Can You Use Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Together?

Using Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Together

Azelaic acid and niacinamide are two active ingredients that can be highly effective in skin care. Azelaic acid is used to treat acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide has anti-aging, brightening and barrier repair benefits. With overlapping qualities, you may wonder if these ingredients can be used together safely and effectively.

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that is produced by a yeast that lives on normal skin. It is available in over-the-counter skin care products at concentrations of 10-20% to treat acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

It works in several ways:

• Reduces inflammation and redness
• Prevents bacteria growth that causes acne
• Minimizes keratin buildup in follicles
• Brightens skin and fades dark spots by inhibiting melanin
• Protects from free radical damage

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. It is a water-soluble antioxidant that has several benefits for skin including:

• Improves moisture retention
• Strengthens the protective skin barrier
• Reduces inflammation and redness
• Minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores
• Brightens skin tone and fades dark spots
• Smooths fine lines and wrinkles

Can Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Be Used Together?

Yes, azelaic acid and niacinamide can be used together. They are actually highly compatible. Using both can provide enhanced benefits by harnessing their complementary properties.

Some key advantages of using azelaic acid with niacinamide include:

• Enhanced brightening for more even, radiant skin tone
• Increased antioxidant protection against environmental damage
• Reduced acne breakouts and rosacea flares
• Fading of acne marks and dark spots
• Improved hydration, elasticity and barrier function

How to Use Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Together

Here are some tips on using azelaic acid and niacinamide together effectively in your skincare routine:

• Use niacinamide in the morning before applying azelaic acid at night.
• Or use one ingredient in the morning and alternate with the other at night.
• Apply azelaic acid first on clean dry skin if using both together.
• Wait 5-10 minutes after applying azelaic acid before layering on niacinamide.
• Use a lightweight, water-based moisturizer to avoid excess irritation.
• Start by using the ingredients 2-3 times per week, then gradually increase.
• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen during the daytime.

The Benefits of Using Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Together

Let's take a closer look at the key benefits you can achieve by incorporating both azelaic acid and niacinamide into your skincare regimen.

Enhanced Brightening

One of the top reasons to use azelaic acid and niacinamide is that they provide a powerful brightening effect on the skin. Azelaic acidworks by directly inhibiting melanin production. Niacinamide also inhibits melanin while blocking melanin transfer to skin cells.

Together, they help decrease visible dark spots and discoloration for a more even, radiant skin tone and complexion.

Antioxidant Protection

Environmental factors like UV exposure and pollution can lead to the production of free radicals that damage skin cells. Azelaic acid has antioxidant properties that help neutralize these destructive free radicals.

Niacinamide also has antioxidant effects to prevent and repair free radical damage that leads to accelerated aging.

Treatment of Acne and Rosacea

Azelaic acid is particularly useful for treating acne breakouts and rosacea flares. It works to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent clogged pores.

Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation and regulate oil production - all beneficial effects for improving acne and rosacea.

Fading Acne Marks

The spots and marks left behind after acne blemishes are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid is highly effective at lightening these stubborn marks.

It works synergistically with niacinamide to fade the discoloration faster for clearer, more even looking skin.

Improved Hydration

Azelaic acid and niacinamide both help the skin better retain moisture. Niacinamide in particular helps reinforce the skin barrier and reduces water loss through the outer layer of the epidermis.

Using them together keeps skin well-hydrated, leading to a smoother, plumper, more youthful appearance.

Who Should Use Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide?

Combining azelaic acid and niacinamide is beneficial for the following skin types and concerns:

Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Both ingredients can balance excess oil production, remove dead skin cells, prevent clogged pores and treat breakouts, making them excellent choices for oily, acne-prone complexions.

Rosacea

The anti-inflammatory and redness reducing abilities of these two ingredients help minimize flushing and irritation associated with rosacea.

Uneven Skin Tone

Those looking to fade dark spots, melasma, acne marks and sun damage can benefit from the combined brightening powers of azelaic acid and niacinamide.

Post-Procedure Skin

Chemical peels, microneedling and laser treatments can all cause irritation. Azelaic acid and niacinamide help calm and reduce redness while speeding healing.

Aging Skin

Mature skin will benefit from exfoliation, antioxidant protection, increased collagen production and hydration provided by this duo for a more youthful appearance.

Side Effects and Precautions

Azelaic acid and niacinamide are well-tolerated topical ingredients for most skin types. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind:

• Patch test first, as allergic reactions are possible.
• Irritation, peeling, dryness or itching may occur, especially at first.
• Use a mild cleanser and moisturizer when starting out to minimize sensitivity.
• Limit use to once daily, gradually increasing frequency based on skin's tolerance.
• Always wear SPF when using azelaic acid, as it can make skin more sun-sensitive.
• Discontinue use if irritation persists and see a dermatologist if concerned.

The Bottom Line

Azelaic acid and niacinamide are two of the most versatile and multi-functional ingredients in skin care. Using them together helps maximize their complementary benefits for everything from fading dark marks and improving tone, to clearing acne and repairing the skin barrier.

By understanding how to properly combine azelaic acid and niacinamide in your routine, you can enhance your results for beautiful, healthy, radiant skin.

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.