Azelaic Acid + Tretinoin: Can You Use Them Together? | Dermatologist

Can you use azelaic acid with tretinoin or another topical retinoid? Dermatologist Dr. Dray explains how these two skincare ingredients can work together for acne, rosacea, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and other common skin concerns. Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pigment-modulating properties, making it useful for acne, rosacea, and dark marks left behind after breakouts. Tretinoin and other topical retinoids work differently by helping normalize skin cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, treat acne, and improve signs of photoaging. Dr. Dray explains why combining azelaic acid and tretinoin can be particularly useful for people dealing with acne and hyperpigmentation, how to introduce both ingredients without unnecessarily irritating the skin, and whether azelaic acid really needs to be used twice a day. The video also explores the evidence for once-daily vs. twice-daily azelaic acid for papulopustular rosacea, why once-daily treatment may be a reasonable option for some people, and how individual skin tolerance should guide your skincare routine. Dr. Dray also discusses using azelaic acid with adapalene, tazarotene, or trifarotene, whether retinoids can be used with rosacea, and why adding more active ingredients does not necessarily mean better results. In this video: • Can you use azelaic acid with tretinoin? • How azelaic acid works for acne and hyperpigmentation • How tretinoin works for acne and photoaging • Why azelaic acid and re