People have been slathering on salicylic acid and azelaic acid forever.
And while they’re both gentler than chemical peels and lactic acid, can you use them in the same type of regimen?
Can You Use Salicylic Acid and Azelaic Acid?
Yes, you can use salicylic and azelaic acid together but you should use them at the same time. The combination of these two acids will be enough to reduce your acne very fast.
Salicylic acid is an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells from your pores, it also allows your skin to breath better and penetrates into the deeper layers of your skin.
In order for it to work effectively, it should be used twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
This way it can really penetrate thoroughly into your skin cells.
Azelaic acid is very effective at reducing inflammation, which is why it is so good at treating acne.
When combined with salicylic acid it will reduce acne even faster than using one acid on its own.
The combination of these two acids should be applied only to the affected area, leave them on for as long as possible (up to 30 minutes) before rinsing with warm water.
Repeat this process twice a day to get rid of acne fast!
Are Salicylic Acid and Azelaic Acid Safe for Kids?
Both of these ingredients are generally considered safe for use on children’s skin if directions for adult use are followed.
However, it’s important to note that salicylic acid has been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with sensitive skin or a history of eczema.
Since azelaic acid isn’t used as a spot treatment, there is less chance of accidental contact with your child’s face; which means there’s less of a chance she will develop an allergy from it.
Safe, effective acne remedies can be hard to come by, especially when you’re looking for something that won’t harm your child’s skin.
Azelaic acid and salicylic acid are two of the most popular ingredients in over-the-counter acne products because they work well at unclogging pores without causing irritation, redness or dryness.
Intended for use on pimples and other blemishes, these ingredients are usually found in combination with other active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide.
Azelaic acid helps to reduce swelling and redness while also killing the bacteria that cause acne.
Salicylic acid penetrates pores to help dissolve dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. It also exfoliates the skin to help even out skin tone.
Does Azelaic Acid With Salicylic Acid Work on Blackheads?
The answer is yes, azelaic acid with salicylic acid does work on blackheads. However, it will not get rid of them completely.
It is impossible to remove all blackheads permanently because that requires a dermatological procedure, which can be expensive.
If you wish to give this product a try, we recommend you use it for 2-3 weeks at least and see if any difference you feel in your skin.
You can find some helpful tips to look after your skin as well as its changes with time here.
Can Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Clear Pimples?
Using a combination of salicylic acid and azelaic acid can help clear up pimples. Azelaic acid reduces inflammation and redness, while salicylic acid helps rid your pores of excess oil.
Azelaic acid is an organic compound that is naturally found in whole grains such as wheat, rye, and barley.
It works by reducing inflammation, which can help heal red pimples faster.
It also inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes acne. Salicylic acid has anti-fungal properties that can kill bacteria that cause acne.
It also helps remove dead skin cells lodged in your pores so they don’t clog with dirt and oils, leading to pimples.
Can Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Get Rid of Freckles?
Yes, azelaic acid and salicylic acid can help reduce the appearance of freckles and other skin discolorations. Both work by exfoliating the top layer of skin to reveal a fresh, more even-toned layer.
Because of this similarity, you might think that they work in the same way.
But there are some key differences between azelaic acid and salicylic acid that influence how they should be applied and what kinds of products they should be used in.
Azelaic acid is typically formulated as a cream or lotion with a pH level between 4 and 6. (pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is.)
It’s best used on light to medium skin tones, but it can also be used to lighten dark spots.
Salicylic acid is usually formulated as a gel with a pH level between 3 and 4.5.
It’s best for people with dark skin tones because it can be drying on lighter complexions.
Can Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Lighten Skin Spots?
Azelaic acid and salicylic acid can help skin lighten and fade spots, but they’re not miracle workers. Both of these substances also have some skin-lightening properties, so they can help fade dark spots that have already developed.
However, if you have dark spots or discoloration, you should treat those with a skin-lightening product.
The two main ingredients in these products are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which work to exfoliate the top layer of your skin.
This helps the other ingredients penetrate to their full potential.
AHAs are also beneficial because they can be used long-term, unlike some prescription medications for acne and other issues that need to be used only short term.
Can Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Make Acne Scarring Less Noticeable if Used Together?
When combined together, azelaic acid and salicylic acid work at different points in the same process for improving acne scarring.
Both ingredients are known for working well on their own with acne breakouts; when used together, they can further help with clearing up acne scars faster.
Does Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Cause Dry Skin?
When you use azelaic acid with salicylic acid, you may notice your skin becomes drier than usual.
This is what many people assume is the cause of their dry skin, but it isn’t true.
The truth is these products have an exfoliating effect on the top layer of your skin. As a result, they can remove dead skin cells faster than normal. This leaves the new cells underneath exposed to the elements and makes them appear dry.
These products also reduce the amount of oil produced by your sebaceous glands.
Consequently, less oil is available to keep your skin feeling soft and supple.
To counteract this drying effect, be sure to use a gentle moisturizer every day after you wash your face.
If you start to see scaling or flaking on your skin as you use these products, then stop using them for a few days.
How Can You Calm Inflammation Before Starting Using Azelaic Acid to Treat Acne?
I would like to share with you some tips on how to calm inflammation before starting using Azelaic Acid to Treat Acne.
1. Use a facial cleanser that contains Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties.
Some of the best facial cleansers that contain salicylic acid include Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
2. Use a gentle moisturizer that does not contain alcohol
Alcohol dries out your skin and can make redness worse.
Some good moisturizers that do not contain alcohol include Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.
3. Use a toner with green tea extract
Green tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm inflammation from acne.
Some of the best toners with green tea extract include Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner and Thayers Alcohol-Free Unscented Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula Astringent Toner.
4. Use the right concentration
Although there’s no official rule, azelaic acid is typically formulated into creams and serums at concentrations between 15% – 20%.
5. Start with a once-daily application and build up from there
You may need several weeks before you can tolerate twice daily or even three times daily application.
6. Try not to touch your face
Especially areas that are prone to acne. It’s best if you can keep your hands away from your face all together. When you put your hands on your face, you transfer oils and bacteria to the skin which cause breakouts.
Benefits of Using Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Together
Azelaic acid and salicylic acid are two chemicals that can be used to treat acne.
While they’re both effective on their own, they’re even more effective when used together.
Treating acne with azelaic acid and salicylic acid is a three-step process. Initially, you must use salicylic acid to remove the dead skin cells that are clogging your pores.
Once this has been done, you can start using azelaic acid to kill the bacteria that is causing your acne.
Finally, you will maintain your clear skin by using a moisturizer containing azelaic acid to prevent future breakouts.
Here are 6 benefits of using these two chemicals together:
1. They speed up the treatment process
By removing the dead skin cells that are clogging up your pores with salicylic acid, you will get rid of blackheads and whiteheads faster than if you were to just let them go untreated.
The sooner you get rid of all the dead skin cells in your pores, the sooner you’ll be able to start treating your acne with azelaic acid.
2. Can be mixed together in a single product
Many products combine azelaic acid and salicylic acid, making it easy to find a formulation that is right for you.
This allows you to avoid having to use multiple products to get your skincare regimen just right.
Combining azelaic acid and salicylic acid in a single product also means that only one application is necessary.
3. Better value for money
You get better value for money when you combine two anti-acne ingredients into one product.
By buying a single cream that contains both ingredients, you save money on multiple products.
4. They both exfoliate the skin
Exfoliation is important to clear acne-prone skin.
The two acids are milder than some other exfoliants, like glycolic acid, so they are less likely to irritate your skin when used in combination.
5. They contain antibacterial properties
They contain antibacterial properties that can reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface.
This is especially helpful because acne-prone skin tends to be oily, which can aggravate bacteria and cause infection.
6. They are relatively gentle on the skin
The two acids are milder than some other types of topical treatments for acne, so they won’t irritate your skin as much as they help clear it up.
Are There Any Side Effects From Using Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Together?
Yes, there are side effects from using azelaic acid and salicylic acid together, but they are rare. Most people do not experience any unwanted reactions at all. However, both acne medications can cause redness, itching, and peeling of the skin.
If you are having an adverse reaction to salicylic acids, such as dryness or excessive redness, rather than applying more salicylic acid to your skin, switch to a completely different treatment option such as benzoyl peroxide or sulfur.
Both products can help clear up acne without causing negative side effects on the skin.
Final Thoughts
Salicylic Acid and Azelaic Acid are used primarily as acne treatment agents, except for their use as anti-seborrheic.
They’re both used to treat mild to moderate acne and can help manage blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
With lighter skin coloration and with the presence of acne on the face, individuals may find these products effective in preventing breakouts when combined with a daily routine of washing and moisturizing.
