Did you know azelaic acid is a natural, secondary metabolite produced by the human body? It’s also a great skincare ingredient that can be used to treat specific skin conditions. Azelaic acid is an effective exogenous agent that can reduce the appearance of blemishes and even out skin tone.
Its properties make it suitable for treating acne and pimples, so if you or someone you know has acne issues, read on to find out more about azelaic acid for the skin.
What Is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a type of dicarboxylic acid that is naturally found in a wide variety of plants, including barley, wheat, and wild rye. This acid is produced in the body as a by-product of a biochemical pathway that helps regulate hormone levels in humans.
Due to its antioxidant properties, it is often used as a skincare ingredient. Azelaic acid is primarily used to treat acne and inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea. You’ll often see azelaic acid referred to as Azelex, Finacea, or Skinoren.
These are the brand names of products that use the active ingredient azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is also sometimes used as a method of sun protection because it can reduce UVB-induced erythema (redness caused by sun exposure). It has also been shown to have anti-aging properties.
How Does Azelaic Acid Work?
Azelaic acid is an antimicrobial agent that helps regulate the production of sebum, which can cause acne breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can reduce redness and irritation caused by acne. Azelaic acid can also slow down the growth of bacteria, which is important because it’s often the bacteria that causes acne.
Additionally, the azelaic acid gel has been shown to improve skin texture and pigmentation. All in all, azelaic acid is an effective ingredient for the treatment of acne and the reduction of wrinkles, making it a go-to for dermatologists.
Azelaic Acid Benefits For Skin
As mentioned above, azelaic acid has been proven to be a good acne treatment. This is because it slows down the production of sebum in the skin, which can clog pores and cause acne breakouts. Azelaic acid is also known to regulate keratin production, which can help with excessive skin shedding.
These two properties make azelaic acid a good exfoliant, which can help with anti-aging in addition to treating acne. People with dry skin may find that azelaic acid can hydrate the skin while also reducing breakouts and redness. However, people with oily skin should be careful to not overuse azelaic acid, as it can cause excess dryness.
How To Use Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a topical treatment that is applied to the skin. It is often found in creams, serums, and gels that are applied once or twice a day. It’s important to note that azelaic acid works best when used in combination with other products, such as cleansers or moisturizers.
If you decide you want to try azelaic acid, you should always read the instructions carefully and consult a dermatologist beforehand. If you use azelaic acid in the daytime, make sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. And if you use azelaic acid at night, you should be careful not to use any cleansers with strong active ingredients, as they can counteract the effects of azelaic acid.