Can Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C be Used Together?

Welcome to our latest discussion on the skincare trend of using multiple active ingredients simultaneously. One of the most frequently asked questions online is whether you can safely combine Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C.

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring acid that is found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. Its skincare properties are that it is exfoliating, brightening, and has the capacity to reduce inflammation. It is also an excellent choice for treating hyperpigmentation, acne, rosacea, and melasma.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is used to neutralize free radicals that are harmful to the skin’s surface. Topical Vitamin C can help even out skin tone, brighten the skin, decrease inflammation, increase collagen synthesis, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Can You Use Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C Together?

Yes, you can. However, there are some precautions you need to consider as these active ingredients have different optimum pH levels. Azelaic Acid requires a pH range between 3.5-5.0 to be effective, whereas Vitamin C works best at a pH of 3.5. Therefore, using them together can lead to a compromise in their efficacy.

How to Safely Use Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C Together?

This top skincare question has no straightforward answer. However, there are some tips for combining these two actives.

Consider Trialling Your Routine

If you are a beginner in the skincare world, you might want to try the Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C separately before combining them.

Don’t Overdo It

It’s usually risky to introduce multiple actives to your skincare routine simultaneously. We advise using Azelaic Acid in the morning and Vitamin C at night. This technique will help reduce the chances of irritation, dryness or flaking.

Use a Broad-spectrum Sunscreen

Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C can make your skin more susceptible to UV damage. That’s why it’s essential to use a sunscreen with a broad spectrum of SPF 30 or higher during the day to make sure your skin is adequately protected.

Choose the Right Products

Choosing pH-balanced products is the key to using Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C together safely. Ideally, you can look for products that contain both Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C or select two separate products and layer them in the ways mentioned above. However, make sure the products you choose are pH-balanced, gentle, and effective.

Conclusion

Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C are two potent active ingredients that help restore skin health and radiance. Combining them can be tricky since they have different optimum pH levels. However, with some meticulous attention and care, you can safely use them together to achieve the best skincare results.