Using Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together
Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common topical ingredients used to treat acne. Azelaic acid is also prescribed for rosacea. Though they work in different ways, some dermatologists recommend combining azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide to enhance acne clearing. However, there are also risks of skin irritation and dryness when using these actives together.
How Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Work
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that comes from grains like wheat, rye, and barley. It has antimicrobial effects that help kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Azelaic acid also reduces inflammation and helps renew skin cells faster to unclog pores.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient that attacks the bacteria associated with acne. It also has a mild peeling effect to get rid of dead skin cells inside clogged follicles. Benzoyl peroxide helps dry out excess oil.
Using azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide together provides multiple ways to treat acne. The azelaic acid helps with inflammation and clogged pores while the benzoyl peroxide tackles bacteria. However, both ingredients can dry and irritate sensitive skin.
Potential Benefits of Combining Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide
Dermatologists may recommend pairing azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide together for moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Potential benefits include:
- - Attacking acne on multiple fronts
- - Increased efficacy compared to a single ingredient
- - Lower risk of bacterial resistance developing
- - More potent acne-clearing results
Using two topical acne treatments together enhances the effects compared to just one ingredient alone. Combination therapy makes it harder for acne-causing bacteria to develop resistance.
How to Use Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together
If you want to use azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide as part of your acne skincare routine, here are some tips:
- - Introduce one active at a time to test for any irritation or sensitivity.
- - Apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and azelaic acid at night to avoid excessive dryness.
- - Alternate days if using both ingredients twice daily causes redness or peeling.
- - Use a gentle cleanser and lightweight moisturizer to counteract drying effects.
- - Always wear sunscreen during daytime use, as both actives make skin more sun-sensitive.
Start by using either azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide for a few weeks before adding the other. Monitor your skin's tolerance. Combining them together increases the risk of dryness, stinging, or redness.
Risks and Side Effects of Azelaic Acid Plus Benzoyl Peroxide
While azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be more effective for clearing acne when combined, there are potential downsides:
Increased Irritation and Dryness
Both azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are drying ingredients. Using them together significantly increases this risk. Your skin may feel tight, flaky, or overly sensitive. Itching, stinging, and redness can also occur.
Allergic Reactions
Some people are allergic or sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. Combining it with azelaic acid raises the chances of a reaction. Signs include red rashes, hives, swelling, and itchiness.
Free Radical Damage
Benzoyl peroxide degrades and oxidizes into free radicals with light exposure. Azelaic acid makes skin more photosensitive. The combined effect can lead to free radical damage that accelerates aging if sunscreen isn't used.
Decreased Efficacy
Applying benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid at the same time of day can make them less effective. The two ingredients may interact and neutralize each other's benefits when layered together.
Using them together requires care to maximize results without causing irritation, dryness, or other problems. Work closely with your dermatologist to determine the proper regimen for your situation.
Who Should Not Combine Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide?
Certain people may want to avoid using azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide together, including:
- - Those with very sensitive or dry skin
- - People who develop reactions to either ingredient
- - Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- - Those also using retinoids, glycolic acid, or other irritating actives
The combined drying and irritating effects may be too much for sensitive skin types. People prone to allergies may react. Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are considered safe during pregnancy, but it's best to be cautious.
Complementary Ingredients to Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide
Certain complementary ingredients can enhance the acne-fighting benefits of azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide while also minimizing unwanted side effects like dryness and irritation:
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and binds moisture to the skin. It helps counteract the drying effects of the acne medications.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that soothes inflammation and redness. It boosts skin's barrier function to reduce sensitivity caused by azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Centella Asiatica
Also known as cica or tiger grass, centella asiatica extract helps heal and calm irritated skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties complement the acne-fighting effects.
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids that help strengthen and maintain skin's moisture barrier. They prevent moisture loss and protect against external irritants.
Talk to your dermatologist about incorporating ingredients like these into your skincare routine when using azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide to treat acne.
Should Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Be Used Together for Acne?
Combining azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide can provide more comprehensive acne treatment by targeting bacteria, inflammation, and clogged pores. However, the increased risk of dryness, irritation, photodamage, and other side effects requires careful consideration.
Your dermatologist can assess your acne and skin type to determine if dual therapy with azelaic acid plus benzoyl peroxide is appropriate. With careful use and sun protection, it may provide better clearing for severe inflammatory acne.
However, for those with milder comedonal acne or sensitive skin, alternating or using just one ingredient may be a better approach. Work with your dermatologist to decide what acne regimen utilizing azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or both will provide the safest, most effective results for your unique needs.
FAQs
Is it safe to use azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide together?
Using both can increase acne-clearing benefits but also irritate skin. Introduce them slowly and alternate days if needed. Avoid excessive dryness or irritation.
When should I apply azelaic acid versus benzoyl peroxide?
Apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and azelaic acid at night. This helps prevent them from interacting and losing effectiveness while also reducing dryness.
What’s the best way to combine them without irritation?
Start with one active for a few weeks, then add the other slowly. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. Apply only every other day if skin becomes very irritated.
Should I see better results using both together?
For moderate to severe acne, using both can improve results by providing complementary acne-fighting actions. Those with milder acne may do fine with just one.
Are there people who shouldn’t use azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide?
Yes, those with very sensitive skin or who react to either ingredient. Also pregnant/nursing women and people on irritating acne medications.
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.
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