Azelaic Acid

Overview

Azelaic acid is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is used to treat rosacea, skin pigmentation and blackheads.

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally in yeast. It inhibits DNA synthesis and tyrosinase activity, making it effective at treating pigmentation condition in skin, such as melasma, rosacea, and solar keratosis. This is because tyrosinase is an enzyme in the body that speeds up the production of melanin (aka the stuff that makes our skin pigmented).

It’s also great for acne and rosacea prone skin because it’s antibacterial, skin-cell regulating, anti-inflammatory.

Note that you need to use at least a 10% concentration of Azelaic acid to see any benefits. It is also a prescription drug in the US, but can be freely bought in the EU.

Best for/Benefits

Azelaic acid is an ideal ingredient for those with rosacea or any form of unwanted pigmentation in the skin. This is because of its ability to prevent enzymes that speed up the production of melanin (the stuff responsible for pigmentation in our skin).

It can also be used to treat blackheads because it is antibacterial. In a strong enough concentration (20%) it can also be used as a potent anti-acne treatment thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties with effects on par with 5% benzoyl peroxide.

Best for:

• Rosacea and hyperpigmentation
• Blackheads
• Acne (to some extent)

How to use it & What to use it for

• Must be used in concentrations of 10% and up for best results
• Can be used in the morning or evening after cleansing and before moisturising.
• Wear sun protection after application in the day.

Found in:

• Balms/serums
• Suspensions
• Moisturisers

Popular products with Azelaic Acid

• Finacea Azelaic Acid 15% Gel
• The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%