Can You Use Azelaic Acid With Tretinoin? Benefits and How to Safely Layer Them

Can You Use Azelaic Acid With Tretinoin?

Azelaic acid and tretinoin are both widely used ingredients in skincare routines for combatting common skin concerns like acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. But can you use azelaic acid and tretinoin together? Let's take a closer look at how these ingredients work, their benefits, and whether using them together is safe and effective.

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that is produced by a yeast that lives on normal skin. In skincare, azelaic acid products are available over-the-counter in concentrations up to 10%. It works in several ways to improve common skin concerns:

• Antibacterial Activity: Azelaic acid fights acne by killing Cutibacterium acnes bacteria that can cause breakouts and inflammation.
• Keratolytic Properties: It exfoliates dead skin cells inside pores to prevent clogging.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Azelaic acid reduces inflammation associated with acne breakouts and rosacea.
• Skin Lightener: It decreases melanin production to brighten skin and reduce post-acne marks and melasma.

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid, a vitamin A derivative, that treats acne and signs of photoaging like fine lines and uneven pigmentation. Brand names for tretinoin products include Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Atralin and Renova.

Like azelaic acid, tretinoin works through multiple mechanisms:

• Increases Skin Cell Turnover: Faster skin cell turnover helps clear pores and reveals brighter, smoother skin over time.
• Boosts Collagen Production: Increased collagen plumps skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
• Regulates Pigment Production: It prevents excess melanin production to address melasma and acne marks.

Using tretinoin does come with an adjustment period as it can initially cause dryness, flaking, peeling and increased photosensitivity as skin adjusts.

Benefits of Using Azelaic Acid With Tretinoin

Combining azelaic acid and tretinoin leverages the unique benefits of both ingredients for enhanced effects. Using them together offers both complementary and synergistic effects that can optimize results.

Complements and Enhances Results

Azelaic acid and tretinoin complement each other with dual antibacterial, exfoliating, brightening and smoothing action. Azelaic acid’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can also help combat the purge phase that sometimes occurs when starting tretinoin.

Allows for Lower Concentrations

Using azelaic acid with tretinoin may also allow you to use lower concentrations of each active ingredient while still achieving excellent results. This helps reduce irritation, dryness and peeling commonly associated with higher strength tretinoin.

Fights Acne and Post-Acne Marks

Azelaic acid enhances tretinoin’s effects on existing acne while also preventing new breakouts. Together, their antimicrobial, keratolytic, anti-inflammatory and skin brightening benefits can dramatically reduce acne activity and eliminate any lingering marks.

Improves Melasma and Hyperpigmentation

For those using tretinoin to reduce dark spots and melasma, adding azelaic acid can enhance its ability to regulate abnormal pigment production and prevent formation of new discoloration.

Is it Safe to Use Azelaic Acid With Tretinoin?

In most cases, it is perfectly safe to use azelaic acid with tretinoin provided you take some basic precautions. Always check with your dermatologist before combining products in your skincare routine. Here are some tips for safely using azelaic acid and tretinoin together:

Gradually Introduce Active Ingredients

When adding powerful ingredients like azelaic acid and tretinoin to your routine, go slow. Start by using one active alone for several weeks to build tolerance before layering on another ingredient. Slowly transition your skin to avoid redness and irritation.

Use Lower Strength Formulations

Opt for lower strengths of both azelaic acid and tretinoin creams and gels, especially when beginning. This minimizes risk of dryness, peeling and inflammation. You can always increase potency over time as your skin adjusts.

Hydrate and Moisturize Skin

Prevent flaking and dryness by properly cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing skin when using these actives. Use a gentle creamy cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum and rich night cream morning and evening.

Sun Protection is Critical

Tretinoin increases photosensitivity so daily broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is extremely important. Reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure. Protective clothing and seeking shade are also key.

How to Layer Azelaic Acid With Tretinoin

Want to reap all the combined benefits of azelaic acid and tretinoin? Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying them the right way:

1. Cleanse face and pat dry.
2. Apply water-based serums like hyaluronic acid.
3. Use a pea size amount of azelaic acid cream and smooth evenly over face.
4. Follow with a pea size amount of tretinoin cream.
5. Finish with a soothing moisturizer.
6. In the morning, cleanse, hydrate and apply sunscreen.

Alternatively, you can use an azelaic acid product in the morning and tretinoin at night. Just be sure to avoid using both actives during the same routine when starting out to minimize irritation.

The Bottom Line

Azelaic acid and tretinoin are two of the most effective over-the-counter and prescription skincare ingredients available. Using them together can provide complementary benefits to address acne, rosacea, melasma and signs of aging more thoroughly than using either alone.

As with any skincare actives, introduce azelaic acid and tretinoin slowly by using lower potencies, allowing skin to adjust and taking steps to hydrate and protect skin. Used properly under medical supervision, this dynamic duo can dramatically refine and rejuvenate your complexion.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.