Jasmin Nuñez

Azelaic Acid for Acne: Why you need it? You’re probably familiar with the classic salicylic acid and its sissy glycolic acid but have you heard about its younger sissy Azelaic acid? Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring compound that your skin’s microbiome produces to control inflammation and redness. This “unsung hero” is found in whole grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. It’s an acid that help exfoliate the skin. Unlike the “acid” most people know, this one is actually better for delicate, easy inflamed skin. When applied topically, Azelaic acid can fight acne, calm inflammation and fade skin discoloration. The benefits of using Azelaic acid Azelaic acid is VERY effective in treating fungal, cystic, and adult acne. It’s often recommended for people dealing with pigmentation issues and rosacea. If you have been using benzoyl peroxide for your acne, I suggest that you opt for Azelaic acid instead. Azelaic acid can reduce acne by an average of 70% on an average compared with 5% benzoyl peroxide or 0.05% tretinoin. It works more gently than salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or glycolic acid. Azelaic acid works by: Reduce the inflammation so your acne will be less visible, less irritated, and less red. Encouraging your skin cell’s turnover so it heals more quickly with minimal scarring. Reduces the production of keratin to prevent clogging of your skin’s pores. Clears up the bacteria that causes breakouts and irritations Protects and strengthens your skin tone as it is naturally rich in antioxidants. Inhibiting the production of melanin to help curb down the development of dark spots while brightening darker areas of your skin. When to use Azelaic Acid Azelaic acid comes in foam, gel, and cream form. You can use the gel form to clear lesions, bumps, and swelling due to rosacea. The gel has lower lipid concentration with less unnecessary ingredients that can potentially irritate your skin. Use the Azelaic acid cream in treating swelling and pimples caused by acne. You can use it at night but since it doesn’t cause light sensitivity, you can use it in the morning. Use it only once a day as two applications are just as effective as one application. Azelaic acid takes time to work. It can take months before you can see significant results. Since it works slowly, your dermatologist may often prescribe it along with other forms of acne treatment.