What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that is produced by a yeast that lives on normal skin. It is an effective ingredient used to treat several skin conditions including rosacea, melasma, and acne.
Azelaic acid works in multiple ways to improve skin health. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and keratolytic properties. This means it can help calm inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and accelerate skin cell turnover.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
One of the main ways azelaic acid benefits skin is through its ability to fight inflammation. Studies show it helps reduce redness and swelling associated with rosacea and acne.
It is thought to do this by decreasing the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. This reduces oxidative damage to skin cells while also lowering inflammation.
Antibacterial Properties
Azelaic acid also has antibacterial effects, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes - the bacteria that contributes to acne breakouts. It prevents C. acnes from multiplying and growing.
By specifically targeting this acne-causing bacteria on the skin, azelaic acid helps prevent new breakouts from forming.
Keratolytic Effect
The dicarboxylic acid also has a mild keratolytic effect. This means it helps encourage the natural shedding of dead skin cells.
By accelerating cell turnover, it helps keep pores from becoming clogged while also improving skin texture and brightening tone.
What is Skinceuticals Azelaic Acid?
Skinceuticals Azelaic Acid 15% Gel is a prescription-only formula containing a high 15% concentration of azelaic acid. It was specially developed to optimize delivery of azelaic acid into the skin.
In this silky gel, the azelaic acid molecules are micro-encapsulated using porous silica. This helps protect the actives until they reach the targeted areas of the skin.
Micro-Encapsulation Technology
The micro-encapsulation technology is key to this Skinceuticals formula. It ensures the full 15% concentration of azelaic acid can penetrate deep into pores and follicles instead of staying on the surface of skin.
As the microcapsules move into the pores, the porous silica slowly releases the azelaic acid right where it can have the greatest impact against acne and rosacea.
Powerful Precision
This precision delivery system allows Skinceuticals Azelaic Acid Gel to offer better results against breakouts. The high dose azelaic acid targets acne-causing bacteria and inflammation right at the source underneath the skin.
The microencapsulation technology also means you get all the benefits of azelaic acid without the dryness or stinging side effects that can occur from products with high concentrations of acids.
Proven Benefits of Azelaic Acid
With its multi-functional properties, azelaic acid offers several beautifying benefits for skin including:
Diminishing Breakouts
By killing acne bacteria and reducing inflammation, azelaic acid has been clinically demonstrated to significantly improve moderate inflammatory acne lesions by up to 61%.
Prescription formulas with higher concentrations like Skinceuticals Azelaic Acid Gel optimize these results. The 15% concentration works on even stubborn, cystic acne.
Fading Discoloration
Azelaic acid also interrupts abnormal pigment production in skin cells. This helps with post-acne marks as well as with melasma and other forms of facial hyperpigmentation.
In clinical testing, twice daily use of a 15% azelaic acid gel showed significant improvement in areas of uneven pigmentation and dark spots.
Soothing Redness
Rosacea sufferers can also find relief with azelaic acid. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cell-regulating activities address multiple causes behind persistent facial redness.
Clinical studies using a 15% azelaic acid gel demonstrated over 80% of patients had complete clearing or marked improvementof inflammatory lesions and swelling from papulopustular rosacea.
Who is Skinceuticals Azelaic Acid Gel Best Suited For?
The Skinceuticals formula with its high concentration azelaic acid is designed specifically for adult patients struggling with blemishes, visible signs of rosacea, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This includes anyone experiencing:
- Moderate to severe acne vulgaris
- Cystic acne lesions
- Facial redness and swelling
- Papules and pustules
- Dark spots and uneven skin tone
- Discoloration from old acne scars
Its not suitable for those with sensitivity to azelaic acid. Anyone younger than 12 years old should avoid this Skinceuticals formula.
Prescription Required
Because it contains higher amounts of active ingredients, Skinceuticals Azelaic Acid Gel can only be obtained through a licensed physician.
Your dermatologist can prescribe this treatment if appropriate after assessing your skin concerns and medical history.
How to Use Skinceuticals Azelaic Acid Gel
If prescribed the Skinceuticals 15% Azelaic Acid Gel, use it exactly as directed by your dermatologist. They will provide guidance on how and when to apply it based on your skin goals.
Standard Directions
Typical usage instructions for Skinceuticals azelaic acid gel include applying a thin layer to affected areas twice per day - morning and evening. Gently smooth over skin after cleansing, toning, and any other prescription topicals.
A little goes a long way since it spreads easily. Use a pea-sized amount to cover the entire face or smaller amounts for isolated breakouts. Allow gel to fully dry then follow with moisturizer and SPF during day.
Expect Initial Dryness and Irritation
During the first few weeks, your skin adapts to the azelaic acid which is why dryness or irritation can happen when beginning treatment. Start by applying every other day, then gradually work up to daily use as skin acclimates.
If excessive sensitivity occurs, pull back on frequency until skin stabilizes. Be diligent with moisturizer to counter redness and flaking. If it remains irritated, speak to your dermatologist about adjusting the prescription strength or formula.
Consistency is Key
Like any acne medication, Skinceuticals azelaic acid works best with consistent long-term application. It may take 4 weeks or longer to see visible clearance and brightness as relatively newer skin cells move to the surface.
For optimal control of rosacea or hyperpigmentation, expect to use azelaic acid daily for at least 3-6 months. Continued use is often necessary to keep skin clear and prevent the conditions from recurring.
The Takeaway
With triple-action effects against acne and rosacea plus skin brightening abilities, Skinceuticals Azelaic Acid Gel with microencapsulated 15% azelaic acid offers proven results for clearer, more even-toned skin.
Prescription strength azelaic acid targets inflammation, bacteria growth, and abnormal pigment production by delivering concentrated doses below the skins surface right to the source of multiple stubborn skin issues.
Just be patient through any initial dryness or irritation. When used properly for your skincare concerns, youll soon be on your way to seeing why azelaic acid is such a skincare savior!
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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