Azelaic Acid: What does it do? Benefits, Usage & More
Azelaic acid is antibacterial meaning it is designed to kill acne-causing bacteria in existing pimples. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well which makes it effective in the treatment of skin conditions like skin inflammation and redness caused by pimples as well. In fact, azelaic acid is so tough against acne bacteria that it’s an effective Over-the-counter option for treating cystic acne.
Azelaic acid is also known to be keratolytic which means it exfoliates dead skin cells and is also comedolytic meaning it prevents future whiteheads and blackheads from forming. It is also useful to lighten acne scars. Being a powerful ingredient, it is quite light on the skin and is also safe for all skin types.
Benefits of Azelaic acid
1. Fights acne causing Bacteria
Azelaic acid is the hero ingredient when it comes to the treatment of acne. It combats acne by filtering your pores and decreasing the free fatty acid content in your skin. This creates a skin environment that’s less prone to acne causing bacteria. In a research study, it has also been found that azelaic acid disrupts normal cellular function of acne causing bacteria, effectively killing it from the inside out.
2. Gets rid of hyperpigmentation
After a breakout, skin inflammation can result in hyperpigmentation on some areas of your skin. Azelaic acid stops discoloured skin cells from populating or multiplying. It can treat acne while evening out skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation at the same time. Further, it has been found out that azelaic acid is quite safe and beneficial for this use.
3. Reduce acne scars
Some people also use azelaic acid to treat acne scarring in addition to active breakouts. It encourages cell turnover which is an effective way to reduce skin scars caused by acne. Azelaic acid also prevents melanin synthesis that produces pigments leading to variants in your skin tone.
4. The anti-inflammatory property
The anti-inflammatory properties of azelaic acid means it leaves no room for redness, pain and swelling from acne or other types of skin inflammation. It also helps to calm breakouts and prevents new pimples from breaking. It is also milder than any other antibacterial agents making it prime ingredient to gently exfoliate and clean pores without irritating your skin.
How to use Azelaic acid?
Step 1: Wash the affected skin area thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
Step 2: Use a cleanser to get rid of all the dirt and impurities from your face.
Step 3: Follow it up with a toner to balance your pH level.
Step 4: Apply a thin layer of azelaic acid on your face every evening.
Step 5: Moisturise your face to give that necessary hydration on your face.
Step6: Don’t forget to lock everything in with a sunscreen to protect it from sun damage.
The Takeaway
Azelaic acid is an antiseptic to treat acne and blemishes, acne scars and redness caused by acne in some parts of your face. All skin type people can use azelaic acid as it is safe and shows no side effects. Applying azelaic acid will not only help you with blemishes but will also treat skin inflammation and dark spots. Hence, azelaic acid is quite powerful as an ingredient and treats different issues at once.