Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is one of the Super Ingredients in Cosmetics.

It’s one of the unsung heroes in both medical dermatology and skincare that deserves much more attention, particularly for anyone dealing with acne, rosacea, or uneven skin tone.

Аzelaic acid skin benefits

It has the following multifunctional effects on the skin:

• Antibacterial
• Аnti-inflammatory
• Exfoliating
• Brightening
• Еvening out the overall complexion

Azelaic acid, a type of dicarboxylic acid, originally extracted from some cereals, such as rye, barley and wheat, but in cosmetics it is used synthetically manufactured, for better stability and effectiveness. Now, don’t confuse it with AHAs or BHAs, as it’s technically neither, but it does share some of their benefits, and combining them in a common cosmetic formula enhances and highlights its magical qualities, with impressive results.

Here’s what makes azelaic acid a must-have ingredient in your skincare routine:

1. Antibacterial effect – azelaic acid has a proven antibacterial effect on various bacteria, but most importantly, it destroys the main cause of acne – Propionibacterium acnes, which makes it extremely suitable for skin prone to acne, inflammation and single pimples.

2. Supports and normalizes the process of keratinization of cells in the skin (also known as the shedding process). Azelaic acid has an exfoliating effect, removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, thus protecting pores from clogging and the formation of comedones. This, in turn, reduces the risk of developing blackheads and spots before they even start and stimulates the production of new skin cells.

3. Anti-inflammatory effect – thanks to its soothing qualities, azelaic acid is especially suitable for skin with rosacea and acne. It can tone down redness and improve the skin’s overall texture and tone over time.

4. The last super quality of azelaic acid is its brightening and evening effect. It has been shown to be effective in whitening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, such as scarring after pimples on the skin, as well as melasma – dark spots due to hormonal changes, caused by pregnancy or menopause.

It has been proven that the brightening effect of this acid is completely comparable to the action of 4% hydroquinone, an ingredient that is the standard in the United States for skin lightening, but is banned for use in cosmetic products in the European Union, due to safety concerns.

So, what kind of results can you expect from regular use of azelaic acid?

Here’s a short list:

• removal of pimples and inflammation
• reduction of redness
• shrinkage of enlarged pores
• lightening dark spots
• Smoother, more even skin tone
• mild exfoliation of the surface layer of cells

The good news is that Azelaic acid can be used without restrictions and without side effects. It does not cause photosensitivity, but if you already have pigmentation spots or acne, sun protection is essential. At concentrations above 20%, azelaic acid is considered a medicinal product and is used under medical supervision for the treatment of acne.

In extremely rare cases, Azelaic acid can cause an allergic reaction, and in more sensitive skins and in higher concentrations, it can cause slight redness and dryness.

Azelaic acid is a brilliant key ingredient especially if you’re dealing with acne, rosacea, or pigmentation. It’s a gentle, effective, and multitasking ingredient that can be used daily and plays well with most other products in your routine.

If healthy, clear, and balanced skin is your goal, this ingredient deserves a spot in your skincare regime.