Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide — November 2023 roundup for clear skin

Published in November 2023 on MyOTCStore.com: we focused on one powerful, easy-to-use pairing—azelaic acid plus niacinamide. If you want clearer skin without piling on harsh treatments, this duo deserves a spot in your routine.

Why these two? Azelaic acid reduces acne-causing bacteria, fades dark spots, and eases redness. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, calms inflammation, and helps even tone. Together they attack common skin complaints from different angles.

How to use them safely

Start slow. If you’re new to active ingredients, patch-test each product on your inner arm for 24–48 hours. Then add them to your face routine every other day for the first two weeks, moving to daily use as tolerated. That keeps irritation low and helps you spot sensitivity early.

Apply thinner, water-based products first. If your niacinamide is a serum and azelaic is a cream or gel, put the niacinamide on first, wait a minute, then layer azelaic. If both are creams or both gels, either order works—just avoid rubbing too hard.

Practical tips and dosages

Common OTC concentrations: niacinamide 2–5% and azelaic acid around 10% in over-the-counter formulas. Prescription azelaic can be 15–20% if you need stronger results. You don’t need high strength to see changes; many people notice improvements with standard OTC levels when used consistently.

Use niacinamide in the morning or evening—it's stable and plays well with sunscreen. Azelaic often works best at night but can be used in the morning if you pair it with SPF. Always follow azelaic with sunscreen, since it helps with hyperpigmentation over time.

Mixing with other actives: both ingredients are generally gentle. Be cautious when combining with strong exfoliants (like high-strength AHAs/BHAs) or prescription retinoids to avoid irritation. If you use stronger acids or retinol, alternate nights or lower the frequency of one product.

What to expect: visible changes usually show up in 4–12 weeks. Acne and redness often improve first; fading dark spots can take longer. Track one area of skin with photos every two weeks to notice real change.

Side effects: some people see mild dryness, tingling, or flaking at first. If you get intense burning, swelling, or persistent redness, stop and check with a dermatologist. For rosacea, azelaic is often recommended, but confirm with a pro before starting.

Want more? The full November 2023 post on MyOTCStore.com breaks down product picks, layering examples, and quick routines for oily, combo, and sensitive skin. Try a patch test, start slow, use sunscreen, and keep tracking your skin. Small, consistent steps beat aggressive routines every time.