If you want to upgrade your skincare routine, you may wonder whether you can use niacinamide with azelaic acid.
Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties, while azelaic acid is a blemish-fighting ingredient typically used for conditions like acne and rosacea. Both ingredients may work well together for certain skin concerns.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using both ingredients together. We’ll also cover some reasons you may want to try this combination.
Understanding Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile skincare ingredient that can help give you a brighter complexion while managing oil production and shrinking your pores. It’s also an effective ingredient to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Azelaic acid works differently but also targets oil production. It may help kill bacteria on your skin, leaving your skin feeling cleaner and making it less prone to inflammatory acne and other conditions. However, it can cause skin irritation because of its acidity, similar to glycolic acid or salicylic acid.
The main benefit of pairing niacinamide and azelaic acid together is that you can take advantage of niacinamide’s soothing anti-irritation properties to help make azelaic acid more comfortable to use. This is the same reason the ingredient is often used with retinol or tretinoin, as it can make it easier for your skin to handle strong skincare ingredients without peeling or flaking.
Because niacinamide helps reduce oil production and control acne, it can also strengthen the effects of azelaic acid further without clashing with the way it works. The combination may make you less prone to breakouts compared to just using either ingredient alone.
Another key benefit of both ingredients is a reduction of hyperpigmentation. Using niacinamide and azelaic acid together may help brighten your skin even more effectively. For even stronger effects, look for other skin-whitening ingredients, such as licorice root.
Using a combination of these ingredients can:
- Reduce skin irritation
- Improve acne control
- Help with scarring and hyperpigmentation
- Soothe redness or rosacea
- Help decrease oil production
- Assist with pore reduction
- Help slow the formation of wrinkles
- Give you a more radiant complexion
How to Use Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid Together
If you want to use niacinamide and azelaic acid together in your skincare routine, following specific steps can help you get the best results from both products.
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
- Apply a niacinamide serum or toner directly to your skin, using your fingertips to massage it into your face gently.
- Wait a few minutes for the niacinamide to absorb fully.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of azelaic acid to your entire face, using your fingertips to spread it.
- Wait a few minutes for the azelaic acid to absorb fully.
- Finish your skincare routine with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
It’s essential to use niacinamide before applying azelaic acid and to use the right concentration of each ingredient. A concentration of 2–10% niacinamide and 10–20% azelaic acid is usually best for most people.
It’s also important to do a patch test before using niacinamide and azelaic acid together for the first time to ensure your skin doesn’t react to the ingredients adversely.
How Are Different Skin Types Affected by Niacinamide With Azelaic Acid
Understanding how niacinamide and azelaic acid affect various skin types is crucial to reaping the benefits of this potent combination.
- Oily Skin: The duo can be a savior for this skin type, helping to control oil production and fight acne. It can leave your skin looking clear and feeling refreshed.
- Dry Skin: Always use a moisturizer if managing dry skin. Niacinamide and azelaic acid aids in improving skin texture and evening out your complexion, but it can be drying if you don’t also use a nourishing product such as a hyaluronic acid serum.
- Combination Skin: In this skin type, niacinamide helps manage oil production in your T-zone area and azelaic acid targets unevenness, helping harmonize your complexion.
- Normal Skin: If you have normal skin, the combination can enhance your complexion’s natural glow and maintain a healthy skin barrier, promoting overall skin health.
- Acne-Prone Skin: For those battling acne, the duo can be a powerful ally, helping reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts. It helps promote clearer skin over time.
This is just a guide based on what you can expect for each skin type. Always consider doing a patch test first if you haven’t used niacinamide with azelaic acid before, as this can help prevent irritation or allergies and ensure the combination is right for your skin.
Give the Combination a Try!
You can use niacinamide with azelaic acid, and the two ingredients can help reduce inflammation, improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and treat acne and rosacea. By using the right concentration and following the correct order of application, you can enjoy the benefits with less risk of skin irritation. You could also use a combination product that contains both ingredients already for easier and more convenient application.