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Azelaic Acid for Acne Treatment
Azelaic acid is a topical product that is applied directly to the skin and used to treat the symptoms of acne and rosacea, a skin disorder that is common in middle-aged and elderly people and exhibits some symptoms similar to acne. The product is sold under the brand names Azelex and Finacea and is available as a gel for rosacea treatment and a cream for acne treatment. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on azelaic acid as an acne treatment. In fact, it bears mentioning that scientists are not exactly sure why azelaic acid works on rosacea at all.
According to the National Institutes of Health, azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that penetrates the skin’s pores to kill and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria and decrease the production of keratin in the pores. Keratin is a common component in pimples and it is produced in the skin’s pores.
Users of azelaic acid should apply a thin layer over the affected areas twice a day (morning and night) after washing their faces with a mild cleanser. According to NIH, the product may take 4 weeks to show results, although, for some people, progress will occur more quickly.
The side effects of azelaic acid are similar to the side effects that can be experienced with any topical product. Problems like skin irritation, burning, itching or rashes can develop, particularly if you have sensitive skin. If a rash develops and persists, you should seek medical attention.
Azelaic acid is safe for most people, but the Mayo Clinic points out that it has not been studied in pregnant women or children. Because azelaic acid is absorbed by the skin, there is a chance it could be absorbed in breast milk. If you are pregnant or looking to become pregnant, consult your doctor before beginning a treatment regimen with this product.
Azelaic acid can be an effective topical solution and you should not give up on it if you do not see immediate results. The product is often used in conjunction with an antibiotic to even further increase its efficacy.
According to the National Institutes of Health, azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that penetrates the skin’s pores to kill and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria and decrease the production of keratin in the pores. Keratin is a common component in pimples and it is produced in the skin’s pores.
Users of azelaic acid should apply a thin layer over the affected areas twice a day (morning and night) after washing their faces with a mild cleanser. According to NIH, the product may take 4 weeks to show results, although, for some people, progress will occur more quickly.
The side effects of azelaic acid are similar to the side effects that can be experienced with any topical product. Problems like skin irritation, burning, itching or rashes can develop, particularly if you have sensitive skin. If a rash develops and persists, you should seek medical attention.
Azelaic acid is safe for most people, but the Mayo Clinic points out that it has not been studied in pregnant women or children. Because azelaic acid is absorbed by the skin, there is a chance it could be absorbed in breast milk. If you are pregnant or looking to become pregnant, consult your doctor before beginning a treatment regimen with this product.
Azelaic acid can be an effective topical solution and you should not give up on it if you do not see immediate results. The product is often used in conjunction with an antibiotic to even further increase its efficacy.
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