Banishing Blemishes: How To Use Azelaic Acid for Clearer Skin

When you think of acne treatments, azelaic may not be the first one that springs to mind.

However, it should be. Whether used as a cream, gel, or cleanser, this trending skincare ingredient can significantly reduce bacteria and treat redness resulting from various skin conditions.

The ingredient is a firm favorite of dermatologists for its gentleness and versatility, and it’s time for you to get involved and reap the benefits.

Keep reading for our guide on how to use azelaic acid for magazine-worthy skin.

The Benefits of Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is used to treat and prevent various skin issues. Even if you don’t suffer from acne or rosacea, the ingredient can help improve the overall appearance of your skin.

Some of the benefits of azelaic acid include:

• Fights acne: wave goodbye to acne and blemishes with consistent use of azelaic acid. The ingredient has antibacterial properties to clear blemishes and spots.
• Gently exfoliating: azelaic acid penetrates deep within the pores, sloughing away dead skin cells that contribute toward a dull skin tone and clogged pores.
• Reduces inflammation: azelaic acid soothes and calms irritation while reducing redness caused by inflammation.
• Evens skin tone: the ingredient inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme that contributes to hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid works well on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne breakouts and can also treat melasma.
• Treats rosacea: the formula can aid with pore-clogging, inflammation, and secondary infections resulting from rosacea. As azelaic is non-irritable, it’s an excellent option for rosacea as the skin tends to be very sensitive.
• Safe for pregnant women: Azelaic is one of the few treatments for acne, redness, clogged pores, and pigmentation that’s typically safe for pregnant women.
• Gluten-free: A surprising benefit is that azelaic acid is gluten-free. Even though the ingredient is wheat-derived, it can’t be absorbed significantly enough through your skin to trigger gluten sensitivity or a reaction.
• Helpful with alopecia: Reportedly, azelaic acid can help treat alopecia or hair loss . Some pharmacists even include it in haircare products because it may help to grow hair.

How to Use Azelaic Acid

Fortunately, it’s easy to incorporate azelaic acid into your skincare routine.

First, test the product on your skin to ensure you don’t react badly to the ingredient. You don’t want to worsen any skin problems, after all.

Test the product you choose on your skin by cleansing your face with a mild soap before drying it. Then, dab a small amount of the product on a patch of skin on your forehead.

Next, you’ll need to wait 24 hours. If you don’t experience any uncomfortable redness or burning, you have the green light to go ahead with the product.

Use azelaic acid after a cleanser and toner during your evening skincare routine for the best results.

First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then follow with toner. If you use hyaluronic acid for hydration, apply it next to lock in your skin’s moisture and keep it beautifully hydrated. Then, apply a thin layer of the azelaic acid product to your face.

If you experience positive results quickly, say within the next few days, feel free to increase the frequency. And if you continue to notice an improvement in your complexion after a few weeks, you can use azelaic acid in both the morning and evening to fast-track your results.

After application, don’t forget to add moisturizer and sunscreen to protect it from the sun’s harsh rays and the lurking pollution that fills our cities.

Be aware of some potential side effects of azelaic acid, especially when you first start using it. These include burning, dryness, and peeling.

Azelaic Acid Products to Use

Here are some of our favorite products containing skin-clearing azelaic acid – enjoy!

PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ

The PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ reduces the appearance of dark spots and helps to promote an even skin tone. The formula is packed with azelaic, kojic, lactic, and citric acids that work together to target various types of pigmentation.

This easy-to-use, gentle spot treatment gel is ideal for sensitive skin. Not only that, but the antioxidant-rich gel is free of synthetic dyes and fragrances.

PCA Skin Pigment Bar

Introducing another much-loved product from one of our favorite brands, PCA Skin. This PCA Skin Pigment Bar is formulated to promote an even skintone on the face and body.

The formula contains a blend of advanced ingredients to calm and soothe the skin, treating any discoloration and hyperpigmentation.

Use it daily all over the body, including the face and scalp.

Looking for more skincare advice? Find out whether CBD products are worth the hype here.