What is Acido Azelaico al 20%? A Complete Guide

Understanding Acido Azelaico al 20% for Skin

Acido azelaico al 20% refers to azelaic acid 20%, a compound used to treat various skin conditions. Azelaic acid occurs naturally in grains like wheat and barley, but can also be synthetically created in labs.

Conditions Acido Azelaico al 20% Treats

Using azelaic acid at 20% concentration provides benefits for issues like:

• Acne and clogged pores
• Rosacea redness and flushing
• Post-acne marks and scarring
• Discoloration from sun damage
• Melasma dark facial patches

Additionally, evidence suggests azelaic acid possesses anti-aging properties by rejuvenating skin cells, improving texture, and protecting from environmental aggressors.

How Acido Azelaico al 20% Works

The 20% azelaic acid concentration offers optimal effectiveness through these key mechanisms:

• Killing acne bacteria on skins surface
• Reducing skin cell buildup inside pores
• Decreasing inflammation causing redness and swelling
• Slowing excess melanin pigment production
• Increasing cell turnover rate for smoother texture

Combined, these actions target breakouts, discoloration, scars, rosacea, signs of aging, and more when applied regularly.

Using Acido Azelaico al 20% in Your Routine

Learning proper application techniques ensures 20% azelaic acid works safely, without irritation. Consider the following usage tips:

Patch Test First

Apply a small amount to your forearm for several days checking for reaction, the advance to twice daily facial use if tolerated without issues.

Use Gel, Cream, or Foam Formulas

Gentler than strong chemical peels, these azelaic acid formats layer well under makeup, moisturizers, and SPF with minimal dryness or flaking

Apply Only At Night

Using at bedtime prevents UV ray interaction making dark spots worse. Azelaic acid heightens light sensitivity a bit, so night application allows deeper absorption without sun damage.

Follow Directions Closely

Typically apply acido azelaico al 20% once or twice daily after cleansing. Rub it evenly over the entire face in a thin layer, avoiding eyes. Wash hands after and dont apply to irritated areas.

Use Other Actives Carefully

Layering too many potent ingredients like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, AHA/BHAs etc. simultaneously may cause irritation. Add azelaic acid slowly into your regimen spacing use of other actives out evenly across day and night.

Complementary Therapies and Lifestyle Changes

While azelaic acid provides fantastic topical benefits, making certain complementary skincare, supplement, and lifestyle adjustments maximizes its effectiveness treating stubborn issues like rosacea, scarring, melasma, and acne.

Hydrate Skin Well

Counter potential dryness and flaking from 20% azelaic acid using gentle, hydrating cleansers without sulfates or fragrances. Apply antioxidant, ceramide rich serums and lightweight moisturizers both morning and evening.

Always Wear SPF

Using sun protection is vital when exfoliating dead skin and fighting hyperpigmentation. Broad spectrum SPF 30 at minimum protects vulnerable complexion actively renewing itself faster thanks to azelaic acid.

Consider Light Therapy Devices

Wavelengths from FDA cleared red, blue, and infrared lights reduce inflammation and bacteria while discouraging melanin production. Rotation therapy calms rosacea and fades discoloration faster.

Eat More Pro and Prebiotics

Supporting good gut flora balance with fermented foods, leafy greens, nuts and probiotic supplements glows skin from inside out. Reducing bad inflammatory gut bacteria keeps rosacea progression at bay.

Lower Stress Levels

Learning relaxing techniques like breathwork, meditation, yoga, or massage lessens anxiety and cortisol release worsening melasma, acne, redness flareups. Better stress coping slows related skin reactions.

Seek Additional Treatments From Dermatologists

For moderate to severe rosacea or deep melasma, acne scars, etc., professional procedures like gentle laser genesis, chemical peels, or microneedling used alongside 20% azelaic acid boosts positive effects.

Troubleshooting Problems with Acido Azelaico

Adjusting lifestyle factors helps minimize side effects when using azelaic acid 20%. However, speaking with your dermatologist is recommended if you experience:

Allergic Reactions

Hives, swelling, rash, or skin burning with oozing signifies possible allergy. Stop use immediately, taking antihistamines, and avoid azelaic acid formulas going forward.

Worsened Acne

Experiencing more frequent whiteheads or cystic breakouts after starting azelaic acid may indicate an inability to tolerate the ingredient well. Switching products could prevent further problems.

Increased Redness

Some patients have rosacea flushing or facial veins worsen temporarily when beginning azelaic acid before it starts helping decrease baseline redness. Using hydrocortisone cream alongside for several weeks may offer relief until skin adjusts.

Skin Lightening Elsewhere

Applying azelaic acid only to darkened facial areas avoids potential lightening of normal skin tone on neck, hands etc. Use meticulously extracted with a thin Q-tip if addressing smaller patches of melasma or scarring.

Remember to build azelaic acid percentage up slowly if its your first time using it. Beginning with a 10% concentration 1-2 times a week before progressing to the more potent 20% formulation allows skin to better tolerate this highly effective ingredient.

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.