If you already have a few acids in your skincare routine, you may wonder whether adding azelaic acid could make it a little too acidic (you're not a lemon, after all). The good news is that azelaic acid can be used with other skincare acids. However, that doesn't necessarily mean you should layer every active you own at once.
Your skin type, product formulations, concentrations, and tolerance all play a role in determining which combinations belong in your routine. Let's break down how to pair azelaic acid with other popular acids without overwhelming your skin, including where you can find quality AHA/BHA products from Isomers Skincare!
What Makes Azelaic Acid Different From Other Skincare Acids?
AHAs and BHAs are some of the more common acids in the skincare world. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid, primarily exfoliate the skin's surface, while beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, are commonly used to address oil and buildup in pores.
Azelaic acid, however, is a dicarboxylic acid with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other properties that have made it useful for concerns including blemishes, redness, and uneven pigmentation.
Azelaic acid offers its own set of benefits, which means these ingredients don't necessarily have to compete for a place in your routine.
Can You Use Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Together?
Depending on the formulation and your skin's tolerance, azelaic and salicylic acid can be paired together. In fact, some Isomers Skincare products combine these two ingredients in the same bottle!
Our 14% Azelaic Acid Booster Complex contains azelaic acid alongside salicylic acid and soothing ingredients such as allantoin, licorice root extract, and Boerhavia diffusa root extract. We also offer a formula combining 1% salicylic acid, 1% azelaic acid, and 1% niacinamide.
The pairing can be particularly beneficial for those who deal with blemish marks, excess oil, pores, uneven tone, and texture.
What About Azelaic Acid and AHAs?
Using azelaic acid alongside AHAs such as glycolic or lactic acid may also be possible, but more exfoliation isn't automatically better.
Azelaic acid itself is generally well tolerated, but adding another active that can cause dryness or irritation may make your overall routine harder for your skin to tolerate.
If you're new to acids or have sensitive skin, consider introducing one product at a time. You could also use different acids on different days rather than layering them during the same routine.
How Do You Know If You're Using Too Many Acids?
Pay attention to your skin. Persistent burning, stinging, excessive dryness, flaking, or discomfort can be signs that your current routine isn't working for you.
We recommend patch testing any acidic product before applying it to your entire face, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Supporting your routine with hydrating products and moisturizer can also help you balance targeted active ingredients with your skin's hydration needs.
Build an Acid Routine That Works for Your Skin with Isomers
There isn't a universal rule saying azelaic acid must be kept separate from AHAs or BHAs. The fact that professionally developed formulas can contain multiple acids demonstrates why it's important to look beyond individual ingredient names and consider the complete formulation, concentrations, frequency of use, and your own skin tolerance.
If you're unsure where azelaic acid belongs in your routine, explore Isomers Skincare's azelaic acid products and start with a routine suited to your individual skin concerns!