Azelaic Acid Benefits, Research and How to Use for Clear Skin

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that is produced by a yeast that lives on normal skin called Malassezia. It is also a component of grains such as wheat, rye and barley.

In skin care and medicine, azelaic acid is used to treat several skin conditions due to its beneficial properties. It works by killing bacteria that infects skin pores while also decreasing inflammation. This makes it effective against acne and rosacea.

Azelaic acid has also been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots by inhibiting melanin synthesis and accelerating skin cell turnover. This can help even out skin tone and fade discoloration over time.

What are the Benefits of Using Azelaic Acid?

When applied topically on the skin, azelaic acid offers numerous benefits such as:

• Treating inflammatory acne
• Fading acne scars and marks
• Improving rosacea symptoms
• Reducing skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation
• Minimizing fine lines and wrinkles

In addition, it has antibacterial properties that can kill acne-causing bacteria. It is also non-toxic, making it a safe ingredient for long term use.

How Does Dermatica Azelaic Acid Serum Work?

Dermatica azelaic acid serum combines prescription strength azelaic acid with other active ingredients like retinoids, antibiotics and zinc to target multiple skin concerns.

Here's how the azelaic acid in Dermatica works to treat acne, rosacea and melasma:

Acne Treatment

The azelaic acid reduces acne by:

• Killing acne bacteria that causes inflammation and breakouts
• Decreasing keratin production which can clog pores
• Speeding up skin renewal and shedding of damaged skin cells
• Reducing redness and swelling

This helps minimize current breakouts while preventing future ones thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Reducing Rosacea Symptoms

For rosacea prone skin, azelaic acid helps by:

• Fighting inflammation to reduce redness and flushing
• Minimizing skin sensitivity that can trigger rosacea flare ups
• Killing bacteria on the skin that may contribute to rosacea
• Strengthening damaged blood vessels under the skin

These combined actions alleviate rosacea symptoms like facial redness, burning, and swelling over time.

Fading Dark Spots and Marks

Azelaic acid is highly effective for treating melasma and post-acne marks thanks to its ability to:

• Reduce melanin pigment that causes skin discoloration
• Exfoliate and accelerate skin cell turnover
• Inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production
• Even out overall skin tone

By directly reducing excess pigment and allowing fresh new skin to surface, azelaic acid fades hyperpigmentation and reveals brighter skin over time.

What Does the Research Say About Azelaic Acid?

Numerous scientific studies have shown azelaic acid to be highly beneficial for various skin issues.

For example, research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that using azelaic acid gel twice daily for 4 months resulted in significant improvement in inflammatory lesions and acne for over 80% of participants.

Another study compared the effects of azelaic acid cream vs hydroquinone cream over 8 weeks for melasma treatment. Azelaic acid faded pigmentation and improved skin tone in 75% of subjects, similar to results seen with prescription hydroquinone.

Rosacea symptoms have also been shown to respond well to azelaic acid. One study saw the papules and pustules subtype of rosacea clear with azelaic acid use over 12 weeks of treatment.

Dermatica Before and After Pictures

In addition to clinical studies, Dermatica before and after photos provide visible evidence of how well their customized formulas with azelaic acid work.

Images show noticeable improvements in breakouts, redness, dark spots and overall skin condition from continued use of the serum over months.

Since Dermatica contains prescription strength ingredients tailored to each patient, dramatic changes are seen in many users that other over-the-counter products simply cannot deliver.

How to Use Azelaic Acid for Best Results

When using Dermatica's azelaic acid serum or any product containing this ingredient, follow these best practices:

Start slow

Apply only a thin layer of azelaic acid serum every other day for the first 2 weeks. This allows your skin to slowly get used to it and avoids excess irritation.

Use it consistently

Like most acne and skin treatments, azelaic acid needs to be applied regularly for optimal results. Use it as directed daily without long breaks or skipped applications.

Apply at night

Azelaic acid makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight which can worsen pigmentation. Use it as part of your evening routine to avoid this reaction.

Use moisturizer too

To avoid dryness or peeling, always follow azelaic acid with a regular use of a good moisturizer. Gentler moisturizing formulas are best for sensitive skin.

Use only at concentration prescribed

While azelaic acid is beneficial at 15 to 20% concentrations, more is not better with this ingredient. Stick to the percentage prescribed by your provider to prevent irritation issues.

Watch for reactions

Discontinue use if you experience severe drying, burning, peeling or redness and notify your provider. Mild tingling when first applying azelaic acid is normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What concentration of azelaic acid is most effective?

Studies show that azelaic acid is optimal at 15 to 20% concentration for the treatment of rosacea, melasma and acne. Most over-the-counter formulas contain much less while Dermatica contains prescription-level 20% azelaic acid tailored specifically for your skin concerns.

Does azelaic acid serum make skin purge?

Some people experience a "purging process" when they first start using azelaic acid, especially to treat acne. This purge brings clogged pores and bacteria to the skin's surface initially, causing temporary increased breakouts before skin condition starts improving. It normally lasts just 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I layer other products with azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid should always be applied to bare, cleansed skin so that it can be fully absorbed and work effectively. Allow it to dry completely before applying other leave-on products like serums or moisturizers on top, which helps prevent possible irritation.

Does azelaic acid serum have a smell?

Pure azelaic acid does not have an odor. However, it can have a slightly unpleasant smell in some formulated skin care products due to other ingredients or preservatives. This does not affect how well it works though.

Can I use azelaic acid while pregnant?

Always check with your doctor before using while pregnant as products containing azelaic acid often have other ingredients like retinoids that may not be recommended. Occasional use of an OTC 10% azelaic acid formula could be safe but prescription concentrations likely should be avoided.

The Takeaway

With proven ability to treat acne breakouts, rosacea flushing and discoloration in various skin types, azelaic acid serum like Dermatica can transform your skin.

Just be sure to introduce it slowly, use it consistently and combine with moisturizer to experience the best possible results that reveal clear, calm and radiantly healthy skin over time.

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.