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Vitamin C and azelaic acid are two active ingredients that have won the hearts of many in the skincare world. Both ingredients exhibit almost-same benefits to the skin, but in a different way.
So, if you’ve been plunging to use both vitamin C and azelaic acid together in your skincare routine, but puzzled on how to go about it, then you’ve found the sweet spot.
This content covers all you need to know about the compatibility status of these two bioactive. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a powerful and effective anti-aging vitamin. When used topically on the skin, it protects skin against environmental aggressors by fending-off free radicals, fights skin aging-signs such as wrinkles and fine lines, boosts collagen production and also even out skin tone, making it look more brighter and glowy.
Main Skin Benefits Of Vitamin C.
- Reduces the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.
- Reduces the looks of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.
- Powerful antioxidant that fend-off free radicals and environmental aggressors.
- Improves the appearance of red marks left on the skin from spots and breakouts.
- Builds skin resilience to UV exposure making it able to protect itself better from the sun.
What Is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. It’s rich in anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it an effective treatment for acne and rosacea. Similar to retinol, azelaic acid puts a stop to future outbreaks and cleanses bacteria from your pores that causes acne. It also mildly exfoliates the skin, curtails redness and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Main Skin Benefits Of Azelaic Acid.
- Gently and effectively exfoliate the skin by deeply unclogging skin pores without causing irritation.
- Reduces inflammation and soothes any flare ups caused by rosacea and breakouts.
- Fights acne and other breakouts by combating the troublesome spot causing P.acnes bacteria.
- Fades patchy or blotchy areas of the skin (including melasma and acne scars) due to the fact it contains an enzyme that can prevent post breakout hyperpigmentation.
Can Vitamin C And Azelaic Acid Be Used Together?
Both ingredients (vitamin C and azelaic acid) are synergistically-compatible together as they don’t have any conflict or despise for each other, infact combining both vitamin C and azelaic acid together maximizes their effectiveness than when used individually. Research study has shown that combination of vitamin C and azelaic acid together may be more effective than hydroquinone alone.
While vitamin C helps fend-off free radicals, induces collagen production and brighten up the skin tone, azelaic acid mildly exfoliate the skin, thereby decongesting it of pore-clogging impurities and tackles textured or bumpy skin and also fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – dark spots or patches on the skin that result from acne lesions, aging and prolonged sun exposure.
Both actives have skin brightening and anti-aging potentials and when used together can hugely impact on pigmented-affected skin by making them look less visible and improve overall skin tone and texture.
How To Use Vitamin C And Azelaic Acid Together.
Vitamin C and azelaic acid can be used together in a skincare routine – both in the morning (AM) and at night (PM) and also can be used at separate times. To shed more light on this, you can apply vitamin C serum and azelaic acid in the morning. Start by applying vitamin C serum first on a freshly cleansed skin, then layer over azelaic acid on top, before moving ahead to applying your moisturizer and sunscreen. You can as well apply both actives at night time too.
If you’re on the sensitive skin side, then you should use these actives at separate times. Use vitamin C in the morning and azelaic acid at night. Don’t forget to patch test both actives prior to commencing full product application to test for allergy.
My Honest Experience With Vitamin C And Azelaic Acid Together.
I use Timeless 10% vitamin C serum alongside a prescription strength 20% azelaic acid gel in the morning and sometimes at night without issues. I encountered no irritation or redness. My skin loves the combination and the combination loves my skin too.
I have been using these combinations for three (3) weeks now, and the progressive-results are encouraging and mind-blowing.
While using these actives, my skin tone greatly improved, looking firm and bright. I could feel my skin being as smooth as an egg. This combo is really a good treat for my skin, especially having a product (azelaic acid) to join-forces with my vitamin C in the morning was more fun, and it really benefited my skin.
I have an oily and sensitive skin — oiliness and skin texture-irregularities have been my main skin concerns, and thanks to niacinamide for helping with sebum (oil) and pore-size reduction. But I figured out my skin could need some azelaic acid, and thank goodness it delivered.
I was able to use both actives in the same skincare routine despite having sensitive skin because my skin could tolerate it, due to my long-term use of acids. If you’re in the category of sensitive skin people, don’t use them together, use them separately — vitamin C in the morning, azelaic acid at night.
The combination of these actives really impacted my skin for the better, and my skin thanks me for it.
In Conclusion
Both vitamin C and azelaic acid are synergistic together and have no conflicts. They are more powerful when combined together to tackle hyperpigmentation, acne and improve overall skin texture and complexion. While using these actives, ensure you diligently use your sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV rays exposure (Learn how to correctly apply sunscreen). Don’t forget to patch test prior to commencing full product application to know for sure if you’re not allergic to these ingredients.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Can people with sensitive skin use vitamin C and azelaic acid together?
A: Both actives are suitable for all skin types but ensure to ease your way into using them by starting from lower concentration (recommended, vitamin C 10% and azelaic acid 10%). If you have sensitive skin, you’re advised to use these actives at separate times — use vitamin C serum in the morning, while you use azelaic acid at night.
Disclaimer: This is a personal experience with the
combination of vitamin C and azelaic acid together using Timeless 10% vitamin C serum and a 20% prescription strength azelaic acid gel, you may have a whole different experience, as skin type differs, so as result differs too.
UP NEXT: Can Vitamin C And Niacinamide Be Used Together? – Read To Learn More.
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