Azelaic acid, an acid used for the skin which is used to treat various skin issues. You might be marvelling, what is azelaic acid used for and what are the benefits of Azelaic acid? Well, Azelaic acid, this word might sound scary, but this type of acid is actually very beneficial for the skin.
Read on to find out Azelaic acid uses. Azelex and Finacea are two brand names used for Azelaic acid medication. They contain 15 per cent or more of azelaic acid. Other same treatment products contain smaller amounts.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid which is found in food grains like rye, barley, wheat and other animal products. Azelaic acid acquires antibacterial, keratolytic, comedolytic, and an anti-oxidant activity which makes it a fabulous product for skincare. It is used for the treatment of a lot of skincare issues.
Azelaic acid has some anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which make it an effective treatment for skin problems like rosacea and acne. It also helps in preventing any future occurrence of breakouts and cleans up your pores. Azelaic acid is a multi-functional support component for all skin types and it also acts as an effective antioxidant to achieve healthy skin.
What are the uses of Azelaic Acid?
Various uses of Azelaic acid are:
Reduces Inflammation
Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties which help the skin to avoid any inflammation occurring on the skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory features, acne is removed from the skin or becomes less visible. It also reduces redness and scars which irritates the skin.
Clears the pores
Azelaic acid opens and clears the pores which are the main cause of acne and other skin problems. Azelaic acid cleans the bacteria-filled pores. Because of its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is great for cleaning up your pores.
Cell renewal
The healing property is one of the common uses of Azelaic acid. Application of Azelaic acid helps in the regeneration of skin cells. The regeneration of skin cells helps in minimising the scar appearance.
How to use Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a topical medication so it is required to be used carefully. It is used only for the skin. Azelaic acid is available in gel, foam or cream form. You can choose according to your preference. Do not use any other acids like astringents when you are using Azelaic acid. Follow these steps to know how to use Azelaic acid:
- Clean the area where you want to apply the Azelaic acid and let it dry.
- Wash your hands before you apply it on your skin.
- Apply a thin layer of Azelaic acid on the area and let it dry.
Use this medication twice a day or as directed by your physician. Avoid getting this medication inside your eyes or mouth. If it goes into your eye, wash it with water and if the irritation continues, go to a doctor. Azelaic acid can be drying or cause peeling of the skin where it’s applied. To prevent dryness, use a moisturiser and a sunscreen. If you have severe skin issues, do not apply this medication without any advice from the doctor.
Benefits of using Azelaic Acid
Different benefits of using Azelaic Acid are:
Reduces Acne
Azelaic acid is used for acne which is the most common and bothersome problem, isn’t it? Well, the good news is Azelaic acid is best used for acne. It reduces the occurrence of acne and treats acne scarring. It also prevents further acne to form in future.
Azelaic acid has some healing properties which let the skin to fight acne and reduce the inflammation and redness. If you are suffering from acne for a while, trying Azelaic acid might help you.
Treats Rosacea
Rosacea, which is a chronic skin disease which causes small, red and puss-filled bumps on the skin. Azelaic acid is known to treat the symptoms of rosacea. Using Azelaic gel continuously can help treat this problem. Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties which help in preventing the occurrence of these bumps and also ameliorates the redness.
Azelaic AcidTreats Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs for many reasons and if you are suffering from hyperpigmentation, your doctor might suggest you the best, Azelaic acid. Azelaic acid prevents the discoloured skin cells to populate. The inflammation of the skin causes hyperpigmentation on the skin.
Using Azelaic acid can also help in treating discoloured skin cells. It is safe and beneficial for this use. Using Azelaic acid for skin lightening in patchy areas of your skin due to melanin can also be treated with Azelaic acid.
Is Azelaic Acid safe to use?
Azelaic acid is found to be safe and beneficial to use. Like other medications for acne and hyperpigmentation like benzoyl peroxide and retinol, Azelaic acid can also be used to treat acne scars and other skin discolouration problems. Also, Azelaic acid works gently on the skin and it is less likely to irritate your skin, not like other acne treatment products, those are too strong and can sometimes cause severe skin problems to the skin.
However, Azelaic acid will only work depending on your symptoms and skin type. It works slowly but effectively.
However, Azelaic acid may cause some side effects like:
- Burning and itching (they are common for sometime when you first start using Azelaic acid, it should stop once you adjust with the medication)
- Cold sores
- Hives
- Fever blisters
- Unwanted hair growth
- Allergic reactions
If you experience these side effects, stop using it and call your doctor for the best advice.
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid which is extracted from cereal grains like barley, rye and wheat so it’s milder than other acne treatment products. Acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions have all been shown to be effectively treated with Azelaic acid.
Using Azelaic acid twice a day can ameliorate your acne scars. Using Azelaic acid for acne is considered the best. So, if you are suffering from acne for a long time, Azelaic acid might be an option. If used as a medication, use it as suggested by your doctor or dermatologist.
Also Read: Benzoyl Peroxide And Salicylic Acid
