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Struggle with acne, redness, or discoloration? Azelaic acid could help manage all three issues.

Skin Care Advantage: Dermatologists Expound on Azelaic Acid's Role against Acne, Rosacea, and Melasma. Discover Top Brands such as The Ordinary and Paula's Choice.

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Explores the advantages of azelaic acid for skin health, focusing on its impact on acne, rosacea,...
Explores the advantages of azelaic acid for skin health, focusing on its impact on acne, rosacea, and melasma. Dermatologists expound on its uses and recommended brands such as The Ordinary and Paula's Choice.

Struggle with acne, redness, or discoloration? Azelaic acid could help manage all three issues.

Struggling with acne? You probably already know about the mighty duo of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. But for sensitive skin, those acne-fighting giants can feel a bit too harsh. Enter the unsung hero of skincare: azelaic acid.

This under-the-radar ingredient is a tyrosinase inhibitor and works wonders on acne-prone and sensitive skin, says Dr. Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical. It unclogs pores, reduces inflammation, and treats acne, making it a gentler alternative to other acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and adapalene. Plus, it's one of the only pregnancy-safe acne treatments out there.

Azelaic acid is also an antibacterial and antioxidant powerhouse, making it a star ingredient for those with acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation concerns. So, no more struggling with red, inflamed, or dark spots.

Wondering how to incorporate azelaic acid into your skincare routine? We spoke to eight dermatologists about how it works and which products to look for.

Best Azelaic Acid Products of the Year

Best Overall:

  • The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream

Best for Dark Spots:

  • Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Best for Scars:

  • Topicals Faded Brightening and Clearing Serum

Best with Vitamin C:

  • Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%

Best for Irritated Skin:

  • Peach Slices Redness Relief Azelaic Acid Serum

Best for Redness:

  • The Inkey List Azelaic Acid Serum

Best Brightening:

  • Cocokind Vitamin C Glow Serum

Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

  • Tula Clear Up Pore Clearing Gel

Best Face Mask:

  • Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask

Best for Melasma:

  • Sesderma Azelac Ru Facial Serum

Best Cleanser:

  • Urban Skin Rx 3-in-1 Even Tone Cleansing Bar

What Exactly is Azelaic Acid and How Does it Work?

Azelaic acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor, which helps even out your skin tone and prevent and treat hyperpigmentation due to conditions like melasma. It also lightens acne scars, dark spots (most often seen on darker skin tones) and red scars (most commonly seen on fair skin tones).

How to Choose the Best Azelaic Acid Products

Concentration:

While prescription-strength products with higher concentrations are typically best, over-the-counter products with a 10% strength or lower can still be effective.

Formulation:

The formulation you choose depends on your personal preference and how it fits into your skincare routine. Azelaic acid can be found in creams, serums, cleansers, face masks, and gels.d

Additional Ingredients:

Pair azelaic acid with skin-brightening ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C, and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid for best results. Avoid combining azelaic acid with harsher acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and salicylic acid, as it can compound irritation.

FAQs

Azelaic acid is safe for sensitive skin, those in their early teens, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with acne or rosacea. However, those with very sensitive skin may still experience stinging, burning, or worsening of hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid won't do much for severe cystic acne. It works better on mild to moderate acne and is best used in conjunction with other treatments.

Use azelaic acid one to two times a day, but start by using it once a day at night, and gradually increase usage if needed. Always use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, and don't forget the sunscreen every morning!

Most ingredients are fine to use in combination with azelaic acid, but avoid layering harsh acids like AHAs and salicylic acid, as it can increase the risk of dryness and irritation.

Azelaic acid is safe to use for extended periods, but it's not as fast-acting as stronger acne-fighting ingredients. You may need to wait six months to a year to see significant results.

Meet our Experts:

  • Dr. Rachel Westbay, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical
  • Dr. Lindsey Bordone, board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center
  • Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital
  • Dr. Hadley King, board-certified dermatologist in New York City
  • Dr. Erum Ilyas, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology
  • Dr. Ronda Farah, board-certified dermatologist at the University of Minnesota Medical School and M Health Fairview
  • Dr. Aaron Secrest, board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Utah

References:

  1. Azelaic Acid in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
  2. Azelaic Acid: A Review of Its Therapeutic Efficacy
  3. Azelaic acid: an old drug with new potential
  4. Azelaic acid: use and adverse effects

More Skincare Essentials:

  • The Best Drugstore Moisturizers Tested and Ranked by Dermatologists
  • The Best Scar Creams and Treatments, According to Dermatologists
  • The 100 Best Moisturizers Tested and Ranked, According to NBC Select Editors
  • 19 Best Treatments for Dark Under-Eye Circles, According to Dermatologists

Azelaic acid isn't just a powerful ingredient for acne-prone and sensitive skin; it's also beneficial for pregnancy-safe skincare regimens, sexual health discussions, mental-health self-care routines, and mens-health wellness. Research shows that it supports skin-care needs, especially for health-and-wellness enthusiasts striving to maintain healthy, glowing skin.

In parenting circles, it's essential to know that azelaic acid is safe for sensitive skin, adolescent skincare routines, and even breastfeeding women. Some dermatologists recommend it for rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and melasma, making it a crucial skincare ally for women's health.

For those who pay close attention to their nutrition and its impact on overall health, azelaic acid can complement healthy eating habits and fitness-and-exercise routines, promoting both inner and outer wellness. Medicare plans generally cover therapies backed by science and proven efficacy, and azelaic acid is no exception, offering powerful benefits at a reasonable cost.

In the grand scheme of health and wellness, azelaic acid is an unsung hero, demonstrating its versatility across several areas. From skincare to sexual health, mental health, mens-health, womens-health, and parenting, azelaic acid is an essential ingredient to explore for a healthy glow that lasts.

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