What is Azelaic Acid?

Naturally derived from wheat and barley extract, Azelaic acid is hailed as a powerful ingredient when it comes to helping to both treat and prevent acne. A dicarboxylic acid, Azelaic Acid is typically lab-engineered to ensure maximum stability and effectiveness. But what makes it such a powerhouse ingredient in skincare, especially for those with oily and blemish-prone skin?

Unlike most well-known acids (such as Salicylic which exfoliates, or Hyaluronic which hydrates), Azelaic Acid has great calming benefits. It works by calming the receptors that sense our environment for danger and helps to activate our skin’s defences. Typically, in people with redness-prone skin these sensors are on too high of an alert. But the magical power of Azelaic Acid helps to bring these sensors back under control, thus having a calming effect on the skin.  

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic Acid is a potent antioxidant, and many brands have been harnessing its powerful effects in their skincare. As well as being used to unclog pores and refine the skin’s surface, Azelaic Acid acne treatments are now becoming more and more popular. Furthermore, it's also an effective ingredient in treating hyperpigmentation, lightening the skin, and reducing inflammation in skin conditions like rosacea.

But that’s not where the powers of Azelaic Acid stop – it’s also a great antibacterial ingredient which means it can help to reduce clogged pores, too.

The same properties that make Azelaic Acid effective for the treatment of inflammatory hyperpigmentation also make it effective in helping to lighten skin that has been discoloured by melanin. Known as a ‘tyrosinase inhibitor’, it's been clinically proven to help to reduce our skin’s natural tendency for developing hyperpigmentation.

Azelaic acid can reduce inflammation, making it an effective treatment for symptoms of rosacea. Clinical studies demonstrate that azelaic acid gel can continually improve the appearance of swelling and visible blood vessels caused by rosacea.

Azelaic Acid skin type suitability

Azaleic Acid is best suited for you if you have oily and blemish-prone skin. It’s also great if you have redness-prone skin and rosacea.

What are the Azelaic Acid benefits?

• Unclogs pores
• Removes dead skin cells
• Kills acne bacteria
• Reduces inflammation and redness
• Stops production of future black heads and white heads
• Decreases melanin production to help fade acne scars

How to use Azelaic Acid?

Most Azelaic Acid treatments can be used twice daily and applied all over the face. They can also be used as a spot treatment applied directly onto the acne or blemished areas.

What are the best Azelaic Acid products for me?

Take a look at some of our favourite products below to help you find the perfect Azelaic Acid products for your skin concerns. 

Mesoestetic Cosmelan 2 Depigmentation Cream

Post breakout inflammation can result in hyperpigmentation across areas of your skin. Azelaic Acid in products like Mesoestetic’s Cosmelan 2 Depigmentation Cream can help to even out your complexion once again.

An extremely effective cream designed to reduce hyperpigmentation, this treatment helps to restore your skin’s radiance and clarity. Softly remove uneven pigmentation whilst having the added benefit of antioxidants to protect your skin against harmful free radicals.

Cosmelan 2 is suitable for all types of hyperpigmentation and is also suitable for all skin types.

Medik8 Blemish SOS

Banish blemishes with Medik8 Blemish SOS. Soothe and calm inflamed spots, reduce congestion and blackheads and create the appearance of a flawless complexion in as little as 24 hours.

Perfect for using on its own or pre-makeup application, this invisible gel formula includes ingredients such as Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to clear your pores, soothe inflammation and reduce the appearance of breakouts.