple acids.

Should I Use Azelaic Acid Serum or Salicylic Acid?

Choosing between azelaic acid serum and salicylic acid depends on your skin type and specific concerns. Salicylic acid may reduce inflammation and unclog pores more effectively if you have oily or acne-prone skin. However, azelaic acid may be better if you have hyperpigmentation, rosacea, or sensitive skin. Some product formulations allow you to use azelaic acid and salicylic acid together. That is a great way to incorporate both potent ingredients into your regimen.

Which is Better for Hyperpigmentation: Salicylic Acid or Azelaic Acid?

Both salicylic acid and azelaic acid can be effective at minimizing hyperpigmentation. Salicylic acid works by gently exfoliating the skin, which can help fade dark spots and discoloration. On the other hand, azelaic acid can reduce melanin production in the skin, which can also help reduce hyperpigmentation. You should experiment with different products to determine what works best for your skin.

Product Recommendations

If you’re looking to incorporate Azelaic acid and salicylic acid together into your skincare routine, here are some product recommendations to get you started:

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: This affordable and effective product contains 10% azelaic acid and can help reduce inflammation, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: This cult-favorite product contains 2% salicylic acid and can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
CeraVe SA Cleanser: This gentle cleanser contains salicylic acid and can help gently reduce acne and unclog pores.
Cos De Baha Azelaic Acid 10% Serum: This serum contains 10% Azelaic acid and can help reduce hyperpigmentation, acne, and redness.

Conclusion

Incorporating azelaic acid and salicylic acid together into your skincare routine can reduce acne, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. Both acids work well together, but it’s important to use them in the correct order and avoid mixing them with certain ingredients. By experimenting with different products and finding what works best for your skin, you can achieve a brighter, smoother, and more even complexion.