Ask an Expert: Can I Use Azelaic Acid With Benzoyl Peroxide?

Some of the most common questions about treating acne involve combining topical treatments. Some ingredients can increase the risk of skin irritation or be less effective when combined. Benzoyl peroxide is a longstanding antibacterial treatment for breakouts, while azelaic acid has become more popular in recent years. Can I use azelaic acid with benzoyl peroxide? Get an expert answer and find out more about these active ingredients.

Azelaic Acid Ingredients

Azelaic acid is one of the most gentle and effective topical acne treatments. This ingredient eliminates acne bacteria, unclogs pores and regulates oil production to gradually heal existing breakouts and prevent future flare ups. Azelaic acid also works to reduce inflammation and counteracts free radical damage to skin.

A cream formula that contains a medical-grade 14% concentration of this ingredient can provide the maximum benefit for all skin conditions without causing dryness or irritation. Moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba, coconut and avocado oils and hydrating aloe leaf juice make this cream the best choice of azelaic acid rosacea treatment. 

How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment that kills acne bacteria. This ingredient is more harsh than medical-strength azelaic acid and can increase the activity of free radicals in skin. You should use benzoyl peroxide as directed by an aesthetician or dermatologist. Benzoyl peroxide can have side effects for most skin types and is likely to bleach bedding, clothing and towels.

If you have normal skin, you may be able to apply benzoyl peroxide once or twice daily without experiencing the side effects of dryness or peeling. People who have sensitive skin should not use benzoyl peroxide more often than once a day or every other day. If your skin becomes dry or flakes while using benzoyl peroxide, consider only using azelaic acid, switching off between these treatments or using benzoyl peroxide less frequently. 

How to Use Azelaic Acid

You can treat acne with azelaic acid by applying a 14% cream formula once or twice per day or on a regular basis over the course of several months. While it might take longer for this treatment to eliminate active breakouts, azelaic acid should not dry out skin as much as benzoyl peroxide.

Harsh acne treatments that strip away natural oils can actually cause your skin to overproduce oil to compensate. Azelaic acid regulates oil production rather than causing an imbalance and can also reduce inflammation and even out your skin tone. If you plan to apply azelaic acid to acne scars, you could see faster and more lasting results from taking vitamins for hyperpigmentation alongside topical treatments. You should wear sunscreen every day when using azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Get the Benefits of Both Treatments

If you have acne-prone oily or combination skin, you may be able to benefit from regular applications of both azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide. You can layer these ingredients by applying benzoyl peroxide before azelaic acid cream. The effects of either or both of these ingredients should start to be visible in four to six weeks with full results in several months.

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