Are you in search of a mild & gentle ingredient that can help you fight against inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne and bring back the radiance of your skin? Azelaic acid is the ultimate solution that you’re looking for out of all the skincare ingredients present in the market. As skincare experts, we strongly approve and recommend this naturally occurring ingredient that can offer a remarkable effect on your skin. Let's take a deeper dive into the powerhouse of acne-fighting ingredients, the Azelaic Acid, together.
What Is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, rye, etc, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can treat skin conditions like acne and rosacea. The acid is proven to have an effect in preventing future acne breakouts and clearing acne-causing bacteria. This ingredient helps with reversing acne scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation concerns by controlling the action of ‘tyrosinase’, the enzyme that causes dark spots or any scarring on the skin
When it comes to acne-prone sensitive skin, azelaic acid is also the most trusted by dermatologists and users. Azelaic acid is an excellent team player when it comes to sensitive and acne-prone skin. It can be paired with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for better results. In your AM skincare routine, you can pair niacinamide with azelaic acid to your regimen while in your PM skincare routine you can always pair the duo of azelaic acid and hyaluronic acid in the form of serum while layering it with a good moisturizer in the same time.
The ideal percentage of azelaic acid is 10-20% as per the dermatologists in the form of topical products like creams, gels, ointments, and serums to reverse uneven skin tone and fading hyperpigmentation concern
How does it work?
Azelaic acid clears the acne-causing bacteria in the pores that cause irritation or breakouts. It increases cell turnover so your skin heals quickly and scarring is minimized. Azelaic acid can effectively treat dark spots, rosacea, and acne when used as directed. But it's important to understand both the benefits and side effects of azelaic acid.
When the azelaic acid is applied as per the doctor’s prescription in the right concentration, the following results can be seen:
- Reduced acne-causing bacteria
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduced dead skin buildup
- Decreased oil production
- Diminished dark spots
- Even skin tone
The following issues can occur when the azelaic acid with negligence without any prescription.
- Burning
- Irritation
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Skin discoloration
- Skin thinning
The Role of Azelaic Acid in Preventing Acne Scars
Azelaic acid is used to treat acne breakouts as well as acne scars. Azelaic acid can lessen the appearance of severe scarring by promoting cell turnover. It also inhibits melanin production, the pigment that changes your skin tone.
Acne Scar Treatment: Azelaic Acid's Efficacy
As mentioned earlier, azelaic acid is a top treatment for acne scars. In addition to killing acne-causing bacteria and skin cell regeneration, the acid also controls the production of melanin, which causes skin pigmentation. It prevents the active acne from developing scars on the skin and encourages the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary for skin regeneration and healing.
Azelaic acid should be started in lower concentrations and can take up to 4-6 months to show significant effects. Azelaic acid can be used as a spot treatment for acne scarring and hyperpigmentation concerns. During the day, use a moisturizer and sunscreen after this step because azelaic acid causes skin sensitivity. It can also be applied in the nighttime skincare routine to provide uniform skin tone and texture.
Combinations That Work Best with Azelaic Acid
It is essential to know which products work well with azelaic acid before including them in your skincare regimen. Here's a brief guide to help you decide which ingredients can be beneficial according to your skin concern:
- Azelaic acid + Retinol = Fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes
- Azelaic acid + Hyaluronic Acid = Rosacea, uneven skin tone, and redness
- Azelaic acid + Niacinamide = Acne scarring, melasma, and dull skin
- Azelaic acid + Vitamin C = Fights free radicals
- Azelaic acid + Tranxemic Acid = Post Inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Precautionary Note: Avoid using alcoholic cleansers and peeling agents with azelaic acid. This will prevent skin irritation. Avoid eating alcoholic beverages, and spicy, hot foods while you are using the ingredient as azelaic acid is flammable.
Avoid getting azelaic acid in the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. If this happens, rinse with water immediately. If you have skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken, wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.
Azelaic Acid and Skin Repair: Healing from Within
Mild exfoliating action that helps unclog pores and refine skin's surface. AZA has a wide spectrum of effects including antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This compound is often used to treat skin conditions like acne vulgaris, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid is one of the safest ingredients and doesn’t cause any aggressive reaction on the skin. Skin repairing is an intricate process involving skin regeneration, which azelaic acid helps with. Profound use of the ingredient can also help you achieve brighter and smoother skin.
Topical Treatments for Acne Scars: Why Azelaic Acid Stands Out
Azelaic acid is a strong ingredient that fades acne scars. It helps in cell regeneration and reduces inflammation. If applied correctly, azelaic acid can even fade off old scars within 6 months.
Azelaic acid can be bought in different forms such as serums, creams, gels, ointments, etc. Depending on the formulation used, the absorption also differs from one product to another. The absorption is 3% in ointments and 8% in gels. Azelaic acid is effective when topically applied as the ingredient penetrates all layers of the skin. You can use products that contain azelaic acid up to 20%.
Azelaic Acid Anti-Inflammatory Properties: A Key Advantage
Another of AZA’s best properties of action is its anti-inflammatory effect. The formation of acne can cause inflammation due to several reasons such as sensitivity, unclogging of pores, and increased oil production on the skin. Azelaic acid keeps the pores open, preventing inflammation, and neutralizing the free radicals, which accelerates the healing process.
Embracing the Radiance with Azelaic Acid
Excess sebum production causes the clogging of pores on the skin resulting in acne. Azelaic acid also plays an important role in controlling the levels of sebum. The ingredient also helps in clearing off the bacteria in these pores, keeps the pores open, and prevents future acne and acne scars. In the world of skincare, azelaic acid is an absolute game changer that helps with various skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin health.
Remember that azelaic acid works great on sensitive and acne-prone skin with the right usage and guidance of a dermatologist. While using azelaic acid don't expect immediate results this requires patience and consistency simultaneously. Being patient and consistent with your skincare routine will help with active skin concerns.
