Low concentrations of azelaic acid can be found in some over-the-counter skin care products. It is an important medicinal ingredient used to treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris as well as rosacea. It comes in gel, lotion, and cream form. What is this acid and what is it used for in detail? ? Does it have any damages? Continue the article.

What is azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is a natural acid found in grains, such as barley, wheat and rye, and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating skin conditions.

Azelaic acid is applied to the skin azelaic acid products In the following forms:

• burn
• foam.
• generous.

How does azelaic acid work?

Azelaic is a relatively obscure acid when compared to some of the more popular skin care acids like glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and even hyaluronic acid.

As azelaic acid works a little differently than other skincare acids, it works to:

• Keeping pores clean, by breaking up existing blockages and preventing new blockages from forming, which ultimately leads to fewer pimples.
• Dissolving old scaly skin cells.
• Killing the bacteria responsible for the appearance of inflamed acne pimples, thus reducing redness and inflammation.
• Improving concomitant and inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Benefits of azelaic acid for the skin

Azelaic acid has many benefits for the skin, which include:

• Treating acne and its scars, it can also prevent future outbreaks, and clean the pores of the bacteria that cause acne.
• Azelaic acid is used to lighten the skin, even out skin tone and brighten it. It inhibits what is known as melanin synthesis, which is the ability of the skin to produce pigments that can change the color of your skin.
• Help improve minor blackheads, purify pores.
• Treating hyperpigmentation caused by acne and melasma, it prevents discolored skin cells from multiplying.
• Rosacea treatment. It helps reduce inflammation, making it an effective treatment for symptoms of rosacea, such as the continued improvement in the appearance of swelling and visible blood vessels caused by rosacea.
• Azelaic acid can also be used for hair, as it may help prevent hair loss, as well as promote hair growth as well.

How to use azelaic acid

This acid can be used in several forms, and the basic instructions for use are the same for all forms, and include:

• Wash the affected area well with warm water, then leave it to dry. To ensure the cleanliness of the area, a cleanser or soap can be used.
• Wash hands thoroughly before applying the medication.
• Put a small amount of the medicine on the affected area, then rub it in and let it dry completely.
• Once the medication dries, it is best to apply a sunscreen lotion and moisturizer, and there is no need to cover or dress the skin.

The appropriate or recommended dose of the drug is to apply it twice daily, but this may vary according to your doctor’s instructions.

Azelaic acid side effects

Azelaic acid can cause side effects, including:

• Burning or tingling on the skin.
• blistering or peeling of the skin at the application site.
• Skin dryness or redness.
• pain in the joints.
• Having a fever.
• breathing difficulties.
• Irritation and swelling of the skin.

The difference between azelaic acid and salicylic acid

Because azelaic acid takes time to take effect, it is usually not a dermatologist’s first choice for acne, as it must be used consistently and given time to take effect.

On the other hand, salicylic acid is strong enough to use on its own in a chemical peel, but because of its strength, it may be more likely to irritate the skin.

Therefore, a doctor may use both azelaic acid and salicylic acid together. To get the most out of the two medicines together.