Azelaic acid is naturally derived from barley , wheat and rye. It is widely know for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it the best choice when it comes to treating acne and rosacea.
Azelaic acid clears out the bacteria from the pores present in skin that cause acne and also helps in preventing future outbreak.
Azelaic acid can be applied topically to skin in the for of cream, gel and foam. But all the forms have the same way of application in terms of the products that are used in skincare routine.
Azelaic acid is getting increasingly popular and is most often the ingredient that is looked down upon and under the radar.
When the ingredient is suggested through prescriptions from dermatologists it would be about 15-20% concentration. But the ones that are sold over the counters are usually lesser in concentration. But usually it is safer to incorporate upto a concentration os 20%.
Azelaic acid takes a lot of time to show results so patience is needed when using this ingredient. The variants that are given through prescriptions take about a month or two and those available over the counter take up to three to four months to visibly see an improvement. The difference in the vast time gap is the strength of concentration that is present in the product.
Azelaic acid acts as an anti-inflammmatory for the acne and as an anti-pigment because of is ability to block tyrosinase. Azelaic acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor since it blocks melanin production.
Who can use?
Azelaic acid is great for people who have combination and oily skin. While those with sensitive skin might experience a mild redness when applying the product.
It is a safer ingredient that can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women. But it is always advised to consult your doctor before incorporating a new ingredient into skincare routine especially if you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother.
BENEFITS:
ACNE TREATMENT:
Azelaic acid has been best known for treating acne for a longer period of time. It is an antibacterial as it fights to kill the acne causing bacteria. It is not like the other acid counterparts which fight acne , its an OTC that is quite strong to treat the condition.
It works by reducing the free fatty acid content deep down the pores in your skin. This makes the environment less adaptable to the bacteria. It also disrupts the normal cell functioning of bacteria thereby fighting from within.
GOOD EXFOLIANT
It works to increase the turnover rate of dead skin cells so that the pores are clean. So when you have clean and clearer pores it prevents future formation of acne.
LIGHTENS SCARS AND HYPERPIGMENTATION
Melanin in reduced in hyperactive areas which are the dark spots on skin when azelaic acid is applied.Since it is a tyrosinase inhibitor, it reduces melanin production. Simply put, it doesn’t let tyrosinase do its work and henace melanin production is stalled. Melasma and acne scars are lightened to a greater extent when azelaic acid is used.
ANTI INFLAMMATORY
Azelaic acid reduces pain,redness and swelling due to rosacea and acne. It calms the breaksouts and further inhibits the formation of new acne. For skin that has rosacea it helps to alleviate the redness and soothes the inflammation. Azelaic acid beeing mild than the other counterparts used for treating acne, it exfoliates and clears out the pores in a gentle way
How to use?
Can be used in forms of gel or a cream.
The sequence in usage would be,
- Cleanse
- Exfoliate
- Tone
- Azelaic acid
- Moisturizer
- SUnscreen
Use it initially as a spot treatment. Always begin with a patch test. Can be done on forehead when skin is thickest. Gradually increase areas of application to pigmentation prone area or even entire face. Massage for two minutes to get the product absorbed by skin.
Follow up with moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. The azelaic acid must be dried up before appying moisturizer else it will not absorb into skin and do its job.
Azelaic acid makes skin susceptible to sunburn and UV radiation effects. Since azelaic acid works to inhibit melanin production the skin is delicate and can be damaged easily. So always make sure to use sunscreen when using azelaic acid.
PRODUCTS IN INDIA
The Derma Co. 10% Azelaic Acid Face Serum For Uneven Skin Tone & Dark Spots
The formulation has ginger root oil along with bergamot oil along with azelaic acid. It is suited for all skin types and comes in a convenient spray bottle in a cream consistency.
Price: 449
Quantity: 30ml
That Madras Mom 