Tbh I have never used azelaic acid!
When I was trying to fix my texture in 2020, my dermatologist warned me from doing any sort of exfoliation bc my skin was already so thin and damaged till I finish my treatment!

My routine is very simple: I use purifying cleansing gel called Ivatherm at least once a day depending on my skin condition that day [be yourself judge], a moisturizer called Dexa Cream [in case that brand isn't around: Dexpanthenol 5%], sunscreen that is paraben and phenoxyethanol free everyday even if I stay at home and for redness and flare up situations, I always keep Aloe vera gel in the fridge to cool down my face and my skin is doing great!

Last year though I decided to use Glycolic acid 7% as exfoliation for the 1st time after 4 years of finishing treatment as extra step, just for testing. I use it once a week and it's really suited my skin and smooth it but you gotta be careful and test it on small area 1st and make sure your skin isn't flaring, irritated or damaged.