Can You Use Azelaic Acid with Retinol?

Yes, you can use azelaic acid and retinol together! These two ingredients complement each other and can address a range of skin concerns, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of ageing. When used correctly, they make a great team for achieving clearer, brighter, and smoother skin.

Here’s how to incorporate them into your skincare routine safely and effectively.

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains like barley and wheat. It’s known for its gentle yet effective properties in treating acne, redness, and uneven skin tone.

Key Benefits of Azelaic Acid:

• Reduces acne by killing bacteria and unclogging pores.
• Brightens skin and fades dark spots (hyperpigmentation).
• Calms redness and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
• Acts as a mild exfoliant for smoother skin texture.

What is Retinol?

Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, is a skincare powerhouse that promotes cell turnover, smooths wrinkles, and addresses various skin issues, including acne and uneven texture.

Key Benefits of Retinol:

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen.
• Improves skin texture and minimizes pores.
• Treats acne and prevents clogged pores.
• Evens out skin tone and reduces pigmentation.

Can You Use Azelaic Acid and Retinol Together?

Yes, you can use them together, but it’s essential to introduce them gradually and layer them properly. Both ingredients have different mechanisms of action:

• Azelaic acid soothes and brightens.
• Retinol stimulates cell turnover and repairs.

When used in the same routine, azelaic acid can help reduce the irritation sometimes caused by retinol.

How to Use Azelaic Acid and Retinol in Your Routine

Here’s a step-by-step guide for combining these two ingredients:

1. Alternate Nights (Recommended for Beginners):

• Use azelaic acid on one night to brighten and calm your skin.
• Use retinol the next night to renew and repair.
• Follow with a gentle moisturizer after each ingredient to lock in hydration.

2. Layer Them Together (For Advanced Users):

• Cleanse Your Skin: Start with a gentle cleanser to prep your skin.
• Apply Azelaic Acid First: Apply a thin layer of azelaic acid to clean, dry skin. Let it absorb for a few minutes.
• Apply Retinol Next: Follow with a pea-sized amount of retinol.
• Finish with Moisturizer: Seal everything in with a hydrating, non-irritating moisturizer.

Pro Tips for Using Azelaic Acid and Retinol

1. Start Slowly:
   Introduce one product at a time, starting with 2–3 applications per week to allow your skin to adjust.
2. Patch Test First:
   Test both products on a small area of skin to check for irritation.
3. Hydrate Well:
   Both ingredients can cause dryness, so always use a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
4. Always Use Sunscreen:
   Retinol increases sun sensitivity, and azelaic acid works better when skin is protected from UV damage. Apply SPF 30 or higher daily.

Who Should Use This Combination?

This combination is ideal for people looking to address:

• Acne: Both azelaic acid and retinol help unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
• Hyperpigmentation: Azelaic acid fades dark spots, while retinol promotes cell turnover for an even skin tone.
• Redness or Rosacea: Azelaic acid calms redness, making retinol more tolerable.
• Signs of Aging: Retinol smooths wrinkles, and azelaic acid brightens skin for a youthful glow.

If you have sensitive skin, start with lower concentrations of both ingredients and introduce them slowly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting Both at Once:
   Introduce one product at a time to monitor how your skin reacts.
2. Skipping Sunscreen:
   Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV damage, so sunscreen is essential.
3. Overloading Your Routine:
   Avoid combining azelaic acid and retinol with other strong actives (like AHAs or BHAs) in the same routine.

Science Backing

1. Azelaic Acid:
   A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology highlights azelaic acid’s effectiveness in reducing inflammation, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
2. Retinol:
   The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) supports retinol as a proven ingredient for reducing signs of ageing and acne.
3. Combination Use:
   Research from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggests that using azelaic acid and retinol together can improve skin tone, texture, and acne without significant irritation when layered properly.

Conclusion

Yes, you can use azelaic acid and retinol together, and they can deliver fantastic results when used correctly. Azelaic acid brightens and calms the skin, while retinol renews and repairs. For beginners, alternating their usage on different nights is a safe way to start, while advanced users can layer them in the same routine with proper hydration and sun protection.

FAQs About Azelaic Acid and Retinol

Should I Apply Azelaic Acid Before or After Retinol?

Apply azelaic acid first, as it absorbs better on clean, dry skin. Follow with retinol and then a moisturizer.

Can I Use Them Every Day?

Yes, but it’s best to start with alternate nights until your skin builds tolerance. Daily use of both is suitable only if your skin can handle it.

Can I Use Them for Acne?

Yes! Azelaic acid kills acne-causing bacteria, and retinol prevents clogged pores and reduces inflammation, making it highly effective for acne-prone skin.