A natural chemical, azelaic acid can be produced by extracting grains such as wheat. Azelaic acid has three key properties that make it suitable for treating acne. First, azelaic acid has antibacterial property wherein it can combat anaerobic bacteria specifically P. acnes. P. acnes basically cause pustules on the person’s face as well as neck, chest and back. Second, azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory property which inhibits the formation of papules and pustules and cysts. Third, azelaic acid has anti-proliferative property this it reduces comedones on the affected areas.
While azelaic acid may not be culturally popular, azelaic acid is actually a staple ingredient in various skin care products. The amount of azelaic acid in skin care products should be minimal though. Your skin will gradually clear with constant use of the product hence you have to faithfully apply the cream or gel on the affected if you want to see results. You can maximize the effects of azelaic acid after you have washed your face with water and soap and patter it dry. Active ingredients of the azelaic acid product would be able to easily and deeply penetrate your skin if it is clean.
Bear in mind that treating acne will differ from person to person. While there are no ideal skin care product to treat acne, there may be intolerable side effects that a person may experience like severe itching, redness, stinging and burning. This is the main reason why azelaic acid is increasingly becoming popular. Azelaic acid is actually milder hence dermatologists are switching to recommending this product instead of stronger chemicals especially that they can yield the same results though it usually takes longer when milder chemicals like azelaic acid are used.
There are people who easily give up on an acne treatment after just a few days, thinking that it has no positive results whatsoever. Since it is mild, it takes around 4 to 8 weeks to see improvements or before the acne-prone skin starts to clear up. You need not be discouraged and you should allow at least two months experimental period in using azelaic acid before deciding to switch to another product. The bottomline is you have to use azelaic acid only when you need it and when you know how to properly apply the product to see results.
Question for ladies whom have hormonal acne and take ortho tricyclean lo.
Did it help your acne?