What is azelaic acid and why is it a superstar ingredient?

It has been estimated that within the United States there are more than 14 million people who suffer from acne rosacea, also commonly known by the name rosacea. This reddening skin condition of the face can also produce the annoying white pustules often seen with regular acne, and over half of its sufferers are women, usually between 30 and 50 years of age. Those who live with this condition may often experience embarrassment, as the redness and breakouts are hard to hide, but fortunately, azelaic acid is there to help! This hard-to-pronounce ingredient is a powerful aid for those suffering from rosacea.

What is Azelaic Acid

Don’t let the term acid scare you; azelaic acid (pronounced ay-ze-LAY-ik AS-id) is a chemical that is naturally found in wheat, rye, and barley. This acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial abilities. According to Medline Plus, it works to “clear the bumps, lesions, and swelling caused by rosacea (a skin disease that causes redness, flushing, and pimples on the face). Azelaic acid cream is [also] used to treat the pimples and swelling caused by acne” It works slower than most medications, so it may take longer to work than other traditional acne medications. Some physicians use this medicine in conjunction with other treatment options.

The prescription medicine comes in gel, cream, and foam forms at concentrations of 15% or 20% and is sold under the names of the ordinary azelaic acid and azelaic acid 15 gel. Your specific medication will be based on your needs; it is essential to accurately convey your symptoms so the physician will be able to prescribe the right medication.

Benefits of Azelaic Acid

Lightens Skin Spots

Whenever you have a breakout, there is often increased redness and pigmentation in the area. Those red, patchy, or blotchy areas left behind are annoying. Azelaic acid works by lightening skin that is discolored by melanin. It also slows down the growth of the melanin-producing cells, which, in turn, helps to reduce the abnormal coloring.

Reduces Acne Symptoms

Acne is caused by clogged pores. Pores can be clogged due to increased oil production in your skin, your choice of makeup, hormones, the foods that you eat, and even emotional stress. It is essential to use the best acne treatment products to prevent acne since some of these causes are hard to avoid. The acid helps to cut through the oil that the skin produces, and it also calms down the body’s inflammatory response. The inflammatory response is seen not only in the white pus that accompanies acne but also in the redness and swelling of the skin.

Prevents Clogged Pores

Once the pores are cleaned out, azelaic acid can go deeply into the pores and prevent the oily sebum from rethickening and producing another clog. It may be helpful to think of this medicine as a preventative Drano. It cleans and prevents simultaneously.

Improves General Skin Quality

Azelaic acid is not only useful to help with acne and rosacea, but it is also beneficial to help improve the general quality of your skin. If you are looking to even out the pigmentation or boost your skin tone, you can easily get an online dermatologist consultation to obtain a prescription for azelaic acid.

Causes Very Few Side Effects

The most common side effects of Azelaic Acid are:

• A burning or tingling sensation
• Skin peeling
• Skin dryness

These side effects can vary in intensity for patients. Some may not notice any side effects, while those with more sensitive skin may struggle more. If you see some bothersome effects of the medication, it is essential to speak with your provider about them. The provider may recommend changing the medicine or provide some additional creams to alleviate the side effects.

Acne Rosacea is an uncomfortable, and often noticeable, condition, but there are treatments available for you. It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider to obtain the right care for you.

You don’t ever have to worry about traveling to a provider for your skincare needs — an online dermatology consultation can save you time and money.

If you have acne or acne rosacea, or have symptoms that make you suspect that you may have these, you should consider seeking the help of a medical professional. The telehealth technology used by Alpha Medical provides instant access to physicians online who can perform an online medical consultation in the comfort of your home and prescribe medications that can be shipped directly to your door.