Photo Credit: Paulas Choice
What Is Azelaic Acid & What Are The Benefits?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in grains such as barley, rye, and wheat. However, skincare products often include a lab-engineered form of azelaic acid, as this is more effective.
Azelaic acid is beneficial to use with acne-prone skin as it works to clear out the pores of any bacteria. As well as this, it also significantly reduces inflammation, meaning acne will become less irritated and red. Azelaic acid will diminish scarring and heal skin much quicker by encouraging cell turnover. Not only this, but azelaic acid is an ideal ingredient to use as a treatment for rosacea as it can reduce inflammation. Continually using azelaic acid will improve swelling and the appearance of blood vessels caused by rosacea. As well as helping both rosacea and acne, azelaic acid can also even out skin tone and improve textured, bumpy skin.
How To Use Azelaic Acid
As azelaic acid is a gentle acid compared to others, it pairs well with other skincare ingredients such as AHA’s and BHA’s. Using azelaic acid as a spot treatment is more beneficial for the skin. Night application is best when using azelaic acid as the acid needs to sit for 15 minutes to absorb properly into the skin. If this does not happen, the acid will smear and potentially create marks of lightened patches on the face. For rosacea of acne-prone skin, use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser with azelaic acid. For those looking for added moisture, azelaic acid pairs well with hyaluronic acid. When starting out using this acid, it is better to ease into it by applying azelaic acid every other night.
The Best Azelaic Acid Products
The Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster is a multi-tasking product. It works to reduce breakouts and fade redness from previous blemishes. Not only is it great for those with acne-prone skin, but it’s also a great skincare product for reversing sun damage by fading dark spots created by the sun. Clarifying and brightening this booster will transform the skin to reveal a radiant and smoother appearing complexion. The Azelaic Acid Booster is also formulated with salicylic acid and plant extracts to make it a powerful product. With its oil-free and lightweight texture, it’s ideal for all skin types. Add this to your favourite moisturiser or use it alone.
The lightweight Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% from The Ordinary is perfect for every skin type. It significantly improves skin texture and brightens up the complexion. As well as this, it also minimises the appearance of blemishes without irritating the skin. This formula protects the skin from free radical damage with its antioxidant properties. The Azelaic Acid Suspension is a high 10% concentration. It has proven to help not just acne but rosacea too. Apply this morning and night to see the visible benefits of this product.
The plant-based Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum A15 from Facetheory is formulated with 15% azelaic acid and will improve acne-prone skin. There are four active ingredients within this formulation. They include azelaic acid, oatmeal, green tea extract and rosehip fruit extract. With the azelaic acid helping reduce moderate acne, the oatmeal has anti-irritant properties, soothing the skin. Some azelaic acid products can have a grainy consistency due to their origins. However, the acid within this product has fully dissolved into the formula so, it has a smooth texture. The Azeclear Azelaic Acid Serum increases sun sensitivity. Therefore, if it’s applied to the skin in the morning, it’s vital to wear sunscreen over the top.
Words By Eleanor Coleman
