Niacinamide vs Azelaic Acid: Best Uses, Benefits and How to Use Together

Niacinamide vs Azelaic Acid for Skin: Benefits, Uses and Differences

Niacinamide and azelaic acid have both grown in popularity as skincare ingredients that can target several skin concerns. But what is the difference between niacinamide and azelaic acid and their mechanisms of action? Which one is better for different skin types and conditions? Keep reading to understand their key qualities and how to choose between the two.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) used topically in skincare. It offers benefits like:

• Minimizing pores
• Improving uneven skin texture
• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Regulating oily and dry areas
• Calming inflammation and redness

It is gentle enough for most skin types and works well in combination with other ingredients like retinol or vitamin C serums.

What Does Azelaic Acid Do?

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that works as a mild exfoliant while also offering properties to improve several skin issues like:

• Acne and breakouts
• Redness and rosacea
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Solar lentigines (sun spots)
• Fine lines and uneven texture

It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that calm and smooth skin.

Niacinamide vs Azelaic Acid: Key Differences

Treatment Areas and Benefits Comparison

While both ingredients can improve several skin concerns, they differ in their main treatment areas:

• Niacinamide primarily targets signs of aging like wrinkles, uneven tone and skin barrier function.
• Azelaic acid mainly treats active acne and resulting post-inflammatory changes like redness, scarring and marks.

Suitable Skin Types

These ingredients also differ in skin compatibility:

• Niacinamide suits most skin types including sensitive skin.
• Azelaic acid may cause irritation to very sensitive skin at higher percentages. Best for normal to oily skin types.

How They Work on Skin

The ingredients have some overlapping qualities but achieve results through different mechanisms:

• Niacinamide works by improving ceramide production for a strengthened skin barrier while also protecting skin cells from environmental damage among other actions.
• Azelaic acid mainly works as a mild exfoliant that removes dead skin cells. It also reduces inflammation and works against acne by killing off p. acnes bacteria that clogs pores.

Who Should Use Niacinamide vs Azelaic Acid?

With the above key differences in mind, how do you choose which one is right for your skin?

Best Candidates for Using Niacinamide Serums

People who will benefit most from niacinamide include those looking to:

• Minimize visible pores
• Improve uneven skin tone
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Moisturize without clogging pores
• Strengthen protective skin barrier

It works especially well before applying retinols to buffer irritation and boost anti-aging effects when used together.

Best Candidates for Using Azelaic Acid Serums

Those who will benefit most from azelaic acid serums include people looking to treat:

• Inflammatory acne breakouts
• Post-acne marks and scarring
• Redness from rosacea
• Age spots and melasma
• Skin texture issues like blackheads

It enhances acne treatment regimens with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, while also reducing the hyperpigmentation that often results.

How To Use Niacinamide vs Azelaic Acid Together

Since these two ingredients work differently, they can complement each other well when used together strategically. Some effective ways to use them as part of your regimen include:

Layering Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid Serums

Apply your niacinamide serum first since it is more gentle and will boost your skin's barrier function to offset any irritation the azelaic acid causes. Let it soak in fully, then follow with your azelaic acid serum.

Using Azelaic Acid Only On Areas Prone to Breakouts/Hyperpigmentation

Apply niacinamide serum across your whole face, but a azelaic acid serum only on areas struggling with acne, scarring or dark spots for a targeted approach.

Alternating Days for Each Serum

Use your niacinamide serum daily across your face, but only reach for the stronger azelaic acid serum every other day. This provides a balanced approach if you want the benefits of both without over-drying.

Patch testing first when combining is always wise to check for any irritation or poor tolerance.

Additional Tips for Using Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid

Niacinamide Tips

• Can be used morning and/or evening
• Best if used daily for visible improvement over time
• Works well when paired with other serums

Azelaic Acid Tips

• Use only at night as it can increase sun sensitivity
• Takes 4+ weeks for acne clearing but faster for skin texture improvement
• Use a lightweight moisturizer after to avoid dryness or flaking

The Bottom Line

While both fantastic for skin care on their own, the key takeaways when comparing niacinamide and azelaic acid are:

• Niacinamide shines for strengthening skin and anti-aging effects.
• Azelaic acid works best for treating active acne and marks.
• They can complement each other when used strategically.
• Choose niacinamide for aging concerns and azelaic for breakouts and scars.

As always, introduce any new serum slowly and adjust application based on your skin's needs and tolerance.

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.