azelaic acid or niacinamide

Azelaic Acid vs Niacinamide -From Acne to Hyperpigmentation

Maintaining healthy skin is vital for your overall appearance and self-assurance. However, choosing the appropriate skincare products can be daunting, particularly regarding compounds like azelaic acid and Niacinamide. These two antioxidants are commonly used in modern skincare routines, offering distinct benefits for various skin types. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the differences between them.

This post will provide information regarding the use and effectiveness of azelaic acid and Niacinamide, both together and separately. Additionally, it will help you determine which one is best suited for your skin type. Keep reading to learn more!

Azelaic Acid vs Niacinamide

Azelaic acid helps to calm sensitivity and reduce post-blemish marks on the skin, and it has a soothing effect and evens skin tone. Conversely, Niacinamide minimizes pores and repairs the skin’s protective barrier, making the skin smoother and healthier.

Azelaic Acid

What is azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is the ultimate skincare savior, making it easier to look your absolute best without breaking a sweat! This dicarboxylic acid is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to help reduce hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and skin congestion.

Benefits of azelaic acid

  1. Azelaic acid kills bacteria on your skin that cause acne. It reduces the activity of a specific bacteria called Propionibacterium, which is responsible for acne.
  2. It can be beneficial for acne, rosacea, melasma, and other skin problems.It is effective for treating acne, reducing inflammation, and minimizing the appearance of pores.
  3. It is gentle on the skin and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
  4. It is safe to use for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
  5. You can combine azelaic acid with vitamin C or niacinamide serum for better results.
  6. The main advantage of using azelaic acid is its ability to reduce redness and calm sensitivity.
  7. It also helps in repairing the skin’s protective barrier, promoting overall skin health.
  8. Azelaic acid is a topical treatment that can address various skin concerns.
  9. Regular use of azelaic acid can quickly clear up your complexion without causing irritation or dryness.

Difference between azelaic acid and salicylic acid 

Azelaic acid is a substance that can help clear up acne. It has antibacterial properties and acts as an antioxidant. Its main functions are to open up blocked pores, decrease inflammation, and treat acne. Compared to stronger acne treatments like salicylic acid and adapalene, azelaic acid is gentler. This makes it a good option for people with sensitive skin and those with acne and rosacea.

Salicylic acid is a powerful exfoliating ingredient that can sometimes cause irritation and problems for sensitive skin. So if you have sensitive skin, you should start with gentler ingredients like azelaic acid. 

niacinamide 

What is niacinamide ?

Niacinamide is another key ingredient in skincare that can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. 

It helps build keratin, a protein that maintains skin health. It’s also been shown to make your skin stronger, smoother, and brighter. Conversely, Niacinamide is known for regulating melanin production, effectively reducing brown spots and addressing hyperpigmentation. 

“Niacinamide treats acne and can help nourish and protect your skin, especially when used with other products like retinol.

The benefits of Niacinamide go beyond its ability to improve the look and feel of the skin; it also helps to reinforce the protective barrier that keeps environmental stressors at bay. Niacinamide works well when used with hyaluronic acid because they both improve the overall health of your skin.

Hyaluronic acid helps keep your skin hydrated, while Niacinamide brightens dullness and lightens discoloration for a more even complexion. Together they make an unbeatable combination!

Products like Foundation Skincare’s Niacinamide Lotion 10% contain a potent yet non-irritating concentration of Niacinamide that will help you achieve all these outstanding results without any harsh side effects or irritation. So if you’re looking for something special to add to your skincare routine, consider giving ordinary niacinamide products a try!

Uses of niacinamide

  • Boost hydration
  • Calm redness
  • It may reduce the appearance of pores
  • Possibly protect against skin cancer
  • Treat dark spots
  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Side Effects of Niacinamide

You may experience mild redness or flushing upon application of Niacinamide, while azelaic acid may cause mild stinging or burning. However, both compounds are generally well-tolerated by most skin types and have minimal side effects.

While glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide are known to sometimes irritate if used too often, Azelaic Acid Serum and Niacinamide Serum from Naturium are formulated for cosmetic use only and intended not as replacements for physician pharmaceutical product recommendations.

These products can help reduce skin irritation while providing the same benefits as more aggressive skincare ingredients like glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide. So you can enjoy the potent yet non-irritating concentrations of Niacinamide and azelaic acid without worrying about any adverse reactions!

Azelaic Acid vs Niacinamide : Which is better for individual skin types?

Azelaic Acid:

  • Oily/acne-prone skin: Azelaic acid can help regulate sebum production, reduce acne-causing bacteria, and unclog pores, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with oily and acne-prone skin.
  • Sensitive skin: Azelaic acid is generally well-tolerated and suitable for sensitive skin, as it has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce redness and irritation.

Niacinamide:

  • Dry skin: Niacinamide helps improve the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing water loss and improving hydration, which can benefit those with dry skin.
  • Aging skin: Niacinamide has been shown to have anti-aging properties, such as improving skin elasticity, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and enhancing overall skin texture, making it suitable for individuals with aging skin.

 Which works better for acne? Azelaic acid or Niacinamide

Azelaic acid is known for its antimicrobial properties, reducing the growth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. It also helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Niacinamide helps hydrate skin, promote skin elasticity, and decrease redness and blotchiness. It also acts as an antioxidant, fights free radicals, and treats hyperpigmentation.

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid naturally produced by certain yeast found on our skin. It’s an effective antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, greatly reducing redness and irritation caused by breakouts.

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 found in natural sources like meat, fish, eggs, and green vegetables. Its main benefit lies in its ability to regulate oil production in the skin, minimize pore size, and soothe inflammation—all important factors when it comes to managing acne.

The key difference between azelaic acid and Niacinamide is their specific benefits: azelaic acid helps manage skin congestion, while Niacinamide supports the skin’s natural protective barrier. Combining these effective ingredients may be one of your best options if you’re looking for an effective treatment against your breakouts!

Can I use both of them together?

You can use azelaic acid and Niacinamide together for maximum benefits! This winning combination will help make exceptional progress in supporting a clearer complexion and reducing the appearance of dark spots and acne scarring.

Here are four reasons why combining azelaic acid and Niacinamide can offer improved skincare benefits:

1. Clears acne-causing bacteria

2. Brightens complexion: Niacinamide helps improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes while contributing to NADH production, which repairs DNA damage from UV radiation exposure. Azelaic acid reduces hyperpigmentation, such as post-acne marks or dark spots, while helping improve redness caused by rosacea.

3. Reduces wrinkles: Niacinamide increases the production of healthy fats in the skin, which helps firm up fine lines and wrinkles on mature faces while strengthening immunity against infections from solar UV rays exposure. Azelaic Acid reinforces protective barriers that keep environmental stressors at bay while improving the overall texture of your face with gentle exfoliating acids.

4. Supports a balanced state: The combination helps reduce inflammation that can lead to further blemishes or acne scarring while creating an optimal environment for healing within your pores by decreasing visible signs of hyperpigmentation like melasma or sunspots!

Using these two powerful skincare ingredients together will create radiant-looking skin without harsh chemicals or treatments!

Which is more effective in reducing hyperpigmentation ?

Azelaic acid is an effective, natural solution for reducing hyperpigmentation. Studies have shown that it can reduce the visibility of melasma by up to 75%! It works by skin brightening, evening out uneven skin tone, and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

Azelaic acid can help clear clogged pores and prevent further breakouts while also providing moisturization. This makes it a great treatment option for those looking to improve their complexion. Plus, unlike other treatments for hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid is safe for all skin types without causing irritation or dryness.

So if you’re looking for a gentle yet effective solution for reducing hyperpigmentation, look no further than azelaic acid!

Which is better suited for rosacea-prone skin ?


Azelaic acid is the perfect choice for calming redness and soothing rosacea-prone skin. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, it helps reduce skin inflammation, which can be caused by various factors, including sun exposure, environmental stressors, or even skincare products.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use azelaic acid and Niacinamide?

Applying either ingredient twice daily after cleansing your face with a mild cleanser and patting it dry is recommended. These two compounds can be used together in conjunction with other skincare ingredients for optimal results.

However, if you have sensitive skin, start using one product at a time and gradually introduce the other into your routine. Remember that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another – so take your time and listen to what your skin needs!

With all these options, you don’t have to settle for anything less than perfect skin!

How long will it take to see the benefits of using azelaic acid and Niacinamide?

 Although results vary, you could see visible improvements within a few weeks of regular use.

These two ingredients work synergistically to reduce redness, blemishes, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. They also help improve the skin’s overall texture by decreasing pore size and unclogging pores.

Consistent application of these compounds allows you to enjoy clearer, brighter, and healthier-looking skin.

Conclusion : Azelaic Acid vs Niacinamide

In conclusion, azelaic acid and Niacinamide are beneficial ingredients for skin care. They each offer unique benefits that can help address different skin issues, and Niacinamide helps improve the appearance of acne scars and other discoloration. On the other hand, azelaic acid is more effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and calming redness.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which is best for your skin type. However, if you want to maximize results, there’s no harm in using both together! With a little research and experimentation, you can find the perfect combination for your beauty needs.

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