Looking for a way to treat your acne and prevent breakouts at the same time? Look no further than azelaic acid and retinol. Both of these ingredients are proven to help clear up pimples, but when used together, they become even more effective. They also have additional benefits that will help keep your skin clearer in the long run. Let’s take a deeper look at why these two skincare superstars are the perfect partners in crime for clear skin.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a type of Vitamin A – yes, that same vitamin that is so important for your health! In skincare, retinol is used for its anti-aging properties, but it’s also helpful for acne-prone skin. Retinol encourages new cell growth, which can help fade the dark marks left behind by acne. It also helps reduce excess oil, which can calm breakouts. Retinol is an effective acne treatment that works in different ways. First, it unclogs pores and breaks down blackheads to make them easier to wash away. Second, it helps fade acne scars and pigmentation by speeding up the natural turnover of skin cells.
What Is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a type of acid that naturally occurs in wholegrains. It has been found to be effective in treating acne and improving the overall condition of your skin. Unlike other acne medications that can be harsh on your skin, azelaic acid is gentle enough to be used on all skin types, even sensitive skin prone to breakouts. Azelaic acid works by slowing down the transformation of dead skin cells, resulting in less oil being produced. Azelaic acid also inhibits the growth of p. acnes (the bacteria that causes acne). Azelaic acid is also an excellent choice for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, since it is considered a safe option. There are a few different ways that azelaic acid can be applied to your skin, including topical creams and gels as well as chemical peels.
How Do Azelaic Acid and Retinol Work Together?
When you use azelaic acid and retinol together, you can really supercharge your skincare routine and see major results in as little as two weeks. Retinol works to clear your pores and help reduce the appearance of acne scars, while azelaic acid reduces oil production, which can lead to less buildup in your pores, as well as help fade dark marks left behind by previous breakouts. While retinol is most effective when used alone, when used with azelaic acid, it can have even better results. When retinol and azelaic acid are applied together, your skin can actually become more resistant to bacteria and help prevent future breakouts. Azelaic acid works to kill bacteria, which can help prevent future breakouts. Retinol can also help increase the efficacy of azelaic acid by increasing the turnover of skin cells, which can help fade acne scars and pigmentation faster.
Benefits of Using Azelaic Acid and Retinol Together
- Cleared up pores: Retinol helps clear your pores and break down blackheads, making them easier to wash away. Azelaic acid also helps reduce oil production, which in turn helps keep your pores from getting too clogged.
- Faded acne scars and pigmentation: Retinol also speeds up the turnover of skin cells, which can help fade acne scars and pigmentation. Azelaic acid can help speed this process up even more.
- Reduced oil production: Azelaic acid also helps to reduce oil production, which can help keep your skin looking and feeling less oily throughout the day. This can reduce the chance of breakouts as well.
- Improved skin texture: Retinol encourages your skin cells to produce collagen, which can lead to firmer, smoother-looking skin. Azelaic acid also helps your skin cells turn over more quickly, which can also help improve your skin texture.
- Retinol also increases the efficacy of azelaic acid.
How to Use These Two Skincare Superstars Together
When using these two skincare superstars together, you should start off with your azelaic acid treatment and then follow it up with a retinol product. This way, the azelaic acid has plenty of time to take effect and the retinol product can work on your pores and skin texture. You can use these two skincare superstars together both in your morning and nighttime skincare routine. If you’re using a topical cream or gel with azelaic acid, you should wait at least 20 minutes after applying the product before following it up with a retinol product. If you’re using a chemical peel, you can apply your retinol product right away.
Which Is Better: Azelaic Acid or Retinol?
Both retinol and azelaic acid are excellent for treating acne and keeping your skin clear. They both help reduce oil production, which can prevent breakouts. They also both help fade acne scars and pigmentation. Depending on your skin type, you may find that one is more effective than the other. If you have sensitive skin and are worried about side effects, you may want to go with azelaic acid. It is less likely to irritate your skin. If you have normal skin and are looking for a way to speed up the clearing process, retinol may be a better option for you. If you have oily skin, retinol may be a better option for you since azelaic acid is known to be more effective on skin that is normal to dry.
Bottom line
Retinol and azelaic acid are two of the most effective acne treatments out there. When used together, they can supercharge your skincare routine, clearing your pores and fading acne scars and pigmentation. They also help reduce oil production and improve your skin texture. Retinol and azelaic acid are gentle enough to be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin. They are also safe to use both during pregnancy and breastfeeding.