This acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that is found in grains such as wheat and barley. This acid derivative, which is a saturated C9 dicarboxylic acid, has demonstrated efficacy for various skin conditions over the past three decades. Dicarboxylic acid has been extensively studied and recognized for its ability to safely treat inflammatory skin disorders like rosacea and acne vulgaris.
How Does Azelaic Acid Work?
This acid has multiple mechanisms of action that contribute to its effectiveness as a skin care ingredient. At the cellular level, it exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated skin. Specifically, dicarboxylic acid works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase which is involved in melanin production. This ability to suppress melanin synthesis makes it useful for treating hyperpigmentation caused by acne lesions or other dermatological issues.
Azelaic Acid also disrupts bacterial metabolism and inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes which contribute to inflammatory acne breakouts. Regular application of dicarboxylic acid helps clear existing acne lesions and prevent new ones from forming. Additionally, it acts as an effective antimicrobial and bacteriostatic agent against various strains of bacteria. This antimicrobial effect provides protection against bacterial infections on the skin’s surface.
Uses of Azelaic Acid in Skin Care
Rosacea: Studies show dicarboxylic acid 20% cream applied twice daily is an effective treatment for rosacea. It helps reduce bumps, pimples as well as redness associated with this chronic skin condition.
Acne: Clinical trials found dicarboxylic acid gel 15-20% to be similarly effective as topical antibiotics for mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Regular application helps unclog pores and prevent future breakouts.
Hyperpigmentation: As an anti-melanogenic agent, dicarboxylic acid cream displays comparable efficacy to hydroquinone 4% cream in diminishing dark spots and acne post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Anti-aging: Some research suggests dicarboxylic acid may help attenuate signs of photoaging by inhibiting metalloproteinases (MMPs) involved in collagen and elastin degradation. The antioxidant activity also protects the skin from oxidative stress.
Potential Side Effects of Azelaic Acid
In general, dicarboxylic acid is very well tolerated on skin with minimal side effects seen in most users. Mild burning or irritation can occur when first applying the product which usually subsides within one to two weeks with regular use. The acid may also temporarily cause redness, dryness or peeling of the skin. Sensitivity to sunlight may increase which necessitates use of a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen when on dicarboxylic acid therapy and for a few weeks after stopped use. Some rare allergic contact dermatitis may develop inhypersensitive individuals. Pregnancy safety is still not well established so it’s advisable avoid using dicarboxylic acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding without consulting a doctor.
Combination Therapy with Azelaic Acid
For maximum effectiveness, dermatologists may sometimes recommend combining dicarboxylic acid treatment with prescription topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics or oral contraceptives for certain dermatological skin conditions. For inflammatory acne vulgaris, azelaic acid gel paired with topical retinoid adapalene helps reduce non-inflammatory, inflammatory lesions and further prevents new breakouts. Similarly, combining oral birth control containing estrogen with topical dicarboxylic acid has shown benefit for women with moderate to severe acne. This combination therapy works synergistically to improve acne faster and prevent relapse.
Proper Use and Formulations of Azelaic Acid Products
Azelaic Acid is available in various topical formulations including creams, gels and lotions containing 15-20% concentrations for over-the-counter use. Most dermatologists will prescribe a 20% strength cream or gel for treating conditions like rosacea or inflammatory acne. It’s important to follow product instructions and apply a pea-sized amount to entire affected areas once or twice daily as prescribed. Sufficient time should be given such as 6-8 weeks to assess effectiveness with consistent usage. Higher strengths above 20% are available exclusively through prescription for resistant dermatological conditions. Water-based gel formulations tend to be better tolerated compared to oil-based creams. Including dicarboxylic acid as part of a regular skin care routine can deliver multiple anti-aging benefits as well.
Azelaic acid stands out as a safe, effective and well-researched skincare active ingredient for targeting various skin disorders. Its multiple anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and skin-lightening properties make it suitable for controlling not just acne and rosacea but also for reducing marks left behind. Combined approaches using other topicals and oral medications provide additional improvement over dicarboxylic acid monotherapy. With proper application technique and adequate duration of use, dicarboxylic acid continues to prove its versatility for achieving healthy, clear and evenly toned skin.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.