PRESCRIPTION TOPICALS
Azelaic Acid
This treatment combines the power of azelaic acid with other active ingredients to address hyperpigmentation, improve skin texture, and reduce acne.
HELPS ADDRESS:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin texture
- Acneic conditions
- Redness-prone skin
- UV damage
PRICE RANGE: Prescription strength formulas will vary depending upon insurance and brand or generic. OTC products vary from $10-$150.
AVERAGE DOWNTIME:
No downtime, but may need stagger usage until the skin has adjusted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AZELAIC ACID >
Azelaic Acid at a Glance
A true multi-tasking ingredient, azelaic acid benefits a wide range of conditions while also being gentle enough for use on many sensitive skin types. As a member of the dicarboxylic acid family, azelaic acid for acne works by killing the bacteria associated with acne formation. The anti-inflammatory properties of azelaic acid not only assist in resolving acne, but also many inflammation conditions such as rosacea. These therapeutic uses of azelaic acid require a formulation of 15%-20% azelaic acid concentration and are generally only available in the US by prescription. A popular prescription available in the US as 15% azelaic acid foam or gel is Finacea®.
Over the counter strengths of azelaic acid offer a range of benefits for daily skin care such as gentle exfoliation, lightening pigment, reducing inflammation, and overall improvement in texture.
What to Know About Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is gentle while also being very effective, but it takes time to work. In general, a prescription strength (15% and above) azelaic acid for acne will need 6-8 weeks before its efficacy can be evaluated. In treating pigmentation, it will take longer to see the effects of azelaic acid use. For dermocosmetic products, which contain lower concentrations of azelaic acid, it may take 4-6 months to see the full effect of azelaic acid. Azelaic acid should be applied uniformly to the skin after cleansing and allowed a few moments to absorb before following with other products. It may also be applied as the last step in a nighttime routine which will also aid in the azelaic acid being evenly distributed on the skin.
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Azelaic Acid References
Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to
assess ingredients in this glossary. Regulations regarding
usage constraints, permitted concentration levels and
availability vary by country and region.
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/skin-purging-vs-breakout#what-to-do-if-purging
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-199141050-00007
3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-199141050-00007
4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-199141050-00007