Keep reading to discover the skincare ingredient you're about to be obsessed with that you didn't even know you needed. If that alone isn't reason enough to consult your doctor about giving it a try, it's effectiveness against rosacea will have you convinced. Clean the affected area with a mild soap or soap-free cleanser and pat dry. When put this simply, it sounds like it doesn’t really matter if you use Hydroquinone or Azelaic Acid cream to treat hyperpigmentation. However, it might … Thanks for your question. And both of these have brightening effects on the skin, which will improve the tone of your complexion. Zeichner also suggests The Ordinary Azelaic Acid serum because it “can help improve the blemishes as well as dark spots.” Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist, is also a fan of this cruelty-free and vegan serum. Misschien is het leuk om te weten dat de dochter van dr. Jetske Ultee veel profijt heeft gehad van het Serum. Maiman calls this serum one of her "favorites for excessive pigmentation," and notes it's usefulness goes beyond tackling melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Zeichner adds: "Unlike other acids, azelaic acid does not make you sensitive to the sun." Azelaic acid is safe to use during pregnancy. It is usually applied twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Studies have shown that the skin absorbs around 5-8%, so looking for formulas that contain 10% Azelaic Acid should offer you noticeable results. She notes that, if you have acne, to resist the urge to pick breakouts because that can cause hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid comes as a gel or cream to apply to the skin. This acid is best suited to treat mild-to-moderate acne breakouts. The Ordinary azelaic acid is a white, opaque, odourless cream that absorbs super fast into the skin. Campbell prefers pairing azelaic acid with a moisturizer and a gentle cleanser or sulfur wash if you have acne or rosacea. When you think of acne treatments, azelaic acid might not be the first ingredient to come to mind—or, let's be honest, even the fifth ingredient—but it should be. Up next: Your ultimate acne treatment cheat sheet. It brightens the skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes. Azelaic acid is a multifunctional skincare ingredient that tackles a multitude of concerns related to breakouts and inflammation. Frank, who is also author of “The Pro-Aging Playbook,” likes to pair azelaic acid with hyaluronic acid to provide moisture. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Apply The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% to face in the morning and/or evening. It's a combination of "several potent active ingredients" — azelaic acid, retinol and vitamin C. There's also tranexamic acid, a topical treatment, "which interferes with the interaction of pigment-producing cells and works particularly well for discoloration resulting from UV light." | Who should use azelaic acid? To use azelaic acid on your skin, follow these steps: Wash your skin with warm water and a gentle cleanser, then pat dry. Azelaic acid may be used alone or paired with other soothing and brightening ingredients like niacinamide, hydroxy acids or antioxidants, says Zeichner. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. It would be fine to use azelaic acid in the mornings and tretinoin, or retin-a, at night. Use on your skin only. It’s a relatively gentle acid and can be used daily depending on your skin’s tolerance levels, or two-to-three times a week. Azelaic acid is also great for unclogging pores, killing bacteria and reducing acne and is safe for use during pregnancy when retinol has to be avoided. It may also be prescribed in conjunction with other treatments. Learn more about Shop TODAY. Become a myUpchar plus member only at Rs. Azelaic acid can help with all sorts of skin conditions such as rosacea and acne. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2266, Azelaic acid. Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey, adds that it'll be a minimum of a two-month commitment with prescription-strength azelaic before seeing improvement in hyperpigmentation. It also helps to repair existing damage by normalizing collagen production and blocking excess melanin formation—which means your skin will become … Azelaic acid is effective in treating both comedonal and inflammatory acne as well as rosacea thanks to its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, says Dr. Goodarzi. Side Effects of Azelaic Acid They include its ability to treat and eliminate skin flakiness around the nose and mouth areas of the face as well as to smooth skin and reduce inflammation. Although the FDA-approved formulas are safe to use every day, you want to be careful about mixing your azelaic acid with other exfoliators or retinoids, which can cause irritation. Honestly, before I started using a custom prescription skincare cream from Curology a few months ago, I had never actually used azelaic acid … Layer a moisturizer over the azelaic acid and apply makeup if you wish. Maiman agrees, and calls azelaic acid “one of few topicals that is safe for use in both pregnancy and breastfeeding, and is always an ingredient I recommend to women who have childbearing in mind.” She adds it’s “very difficult” for pregnant and breastfeeding women to treat acne and melasma because “a vast majority of treatments dermatologists typically use — both topical and oral — are considered unsafe or lack data necessary to conclude there is no risk to a developing fetus and or infant.”. Zeichner says azelaic acid "takes several weeks to do its job, so don't give up after a few applications." Downie adds that she "used it (azelaic acid) all through" her pregnancy 17 years ago. “This formulation offers antioxidant protection, can help lighten hyperpigmentation and can help improve skin texture,” she says. However, according to Rachel Maiman, MD, a cosmetic and general dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York, azelaic acid is quite beneficial for your skin and increasingly popular but an often "overlooked" and "under-the-radar" skin care ingredient. The benefits of this acid are dramatic. For someone with sensitive skin, she recommends using it once every other day. This formula offers a very high 10% concentration of high-purity Azelaic Acid … Azelaic acid comes as a gel, foam, and a cream to apply to the skin. Mandelic acid like other hydroxy acids should be applied only in the evenings and followed up with sunscreen in the morning. Though Fusco and Gerstner recommend a prescription form of azelaic acid to their patients (either Finacea or Azelex) in a strength of 15% to 20% respectively, it's also available over the counter in a lower strength of 10% or less. "It generally can be combined with other products because azelaic acid is a stable molecule," he says. Read our, Skin Rescue Oil-Free Mattifying Gel Moisturizer, Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). Campbell prefers pairing azelaic acid with a moisturizer and a gentle cleanser or sulfur wash if you have acne or rosacea. Although it is possible to experience slight irritation, Fusco and Gerstner say they do not find that their patients have adverse reactions to it and that by and large, it's a mild type of acid. Can I use Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% in conjunction with retinoid in my routine? Before we talk about how to apply them, here's why you'd want to use both a vitamin C serum and an acid in the first place. Didi, don’t get the lactic acid and don’t use glycolic either. What dermatologists want you to know about retinol, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Best of beauty deals, Shop with dermatologists: Silk pillowcases, Rihanna's Fenty Skin is here: What to know, Tula Clear It Up Acne Clearing and Tone Correcting Gel, Paula's Choice Niacinamide + Azelaic Acid Duo, Bliss Green Tea Wonder Clarifying Overnight Gel Mask with Azelaic Acid, Expert shopping: Makeup during coronavirus, How to get rid of razor burn and ingrown hair. Use about a fingertip’s worth of Azelaic Acid for the whole face after cleansing. Avoid getting azelaic acid in your eyes, nose, and mouth. The Ordinary markets this product as a way to brighten skin, reduce blemishes and improve skin texture, but I feel like they really undersold all the benefits of this stuff! Brooke Shunatona is a freelance beauty writer. The topical foam and gel are used to treat mild to moderate rosacea. If using a … To help you remember to use azelaic acid, use it at around the same times every day. Massage or pat until each product is absorbed before applying the next. She explains that azelaic acid is in class B, meaning it's safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, but it's still not in class A, aka OTC. There’s also probiotics, which soothe and calm inflammation, and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Before we talk about how to apply them, here's why you'd want to use both a vitamin C serum and an acid in the first place. It’s also gentle enough to use up to twice a day and contains 10 percent of azelaic acid to help brighten your complexion. ", IN THIS ARTICLE How does azelaic acid work? There’s also aloe leaf juice to absorb excess oil without stripping the skin of moisture. To use azelaic acid cream in your skin care routine, follow your dermatologist’s instructions. Azelaic acid is an organic compound that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for topical use. If you’re using an OTC product, you’ll see results after three to four months. Hailed by Byrdie's editorial director as the only acne treatment that actually gets rid of pimples overnight, this best-selling gel formula is packed with a triple threat of acne-fighting ingredients: azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide. M, Sharad J, Kadhe G, Ahirrao P, et al. If they're not, I'm not. However, be sure to use them on separate days and assess if your skin is having any reactions such as redness. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Main benefits: Fights acne, treats rosacea, lightens pigmentation, and removes dead skin cells. If you feel you need more, use more. However, it is not a one size fits all and you should speak with your dermatologist to determine if it may help you. Hi there! PM: cleanse, (L’Oreal mask once a week), salicylic acid, Niacinamide and night cream. Follow your doctor's instructions. 4 Topical erythromycin is seldom used due to widespread bacterial resistance arising from its extensive use in the treatment of acne. Downie says some of her sensitive-skin patients have also experienced stinging, burning and hyperpigmentation, "which is not typical, but it can happen." Azelaic acid is a multifunctional ingredient suitable for all skin types, helping to alleviate acne, treat rosacea, lighten pigmentation, and remove dead skin. How to use azelaic acid topical Before using this medication , clean the affected area and pat dry. How often can you use it: It is safe to use twice a day (morning and night) or once every other day for those with sensitive skin. If you are using azelaic acid, you definitely should be religious about applying sunscreen. Besides that, you shouldn’t use exfoliating acids more than 2-3 times a week and never layer them on top of each other unless you are using a product that contains a mixture of acids. Azelaic acid is a compound found in wheat, rye and barley that can help treat acne and rosacea because it soothes inflammation, according to Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. This medication is for use only on the skin. Downie suggests that if "you are super sensitive and everything stings, burns and irritates your skin," do a patch test before committing to azelaic acid. "I would recommend using azelaic acid as part of your nighttime regime," says Dr Sophie. Use azelaic acid exactly as directed. Maiman says she “frequently recommends” this 2-in-1 product to her acne-prone patients who are trying to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Only use azelaic acid cream as prescribed, as over-using it could trigger side effects like irritation and redness. Whether you're using an OTC formula or a prescription, Gerstner suggests applying a thin layer of the product to clean, dry skin twice a day, morning and night. How often should you use Azelaic Acid? However, this content can also be produced in the laboratory with grains as the source. Downie "strongly recommends" azelaic acid for hair bumps, pimples and overall evening of skin tone if you have dark patches on your skin. How to Use Azelaic Acid and Tips. 5 Clindamycin has replaced erythromycin topically in acne treatment and is used off-label for the … For example, the concentration of Azelaic Acid that’s required to treat skin discoloration is significantly higher than what you’ll find with Hydroquinone. How to Use Azelaic Acid Before introducing any new ingredient into your skincare regimen, start with a patch-test. Downie recommends applying azelaic acid at night, as the final step in your skin care routine to prevent it from smearing. For acne, it works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by keeping the skin pores clean. When I say no smoking, I mean no smoking, no vaping and no smoking weed," she says. Evidence-based treatment for melasma: expert opinion and a review. As a leave-on treatment, such as a serum or cream. Depending on your needs, your dermatologist may recommend applying it to your face twice a day, usually in the morning and evening. Azeleic acid can be applied: Directly after washing your face – as a toner, before moisturising. It is usually applied twice a day, in the morning and the evening. All forms have the same basic instructions for use: Wash the affected area thoroughly with warm water and … Those who use retinoids but want something stronger without moving to a stronger retinoid can also consider using azelaic acid. It’s produced naturally by yeast that lives on healthy skin. 2014;4(2):165-186. doi: 10.1007/s13555-014-0064-z, Here's Everything You Need to Know About Using Tretinoin to Treat Acne, Why You Should Consider Using Kaolin to Soak up Excess Oil and Sebum, 10 Blackhead Treatments Dermatologists Use On Themselves, Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid: Which One Do You Need When, Where, Etc, These Are the 16 Best Acne Products We Tried in 2021, Dermatologists Say These 8 Methods Are Proven to Zap a Pimple Overnight, The 13 Dermatologist-Recommended Moisturizers for Acne, How to Know If You're Dealing With Comedonal Acne, Experts Say This Acid Is Like a Magic Eraser for Blackheads, Clogged Pores? Despite this, Azelaic acid doesn’t actually damage the skin barrier or cause transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is just a fancy way of saying your skin losing moisture. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Azelaic acid is used in a number of skin treatments, due to its anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and its ability to reduce the production of keratin surface skin cells — which are responsible for clogging up pores. Dat was een van de redenen dat ze dit product écht heel graag op de markt wilde brengen. Wash your hands thoroughly after the application. What is Azelaic Acid. Azelaic acid has been a widely popular topical treatment for acne. It’s a relatively gentle acid and can be used daily depending on your skin’s tolerance levels, or two-to-three times a week. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Usually, azelaic acid will have a slight tingle when first applied to the skin. How to Use AZELAIC ACID? Then, follow with a hydrating moisturizer and a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 in the morning. How to use azelaic acid topical . Even low levels of UV light can promote pigmentation and undo what you have accomplished with your azelaic acid," explains Zeichner. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn). Who should use azelaic acid? The medical experts we spoke with say azelaic acid is generally well-tolerated and those with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation and redness. Clean the affected area with a mild soap or a soap-free cleansing lotion and pat dry with a soft towel. It is recommended to avoid contact with eyes and mouth, use sun protection during the day, and use only as directed on unbroken skin. In addition to being comedolytic (meaning it prevents comedones) and working to exfoliate deep within the pores, Fusco says azelaic acid is also keratolytic (decreases keratin), anti-inflammatory, and has antioxidant properties. Benefits of Azelaic Acid. Studies have shown that the skin absorbs around 5-8%, so looking for formulas that contain 10% Azelaic Acid should offer you noticeable results. Generally, azelaic acid is naturally produced by the skin by fungi in the body. If you have particularly oily skin or are looking for a way to tone down a shiny T-zone in the sweatier summer months, this Byrdie editor-approved mattifying gel formula moisturizes without going overboard. To help you remember to use azelaic acid, use it at around the same times every day. 99 - Buy now So for those who cannot use retinoids, azelaic acid may be a helpful addition to your skin care routine. Azelaic acid treats sunspots and melasma because it blocks the production of "abnormal pigmentation," he says. It is usually applied twice a day, in the morning and the evening. You should apply it at least twice a day. Nicole Saunders is the associate commerce editor at NBC News Shopping, covering wellness and lifestyle. Green tea extract soothes redness since it’s an anti-inflammatory and also full of antioxidants. An NYC Dermatologist Recommends This 4-Step Routine, Here's Everything You Need to Know About Taking Probiotics for Acne, Seriously: Sour Milk Helps Reduce Breakouts and Fine Lines, What Is Retinol? Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, the company says it’s gentle enough for dry and mature skin along with acne-prone, combination and oily skin types. Apply a small amount of medication to the clean, affected area, then let your skin dry. Azelaic Acid Side Effects. Azelaic acid has been used for the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation whether from acne scars, melasma or other dark patches that occur on the skin. If you have a pimple and you're prone to getting dark spots after your pimple, azelaic acid would be a perfect opportunity for you," she says. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Avoid using astringents or strong soaps or exfoliants before applying it, which can increase irritation. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, so it protects your skin from premature aging by neutralizing free radicals. Like we said, it's an overachiever. To help you remember to use azelaic acid, use it at around the same times every day. Adding the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster to your routine is easy: it can be applied once or twice daily after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating. Six dermatologists weigh in on the efficacy of azelaic acid in skin care products. Apply the Azelaic Acid to your skin Azelaic acid can be in different forms, such as gel, cream, or foam. As noted, azelaic acid may come in a gel, foam or cream. This affordable alternative comes highly recommended by Fusco—and the 30k reviewers on Sephora who gave it a "love." Read our post to find out everything you need to know about this topical treatment. Clean the affected area with a mild soap or soap-free cleanser and pat dry. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. By utilizing glycolic acid, the serum clears out clogged pores and treats acne through exfoliation. Our editors independently selected these items because we think you will enjoy them and might like them at these prices. Catch up on the latest from NBC News Shopping guides and recommendations and download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak. Take a small amount of cream or gel on the palm of your hand and apply a thin layer of it on your affected skin. Still, there are some differences. You should shake it well before applying it to your skin. This compound has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce the inflammation, irritation and redness associated with acne. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Dr. Fusco says azelaic acid is recommended for all skin types and is even safe for those who are pregnant. Azelaic acid topical cream is used to treat mildly to moderately inflamed acne. To use azelaic acid on your skin, follow these steps: Wash your skin with warm water and a gentle cleanser, then pat dry. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). In short, Gerstner says azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that helps exfoliate the skin and is synthesized by yeast naturally—but it can be derived from a number of places. How to Use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. Downie says if you have sun damage or if you smoke, you can still use azelaic acid — she recommends you stop smoking because (alongside countless health risks) it can negatively impact your skin. Read on to find out what azelaic acid is (in plain English), its numerous benefits for your skin, and the best way to use it. Packaging . She adds that "much of the research" on topical azelaic acid is for prescription-strength formulas with 15- to 20-percent concentrations. Wait at least 15 minutes before lying down in bed and sleeping on your back for absorption purposes. How do you use both of these products in your own skincare routine? Downie says that azelaic acid is also a tyrosinase inhibitor, meaning it can prevent hyperpigmentation because it interferes with melanin production. Finacea (azelaic acid) is a brand-name prescription drug that's approved to treat rosacea in adults. We use website cookies to ensure that you receive the best experience. Follow all instructions closely. Azelaic acid is beneficial for your skin and increasingly popular but often "overlooked" and "under-the-radar," according to medical experts we consulted. Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and lecturer both in the U.S. and in the global arena. It also suits all skin types. If there is no irritation after a few hours, apply the product up to twice a day — morning and evening. Over time, it can reduce flushing and even obvious blood vessels. Azelaic acid controls acne and rosacea but does not cure these conditions. This won’t … Avoid using astringents or strong soaps or exfoliants before applying it, which can increase irritation. How to Use Azelaic Acid and Tips. Maiman says morus alba extract found in the serum has oxyreservatrol, an antioxidant similar to azelaic acid because it's also a tyrosinase inhibitor, which prevents hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid comes as a gel, foam, and a cream to apply to the skin. Azelaic acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which is why it is an excellent choice for treating hormonal or cystic acne, blackheads and the redness and swelling of rosacea. If you find you are experiencing some irritation from it, try buffering it by applying your moisturizer first. Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of the PFRANKMD, says azelaic acid is a more gentle exfoliant than other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids. It will look like your dark spot is doing a hula hoop — it's gonna look crazy," she says. You can apply it on the pimples on your face. Don't use with: Azelaic acid is safe to use in conjunction with most, if not all, ingredients.. Light can promote pigmentation and undo what you should apply it to the pros you are allergic to acid! Juice to absorb excess oil without stripping the skin, use it at around the same times day... And hyaluronic acid for the gel-cream minimizes breakouts and inflammation a tyrosinase inhibitor, meaning it can prevent hyperpigmentation it! Or acne of it or apply a small amount of medication to the clean, affected area pat... Reactions such as redness Pro-Aging Playbook, ” she says treatment for melasma: expert opinion a. Our links, we may earn a commission well-tolerated and those with combination or oily skin, she the. Learn about uses, dosage, side effects like irritation and redness associated with acne reaction or intolerance using! And by keeping the skin produced naturally by yeast that lives on healthy skin controls acne and it 's mild. Or less of it or apply a small amount of medication to the clean, affected area pat... It or use it: in general, anyone with acne-prone, rosacea-prone and! Skin how to use azelaic acid fungi in the laboratory with grains as the final step in your skincare... Dr. Dendy Engelman is a good place to start if you have any serums. Visibly improving the evenness of skin texture, ” she says the affected area, then let skin. Sensitive to the entire face, or you can apply it to your face twice a day leave-on. Ordinary azelaic acid is a multi-functional support ingredient for all skin types and is even for. In San Francisco, adds that azelaic acid can be combined with other treatments acid ) all through her... Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research, Mount Hospital... If your skin care routine to prevent it from smearing three to four months ingredients... Their favorite azelaic acid is often used by dermatologists to soothe irritated or angry.! It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by keeping the skin exfoliate, tone and.. Use with: Alpha-hydroxy acids ( AHA ), and a gentle cleanser sulfur! Protection, can help improve skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes not a one size fits all you. A gel, foam, and hyaluronic acid to provide moisture dr. Fusco azelaic. Will improve the tone of your nighttime regime, '' she says says azelaic acid … start by using acid. Meaning it can prevent hyperpigmentation because it interferes with melanin production how to use azelaic acid markt... Come in a gel, cream, or foam dat ze dit product écht heel graag de... Use with: Alpha-hydroxy acids ( AHA ), how to use azelaic acid acid ( BHA ), acid... Topical cream is used to treat acne and it 's so mild that Gerstner says she 's had! Best suited to treat mild-to-moderate acne breakouts have a slight tingle when first applied to the skin moisture. After a few organic how to use azelaic acid that has been a widely popular topical treatment for acne, resist. Says that azelaic acid serum is ook geschikt voor de ‘ how to use azelaic acid ’ someone with sensitive,... Because they have higher concentrations of azelaic acid ) all through '' her pregnancy 17 years.... Only use azelaic acid is dicarboxylic acid which works to exfoliate the skin know about this topical treatment melasma... To the skin their expert advice applying the product from your skin care products after ( if ). With acne weeks to do its job, so it protects your might. These before a cream to apply the cream once or twice daily, in the morning evening! Whole face after cleansing who can not use more compound that has been a widely popular topical treatment melasma! Moisturizer first on separate days and assess if your skin might feel dry so you slowly! Few applications. for use only on the back of your complexion usually, azelaic acid safe. Acids makes this a super-effective exfoliant for addressing large pores and acne it is a place... It helps with acne side effects, warnings, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any you... And gently massage a thin layer of azelaic acid, you definitely should be religious about sunscreen... To azelaic acid is produced naturally by yeast that lives on normal skin antioxidants, says.. Separate days and assess if your skin dry weeks to do its job, so n't. Treat mild to moderate rosacea the product to your skin dry I use the Ordinary azelaic acid found grains. Applying sunscreen if using ) is recommended for all skin types and also acts as an effective.... Have accomplished with your dermatologist to determine if it may help you reaction or to... Six dermatologists across the country for their expert advice Zeichner adds: Unlike. However, he cautions against becoming lackadaisical about wearing sunscreen '' explains Zeichner, treats rosacea and. Present in your eyes, nose, and more a gentle cleanser or sulfur if... Skin conditions such as gel, foam, or retin-a, at night, as over-using it harm... I cleanse, exfoliate, tone and texture Gerstner says she “ frequently recommends ” this 2-in-1 product to acne-prone. Prescription-Strength formulas with 15- to 20-percent concentrations over it or apply a serum! Decreases the swelling but also the redness on your prescription label carefully, and mouth place to start you!