Azelaic Acid and Acne

Azelaic acid comes from the family of chemicals known as dicarboxylic acids. Azelaic acid is mainly used as an alternative for retinoid benzoyl peroxide and other antibiotic formulations. Azelaic acid is mainly prescribed in the cases when they are not tolerated or ineffective.

Azelaic acid is used to get rid of lumpy protuberances, redness and lesions, which mainly is caused due to large pimples on the face, bumps, flushing, and redness. Azelaic acid is quite effective against mild to moderate acne.

How Azelaic Acid Works On Acne?

Azelaic acid limits the growth of acne causing bacteria P. acnes which infects the pores and gives birth to different kind of acne. It keeps the skin pores clean and limits the production of keratin, which is a fibrous protein on skin that promotes the development of acne bacteria, thus stops the future acne.

Azelaic acid prevents you from acne by discouraging acne-causing bacteria from building resistance to antibiotics. The best thing about Azelaic acid is that it does not dry the skin by reducing the oil production on skin and hence does not cause sensitivity to sun. Azelaic acid is also cool, as it does not leave a stain on clothing material and skin.

If you are looking for a natural treatment for your acne then Azelaic acid is just the perfect choice for you. Azelaic acid is completely driven from grain products such as barley, rye and wheat are all-natural chemicals. Hence it makes Azelaic Acid comparatively safe as well.

• Azelaic Acid is an antibacterial that inhibits development of bacteria in pores and follicle.
• Azelaic Acid reduces the development of comedones or blackheads and whiteheads and normalizes abnormal development of skin cells around the follicle.
• Azelaic Acid minimizes inflammation and swelling in the skin by scavenging toxins and free radicals.

Using Azelaic Acid for Acne Treatment

Azelaic Acid is mainly sold as gel or can and constitute about twenty percent of creams marketed under the brands Finevin or Azelex. But these are only available after doctor’s prescription.

You should apply Azelaic Acid twice a day regularly. It’s better to apply a thin layer on the clean and dry skin on the areas that’s acne-prone.

Following the above steps on doctor’s prescription is paramount for the success of treatment and if you need any further explanation then feel free to call your doctor. Try not to deviate from the prescribed dosage and manufacturer’s instruction to make sure that the treatment goes well for you. Irregularity or negligence in the dosage can affect your treatment and hence stick to the regular ones.

Side Effects of Azelaic Acid on Acne

The main drawback is that Azelaic Acid slows down the pigmentation of the areas that comes in its contact. So if you have a dark skin and are taking acne treatment using the products containing Azelaic Acid, you might end up getting an uneven skin tone once your treatment  for acne is over.

Just as other ingredients Azelaic Acid can also cause exfoliation, and you might experience scaly and reddish skin. This is brought out by accelerated shedding of skin and is vital for restoration of acne-ridden skin.

As per the Food and Drug Administration, azelaic acid is considered as a pregnancy category B drug. Which means that Azelaic Acid causes teratogenic effects on animals on which the studies have been done. Though there is no such studies done on humans, so it’s hard to predict its effect on pregnant and lactating women