Exploring the Skin Benefits of Azelaic Acid and Dermatica 20

Exploring the Benefits of Azelaic Acid for Skin

Azelaic acid is a unique skincare ingredient gaining popularity for its ability to treat several common skin concerns. It offers antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin lightening effects. Dermatica 20 provides a prescription-strength azelaic acid cream.

This dicarboxylic acid occurs naturally in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. It also exists in our skin cells. Azelaic acid has emerged as an effective option for issues like acne, rosacea, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging.

What is Dermatica 20?

Dermatica 20 is a customized prescription skincare cream that contains 20% high-purity azelaic acid, the highest OTC concentration available. It is designed to treat acne-prone skin, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and other concerns.

The formula also includes skin-replenishing ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and tranexamic acid to enhance results. Dermatica 20 is available by online prescription only through dermatologist approval.

Benefits of Azelaic Acid

Here are some of the top ways azelaic acid benefits skin:

Acne Treatment

Azelaic acid is highly effective against acne due to its ability to kill p. acnes bacteria that cause breakouts. It clears congested pores and decreases inflammation.

Rosacea Management

Reduces facial redness, flushing, and swelling associated with rosacea. Calms irritation from triggers like sun exposure.

Fades Hyperpigmentation

Inhibits melanin production to brighten skin discoloration and brown spots from sun damage, acne scars, melasma, etc.

Smooths Skin Texture

Exfoliates dead skin cells and thick patches to minimize large pores, bumps, roughness, and uneven tone.

Evens Skin Tone

Lightens dark spots and patches while regulating melanin formation for a more uniform complexion.

Minimizes Fine Lines

Boosts production of collagen and hyaluronic acid to reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How Does Azelaic Acid Work?

The main mechanisms that allow azelaic acid to improve various skin issues include:

Antibacterial Activity

Restricts growth and proliferation of p. acnes bacteria to prevent acne breakouts and inflammation in follicles.

Keratolytic Effect

Loosens keratin deposits plugging follicles to clear clogged pores. Also enhances shedding of dead surface skin cells.

Anti-Inflammatory

Reduces inflammatory mediators like leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Calms irritation and redness.

Tyrosinase Inhibition

Blocks the tyrosinase enzyme in melanocyte cells that stimulates melanin pigment production to lighten skin.

Using Dermatica 20 for Maximum Results

To get the most out of your Dermatica 20 azelaic acid cream, follow these usage tips:

Cleanse and Dry Skin

Wash face with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin completely dry before applying the cream. Avoid using other acne medications when using Dermatica 20.

Use a Thin Layer

Only a small amount is needed to cover your face evenly. Use a pea-sized amount for your whole face. Using too much can lead to irritation.

Avoid Irritated Skin

Do not apply to areas of active irritation, cuts or burns. Check for allergic reactions on a small patch of skin first.

Apply Twice Daily

Use morning and evening after cleansing for optimal results. Consistency is key to see improvements in your skin over time.

Start Slowly

Begin by applying every other day, gradually increasing to daily use to allow your skin to adjust and reduce chances of irritation.

Moisturize Afterward

Follow with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to counter potential dryness and peeling, especially when first starting out.

Use SPF in AM

Apply a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen in the mornings after applying Dermatica 20. Azelaic acid can make skin more sun-sensitive.

Who Should Use Azelaic Acid?

Dermatica 20 can benefit those struggling with:

Moderate to Severe Acne

Helps clear inflammatory acne lesions like papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Works for hormonal, adult, and persistent acne.

Post-Acne Marks

Fades the dark spots and discoloration left behind after acne heals due to its skin lightening abilities.

Rosacea

Calms the redness, flushing, and bumps associated with rosacea outbreaks. Helps manage key triggers.

Melasma

Improves the dark facial patches caused by sun exposure or hormonal melasma.

Fine Lines/Wrinkles

Plumps up skin while increasing collagen to soften the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead..

Side Effects and Precautions

When used correctly, azelaic acid is generally well-tolerated. However, it can potentially cause:

Dryness and Peeling

Start slowly and use a moisturizer to counter. Reduce frequency of use if severe.

Stinging/Burning

Typically mild and temporary, often fading with continued use. Avoid irritated skin.

Redness/Irritation

Usually subsides within 1-2 weeks of use. Stop use if severe irritation develops.

Azelaic acid is safe for all skin tones but those with darker complexions may experience more lightening effects. Avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Using Azelaic Acid to Treat Common Skin Problems

From acne to hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid has proven efficacy against an array of problematic skin issues. Discover how it can be used to target different conditions.

Azelaic Acid for Acne

Azelaic acid is highly effective for clearing up acne breakouts. Its antibacterial action inhibits growth and spread of p. acnes bacteria that cause acneic inflammation.

It helps prevent new breakouts from forming by keeping pore-clogging skin cell buildup from accumulating. Azelaic acid also decreases redness and swelling around current blemishes.

Those with persistent, cystic acne often see significant improvement using prescription-strength azelaic acid formulations like Dermatica 20. It works for all types of acne.

How to Use It

Apply a thin layer over the entire affected area 1-2 times per day after cleansing. Use consistently for at least 12 weeks to see full results. Avoid irritating active breakouts.

Who Should Use It

Azelaic acid is suitable for those with mild, moderate or severe acne. It’s appropriate for papular, pustular, nodular and cystic acne. Safe and effective for adolescents and adults.

Azelaic Acid for Rosacea

Azelaic acid is commonly used in rosacea skin care routines. One of its primary mechanisms is lowering high levels of leukotrienes and prostaglandins that trigger flushing and inflammation.

It assists in calming facial redness, visible blood vessels, bumps, and pimples from rosacea. Continuous use can also help minimize future flare ups.

How to Use It

Gently smooth a thin layer over affected areas up to twice daily after cleaning skin. Avoid getting too close to the eyes. Ongoing use helps maintain clearer skin.

Who Should Use It

Those with mild, moderate, or severe cases of rosacea may benefit from azelaic acid treatment. All skin types can use it, but patch test first.

Azelaic Acid for Hyperpigmentation

Azelaic acid is highly effective at lightening hyperpigmentation and age spots from sun damage thanks to its tyrosinase-inhibiting abilities.

It helps fade melasma, acne marks, and uneven pigment for a brighter, more even-toned complexion. Results are gradual so consistency is key.

How to Use It

Apply a thin layer over entire affected area twice daily. Use for at least 2-3 months to see significant lightening of dark spots and discoloration.

Who Should Use It

Those looking to reduce hyperpigmentation from melasma, acne scarring, sun damage, and other causes. Safe for all skin tones.

Azelaic Acid for Anti-Aging

Azelaic acid has some anti-aging abilities due to its capacity to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of skin.

With continued use, improved collagen levels can help visibly diminish fine lines and wrinkles while restoring firmer, smoother, plumper skin.

How to Use It

Use once or twice daily after cleansing on affected areas showing signs of aging like fine lines around eyes, mouth, and forehead. Allow at least 6-12 weeks for noticeable improvements.

Who Should Use It

Those with mild to moderate fine lines and wrinkles looking for a multi-tasking anti-aging ingredient. Best suited for younger skin starting to show signs of aging.

Risks and Side Effects of Azelaic Acid

When used properly, topical azelaic acid is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, potential side effects can include:

Irritation

Some people experience tingling, burning, redness or itching when first starting azelaic acid, especially those with sensitive skin. Starting off slowly and buffering with moisturizer minimizes risk.

Increased Sun Sensitivity

Azelaic acid can make your skin more reactive to UV light, raising chances of sunburn. Always apply SPF 30 sunscreen in the AM when using azelaic acid.

Dryness and Peeling

The exfoliating nature of azelaic acid may cause some dryness and flaking. Maintain a moisturizing routine. Reduce frequency of use if severe.

Discontinuation Effects

Conditions like acne and rosacea may flare up again after stopping azelaic acid treatment. Slowly phase out use if discontinuing long-term.

Darkening of Skin

In those with darker skin tones, azelaic acid carries low risk of temporary lightening that later rebounds with darker pigmentation after use stops.

Always do a patch test before applying azelaic acid products like Dermatica 20 over large skin areas to rule out rare allergic reactions.

The Takeaway

With potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin lightening abilities, prescription azelaic acid formulas like Dermatica 20 can effectively treat breakouts, rosacea, melasma, fine lines, and various other skin issues.

Remember to gradually introduce azelaic acid into your routine, use only a small amount, and pair it with plenty of moisturizer to ensure optimal results with minimal side effects and irritation.

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.