Yes, you can use azelaic acid and tretinoin together in your skincare routine. When used correctly, these two ingredients can complement each other, targeting different skin concerns for enhanced results. Azelaic acid helps reduce inflammation, acne, and hyperpigmentation, while tretinoin accelerates skin cell turnover and tackles signs of aging. However, it’s important to introduce them gradually and follow proper application techniques to minimize irritation and ensure the best outcomes. Here’s everything you need to know about combining these two potent ingredients in your skincare routine.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that helps to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and tackle issues such as acne and hyperpigmentation. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria, reducing keratin production, and brightening dark spots or melasma. Azelaic acid is also gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. It’s commonly found in creams or gels and is often used as a treatment for acne, rosacea, and pigmentation concerns.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin, a derivative of Vitamin A, is a well-known topical treatment for acne and signs of aging. It works by speeding up skin cell turnover, which helps to prevent clogged pores, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and fade dark spots. While extremely effective, tretinoin can be harsh on the skin, especially when you first start using it. Side effects such as dryness, peeling, and redness are common but tend to subside as your skin adjusts to the treatment.
Can You Use Azelaic Acid and Tretinoin Together?
Yes, you can use azelaic acid and tretinoin together, but it’s essential to understand how to use them properly to avoid irritation and maximize their benefits. Here’s how these two ingredients can work together:
Benefits of Using Azelaic Acid with Tretinoin
Enhanced Acne Treatment: Both azelaic acid and tretinoin are effective in treating acne. Azelaic acid kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation, while tretinoin speeds up skin cell turnover, preventing pores from becoming clogged. Used together, they can clear up existing breakouts and help prevent future ones.
Improved Skin Texture and Tone: Tretinoin is known for promoting collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Azelaic acid, on the other hand, helps brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation, resulting in a smoother, more even complexion.
Fighting Hyperpigmentation: If you suffer from dark spots, acne scars, or melasma, the combination of tretinoin and azelaic acid can provide a double punch. Tretinoin accelerates the turnover of skin cells, while azelaic acid helps reduce pigmentation and calm inflammation.
“Both ingredients exfoliate, so don’t combine them with other strong exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, or scrubs to prevent over-exfoliation.”
Dr. E. Taylor, Aesthetic Medicine Specialist
Possible Side Effects
Using azelaic acid and tretinoin together can cause skin irritation, especially when you first start. These side effects might include redness, dryness, peeling, and stinging. However, these effects usually subside after a few weeks of consistent use. If you’re concerned, start by using them on alternate nights to give your skin time to adjust.
How to Use Azelaic Acid and Tretinoin Together
To avoid overloading your skin, it’s important to use azelaic acid and tretinoin in a way that minimizes irritation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to incorporate them into your skincare routine:
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove dirt and oil. Avoid harsh cleansers that could further irritate your skin.
Step 2: Wait for Your Skin to Dry
After cleansing, give your skin some time to dry completely before applying any active ingredients. This helps minimize irritation, especially when using potent treatments like tretinoin.
Step 3: Apply Tretinoin
Apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your face, focusing on areas with acne or wrinkles. Be sure to avoid the delicate skin around your eyes and mouth. Tretinoin should be applied to clean, dry skin and can take 20-30 minutes to absorb properly.
Step 4: Wait Before Applying Azelaic Acid
After applying tretinoin, wait 20-30 minutes to ensure it has fully absorbed into the skin. This waiting time allows the tretinoin to work effectively and reduces the chances of irritation when applying azelaic acid.
Step 5: Apply Azelaic Acid
Once the tretinoin has absorbed, apply a thin layer of azelaic acid. This can be applied to your entire face or targeted areas where pigmentation or acne are present.
Step 6: Moisturize
Finish off your routine with a nourishing, non-comedogenic moisturizer. This step is crucial to lock in moisture and prevent the dryness often caused by tretinoin.
Tips for Using Azelaic Acid and Tretinoin Together
Start Slowly: If you’re new to either ingredient, begin by using them on alternate nights or starting with a lower concentration of tretinoin and azelaic acid. Gradually increase the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
Monitor Your Skin’s Reaction: Pay attention to how your skin responds, especially in the first few weeks. If irritation occurs, scale back and allow your skin to adjust before trying again.
Use Sunscreen: Both tretinoin and azelaic acid can increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day to protect your skin from UV damage.
Avoid Other Exfoliating Ingredients: Since both tretinoin and azelaic acid can exfoliate the skin, avoid using other exfoliating acids (like AHAs or BHAs) or physical scrubs to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.
If irritation occurs, take a break and allow your skin to recover before reintroducing the products.
Dr. E. Taylor, Aesthetic Medicine Specialist
Final Thoughts
When used correctly, azelaic acid and tretinoin can work wonders for your skin. By targeting acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging, these two ingredients together can help achieve a smoother, clearer, and more even complexion. Remember to introduce them gradually, pay attention to how your skin reacts, and always prioritize hydration and sun protection to ensure the best results. If you’re unsure, consult with a dermatologist to customize your skincare routine based on your skin’s needs.
FAQs: Using Azelaic Acid with Tretinoin
1. Can I use azelaic acid with tretinoin?
Yes, you can use azelaic acid and tretinoin together in your skincare routine. These two ingredients complement each other by targeting different skin concerns. Azelaic acid helps reduce inflammation, acne, and hyperpigmentation, while tretinoin accelerates skin cell turnover and reduces signs of aging. However, it’s important to introduce both products gradually to avoid irritation and ensure your skin can handle them.
2. Azelaic Acid vs Tretinoin: Which One is Better for My Skin?
Azelaic acid and tretinoin serve different purposes, so the choice between them depends on your skin concerns:
Azelaic Acid: Best for treating acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. It has anti-inflammatory properties, calms irritated skin, and helps lighten dark spots without causing significant dryness.
Tretinoin: Ideal for tackling acne, wrinkles, and fine lines. It accelerates skin turnover, prevents clogged pores, and stimulates collagen production, making it a go-to for anti-aging and acne prevention.
In many cases, using both can be highly effective, as they target different aspects of skin health.
3. Azelaic Acid Before or After Tretinoin?
When using both azelaic acid and tretinoin, apply tretinoin first. Here’s why:
Tretinoin needs to be applied to clean, dry skin and has a potent effect on skin cell turnover, so it’s important to allow it to absorb properly before layering other products.
Azelaic Acid should be applied after tretinoin has fully absorbed, allowing it to work without interference. Wait about 20-30 minutes after applying tretinoin to ensure it’s properly absorbed before applying azelaic acid.
By following this order, you’ll maximize the effectiveness of both products while minimizing the risk of irritation.
By LP Skin Team 
