Azelaic

[elmsss]

I’m beginning to use Paulas choice azelaic acid and I was wondering if I should introduce 2-3 times week or use daily. I’ve used abs/bha/retinol for months so I think I have a decent tolerance. Ty!

[WinglessOne]

Hi @elmsss ! If your skin's not very sensitive or finicky and you're sure it can handle a new daily product, go for it. Otherwise, consider patch testing Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 1 oz/ 30 mL (perhaps on one small part of your face, or your neck, wrist, or inner elbow) for a week to see if it makes you very itchy or causes any other reaction. When I first started using azelaic acid, it always made my skin itch for 15-30 minutes after application. But after a couple months of regular use, my skin grew tolerant of it and the itchiness stopped. Then again, my skin's fairly sensitive and quite inflammation-prone. 

I also use a retinoid each night, plus AHA and BHA 1-3 times a week, and I've noticed no conflict-related irritation with azelaic acid.