Exfoliating acids, such as AHAs and BHAs, are skin care superheroes when it comes to sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal smoother, softer skin. One lesser-known acid that can have big benefits for skin—azelaic acid—is neither an AHA or a BHA. Ready to learn more about what this gentle acid can do for your skin? Read along as we answer some basic questions about azelaic acid products, including:
Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid found naturally in plants like barley, rye and wheat. When used in skin care, azelaic acid products are typically made in a lab instead of derived from these types of grains.
If you suffer from acne or rosacea, products with azelaic acid may be able to help. Azelaic acid as a skin care ingredient features anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial abilities to encourage the turnover of skin cells to target breakouts and help curb the formation of blackheads and pimples. It’s also bactericidal, which means it kills bacteria—specifically acne-causing P. acnes as well as H. pylori, which is associated with rosacea.
“Azelaic acid has been a solid go-to for my dermatology practice,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO, Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are still valuable ingredients for acne, but they can easily be supplemented by the gentle power of azelaic acid for a better overall result.”
Because azelaic acid interferes with melanin production, it can also help fade sun spots, acne scars and melasma.
You can find azelaic acid in a variety of over-the-counter products—serums, gels, peels and more—with a concentration of up to 10%.
A dermatologist can also prescribe azelaic acid products as prescription-strength topical skin treatments such as Finacea, a foam treatment featuring 15% azelaic acid, or Azelex, a cream with 20% concentration.
Do you need help finding the best azelaic acid products for rosacea or maybe the best azelaic acid products for hyperpigmentation? If so, then we’ve got you covered with five of the best azelaic acid products recommended by Dr. Schlessinger and the LovelySkin experts. All five of these products with azelaic acid are available without a prescription for at-home use.
On the hunt for the best azelaic acid product for hyperpigmentation? In this facial gel, azelaic acid combines forces with two other gentle exfoliators, kojic acid and lactic acid, to help lighten dark spots and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation with minimal irritation, even for those with sensitive skin. This formula is meant to be used as a spot treatment, so apply it directly to sun spots, acne scars or areas of your skin darkened by melasma daily for best results.
Looking for the best azelaic acid product for rosacea? “This is one of my favorite over-the-counter options for treating rosacea,” says Dr. Schlessinger, who participated in the clinical trials for this medicated face lotion. “It uses azelaic acid to calm inflammation and zap the bacteria that fuels rosacea, as well as Tetrapeptide-14, a protein that helps reduce redness.” This dermatologist-recommended azelaic acid product also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and shea butter to help lock in that moisture, so skin stays smooth and soft.
If your skin is feeling dull and in need of a refresh, give this exfoliating face peel a try. It is designed to help gently dissolve dead skin cells using a blend of azelaic, lactic and mandelic acids with assistance from licorice root extract that's designed to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and niacinamide to calm redness. This exfoliating treatment also contains aloe to help infuse your skin with much-needed moisture, while clary sage helps control oil production resulting in a more balanced, youthful complexion.
If you’re struggling with breakouts and acne scars, then this acne treatment might just be the skin care sidekick you’ve been looking for! In just one step, this azelaic acid product targets breakouts to help calm inflammation and improve skin texture. It combines the power of salicylic acid, azelaic acid and willow bark extract to help unclog pores, clear dead skin cells and reduce acne-causing bacteria. When used regularly, these ingredients may also help reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by acne scarring.
Are you looking to reduce the appearance existing dark spots and prevent future ones from forming? This potent facial lotion harnesses the many benefits of glycolic exfoliators to help smooth rough texture and lessen skin discoloration, making it one of the best azelaic acid products you can add to your regimen. If that interets you, we'd encourage you to read these Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex reviews. For best results, cleanse and apply treatment both morning and night for brighter skin for a reduced appearance of dark spots after eight to twelve weeks of use.
Now that you know all about products with azelaic acid, you can learn more about how to pick the best face serum for you!