I always describe skincare as something akin to a minefield. You never know which step is the right one and which step will be the hidden trap.
It’s easy to fall into a trap with the flood of skincare ingredients hitting the market every day.
Yesterday, it was hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Today, it’s azelaic acid and niacinamide. You never know which trend is coming your way next.
If you want to achieve that glowing complexion, you need to be mindful of every step you take.
How so?
By getting informed about the ingredients you’re using!
Here’s a comparison of azelaic acid vs niacinamide, so you can decide which one your skin really needs.
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Azelaic Acid vs Niacinamide: An Overview
Before jumping headfirst into the effects of both these ingredients, let’s learn a bit about them first:
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a saturated dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally in barley and wheat.
It’s used widely in skincare because it’s effective against various bacteria, including the bacteria associated with acne.
It’s also suitable for moderately sensitive skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Here’s a roundup of its benefits:
- Helps prevent and treat acne breakouts
- Reduces bacterial growth on the skin
- Soothes inflammation and redness associated with rosacea
- Prevents clogged pores
- Helps treat hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that also occurs naturally. But rather than grains, it’s found in some foods like fish, eggs, and even milk.
It’s the star performer in a lot of skincare products because it strengthens the skin barrier and reduces oiliness. Here are its most common benefits:
- Soothes redness and inflammation
- Repairs and strengthens the skin barrier
- Minimizes visibly large pores on the skin
- Evens the skin tone and brightens it
- Reduces excess sebum production
- Prevents acne breakouts
Azelaic Acid vs Niacinamide: Which One Should You Use?
Azelaic acid and niacinamide have some similar properties, but they target different issues. No option is necessarily better than the other – it depends on your skin’s condition and type.
Here are common skin issues and whether azelaic acid or niacinamide is better for it:
For Hydration
If dehydration is your main issue, niacinamide is the product you want on your skin. It rebalances oil production and promotes a healthy skin barrier.
Meanwhile, azelaic acid is an exfoliating acid, so it’s not the right option for dehydrated or dry skin.
For Reducing Wrinkles
To reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines or reverse aging effects, opt for niacinamide.
It boosts collagen production and keeps your skin elastic and soft. It also treats several other aging effects, like hyperpigmentation.
The Sunday Riley Be Nice 10% niacinamide serum is excellent for combating wrinkles and fine lines.
Within two weeks, it’ll reduce the appearance of dark spots and make your pores seem smaller.
For Soothing Redness and Rosacea
If redness and inflammation are common occurrences on your skin, take azelaic acid as your new sidekick.
With its anti-inflammatory properties, it’ll soothe your skin, reduce the red blotches, and calm the inflammation. Besides, it’ll help remove old scars and even the skin tone.
For Oily Skin
Niacinamide reduces excess sebum production, thereby reducing the oiliness of your skin and giving it a fresh feeling.
That excess oily production may be the reason for your breakouts. In this case, niacinamide will keep it at bay.
You can use azelaic acid with it to calm the inflammation and prevent acne breakouts.
For Acne
Niacinamide and azelaic acid are both excellent weapons to use against acne. Your choice should depend on your skin’s sensitivity and whether you’re dealing with other issues.
If your skin is too sensitive, steer clear of azelaic acid because it’s an exfoliator.
Meanwhile, if you want to treat acne, remove old scars, and even your skin tone, azelaic acid is your go-to.
If you have oily skin, go for niacinamide. It’ll rebalance the oil production and prevent further breakouts from happening because of excess sebum.
For Hyperpigmentation
Like acne, both ingredients are great for treating hyperpigmentation.
If your hyperpigmentation is caused by age and accompanied by fine lines and wrinkles, opt for niacinamide. It’s well-known for combating aging skin symptoms.
Meanwhile, if hyperpigmentation is caused by acne scars or sun exposure, use azelaic acid. It’ll even out your skin and decrease the appearance of post-acne spots.
I recommend the Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex – it’s nothing short of magic when it comes to dark spots.
Though it’s on the expensive side of the market, it gives a radiant glow that’s hard to match with any other product.
Azelaic Acid vs Niacinamide: The Final Verdict
You can use azelaic acid and niacinamide individually or together, depending on your skin condition and sensitivity.
Niacinamide is a better fit for oily or dry skin. Meanwhile, azelaic acid is the perfect companion for acne-prone skin and uneven skin tones.
Do you have a preference between azelaic acid vs niacinamide? Let me know your hero skincare ingredients in the comments below!