Azelaic acid is a natural dicarboxylic acid with antibacterial, acne-dissolving, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory effects.
Azelaic acid is a newly discovered anti-acne ingredient in recent years. It can act on several major pathogeneses of acne: inhibit the synthesis of microbial protein to inhibit propionibacterium acnes and staphylococcus aureus in the skin, and produce DHT through competitive inhibition (Dihydrotestosterone) enzyme process to reduce the sebum secretion induced by it; by reducing the synthesis of filamentous keratin to prevent hyperkeratosis of the funnel of the hair follicle. Generally, the use concentration is between 10%-20%, and under this concentration, it also has the effect of treating color sedimentation and the effect is better than 2% of hydrogen roller products.
The effect of azelaic acid:
- It is commonly used for acne vulgaris, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and has a certain effect on post-inflammatory pigmentation (such as acne marks) and melasma. It can also be used for seborrheic dermatitis with rosacea.
- Azelaic acid can also be used in the treatment of rosacea. Similarly, it has a place in the maintenance treatment of acute papules and pustules. The 15% concentration of azelaic acid gel is the only dosage form approved by PDA for the treatment of rosacea. It can also reduce erythema, usually effective in a few weeks, and better results will be seen after 12-15 weeks. The effect is similar to that of topical metronidazole, and a small number of studies believe that azelaic acid is better than metronidazole.
- 20% azelaic acid cream is effective for both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne vulgaris. Its efficacy in treating mild to moderate acne is comparable to 0.05% tretinoin cream, 5% benzoyl peroxide gel, and 1% clindamycin gel or 2% erythromycin ointment is equivalent.
- As a non-antibiotic topical acne treatment drug, azelaic acid can be used for a long time without drug resistance, and it belongs to category B medication during pregnancy and is relatively safe.
- Azelaic acid is well-tolerated, but some patients will experience irritation after use, such as erythema, burning, scaling, and itching, most of which are temporary.
Instructions:
- Use in the morning and evening. Clean the face before use, apply the azelaic acid product on the face.
- After about 4 weeks, the situation will be significantly improved. To achieve the best effect, it should be used continuously for several months.
- If skin irritation occurs, the dosage should be reduced or the frequency of use should be reduced to once a day until the irritation disappears. If necessary, the treatment can be suspended for a few days.