by Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. It is a colorless, odorless solid that is soluble in water and alcohol. In skin care products, dicarboxylic acid is used as an active ingredient in creams, gels, and serums to treat various skin conditions like rosacea, acne and hyperpigmentation.
How Does Azelaic Acid Work?
Antimicrobial Properties
Azelaic Acid has strong antimicrobial properties which help kill the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) that live on the skin. By reducing bacteria levels, dicarboxylic acid helps treat inflammatory lesions associated with acne. It also prevents new breakouts from developing.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Application of azelaic acid reduces inflammation and redness of the skin. It works by inhibiting the substances produced by P. acnes bacteria that trigger inflammation. This anti-inflammatory action makes it effective not only for acne but also for rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Skin Lightening Properties
Azelaic acid helps reduce excessive pigmentation of the skin caused by hyperpigmentation disorders like melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, etc. It works by blocking the production of melanin in melanocytes – the skin cells that produce pigment. Over time, it helps clear dark spots and lighten skin tone.
Benefits for Acne
Being antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening, dicarboxylic acid offers multiple benefits for all acne types – be it non-inflammatory lesions like whiteheads or inflammatory lesions like papules and pustules. It unclogs pores, reduces oil production, speeds healing and helps prevent new breakouts. Studies show 15-20% concentration of dicarboxylic acid is most effective for acne treatment.
Effectiveness for Rosacea
This acid is a popular prescription treatment for rosacea due to its anti-inflammatory action and ability to reduce redness and swelling. It helps control papulopustular rosacea characterized by inflamed bumps and pimples. Regular application of 15-20% dicarboxylic acid cream keeps rosacea symptoms at bay.
Improves Hyperpigmentation
By inhibiting melanin synthesis, dicarboxylic acid fades dark spots caused by acne, melasma, or post-inflammatory pigmentation. It works to both prevent and treat pigmentation issues. Application of a 10-20% cream can lighten darker patches on the skin in 4-6 weeks. This acid is gentler than other hydroquinone-based lightening agents.
How to Use Azelaic Acid
This acid comes in creams, gels and serums with concentrations ranging from 5-20%. Products with lower percentages are suitable for sensitive skin while stronger formulations are used for acne or rosacea. Here are the steps to use dicarboxylic acid:
– Cleanse and pat dry the face before application. Azelaic acid works best on clean, dry skin.
– Apply a small amount of dicarboxylic Azelaic Acid cream or gel on the affected areas like acne sites, rosacea patches or areas of pigmentation.
– Gently massage into the skin until it gets absorbed fully. Avoid eye area.
– Use dicarboxylic acid 1-2 times daily, preferably in the morning and night.
– It may cause slight stinging on application initially which will reduce over time with regular use.
– Be patient as results may take 4-8 weeks to show. Continue use for at least 2 months for best results.
– Wear SPF during the day as dicarboxylic acid makes skin photosensitive.
– Do a patch test first to check for any allergic reaction before regular use.
– Discontinue use if irritation or redness worsens and see a dermatologist for better options.
– This acid is usually well tolerated but start with lower percentage products and build up use gradually if skin is very sensitive.
Azelaic acid is a versatile active ingredient found to be effective for treating several skin conditions including acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation disorders. With regular application of dicarboxylic acid products suited to individual skin type, one can experience improved skin texture, reduced breakouts and an overall clearer and brighter complexion. Always patch test first and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
About Author - Priya Pandey
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