Wondering How to Combine Your Tretinoin with Azelaic Acid? Ponder No Further
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Jordan Samuel Pacitti is an aesthetician, skincare founder and regular Live That Glow columnist. He is a go-to source of beauty advice for skincare fans across the world. Here, he advises a reader on combining tretinoin with prescription azelaic acid.
I’ve always taken basic care of my skin (cleanse, moisturise, SPF) but have started to get some hyperpigmentation and I’ve been prescribed tretinoin and 20% azelaic acid for it. I’m not sure when to use each one though. How do I combine these two products to make sure I don’t get any of the irritation I’ve read about online?
Jordan says:
First, I must applaud you on dialling in your basics of cleansing, moisturising and wearing sunscreen. These three staples provide the most important building blocks of a great skincare routine. Not only that, but they will also help you to keep unwanted side effects at bay as you introduce your new prescriptions.
Since you are now dealing with prescriptions, I always recommend checking with your prescribing doctor on how best to incorporate them; however, I always advise that you also really listen to your skin. Since everyone’s skin is so wildly different, initial recommendations might not be correct for your skin.
You will always want to introduce both products slowly. It is far easier to add a day in than having to stop using the product all together due to unwanted side effects caused by going in too fast.
An effective way to introduce actives and prescription products is to simply alternate nights, i.e., retinol at night Monday, Wednesday, Friday; azelaic acid at night Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; and then taking Sunday off to let the skin rest.
Another way you can help to reduce irritation is to try the sandwich method – apply a thin layer of moisturiser first, let it absorb and then follow with your treatment products, applying additional moisturiser if needed. This will help to buffer the actives and potentially help to avoid irritation. Though it may slow results, it will also help you stay the course and dodge potential issues while continuing to use and benefit from the products.
While it is always recommended to follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to prescriptions, it may be worth it to ask them directly about these approaches if you are concerned about sensitivities. They will want to help you avoid the trap of taking one step forward only to take two steps backward because consistency of use is always your best friend when it comes to skincare.
Jordan Samuel Pacitti
Founder & CEO, Jordan Samuel Skin
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