Azelaic acid for Skin- Benefits & Secrets to Acne-free Skin
If you wish to treat your acne, make azelaic acid your best friend. This ingredient is a hidden gem that not many people are familiar with. Azelaic acid is basically a naturally occurring acid that is usually found in grains such as barley, wheat and rye.
What is Azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid works as an exfoliator and is synthesised by yeast naturally. It also has some antioxidant properties that help reduce skin inflammation. Azelaic acid can be found in topical treatments such as gel, foam and cream which can be used directly on your body. For instance, the cream formula of azelaic acid is best suited because of its texture and easy application.
Benefits of Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is a multitasker and can treat multiple concerns related to your skin such as breakouts and inflammation. It is a great exfoliator as it deeply cleanses the pores and helps get rid of dead skin cells that cause dull skin and clogged pores. Fighting acne has always been the priority of azelaic acid.
Moreover, it prevents future acne breakouts by promoting cell turnover and removing excess oil on skin. The antibacterial properties of the azelaic acid helps get rid of stubborn zits and acne marks. Not only does it soothes irritation on the skin but also helps to improve red bumps caused by inflammation. Having said that, inflammation can lead to hyperpigmentation as well. No worries! Azelaic acid evens out your skin texture and helps treat pigmentation.
With treating inflammation and pore-clogging, it also helps treat secondary infections that are caused by rosacea.
How to use Azelaic acid
Whether you are using an Over-The-Counter formula or a prescription, there is a certain procedure or way that you must follow. It is suggested that you should apply a thin layer of the product to clean, dry skin at least twice a day, morning and night.
If you are using azelaic acid cream on your face and neck, use a pea-size amount and spread it evenly all over the area.
Here’s a trick for you to make azelaic acid work even better and to make it absorb into the skin well. Follow these steps for the same:
Step1: Apply your AHA (lactic acid or glycolic acid)first to open up the skin so that azelaic acid gets absorbed into the skin well.
Step2: Top it up with BHA (salicylic acid) or retinol (It is indeed safe to use both AHA and BHA together as they target different issues on your skin)
Step3: Follow it up with a hydrating moisturiser.
Step4: Do not forget to wear sunscreen if your skin will be exposed to sun.
Side effects of Azelaic acid
With any OTC treatment, you may experience certain side effects as well. Azelaic acid may give you a burning or tingling sensation on your skin and can cause dryness and redness. You can thus mix azelaic acid with your moisturiser to prevent any skin dryness.
Because applying azelaic acid can thin your skin and can make it prone to sun damage, it is very important to apply sunscreen to avoid any such damage.
The Takeaway
Azelaic acid is a type of exfoliant that fights acne, lightens dark spots and removes dead skin cells. Anyone with acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation can use azelaic acid on their skin to treat the same. It is safe to use the product twice a day or once a day if you have sensitive skin. It works well with AHA, BHA and retinol and thus is safe to use in conjunction with most of the ingredients.