Beginner's Guide to Using Azelaic Acid for Clear, Healthy Skin

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like wheat, rye and barley. It also exists naturally in our skin. In skin care, synthetic azelaic acid is used in topical formulations to improve a variety of common skin concerns by reducing inflammation and exfoliating the skin.

The Benefits of Azelaic Acid for Skin

There are a wide range of azelaic acid benefits when used in skin care products and treatments. It may help with issues like:

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Post-acne marks and scars
• Discoloration and uneven skin tone
• Melasma
• Reducing redness and inflammation

Overall, azelaic acid is considered safe for most skin types. It has many antioxidant and skin-restoring properties to improve your complexion.

How Does Azelaic Acid Work?

Azelaic acid has a multi-action method of improving numerous skin issues. Some of the ways it achieves results include:

• Exfoliating dead skin cells
• Killing acne-causing bacteria
• Reducing inflammation
• Minimizing skin discoloration
• Preventing keratin from hardening in follicles
• Decreasing melanin production

Using Azelaic Acid with Other Skin Care Ingredients

Azelaic acid often plays well with other common over-the-counter skin care ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinol. However, some combinations work better than others.

Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C

Both vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and azelaic acid packs a hefty antioxidant punch. When combined, these two superstar ingredients deliver enhanced brightening results.

Vitamin C tackles stubborn pigmentation by limiting excess melanin production, while azelaic acid also fades hyperpigmentation in multiple ways. These complementary effects lead to a faster correction of dark spots and uneven tone.

Tips for Layering Azelaic Acid with Vitamin C

• Always apply vitamin C-based serums first since azelaic acid works best on bare skin.
• Wait 1-2 minutes for products to fully absorb before layering on top.
• Start slowly by alternating azelaic acid and vitamin C every other morning.
• Monitor skin for increased dryness or irritation.
• Apply moisturizer and sunscreen as your final protective layer.

Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid exfoliates and unclogs pores by dissolving dead skin, debris and sebum. Azelaic acid also promotes cell turnover but primarily targets acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.

By deploying these two hardworking acids together, it's possible to thoroughly purge congested skin, clear up active breakouts faster and prevent new blemishes from forming.

Tips for Layering Azelaic Acid with Salicylic Acid

• Use salicylic acid cleansers in morning, azelaic acid treatments at night.
• Avoid layering leave-on salicylic and azelaic acid products since this combo may overly dry and irritate.
• If skin tolerates one active ingredient well, cautiously try adding the other once a week, then gradually increase.
• Monitor skin closely for increased dryness, flaking, redness or burning sensation.

Who Should Use Azelaic Acid?

Due to its ability to improve multiple common skin woes, azelaic acid can benefit many people. However those struggling with the following may reap the most rewards:

Rosacea

Individuals battling rosacea's redness, inflammation and bumps often respond wonderfully to azelaic acid treatments. Rosacea occurs when the skin's blood vessels enlarge, triggering flare-ups.

Azelaic acid helps constrict blood vessels, minimizing visible red veins while also decreasing overall facial redness thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Adult Acne

Breakouts past your teen years caused by pregnancy, monthly cycles, stress or other factors often prove difficult to control. Azelaic acid offers antibacterial, keratolytic and anti-inflammatory ammunition to clear up stubborn adult cystic acne.

Acne Scarring

Post-inflammatory scars left by healed blemish sites take months or years to fade without targeted intervention. Azelaic acid gently retextures uneven damaged tissue and promotes skin renewal to minimize indentations.

Melasma

Dark facial patches triggered by sun overexposure, hormonal shifts or medications may require strong bleaching ingredients like azelaic acid to inhibit melanin production and replace pigmented cells faster.

How to Incorporate Azelaic Acid Into Your Routine

Adding a new active ingredient calls for an intentional strategy. Learn best practices for successfully adopting azelaic acid below.

Pick the Right Azelaic Acid Formula

Azelaic acid is sold as prescription 15-20% medicated gels and creams containing higher percentages than over-the-counter options at 10% or less. Start with lower OTC formulas and gradually increase strength as skin builds tolerance.

Try a Patch Test

Dab a pea-sized amount on your inner forearm for 24-48 hours to check for signs of irritation before slathering all over your delicate facial skin.

Start Slow

When first introducing azelaic acid, limit applications to twice a week. Closely observe skin for increased dryness, stinging or redness.

Pair Azelaic Acid with Moisturizers

To counter azelaic acid's drying effects, protect your moisture barrier daily with gentle noncomedogenic hydrators containing skin-replenishing ingredients.

Always Wear Sunscreen

Since azelaic acid may make skin more sun-sensitive, diligently apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen whenever exposed to daylight, even on cloudy days.

The Best Azelaic Acid Skin Care Products

Ready to experience azelaic acid's transformative potential for yourself? Here are top-rated over-the-counter formulas to consider:

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

This budget-friendly lightweight serum gently exfoliates and brightens without silicones, oils or fragrances.

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Add a few drops of this concentrated elixir to serums or creams to customize your acid percentage.

Naturium Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10%

A silky lightweight moisturizer avec azelaic acid to hydrate as it improves texture and tone.

Gigi Bioplasma Azelaic Cream 15%

This thicker prescription-strength formula specifically targets stubborn melasma and rosacea.

Skinority Azelaic Acid Serum 20%

Maximum strength acid paired with niacinamide to jointly fight breakouts and hyperpigmentation.

By understanding azelaic acid's capabilities and thoughtfully incorporating it into your customized regimen, its possible to achieve clear, glowing skin free from redness, dark marks, bumps and blemishes.

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.