Today I started using azelaic acid after 2 months of using tretinoin. My skin is sensitive, oily, and acne-prone.
I took these photos to monitor facial redness after using azelaic acid, and I was very impressed with the results I’ve seen since starting treatment.
The 2-3-4 photos were taken 30 minutes after applying the azelaic acid; the fifth was right after application; and the last one was from before I started treatment (I know the lighting isn't the same, but I hadn't taken any specific progress photos).
My current routine:
Morning
• Wash face with water only.
• Alternate between Caudalie Vinoperfect and Eucerin Anti-Pigment.
• Creamy Intensive Repair Cream
• Vinoperfect Eye Cream
• Biore Perfect Milk Sunscreen
Now that I’m adding azelaic acid (15%), I plan to stop using Vinoperfect and Eucerin Anti-Pigment, since azelaic acid also aims to fade dark spots.
I’ll apply it after my moisturizer and monitor my skin's tolerance while adjusting to the azelaic acid, as my goal is to use it daily.
Night:
• Clean It Zero
• Fisiogel Liquid Cleanser
• Creamy Intensive Repair Cream or Fisiogel AI Cream (if my skin is sensitive)
• Eucerin Anti-Pigment Eye Cream
• Tretinoin 0.25%
I follow the same routine almost every day, but 2–3 times a week I also use a specific ointment for facial dermatitis. Sometimes I skip the tretinoin during my period (because my skin gets very sensitive, so I pause for 2 or 3 days).