Azelaic acid probably isn’t the first or even second thing that comes to mind when you think of trending skin care ingredients. Who are we kidding? Most of us don’t know that it’s a part of skincare. Even I, as a self proclaimed skincare fanatic, haven’t been looking too much into this ingredient. Sure, I have heard some great reviews about Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid 10% suspension. However, it never intrigued me enough to spend the money on it. 

But after years of completely ignoring the existence of Azelaic Acid, I decided to give it a try. And I couldn’t be more happy! Azelaic Acid truly is the underdog of the skincare world. It’s a safe and effective ingredient, and even pregnant and breastfeeding women can use it. So let’s find out more about what it is and what it can do for your skin.

What is Azelaic acid? 

Azelaic acid is a natural acid that can be found in barley, wheat, and rye. It has many uses, such as repairing scars, preventing acne and pigmentation, and reducing redness. As a dicarboxylic acid, it helps get rid of dead skin cells as well. It has anti-inflammatory, depigmenting, and antibacterial properties that make it useful for many dermatological uses. Over-the-counter it can be found in concentrations up to 10%. However, you can also get prescription strength Azelaic acid of 15% to 20%. This concentration is mostly used in treating rosacea.

Azelaic Acid Benefits 

Azelaic acid is a gentle exfoliant that gets rid of dead skin cells and unclogs pores. In addition to that, it can help clear acne and reduce redness caused by rosacea or inflammation. Because this ingredient is so gentle, especially in its over-the-counter concentration, you will have to use it frequently to notice some changes. Conveniently, you can keep using it even when pregnant or breastfeeding.

What’s the point? 

If you want to test Azelaic acid without a prescription, you shouldn’t use more than a 5% concentration. Start small and build your way up to 10% over time. If you have a more severe skin condition, visit your dermatologist. While Azelaic acid is generally safe to use, people with preexisting conditions should consult a professional first. 

When it comes to the OTC Azelaic acid products, we have to warn you that they most likely won’t help you if you have severe rosacea. Chances are that you will need a prescription strength product. Talk to your dermatologist and explore what your best options are.

Use a pea-sized amount on clean skin in the morning and at night. If you have sensitive skin, use it once a day. Before you put Azelaic acid on your skin, you don’t use other active ingredients such as BHAs or AHAs. You can still use your exfoliating products or retinols in a different skincare routine, just not at the same time as your Azelaic acid. Needless to say, you always have to follow it up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.