Can niacinamide and azelaic acid be used together?

Are you tired of choosing between various skincare ingredients? Do you sit and contemplate which one you should prioritize, niacinamide or azelaic acid? Fear no more, because we’ve got your back. In this article, we will answer the question: can niacinamide and azelaic acid be used together? It’s time to put an end to this never-ending battle.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the family of B vitamins. It has impressive benefits for the skin, such as treating hyperpigmentation, calming inflammation, reducing redness caused by acne or rosacea, and regulating sebum production. Wow – talk about a miracle ingredient!

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid (AA) is derived from grains like barley or wheat. It targets stubborn pimples, reduces redness associated with acne, minimizes dark spots caused by sun damage and melasma, treats rosacea symptoms such as itching and burning sensations on top of being beneficial in skincare treatments.

So…Can They Be Used Together?

The short answer is YES! But let’s dive deeper into why these two are a match made in skincare heaven:

Benefits Of Using Niacinamide And Azelaic Acid Together

1. Reduces The Appearance Of Hyperpigmentation: Both niacinamide and AA are effective at lightening dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation.
2. Regulates Sebum Production: Excessive oil production can lead to clogged pores leading to breakouts; combining both helps balance oily skin while fighting against acne development.
3. Treats Acne Due To Heterogenous Reasons: Since niacinamide acts as an anti-inflammatory agent soothing irritation-like bumps known as papules & pustules on top of regulating sebum secretion, combining it with azelaic acid’s anti-bacterial properties helps treat comedonal acne caused by bacteria and breakouts related to hormonal changes.
4. Reduces Inflammation: Both niacinamide and AA have a calming effect on the skin; mixing them together helps minimize redness and inflammations due to acne or rosacea.

How To Use Them Together

Now that you are convinced that both these ingredients can be your ultimate skincare savior, let’s see how we can use them in sync.

1. Patch Test: Before you start using any skincare product containing niacinamide or AA, do a patch test first! This will ensure if either one irritates your skin so you won’t suffer adverse reactions when applied all over.
2. Choose Suitable Formulas: Choose products that have around 5% -10 % concentration (depending on what suits best for your skin type).
3. Alternate Usage Times: Since both should not be used at the same time, as they may counteract each other according to some sources, alternate usage is recommended.
4. Use Azelaic Acid At Night & Niacinamide During The Daytime: For example, apply azelaic acid serum before going to bed after cleansing your face thoroughly while applying niacinamide during the daytime before sunscreen application with a hydrating moisturizer.

Can Anyone Use Both Simultaneously?

As much as we want everyone to jump onto this wagon of good-skin-ingredients-harmonization train, few factors must keep in mind before jumping into equipping yourself with an inevitable encounter:

Factors That Make It Unsafe To Combine Niacinamide And Azelaic Acid

1. Do Not Mix With Vit C: Applying vit c serum along with AA may reduce effectiveness.
2. Sensitive Skin: Those who struggle from sensitive skin issues like eczema or dermatitis, please talk to your doctor before combining the two ingredients.
3. Overuse: Applying a high concentration of these ingredients can irritate skin and cause dryness hence it’s better to start small and gradually build up the tolerance level.

Conclusion

Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid are two sides of the same coin; they both have salubrious effects on skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, oil balance regulation, preserving pH levels while leading towards overall healthy-looking skin. So Why not combine?? Aside from those exceptions mentioned above – trust us- our faces will thank us later (or else)!

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!