Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid offers several benefits for the skin, including reducing inflammation, fighting acne, and evening out skin tone by targeting hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:

Reduces Inflammation & Soothes Skin:
Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated skin and reduce redness, especially helpful for conditions like rosacea.

Fights Acne & Prevents Breakouts:
It has antibacterial properties that target acne-causing bacteria, preventing new breakouts and helping to clear existing ones.
Evens Skin Tone & Reduces Hyperpigmentation:
Azelaic acid inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots, helping to fade acne scars, sunspots, and melasma.
Gentle Exfoliation:
Azelaic acid can gently exfoliate the skin, helping to unclog pores, refine texture, and promote a smoother, more even complexion.
Safe for Sensitive Skin:
Azelaic acid is generally well-tolerated and can be used by people with sensitive skin, unlike some other harsh acne treatments.
Antioxidant Properties:
Azelaic acid is a potent antioxidant, which helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
What Is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a type of acid that's found in some grains like rye, wheat, and barley. It's naturally produced by Malassezia furfur (also known as Pityrosporum ovale), a yeast found on healthy skin. Azelaic acid is a potent skin care ingredient because it can help treat common issues such as acne and rosacea.

Your doctor can prescribe azelaic acid, while weaker versions are also found in some over-the-counter products.

Azelaic acid vs. salicylic acid

Many skin care products contain salicylic acid, which is a different type of acid.

Salicylic acid softens a protein in your skin called keratin. This can help keep your pores from getting clogged, reducing the occurrence of pimples.

Azelaic acid not only unclogs pores but also helps kill acne-causing bacteria on your skin. It can also even out your skin tone by getting rid of free radicals, toxins that can damage your cells.

Generally speaking, salicylic acid works deep inside your pores, while azelaic acid largely works on the surface of your skin.
Forms of Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid can be prescribed in a few different forms.

Azelaic acid cream: Your doctor might suggest this type to help clear up your acne. You'll probably be told to wash and gently dry your skin, then apply a thin layer to the affected area, twice a day. Kids younger than 12 will get different instructions.
Azelaic acid gel: A gel or jelly form is typically prescribed to improve rosacea. Like the cream, it's often also applied twice a day, and children under 12 usually need a smaller, safer dose.
Azelaic acid serum: You can find azelaic acid in some skin care products, such as face serums. These are designed to be used before moisturizers. They contain high amounts of azelaic acid and can sink into your skin quickly.

Other forms of azelaic acid

You could also find azelaic acid in some soaps or get it prescribed as a foam. The foam is often used to treat rosacea. Because it's flammable, you'll need to avoid smoking and open flames after you apply it.

Prescription products usually have 15%-20% azelaic acid, while over-the-counter versions have less.

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Azelaic Acid Benefits

Here's how azelaic acid can help your skin:

It kills bacteria that cause acne. Experts aren’t exactly sure how this happens, but using a cream with 15%-20% azelaic acid has been found to be effective.
It protects your skin. Free radicals can damage cells, leading to skin inflammation and acne. Because azelaic acid is an antioxidant, it can defend your body against the harmful effects of these toxins.
It keeps your pores from getting clogged. Acne is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells and sebum (oil). Azelaic acid can help keep your pores open, making your skin less inflamed and new pimples less likely to form.
It can prevent dark patches. Certain skin cells make pigment when you expose your skin to sunlight. That pigment may show up as dark patches, called hyperpigmentation, on your skin. Azelaic acid can block this process.
It can reduce redness. Azelaic acid can also help prevent the widening of your blood vessels, thereby minimizing the redness of your skin.

Most research focuses on prescription-strength azelaic acid. You can find over-the-counter products and creams with 10% or less azelaic acid, but it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor before using these products.
Azelaic Acid and Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition. In the early stages, your face may flush. Over time, you can start to have more symptoms, and your skin can get very sensitive. For instance, it could burn or sting when you use a skin care product, or you could get acne-like breakouts. Rosacea can also start to affect your eyes.

Researchers haven't yet found the exact cause of rosacea, but several factors are likely involved, including an overactive immune system and an issue with your nerves and blood vessels.

You can get rosacea no matter what your skin tone is. Once you have it, there's no cure. Instead, you'll need to take steps to prevent flare-ups of your symptoms.

Azelaic acid cream, gel, foam, or lotion can help with the red bumps and pimples that are caused by rosacea. This treatment doesn't start working right away. Some people don't see results for weeks. But multiple studies have shown that about 70%-80% of people see their rosacea symptoms improve.

To help improve your skin, your doctor might also prescribe another medicine at the same time.

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How to Use Azelaic Acid

Usually, adults and kids over the age of 12 are told to apply azelaic acid twice a day. But read the prescription label carefully in case your doctor has different advice.

Follow these steps when using azelaic acid:

Wash your hands before using this medicine.
Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser. Rinse well and pat dry.
Apply a thin layer of your foam, cream, or gel to the affected areas. (Shake a can of foam.)
Gently massage it in.
Wash your hands again with soap and water. Once the medication is dry, put on sunscreen.
If you wear makeup, you can apply it now.

Follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Don’t use azelaic acid more often or in a larger amount than directed. If it gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina, rinse it off with water and call your doctor right away (especially if your eyes become red and sore).

If you miss a dose

Try to apply the product at the same time every day. If you forget to apply azelaic acid, put it on as soon as you can. Only skip the missed dose if it's too close to the next scheduled application.