What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like wheat, rye and barley. It also exists in our skin cells.
In skin care, azelaic acid is synthetically derived. It acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant and is often used to treat acne and rosacea due to its ability to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Unlike many anti-acne ingredients, azelaic acid doesn’t dry out skin or cause irritation. This makes it suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.
How Azelaic Acid Works
Applied topically, azelaic acid works through a few key mechanisms including:
- Killing acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes
- Reducing inflammation and redness
- Unplugging blocked pores and follicles
- Preventing keratin from sticking cells together to clear dead skin buildup
- Minimizing pigmentation and uneven tone
Does Azelaic Acid Cause Purging?
When starting azelaic acid or other active skin care ingredients like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, many people wonder – does it lead a “purging” phase first?
What is Purging?
Purging refers to a temporary increase in blemishes, acne lesions, skin peeling, flakiness, redness or irritation when using a new product. It’s caused by enhanced cell turnover speeding up the shedding of old layers.
This pushes sebum, bacteria, andBuilt-up dead skin to the surface quickly. So purging often manifests as small whiteheads or pimples that clear fast, frequently after an initial breakout phase.
Signs of Azelaic Acid Purging
Potential indicators of azelaic acid purging include:
- Increased blackheads and whiteheads around the nose, chin and forehead areas
- More inflamed pimples than usual
- Peeling or flaking skin
- Mild stinging, itching or warmth sensation after application
- A few days to weeks of breakouts before improving
Does Azelaic Acid Cause Purging?
Most evidence indicates azelaic acid doesn’t cause purging due to its unique mechanisms. Since it’s not a hydroxy acid, it doesn’t speed up cell turnover or exfoliation.
Instead, it tackles acne through its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These are detrimental to breakout-causing bacteria. But they don’t irritate skin or provoke much peeling like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids known for purging.
In fact, studies demonstrate azelaic acid decreases lesions while improving skin hydration and smoothness within weeks.
When to Stop Using Azelaic Acid
Breakouts when initiating azelaic acid likely indicate sensitivity or overuse instead of purging. Consider stopping if you experience:
- No improvement after 4 weeks of daily use
- Intense itching, stinging, redness or swelling
- New cystic acne or nodules
- Small skin-colored bumps called closed comedomes
- Worsening of breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads
These may signal an allergy or bad reaction. After discontinuing, try introducing azelaic acid again more slowly later on.
How to Start Using Azelaic Acid
When beginning azelaic acid, it’s vital to take it slowly. Start by applying it once every three days. Monitor for irritation or new breakouts.
If your skin handles it well after a couple weeks, increase to once every other day application. Use it daily only if no bothersome reactions emerge.
Starting slowly enables your skin to adjust and avoids overwhelming it. Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels.
Application Tips
Apply azelaic acid after cleansing but before heavier creams or serums. Using 5-10% formulas is ideal for acne while 15-20% suits rosacea or pigmentation.
Mix a pea-sized amount between your fingers then massage gently onto full face, avoiding the eye area. Allow it to fully absorb before additional products.
Try alternating nights with retinoids or other acids when using azelaic daily. Only combine them if your skin tolerates both without irritation.
What to Expect
When used properly, here’s what you can expect when adjusting to azelaic acid:
- First 5-7 days – Potential warmth, tingling, slight redness after application
- First 2 weeks – Improved skin texture, smaller looking pores, less flakiness
- 2-4 weeks – Reduced blemishes, inflammation and redness
- 6-8 weeks – Lessened acne lesions, blackheads, evened out skin tone
With consistent use for at least a couple months, results continue improving over time.
Who Should Avoid Azelaic Acid?
While generally well-tolerated, azelaic acid isn’t suitable for everyone. Use caution or avoid if you have:
- Sensitive skin prone to reactions
- Eczema or dermatitis
- Very dry skin
- Open cuts, wounds or skin infections
- Rosacea triggered by products
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Discontinue immediately if symptoms like itching, burning or hives develop.
The Bottom Line
Daily azelaic acid use often takes a few weeks to reduce breakouts and inflammation without significant irritation or purging when applied correctly.
Since it doesn’t speed up skin cell turnover like glycolic acid or retinoids, it bypasses the sudden trapped debris and peeling they temporarily cause.
While unlikely to prompt purging or major irritation, testing azelaic acid carefully is still vital — especially if pregnancy, eczema or very sensitive skin exists. Pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust use accordingly.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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