Can I use Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide together
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Are you looking to upgrade your skincare routine but don’t know where to start? Have you heard of the dynamic duo of azelaic acid and niacinamide? Azelaic acid and niacinamide are both types of skincare ingredients that work together to provide a variety of skin benefits. From improving the appearance of acne scars to reducing redness, these two compounds can do wonders for your skin.
And as it happens, when you have to pick one product from millions, it’s like doing everything right but still wrong. So if you aren’t sure if azelaic and niacinamide can be used together or not, keep reading because I have all the answers for you!
What are Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide?
What is azelaic acid?
Truly a miracle worker, Azelaic acid is a multi-tasking naturally occurring acid that has been proven to reduce acne breakouts and redness, clear up skin complexion, and improve skin texture and discoloration. It smooths out fine lines and wrinkles while also helping to even out skin tone. Heck, it might even help lower your chance of developing sun damage.
It’s a great option for those who are dealing with rosacea as well. Need another reason to love it? Azelaic Acid is gentle and well-tolerated by all skin types – so it’s safe to use by sensitive skin types as well.
Azelaic acid is often used as an alternative to other acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid because it is less irritating to the skin. It is also sometimes used in combination with other acne treatments to improve their effectiveness.
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is an impressive multitasker too. It is my secret skincare product that always gets me compliments about my glowing skin (and my skin is naturally dull). Basically, it is a water-soluble vitamin B3 that can do wonderful things for your skin.
You see, niacinamide is known for its ability to improve the appearance of the skin. It is proven to work by improving the skin’s barrier function, which helps to keep moisture in and irritants out. It really works to improve everything from elasticity and uneven skin tone to hyperpigmentation. It helps with inflammation, redness, oiliness, hyperpigmentation, acne, aging signs—you name it!
But don’t just believe me – there’re plenty of studies that have proven its many benefits.
Niacinamide is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated by all skin types, which is why you’ll see it floating around in makeup and skincare products alike including serums, creams, foundations, blush, and lotions. It is usually used in concentrations of 5% to 10% (the safe amount!)
How do they work together?
Since both of these are active ingredients, you might be wondering if they can even be used together. So the news around the town is that you absolutely can! In fact, this is one such rare duo that actually works better when combined.
What makes these two ingredients so powerful together is that their benefits are complementary. While azelaic acid works on reducing the appearance of existing damage on your skin, niacinamide helps protect against future damage by helping to strengthen your skin’s barrier function. This means that using them together is like getting double the benefits in one!
How to use azelaic acid and niacinamide together?
Niacinamide and azelaic acid may just be the skin-care power couple of your dreams. When used together, these two baddies can not only help manage breakouts but also tackle redness and improve uneven skin tone. While both boast anti-inflammatory benefits and work perfectly together, it’s important to keep in mind their individual instructions when it comes to how often you use them.
You can find both azelaic acid and niacinamide in many different skincare products, such as cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, masks, etc. However, it’s important to note that they should not be combined in the same product because they could potentially cancel each other out or cause irritation.
The best way to get the most benefit from these ingredients is by using separate products containing either one or the other so that each ingredient can work its magic without interference!
As a rule of thumb, skincare products should be layer from thinnest to thickest. Usually like this – cleanser < toner < antioxidant serum < eye cream < spot treatment < moisturizer < face oil < sunscreen
So if you are using a Niacinamide serum and an azelaic acid moisturizer, you would want to apply the serum first, let it absorb, and then apply the moisturizer. It doesn’t matter what ingredient you apply first as long as the whole layering formula is used correctly.
Make sure that you follow up with an SPF product after the last application (you should be doing this anyways!)
If you don’t want to get confused with this, alternating between products is always an option. Use azelaic acid one or two nights a week and follow with niacinamide the next night or vice-versa. Just make sure you’re using each product as directed — that way, you maximize their powerhouse potential (and look like a glowy goddess). Don’t forget to wear sunscreen when you go outside, as both products can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays!
The benefits of using them together
Now, these two are like a dynamic duo for bringin’ out the best version of your skin—they both fight acne, protect from sun damage, reduce discoloration and, if that wasn’t enough, even help to normalize sebum production, keepin’ oily complexions in check. That’s right! And there’s even research suggesting that they can help treat inflammation and promote a naturally brighter complexion.
If that’s not all, increased collagen production to help improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin and smoother, more radiant skin texture will definitely woo you in!
Side effects to look out for
Not really, there are no side effects (as recorded till now) to using azelaic acid and niacinamide together as long as they are used correctly, in the right skincare products, and with the right interval.
Studies on the combination of azelaic acid and niacinamide have been conducted but most have found that topical applications of these two ingredients don’t increase skin sensitivity or cause any inflammation. Plus, they both have anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially make a strong combination in treating many skin issues!
Recommended dosage
Okay, so the recommended dosage for using azelaic acid and niacinamide together will depend on the specific product you are using and the concentration of the active ingredients. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label.
In general, azelaic acid is usually applied to the skin twice a day, in the morning and at night. It is usually advised to start with a lower concentration of azelaic acid and gradually increase the concentration as tolerated.
Niacinamide is usually applied to the skin once or twice a day, in the morning and at night. The recommended concentration of niacinamide will vary depending on the product and the specific skin concerns being addressed. For much deeper scars and pigmentation, go for a higher concentration.
Where to buy them
I have just a few brands that I have used for these two products. Honestly, azelaic acid is not something that I stick with for a long time, but niacinamide is my forever go-to. Here are a few recommendations for these two products that do what they say.
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension: If you don’t already know, I am a huge fan of The Ordinary products. They are magic in a cheap bottle! And azelaic acid is no different. I used this to treat my acne scars, and it worked. It was just a little slow due to the low concentration of AHA, but there’s no doubt about its potency.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum: Honestly, the day I started incorporating this potion in my skincare routine was the day compliments for my glowing skin started pouring in. I have naturally dull skin, so this meant huge to me. I used this to treat my hyperpigmentation and to brighten my skin for a glowy effect. I highly, highly recommend it!
I have heard that Paula’s choice also has some interesting products, but they are a bit costly. And why waste money when The Ordinary gems work just the same?
What should you not mix with azelaic acid?
It’s simple, you don’t have to use azelaic acid with any sort of BHA like salicylic acid, as it can cause dryness and irritate your skin. They are two strong active ingredients and never to be mixed together.
What should you not mix with niacinamide?
Even though they are both excellent antioxidants when used separately, niacinamide and vitamin C products shouldn’t be mixed together at any cost. They can reduce the effectiveness of the formula and may even cause irritation.
conclusion on using azelaic acid and niacinamide together
Azelaic acid and niacinamide are powerful ingredients that can help improve the look and feel of your skin when used correctly. They work best when used together, as their benefits complement each other perfectly! So if you’re looking for a way to supercharge your skincare routine without breaking the bank, give these two ingredients a try today! Just remember to always wear sunscreen when going outside if you use these products regularly.
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