Choosing Between LHA and Azelaic Acid for Dark Spots and Exfoliation

Thank you for reaching out! It's great that you are looking into effective ingredients for your skin concerns.

You are comparing Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) and Azelaic Acid (specifically Liquid Azelaic™) for their exfoliating properties to address dark spots and rough skin.

Here's a comparison to help you decide:

• Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA): This ingredient is known for its effective exfoliating action (chemical peeling) and its ability to help dissolve clogged pores. Studies have shown it can be more effective for facial peeling and reducing wrinkles compared to Glycolic Acid (AHA). LHA is generally considered gentler than BHA (Salicylic Acid) due to its larger molecule size and pH closer to the skin's natural pH. It's a good choice for general exfoliation, improving skin texture, and addressing acne.

• Azelaic Acid (Liquid Azelaic™): This form of Azelaic Acid is water-soluble and known for multiple benefits. It is effective at brightening the skin and specifically reducing dark spots. It also helps control skin oiliness and reduce clogged acne. While it also has exfoliating properties, its key strengths highlighted are skin brightening and dark spot reduction, in addition to oil and acne control.

Which one to choose?

Both ingredients offer exfoliation that can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots by promoting cell turnover. However, if your primary focus is on reducing dark spots and achieving a brighter complexion, Azelaic Acid (Liquid Azelaic™) may be a slightly more targeted choice due to its specific brightening and dark spot reduction properties. If you are also concerned with general exfoliation, improving skin texture, and potentially addressing clogged pores or mild acne, LHA is an excellent option.

Application Method (Leave-on vs. Wash-off)

Regarding application, both Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) and Azelaic Acid (Liquid Azelaic™) are typically formulated into leave-on products such as creams, serums, gels, or lotions. You can generally apply them like a regular cream or serum and leave them on the skin. The idea of washing off after 15 minutes is not a standard instruction for cosmetic products containing these ingredients at typical usage concentrations. This might be a specific instruction for certain types of products or higher concentration treatments, possibly related to some AHA peels, but it does not generally apply to leave-on formulations with LHA or Liquid Azelaic™.

Sunscreen Use

You are absolutely correct! When using exfoliating ingredients like LHA, Azelaic Acid, or AHA, your skin can become more sensitive to the sun. It is crucial to use sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV damage, which can worsen dark spots and lead to other issues.

In summary, for targeted dark spot reduction, Azelaic Acid (Liquid Azelaic™) is a strong candidate. Both are used in leave-on products, and daily sunscreen is essential when using either.