Can I Use Azelaic Acid with Retinol?

Before adding new things to your skincare routine, you need to take a moment to check which ingredients are safe to mix. For many, azelaic acid and retinol are skincare staples, but can I use azelaic acid with retinol is a common question, don’t worry all the answers are here.

The mention of azelaic acid might leave you scratching your head, wondering what it is. Popular ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid are in many skincare products, but this lesser-known ingredient is not new to the beauty scene and has been around for over 30 years! 

For those not unfamiliar with azelaic acid (pronounced ay-zuh-lay-uhk), it is a multi-purpose ingredient with a range of benefits used to treat many skin issues, such as acne, hyperpigmentation and rosacea. It is a safe ingredient compatible with most skin types, and board certified dermatologist Dr Sheel Desai Solomon told Good Housekeeping, “It is safe to use twice a day—morning and night—or once every other day for those with sensitive skin.”

Azelaic acid is an underrated ingredient that deserves more attention, so let’s break down what you can pair it with, how to use it in your skincare routine and answer, can I use azelaic acid with retinol?

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grains, barley, wheat and rye. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and treats a variety of skin conditions including:

Azelaic acid helps speed up skin cell renewal, clears bacteria from pores causing breakouts, treats acne, improves skin texture, and reduces inflammation and discolouration to achieve clear skin.

Azelaic acid is available in serum, cream, foam, and gel form at different strengths. The maximum concentration you can buy in the UK over the counter is 10%, used to treat mild acne and improve skin tone and texture. 

Strengths of 15-20% are prescription only and prescribed for more serious skin issues, which can achieve quicker results. 

Is it Okay to Use Azelaic Acid Everyday?

Yes, you can apply azelaic acid in your morning routine and at night .Dermatological skincare, Prequel said on its blog, “Yes, it is generally safe to use azelaic acid daily. If you are new to azelaic acid, start at a low concentration and low frequency and build up.”

Azelaic acid is also considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which can treat pregnancy-related skin conditions such as acne and pigmentation.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner said in an article on Verywell Family “Azelaic acid is considered to be safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, it is a go-to cream for pregnant women”.

Always check with your doctor beforehand if you have concerns about what to use when pregnant. 

How to use Azelaic Acid

If your skin is new to azelaic acid, opt for a low strength, such as 5%. Apply a pea size amount 2-3 times per week before you work up to daily use. 

If you have sensitive skin, you may choose to apply it once a day or every other day until your skin gets used to it.  

You should apply azelaic acid across the entire face in an even layer and not on small sections of the face or to treat pimples. Dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting, founder of skincare brand Dr Sam’s, says on their blog, “If you’re not using it all over, you’ll definitely be under-delivering on benefits. Azelaic acid is actually best when used to treat the whole field, rather than on a spot-by-spot basis.”

You can use Azelaic acid up to twice a day, morning and night; people with sensitive skin might prefer to apply it once or every other day. Your skin will receive the full benefits of azelaic acid by using it every day, as it needs consistency to see results.  

Azelaic acid is generally suitable for all skin types; Paula’s Choice, a skincare brand approved by dermatologists, says, “If you have reactive, sensitive skin or a compromised skin barrier, the application of an active ingredient might cause dryness, flaking or irritation. ” If this happens, stop using the product.

What are the Benefits of Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the best ingredients to treat rosacea-prone skin and redness, additional benefits below:

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​Can I Use Azelaic Acid with Retinol?

Yes is the answer to ‘Can I use azelaic acid with retinol.’ Both ingredients work very well together as a team, delivering impressive results for your skin.

Azelaic acid with retinol makes a great power couple for your skin, as they treat similar skin issues in different ways. They both:

Smooth the skin’s surface
Calm inflamed skin
Effective on pigmentation
Help improve acne

You can pair Azelaic acid with many other skincare ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide and salicylic acid. Don’t mix it with too many products in the beginning, as you don’t want to cause any irritation to your skin. 

Retinol is not as flexible, as there are certain skincare ingredients, such as lactic acid that can’t be mixed with it, this article runs through ingredients to avoid mixing with retinol.

**Before applying a new product to your face and skin, perform a patch test to confirm it doesn’t irritate or cause an allergic reaction.**

How to Combine Azelaic Acid and Retinol 

If you are incorporating a new ingredient into your skincare routine, you must build up your skin’s tolerance. Begin with one product at a time over two weeks, building up the frequency of use before introducing a new product. 

Once your skin is used to the combination of azelaic acid and retinol, with no irritation, you can prepare your skin for the combination of the two ingredients.

If you use retinol in your evening skincare routine, try using azelaic just in the morning, then combine the two ingredients once a week, building up the frequency to every day, depending on your preference.

Azelaic Acid does not target wrinkles, so avoid delicate areas such as under and around the eye area and on the neck.

Like retinol, you will get the best results from azelaic acid by using it every day, as consistency is the key to achieving the best results from this ingredient.

Start your skincare routine with a clean face by using a gentle cleanser, and the general rule of thumb for application is to start from the thinnest consistency to the thickest.

For example, if your retinol was oil and your azelaic acid was a cream, apply your retinol first; when both are of the same consistency, apply whichever you choose first. Try to leave 30 minutes between the application of each ingredient to allow the skin to fully absorb it.  

When you first introduce azelaic acid into your routine, start with a low strength, such as 5%, and slowly work your way up.

Azelaic Acid strengths range from 5%-20%, and 10% is the maximum you can buy over the counter in the UK; higher strengths are prescription only. This article is a great guide to azelaic acids that suit all skin types.

Both ingredients can cause dry skin, so apply a moisturiser after application and use sunscreen in the morning to prevent sun damage, even in the winter. This article breaks down the best sunscreen for winter to protect your skin.

Azelaic acid with retinol makes an effective skincare duo, and as long as your skin tolerates it and it doesn’t dry your skin, they are safe to combine. 

**Remember to do a patch test before applying any new ingredients on your face and body. Consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns or specific skin conditions.**

Azelaic acid vs. Retinol

Azelaic acid and retinol have things in common as they both increase cellular turnover and improve the appearance of acne, skin tone and texture.

You don’t need to think of them as one or the other, as azelaic acid together with retinol makes quite the ‘power couple’, see their benefits below.

Retinol

Azelaic Acid

 

How long does it take to see results with Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a great multi-tasker but is not a quick fix. You will need to be patient before you see results, and how quickly you will see improvements depends on the person and the type of skin condition. 

Depending on the strength of your azelaic acid and if it used consistently, people can start to see effective results within 6-8 weeks. Rosacea is a longer process and could be up to 12 weeks before you notice any changes.

Prescription azelaic acid at a higher strength could achieve quicker results than over-the-counter products of lower concentrations. Get Healthy Skin says on its blog, “The most effective azelaic acid skin care products are prescription-only gels with concentrations of 15% to 20%.” but advises that these won’t suit everyone’s skin and could irritate sensitive skin, so recommends checking with a dermatologist before going for a higher concentration. 

Creating a daily and consistent habit is the key when using azelaic acid to obtain optimal results for your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Side Effects of Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is an exfoliant that can cause dryness and irritation, so ease into using slowly.

Use a pea-sized amount of product, and apply a moisturiser to help decrease side effects.

Most people can use azelaic acid without any side effects, but remember, not all skin is the same, so if it doesn’t work for you, adjust it to suit your skin or stop using it. 

Common Side Effects include:

Severe side effects which are less common include:

**If you experience any of these side effects, stop using azelaic acid immediately and go and see a doctor for professional medical advice.**

What are the Side Effects of Retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A and a popular staple of a lot of people’s skincare routine due to its anti-ageing properties.

It is quite normal to experience minor side effects when you first start using retinol, which is usually short-lived as it’s just your skin getting used to the product. 

Before trying retinol for the first time, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for reactions. If there are none, you can incorporate it into your evening routine.

Begin gradually with a mild concentration of 0.1%-0.3% and over time increase the strength and frequency depending on preference.

If you are not sure where to start, this article on 25 of the best retinol creams and serums to buy will help.

Retinol typically gets to work quickly in your skin cells, but it will be several weeks before you see any results, and side effects can include:

Remember to wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from sun damage, and if you have a severe reaction to retinol, stop using it and contact your doctor.

We hope you found this deep dive into the question, ‘Can I use azelaic acid with retinol?‘ helpful and have a deeper understanding of how these two skincare superheroes can improve your skin.

Disclaimer: All the content published on www.thestylecadet.com is solely for information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consider seeking the advice of your doctor, qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist. The information, suggestions, or remedies mentioned in this article are provided without warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied.