Azelaic acid is one of the hidden gems of skincare – still largely undiscovered by the general public, but highly praised by its fans. But what exactly is this acid? And most importantly, what are its effects and benefits for the skin? I'll take a closer look at azelaic acid for you, so you'll find the most important information summarized here!
Why Azelaic Acid Is Becoming Increasingly Popular
Azelaic acid is gaining increasing popularity because the active ingredient helps with a variety of skin problems and is considered very well-tolerated. Azelaic acid can help with skin prone to blemishes, blackheads, and acne, as well as with redness like rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
In addition, azelaic acid does not increase the skin's photosensitivity and can be easily integrated into a skincare routine and combined with many other active ingredients without problems.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that naturally occurs in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. It is therefore neither a BHA nor an AHA and is significantly more tolerable – even for sensitive skin.
Overview of Azelaic Acid's Effects
The effects of azelaic acid are very versatile – the acid offers a handful of useful benefits for the skin. Here's a brief overview of its effects:
- has antibacterial properties
- normalizes the keratinization process
- reduces redness and irritation
- inhibits melanin production
- evens out skin tone and lightens hyperpigmentation
- minimizes blemishes and refines the complexion
- improves skin texture
- has anti-inflammatory properties
What Effect Does Azelaic Acid Have on The Skin?
Azelaic acid has an anti-keratinizing effect, meaning it influences the formation of horny skin, and also an antibacterial effect. It thus prevents pores from becoming clogged by dead skin cells and actively combats bacteria that can otherwise promote the development of acne.
At the same time, the acid inhibits inflammation and alleviates redness, which especially benefits skin prone to acne and rosacea, and inhibits melanin production, thus counteracting the formation of hyperpigmentation. This results in a more balanced and even skin tone. In addition, azelaic acid regulates sebum production, thus counteracting excessive oiliness.
Product Recommendations with Azelaic Acid
NERDS. – 10% Azelaic Acid Cream Serum
13,90 €
with the code
-100%
Latest lowest price: 13,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Skintegra – ROS/AC 10
25,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 25,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Transparent Lab – A5 Balancing Toner
20,90 €
with the code
-100%
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Skintegra – Infrared
24,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 24,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Q + A Skin – Azelaic Acid Facial Serum
7,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 7,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Which Skin Type Is Azelaic Acid Suitable for?
Azelaic acid is particularly recommended if you have blemish-prone or acne-prone skin, but also if you are currently struggling with rosacea, redness, or an uneven complexion. Combination and oily skin also benefit from azelaic acid, and even sensitive skin tolerates the active ingredient very well.
How To Use Azelaic Acid Correctly?
Azelaic acid is available in cosmetic formulations with a concentration of up to 10 percent. In medical, prescription-only products, the concentration can be up to 15 to 20 percent. In any case, you should base your application on your specific product and follow the instructions provided.
As a rule, you can use azelaic acid up to twice daily, i.e., morning and evening. Apply a small amount thinly to your cleansed face and then follow with your usual moisturizer or sunscreen in the morning. Approximately 0.5 grams is usually enough for the entire face. If you are just starting with azelaic acid, you should gradually introduce it, for example, by using the product only two to three times a week initially and then slowly increasing the frequency of application.
Which Active Ingredients Can Be Combined with Azelaic Acid?
- Hyaluronic acid is a particularly mild skincare ingredient that primarily provides moisture and should be included in every skincare routine (also in combination with azelaic acid).
- Niacinamide also regulates sebum and brightens the skin, which supports the effect of azelaic acid. They work great in a skincare routine.
- Panthenol has soothing properties, reduces redness, and thus supports the effect of azelaic acid on irritated skin or rosacea.
Which Active Ingredients Should Not Be Combined with Azelaic Acid?
- Retinoids such as retinol and retinal also have very positive properties in terms of acne and blemishes, but should not be combined with azelaic acid. This would overwhelm your skin, damage the skin barrier, and lead to more skin irritation.
- Acids such as AHAs (glycolic acid or mandelic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid) have a strong peeling effect on the skin – they, too, in combination with azelaic acid, would damage the skin barrier and lead to redness.
When Can You Expect First Results?
You can expect first results after four to eight weeks. So you need to be a little patient and consistently apply it. But it's worth it!
Possible Side Effects of Azelaic Acid
When you first start using azelaic acid, you may experience a tingling or stinging sensation when applying the product. Furthermore, redness, swelling, itching, and flaking may also occur.
Common Mistakes when Using
- Applying too much product: It doesn't take much product for azelaic acid to work. A pea-sized amount is often enough to thinly cover the entire face.
- Observe skin reactions: Pay attention to how your skin reacts to azelaic acid. A slight tingling sensation is usually normal, but if redness, irritation, or similar occurs, you should stop using it.
- Test application slowly: Especially if you have sensitive skin, you shouldn't use azelaic acid every day right away, but gradually increase the frequency. Use it two to three times a week initially and make sure not to test any other new active ingredients during this time so as not to overwhelm your skin.
- Expecting results too quickly: Skincare takes time. Your skin needs time to get used to new active ingredients and for the effects to become visible.
I hope this blog post about the effects of azelaic acid has been helpful and enjoyable for you. Please let me know if you'd like to learn more or have any questions!
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