Azelaic acid: All your questions answered
Azelaic acid is a type of exfoliator that fights acne, treats rosacea, lightens dark spots and also removes dead skin cells from the face. In general, people with acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation can use Azelaic acid to treat their skin issues.
Azelaic acid is produced naturally on the skin but it can be derived from a number of things such as grains and cereals or over-the-counter products. Additionally, azelaic acid also has some inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Benefits of Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is a multifunctional acid that targets different skin issues at once. It is one acid that can help you get through different skin issues just by using it alone.
Azelaic acid is extremely gentle and exfoliates the skin without damaging it. It removes dead skin cells that cause dull skin tone and clogged pores. Adding to this, it has antibacterial properties and thus, fights acne that pops up on the face. While soothing irritation, it also helps to treat red bumps caused by inflammation.
Azelaic acid is also quite effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that are caused from acne breakouts. Additionally, it also helps with pore-clogging, inflammation and secondary infections caused by rosacea. Azelaic acid is a less irritating option and is quite safe for people with sensitive skin.
To sum up, azelaic acid helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and therefore reduces pimple and blackhead formation. It also helps to kill the acne causing bacteria further
How to Use Azelaic acid?
Whether you are using over-the-counter treatment or some other prescription, make sure to follow the following steps:
Step1: Apply a thin layer of azelaic acid to clean & dry skin twice a day, morning and night.
Step2: Use a pea-sized amount and spread it evenly on the face.
Step3: Team azelaic acid with glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid to get better results.
Step4: Follow it with a moisturiser
Step5: For daytime, lock everything in with a sunscreen as azelaic acid can make your skin prone to sun damage. Hence, sunscreen is a key to protect the skin from the same.
Side effects of Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid can cause side effects including burning or tingling sensation, skin peel at the site of application, skin dryness and redness. However, it is quite safe on each and every skin time. Being a powerful ingredient, it can be teamed up with niacinamide and azelaic acids for better results.
The Takeaway
Azelaic acid is a naturally occuring acid that is quite mild on the face and thus can be combined with other appropriate acids to get better results. It is most popular for treating acne and hyperpigmentation caused by them. Azelaic acid works more gently than alpha hydroxy and can be used by sensitive skin people as well. Having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is quite effective in the treatment of skin conditions like acne as well.