A Full Information to Azelaic Acid, as Advised by Dermatologists

For those who’re scuffling with problematic pores and skin, you’re in all probability accustomed to salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid. Nonetheless, there’s a brand new ingredient gaining recognition for its skin-clearing advantages: azelaic acid. On this article, we’ll discover what this naturally occurring acid is, what dermatologists should say about it, and the way to decide if it’s the fitting selection in your skin-care routine. Uncover the advantages of azelaic acid and whether or not it lives as much as the hype.

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What’s azelaic acid? 

Azelaic acid, a naturally occurring acid derived from barley, rye grains, and wheat, belongs to the carboxylic acid household and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This makes it an efficient remedy for frequent pores and skin situations corresponding to pimples and rosacea. Nonetheless, some dermatologists imagine that it’s not as efficient as different substances, and is healthier used as a delicate, pregnancy-safe different. In line with Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Igor Chaplik, it’s greatest utilized in mixture with different merchandise for max effectiveness.

Does azelaic acid assist battle pimples?

In a single phrase: sure. Azelaic acid is an efficient treatment for acne as a consequence of its antimicrobial properties. In line with Boston dermatologist Dennis A. Porto, MD, the acid can deal with each pimples and hyperpigmentation ensuing from it. For these with darker pores and skin varieties who take care of blemishes and scarring, Conroe dermatologist Lana Hawayek, MD recommends azelaic acid. Combining the acid with different skin-clearing substances, corresponding to retinol and gentle salicylic acid, can present even stronger outcomes. Ontario dermatologist Dusan Sajic, MD recommends this mix, because the substances have completely different mechanisms that work collectively synergistically.

Does azelaic acid lighten hyperpigmentation? 

For those who’re coping with hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid might be an efficient remedy choice. New York dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD means that the acid will help even out pores and skin tone and loosen up melasma. In line with Dr. Porto, azelaic acid decreases irregular melanin, which helps take away darkish spots from the pores and skin. For optimum outcomes, Dr. Sajic recommends combining azelaic acid with tranexamic acid, vitamin C, kojic acid, and arbutin. Latest research have proven that this mix might be simply as efficient as hydroquinone, which is a much less widespread choice.

Does azelaic acid cut back redness?

Azelaic acid has been discovered to be efficient in treating rosacea and reducing redness in pores and skin. Dermatologists suggest it for its potential to deal with pimples, rosacea, and post-inflammatory pimples, making it a flexible ingredient. Wilmington, NC dermatologist Kendall Egan says she likes utilizing azelaic acid for rosacea, and lots of dermatologists agree that maybe the very best advantage of azelaic acid is its potential to deal with pimples, rosacea and post-inflammatory pimples directly. “I really like azelaic acid for treating rosacea, but in addition for treating pigmentation, particularly in sufferers with rosacea that won’t tolerate a few of the different bleaching brokers,” says Miami Seaside, FL dermatologist Melissa Lazarus, MD.

Can you utilize azelaic acid on a regular basis? 

Identified to be simpler than most acids to tolerate—Dr. Garshick says it’s an awesome choice for these with delicate pores and skin—it may be used day by day. But when used within the morning, be sure you layer on SPF after, because the acid could make your pores and skin extra delicate to UV. (It ought to be used after cleaning and earlier than making use of your different skin-care layers.)

The key sauce to seeing outcomes: consistency. “If sufferers observe the really useful routine of utilizing [azelaic acid] twice day by day, together with a moisturizer and a sunblock, this can be very efficient,” says Harrison, NY dermatologist Jennifer Silverman Kitchin. 

Can you utilize azelaic acid whereas pregnant? 

Laguna Hills, CA dermatologist Jennifer Channual, MD says azelaic acid is her “go-to for pregnant or breastfeeding sufferers.” Dr. Lazarus provides: “I exploit it usually in pimples sufferers and melasma sufferers which are pregnant, as it’s Class B and secure throughout being pregnant.”

Nonetheless, some docs will solely suggest the ingredient when their affected person is pregnant. “I like to recommend it principally within the setting of being pregnant, since we all know azelaic acid is sort of secure in that setting, however it’s not as potent as different choices corresponding to retinoids,” says Orange County, CA dermatologist Daniel Chang, MD. 

What to strive:

Whereas prescription merchandise corresponding to Finacea Gel (15% azelaic acid) and Skinoren Cream (20% azelaic acid) can be found out of your dermatologist, over-the-counter merchandise (generally concentrations of 10%) might be discovered in all places from Ulta to Sephora. Some favorites embody The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($11)—Washington, D.C. dermatologist Sarika Snell, MD says she recommends it to sufferers “on a regular basis”—Paula’s Choice 10& Azelaic Acid Booster ($39) and, for a swipe-and-go choice, Farmacy Brighten Up 3% TXA Dark Spot Toner with Azelaic Acid ($34). To kick blemishes to the curb, strive Tula Clear It Up ($38), which boasts salicylic and azelaic acids in a single light-weight gel.

Nonetheless, Dr. Channual notes that these OTC choices won’t be sufficient for sure pores and skin varieties. “A light remedy and will not be robust sufficient for sufferers who’ve quite a few lesions, by which case, an extra topical or oral antibiotic may very well be added,” says Dr. Channual.