How long should you wait between Retinol and Azelaic Acid?
Does It Mix engine · wait time
When you're starting out, don't layer them back to back: use Retinol and Azelaic Acid at different times of day or on alternate days, then layer only if your skin stays calm.
The routine
- Easiest: azelaic acid in the morning, retinoid at night.
- Moisturize and wear daily sunscreen.
Why: full Retinol + Azelaic Acid answer and sources.
FAQ
Does waiting 20 or 30 minutes between products help?
We haven't found good evidence that a set wait of many minutes changes how most skincare works. The practical reason to pause is letting each layer absorb so the next one doesn't pill or sting.
Sources
- Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612.
- The multiple uses of azelaic acid in dermatology: mechanism of action, preparations, and potential therapeutic applications. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2023.
- Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;5:CD011368.