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In case you’re scuffling with problematic pores and skin, you’re in all probability aware of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid. Nevertheless, there’s a brand new ingredient gaining reputation for its skin-clearing advantages: azelaic acid. On this article, we’ll discover what this naturally occurring acid is, what dermatologists must say about it, and how one can decide if it’s the fitting selection to 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 therapy for frequent pores and skin circumstances equivalent to pimples and rosacea. Nevertheless, some dermatologists imagine that it’s not as efficient as different substances, and is healthier used as a mild, pregnancy-safe various. Based on Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Igor Chaplik, it’s finest utilized in mixture with different merchandise for optimum effectiveness.

Does azelaic acid assist battle pimples?

In a single phrase: sure. Azelaic acid is an efficient therapy for pimples attributable to its antimicrobial properties. Based on 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 sorts who take care of blemishes and scarring, Conroe dermatologist Lana Hawayek, MD recommends azelaic acid. Combining the acid with different skin-clearing substances, equivalent to retinol and delicate salicylic acid, can present even stronger outcomes. Ontario dermatologist Dusan Sajic, MD recommends this mixture, because the substances have completely different mechanisms that work collectively synergistically.

Does azelaic acid lighten hyperpigmentation? 

In case you’re coping with hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid may be an efficient therapy possibility. New York dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD means that the acid may help even out pores and skin tone and loosen up melasma. Based on 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. Current research have proven that this mixture may be simply as efficient as hydroquinone, which is a much less in style possibility.

Does azelaic acid cut back redness?

Azelaic acid has been discovered to be efficient in treating rosacea and lowering redness in pores and skin. Dermatologists advocate it for its capability 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 plenty of dermatologists agree that maybe the perfect good thing about azelaic acid is its capability to deal with pimples, rosacea and post-inflammatory pimples directly. “I like azelaic acid for treating rosacea, but additionally for treating pigmentation, particularly in sufferers with rosacea that won’t tolerate among the different bleaching brokers,” says Miami Seashore, FL dermatologist Melissa Lazarus, MD.

Can you employ azelaic acid on a regular basis? 

Recognized to be simpler than most acids to tolerate—Dr. Garshick says it’s a terrific possibility for these with delicate pores and skin—it may be used every day. But when used within the morning, you should definitely 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 comply with the beneficial routine of utilizing [azelaic acid] twice every day, together with a moisturizer and a sunblock, this can be very efficient,” says Harrison, NY dermatologist Jennifer Silverman Kitchin. 

Can you employ 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 might be pregnant, as it’s Class B and protected throughout being pregnant.”

Nevertheless, some docs will solely advocate 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 protected in that setting, however it’s not as potent as different choices equivalent to retinoids,” says Orange County, CA dermatologist Daniel Chang, MD. 

What to attempt:

Whereas prescription merchandise equivalent 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%) may be discovered in every single place from Ulta to Sephora. Some favorites embrace The Unusual Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($11)—Washington, D.C. dermatologist Sarika Snell, MD says she recommends it to sufferers “on a regular basis”—Paula’s Selection 10& Azelaic Acid Booster ($39) and, for a swipe-and-go possibility, Farmacy Brighten Up 3% TXA Darkish Spot Toner with Azelaic Acid ($34). To kick blemishes to the curb, attempt Tula Clear It Up ($38), which boasts salicylic and azelaic acids in a single light-weight gel.

Nevertheless, Dr. Channual notes that these OTC choices won’t be sufficient for sure pores and skin sorts. “A gentle therapy and is probably not sturdy sufficient for sufferers who’ve quite a few lesions, through which case, an extra topical or oral antibiotic could possibly be added,” says Dr. Channual.