The Azelaic Acid Fight, Settled (and What It Changes About Your Tretinoin) | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Is your azelaic acid actually azelaic acid? And does the type you’re using change how you should pair it with tretinoin? The internet has been fighting over azelaic acid all summer….from pH and “neutralized” formulas to derivatives that aren’t actually the same molecule. As a board-certified dermatologist, I’m settling the debate and breaking down what actually matters for your skin. We’re getting into the 3 different forms being sold as azelaic acid, whether a higher pH makes your product ineffective, why some formulas pill while others layer beautifully, and what azelaic acid can actually do for redness, acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. Then we’re tackling the questions I hear constantly: Can azelaic acid cause purging? Why does it sting? Can it damage your skin barrier? Do you need prescription-strength azelaic acid? And most importantly Can you use azelaic acid and tretinoin together? I’ll show you exactly how I think about combining azelaic acid with tretinoin, how often to use each, and the sign that tells me you’re pushing your skin too far. Because the percentage on the bottle is only part of the story. The formulation, the vehicle, matters. #AzelaicAcid #Tretinoin #Dermatologist Chapters 00:00 The Azelaic Acid Controversy 01:50 The 3 Types of Azelaic Acid Explained 03:55 Azelaic Acid Derivatives 07:26 Purging, Stinging, Skin Barrier + Prescription Azelaic Acid 08:46 What To Know About Prescription 09:37 How to Use Azelaic Acid With Tretinoin