In case you’re a skin-care fanatic, you’ve got seemingly heard of — and experimented with — a handful of acids, be it glycolic, hyaluronic, or salicylic; nevertheless, azelaic acid is the newest one to take the skin-care world by storm.
Do not simply take it from us, although. La Jolla, California-based, board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, describes this buzzy acid as a “dermatologist-favorite,” a “jack-of-all-trades,” and “one of the vital underrated skin-care elements.” Put merely, Dr. Shirazi tells Attract that azelaic acid works by inhibiting tyrosinase (a.okay.a. the enzyme concerned in pigment manufacturing) and, thereby, “reduces hyperpigmentation.”
Michele Green, MD, a New York Metropolis-based, board-certified dermatologist, echoes Dr. Shirazi’s sentiments. Each professionals additionally observe azelaic acid’s antimicrobial and anti inflammatory properties, wonderful for treating pores and skin circumstances like zits and rosacea, because it kills breakout-causing micro organism and reduces irritation. This versatile acid, additionally thought-about a mild exfoliant, stimulates cell turnover, as effectively. As such, Dr. Inexperienced tells Attract that azelaic acid “will help cut back the looks of zits scars.”
You additionally needn’t fear an excessive amount of about adjusting your whole skin-care routine to include azelaic acid. Luckily, each Dr. Inexperienced and Dr. Shirazi agree that azelaic acid is mostly mild sufficient and protected to make use of together with different elements like vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids. Nonetheless, says Dr. Inexperienced, “When you have prescription-strength azelaic acid, Retin-A, or different topical lotions, it is best to seek the advice of a dermatologist.” Equally, though azelaic acid is protected for all pores and skin varieties, Dr. Inexperienced advises these with delicate pores and skin to begin utilizing the ingredient “as soon as a day, rising the frequency to twice a day after a number of weeks.” And, if you happen to expertise any irritation, it is best to seek the advice of your physician earlier than persevering with.
Lastly, azelaic acid will be present in over-the-counter merchandise in all types of strengths, from as little as one p.c to as excessive as 12 p.c and even 15 p.c. Per Dr. Shirazi, the very best focus of azelaic acid accessible is 20 p.c, which is prescription-strength. Nonetheless, that is to not say decrease concentrations aren’t efficient. In line with Dr. Inexperienced, “skin-care merchandise with a low focus of azelaic acid will be helpful with regards to unclogging pores, stopping zits breakouts, and soothing pores and skin irritation.” These decrease concentrations of azelaic acid are sometimes mixed with different energetic elements like AHAs and BHAs. Dr. Inexperienced explains that, in these mixture formulation, “a decrease focus of azelaic acid could assist forestall pores and skin irritation.”
