Not heard of azelaic acid? Turns out, you’re not alone unless you’ve done some Google sleuthing.
Normally salicylic and glycolic acids are the hero ingredients for exterminating whiteheads, blackheads and whatever other heads may appear.
But that’s also where azelaic acid swoops in. For the unfamiliar, it pretty much does all of the above and more. In fact, it’s dermatologist approved for treating breakouts as well as rosacea/pigmentation/sensitivity.
Here’s what you need to know about using it…
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid. It’s produced naturally by yeast that lives on healthy skin.
For the purposes of skincare, it’s made from grains such as barley and wheat.
A slosh on the skin has the same effect as a mild, leave-on exfoliant. It helps to unclog pores, making it the best acne treatment, and leaves the skin’s surface impossibly smooth.
‘Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory effects,’ says dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. ‘This is especially useful for taking down redness in rosacea and spot-prone skin. In addition, it reduces ‘follicular hyperkeratinisation’ – the abnormal shedding of skin cells, which is a key issue for acne sufferers.’
‘However, one of the main uses of azelaic acid is to block the enzyme tyrosinase, which causes excess melanin and uneven brown patches on the skin,’ continues Mahto. ‘As a result, it can also fade some of the marks left behind after acne.’
The Benefits in Skincare
Azelaic acid can be prescribed in two concentrations: 15 percent (Finacea) and 20 percent (Skinoren). There are also over-the-counter creams and gels at 10 percent or less.
On the upside, even in lower concentrations, it delivers where skin freak-outs are concerned.
One study published in the Journal of Medical Sciences, revealed that all 40 participants who used a 10 percent gel saw their mild to moderate acne improve after just eight weeks.
We recommend the following for soothing a variety of skin issues and helping spots to wither away.
Read the full story on www.marieclaire.co.uk
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