Everything you wanted to know about Azelaic Acid right here

When we think of the word Acid, we think of an ingredient that will tingle and may even cause a little irritation to the skin. But Azelaic Acid couldn’t be more different. It is one of the acids out there that’s suitable for sensitive skin with a plethora of skincare benefits.

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic Acid is derived from grains such as barley and wheat, and presents itself as white powder when in its most natural form. It can be used topically and is an excellent option for those with a lot of redness in their skin, thanks to its very mild resurfacing properties. Its main skincare focus is to keep skin balanced and bacteria-free.  

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What does Azelaic Acid do?

Well tolerated by sensitive skin types, Azelaic Acid comes in handy to tackle tricky skin concerns such as acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. While it does exfoliate skin to a certain degree, it doesn’t go as in-depth as other acids such as Glycolic Acids do. What Azelaic Acid does is it works to reduce keratin production to prevent blocked pores and its antibacterial benefits also help to keep breakouts under control.

When it comes to treating rosacea, Azelaic Acid calms inflammation and being naturally rich in antioxidants, it helps to strengthen and protect delicate complexions. If you concern is uneven tone, Azelaic Acid can inhibit melanin production to curb the development of dark spots at the surface while brightening dull areas.

Even if your skin is not dealing with these concerns, Azelaic Acid can still be beneficial to your skincare regimen as it helps to slow down the development of imperfections before they reach the surface by essentially telling the cells in the upper layers of the skin how to behave, and you’ll get to enjoy smoother, clearer and more youthful-looking complexion.

Who needs Azelaic Acid?

As a truly versatile ingredient, anyone and everyone can use Azelaic Acid. It is also safe to use with other active exfoliants in your routine such as AHAs and BHAs. In fact, it has been found that pairing Azelaic Acid with Salicylic Acid makes for a very effective anti-blemish treatment.

In most over-the-counter skincare products, Azelaic Acid usually makes up less than 10% in terms of concentration but you can find stronger formulas via your doctor, with prescription-strength products containing between a 15-20% concentration of the ingredient.

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Where can you find Azelaic Acid?

For a potent dose of Azelaic Acid, consider the Azelaic Acid Ampoule that helps to brighten the complexion while improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the appearance of blemishes. For those battling acne, Flawless Complexion Clearing Serum combines Azelaic Acid with Niacinamide to effectively prevent new comedones, clear existing breakouts and regulate sebum production.