Help with product layering

Hi everyone!

I've been layering azelaic acid and Vitamin C serum in the morning for a while now. However, I've recently realized that I might not be getting any benefits from the Vitamin C serum since Azelaic Acid Suspension is dimethicone-based and so it acts as an occlusive. I cannot use the Vitamin C serum as a first product for a similar reason: The Ordinary - Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F is oil-based, so putting dimethicone on top of that would not give any azelaic acid benefits either. Is my only solution to use these products at different times of the day? Both of them as being last in my skincare routine?

In the evening I use Granactive Retinoid in Squalane. Does that also mean I cannot pair it with my azelaic acid or Vitamin C serum? Should I better look for a water-based retinoid?

I'm stuck, so would really appreciate your thoughts! Thanks :)