Can You Use Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C Together? | Skincare Guide

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that is produced by a yeast that lives on normal skin called Malassezia. It is also a component of grains such as wheat, rye, and barley.

In skin care, azelaic acid is used to treat common skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and melasma due to its ability to reduce inflammation, even out skin tone and texture, and fight acne-causing bacteria.

Benefits of Azelaic Acid for Skin

There are many benefits of using azelaic acid on the skin. Some of the main benefits include:

• Reducing redness and inflammation from rosacea and acne
• Fading hyperpigmentation and melasma
• Clearing up whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory breakouts
• Exfoliating dead skin cells to reveal smoother skin
• Preventing breakouts by killing acne-causing bacteria
• Brightening overall skin tone

How Does Azelaic Acid Work?

The main mechanisms of action that allow azelaic acid to produce these skin benefits include:

• Antimicrobial Effects: Azelaic acid kills off acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
• Anti-Inflammatory: It reduces redness and inflammation associated with inflammatory acne lesions, rosacea flares, and other skin issues.
• Skin Lightening: Azelaic acid decreases melanin synthesis and oxidation to lighten pigmentation issues like melasma.
• Exfoliating Action: By accelerating skin cell turnover, it speeds up shedding of surface skin cells revealing brighter, more even-toned skin.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is an essential antioxidant vitamin that is naturally found in many foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, peppers as well as being readily available as an oral supplement.

In skin care, vitamin C serums containing L-ascorbic acid (the most potent form of vitamin C) are extremely popular thanks to vitamin C's ability to brighten, smooth, and protect the skin.

Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin

Using a vitamin C serum offers many excellent skin enhancing effects such as:

• Brighter, more even looking skin tone
• Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Increased collagen production for firmer skin
• Fading of dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• Smoothing rough skin texture
• Neutralizing free radicals to prevent damage

How Vitamin C Works on Skin

The main ways in which topical vitamin C is able to produce these anti-aging, brightening, and smoothing effects include:

• Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals caused by UV exposure and other pollutants to prevent collagen breakdown.
• Collagen Synthesis: It boosts collagen production to improve firmness and elasticity of aging skin.
• Brightening Agent: Vitamin C inhibits melanin production to brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation and age spots.
• Anti-Inflammatory: It also decreases inflammation to calm redness and irritation.

Can You Use Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C Together?

The good news is that azelaic acid and vitamin C make an excellent skin care pairing and can be safely used together for enhanced results.

In fact, azelaic acid has even been shown to boost the effectiveness of vitamin C's antioxidant capabilities making them a dynamic duo for your skin.

Benefits of Layering Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C

Using azelaic acid in combination with vitamin C offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Brightening: The two ingredients work synergistically to brighten overall skin tone and fade spots better than either can alone.
• More Even Texture: Exfoliating and smoothing properties are boosted to reveal exceptionally soft, radiant skin.
• Collagen Protection: Azelaic acid stabilizes vitamin C allowing it to better stimulate collagen leading to firmer skin.
• Decreased Breakouts: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity is amplified providing superior acne prevention.
• Stronger Antioxidant Shield: Free radical neutralization to mitigate environmental damage to the skin is maximized.

How to Layer Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C

To gain maximum benefits from azelaic acid and vitamin C serums, use the following layering method:

1. Thoroughly cleanse your face and apply any special treatments like retinoids.
2. Apply your vitamin C serum first while skin is still damp and gently pat to absorb.
3. Let the vitamin C fully absorb for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Follow with the azelaic acid layer and let it absorb for another 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Finish with moisturizer and sun protection if using these products in the morning.

Using vitamin C first helps stabilize it on the skin to maximize effectiveness before applying the azelaic acid.

The Best Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C Products

Looking for the top azelaic acid and vitamin C combinations for your skincare regimen? Here are some excellent over-the-counter options to consider:

1. COS DE BAHA Azelaic Acid Serum With Vitamin C

• 10% azelaic acid
• 5% vitamin C derivative (SAP)
• Also contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E
• Lightweight serum texture ideal for layering
• Fragrance, dye, and cruelty free formula

2. Melazepam Cream With Added Vitamin C Powder

• 20% high concentration azelaic acid cream
• Mix with vitamin C powder like The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid
• Non-drying, silky cream formula
• Also contains skin soothing ingredients
• Economical option

3. Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

• Can mix a few drops into your vitamin C serum
• Ultra light fluid for easy layering without heaviness
• Adds brightening and anti-acne action to any product
• Also includes salicylic acid for exfoliation
• Consistent award winning azelaic acid formula

By selecting one of these expertly formulated combinations of azelaic acid and vitamin C, you can feel confident you are using evidence-based skincare that is safe, gentle, and effective.

Who Should Use Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C Together?

The main skin types and conditions that will benefit most from this dual regimen include:

• Aging Skin: Mature skin will appreciate increased collagen production, skin plumping, and softening texture.
• Dull, Uneven Skin Tones: Together these two supercharge radiance and fade pigmentation.
• Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: Azelaic acid and vitamin C balance excess sebum while clearing and preventing blemishes.
• Actinic Keratoses: Early skin lesions from sun damage respond extremely well to this combo.
• Those New to Actives: The gentle yet effective formula makes it suitable for beginner skin too.

However, it's still essential to introduce any new skin care ingredients slowly especially if you have very sensitive skin.

Side Effects and Precautions

When used appropriately, azelaic acid and vitamin C serums are well-tolerated by most people. But there are some prudent precautions to be aware of when incorporating them into your regimen.

Potential Side Effects

Some people may experience minor side effects like:

• Redness, stinging, or tingling when first applied
• Increased dryness or peeling, especially when overused
• Clogged pores or breakouts as skin purges
• Contact dermatitis presenting as rash or itching

These irritant reactions are usually temporary and often subside as your skin adjusts. But if symptoms concern you, stop using them right away.

Precautions for Sensitive Skin

When introducing azelaic acid or vitamin C use the following precautions:

• Spot test on a small area first and wait 24 hours before applying to your full face.
• Start by applying the products once every other evening and slowly increase frequency based on tolerance.
• Use only a pea sized amount mixed with moisturizer at first to dilute potency.
• Always wear sunscreen during daytime as these can make skin more photosensitive.
• Discontinue use if irritation develops and talk a dermatologist if it persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is azelaic acid or vitamin C better?

Both azelaic acid and vitamin C offer exceptional skin benefits, so one isn't necessarily better than the other. Azelaic acid works especially well for inflammatory acne and rosacea while vitamin C targets fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Using both means your skin gets to enjoy their complementary advantages.

Can I use azelaic acid and vitamin C together everyday?

These powerful ingredients can be used daily, but it's best to start slow. Apply them together once every 2-3 days initially and monitor your skin's tolerance. If you experience no redness or discomfort, gradually increase application to daily if desired.

What percentage of azelaic acid is best with vitamin C?

Studies show excellent skin benefits with azelaic acid concentrations between 15-20%. Most over-the-counter products contain between 10-15% azelaic acid which is effective for daily use alongside vitamin C serums when following proper application guidelines.

Should I use azelaic acid or vitamin C in the morning or evening?

Use vitamin C serums in your morning routine so your skin can benefit from antioxidant protection against daytime environmental damage. Apply azelaic acid at night so it can work optimally as you sleep without being deactivated by the sun.

However, if you have oily skin or are using azelaic acid mainly for acne you can use it mornings too provided you apply SPF afterwards.

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.