The popularity of azelaic acid is surprising! Cosmetologists have been using it for many years, and now it’s getting popular in our skin care routine as well. What effect does azelaic acid produce? What can we use it for? Is it worthwhile?
First things first: intro of today’s post hero. There are many people who haven’t heard of azelaic acid before.
Azelaic acid. What is that?
It is a chemical compound produced by yeast in our skin’s microbiota – Malassezia furfur. That is why this is an essential ingredient to skin functioning properly and being healthy. Thankfully, azelaic acid can also be found in barley, wheat and rye so it can be extracted and added to cosmetics like face creams or cleansers to enhance the skin.
What does azelaic acid do? Key properties
It is good to know the functions of azelaic acid and the point of seeking it in skin care products. The topic is very interesting because azelaic acid has a wide range of uses.
- Azelaic acid has antibacterial effects.
- It promotes epidermal renewal.
- It prevents comedones.
- It alleviates inflamed skin.
- It soothes symptoms of acne (incl. acne rosacea).
- It has antioxidant and antiaging properties.
- It brightens pigmentation spots.
- It controls oil secretion.
Who should use azelaic acid?
Everyone! This is a truly versatile ingredient that can be used on any skin type worry-free. It is essential to maintain the balance, ensure the proper pace of exfoliation, and repair the skin without irritations.
On top of that, azelaic acid products are recommended for those who have sensitive, atopic, acne-prone complexion as well as redness and dark spots. If you fight with any of these problems, azelaic acid should prove a good remedy. It allows us to restore balance to the skin, inhibit overproduction of melanin, and prevent the proliferation of acne-promoting bacteria – nothing but benefits!
Skin Care Products Rich in Azelaic Acid
1. Azelaic acid face cleansing gel
Azelaic acid gel cleansers are definitely the most popular. 1% is the maximum concentration. Such products are good to use before homemade face masks, and on problematic skin which tends to get dry and tight-feeling after cleansing with other products.
2. Azelaic acid cream
Azelaic acid therapy cream usually contains approx. 5% of the acid and is enriched with other skin-enhancing substances e.g. vitamin E. It’s good to use it before sleep to hold back acne breakouts, reduce inflammation, and minimize hyperpigmentation.
3. Azelaic acid lotion
You can complement your skin care using a slightly higher concentration of azelaic acid in a lotion. This type of product is usually thicker and enriched with peptides, plant extracts – e.g. antioxidative green tea – and hyaluronic acid which improves level of hydration in innermost layers of skin.
Is azelaic acid good for anyone?
Generally speaking, there are no contraindications to using azelaic acid and even pregnant or nursing women can use it. Good news for moms-to-be because they are often bothered by skin conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid products will effectively banish the problems.
However, in case of any doubts, you can consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist who will help you choose the products with the optimal condition of the acid and give you useful tips, e.g. need for using sunblock no matter the season of the year. Seeing an expert is worthwhile even if they only tell you to use sunscreen.
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