Azelaic Acid (Azelex) Reviews

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Prescription summary (241 votes)

How well it works

:):):):)
3.8/5
Agreeability

:):):):)
3.8/5
Affordability

:):):):)
3.8/5
Common brand names: Azelex

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Anonymous, Vermont
Mar 1st, 2009
How well it works
:):):):):)
Agreeability
:):):):)
Affordability
:):):):):)
Pros:It really does work! I've tried so many other things and got desperate to clear my skin before my wedding. This did it in about 2 months and my skin was glowing! I'm still using it and my skin has been great. I also pair it with BenzaClin topical.
Cons:Like others have said, it does burn at first, but this went away after a little while. It also dried my skin out, but I think that is b/c I was using both azelex and benzaclin 2x/day. I switched to benzaclin in morning and azelex and night.
Bottom Line:this stuff is amazing! if you experience the burning and extreme dryness, try only applying it once daily (or maybe even every other day) or pairing it with a light facial moisturizer (with SPF of course!)
Recommended:Yes
Usage:Reviewer has used this item for about a year.
Acne severity:moderate
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S Indy, Indianapolis
Feb 23rd, 2009
How well it works
:):):)
Agreeability
:):):):)
Affordability
:):):)
Pros:Keeps it manageable
Cons:Doesn't really stop the once a month hormonal breakout.
Bottom Line:After I had my daughter I had a horrible experience with cystic acne. I tried all sort of things but because I was BFing I didn't want to take medication. This did not clear it up either. I was getting depressed. I tried laser at my DR's office. Went several times and it worked!!!! But because of the monthly hormone cycle I still have a need for this. It does seem to help. I also wash with Proactive face wash once a day.

The sting is very very mild for me so I don't really mind and don't even really notice it.
Recommended:Yes
Usage:S Indy has used this item for about a year.
Price Paid:30.00
Acne severity:moderately severe
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Anonymous
Feb 22nd, 2009
How well it works
:):):):):)
Agreeability
:):):):):)
Affordability
:):):):)
Recommended:Yes
Usage:Reviewer has used this item for a few months.
Acne severity:moderate
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Anonymous, Dublin, Ireland
Feb 15th, 2009
How well it works
:):):):):)
Agreeability
:):):):):)
Affordability
:):):):):)
Pros:Gets rid of acne. Skin completely clear. Anti inflammatory and anti bacterial effect. Doesnt bleach clothes like benzoyl peroxide.
Cons:Stings a lot when applied. However when put with an oil free moisturiser its the perfect combination. Needs to be prescribed.
Bottom Line:I have used every product on the market and having stumbed across this one I am amazed at how effective it is, yet how little people know about it. My acne is gone, period. It gives my skin a nice glow as well. I will use this permanently. It has all the necessary effects that a topical application should have, but without the negative side effects such as bleaching or photosensitivity. Use it with a good moisturiser and say goodbye to spots.
Recommended:Yes
Usage:Reviewer has used this item for a few months.
Price Paid:40.00
Acne severity:moderately severe
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peter, belgrade,serbia
Feb 2nd, 2009
How well it works
:):):):)
Agreeability
:):):):)
Affordability
:):):):):)
Pros:good product. Rids of acne and hiperpigmentation.
Cons:itching,stinging for 20-30 minutes in the first month or two.
Bottom Line:Acne can came out but they are smaller, lesser and go away faster. I've been using it for 4 months now and it's a good product. It will dry your skin in the beggining but not as much as Retia A does.The red marks almost faded( i don't know if that is because i didn't had a brake out for 2 months or because it hepls them heal) and the skin looks good.
Recommended:Yes
Usage:peter has used this item for a few months.
Price Paid:15.00
Acne severity:moderately severe
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Anonymous
Feb 1st, 2009
How well it works
:)
Agreeability
:):):)
Affordability
:):):)
Pros:* Based on the research I did, azelaic acid is not only safe, but good for your skin.
Cons:* Almost unbearable itching sensation for the first 30 minutes after application (this went away after 3-4 weeks)
* More expensive than BP.
* Dry skin.
Bottom Line:I started using Finacea because I was looking for a safer alternative to BP and had read fantastic reviews here.

Unfortunately after 12 weeks of twice daily use I have seen no improvement in my acne.

Studies show that it can often be effective though, so I would encourage others to try it and wish you better luck than I had.
Recommended:Yes
Usage:Reviewer has used this item for a few months.
Price Paid:30.00
Acne severity:light
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christy, dallas
Jan 30th, 2009
How well it works
:)
Agreeability
:)
Affordability
:)
Pros:acne scars do seem to fade faster
Cons:made me break out in cystic acne in areas of my face that used to be clear.
Bottom Line:not worth the money, time, or stress.
Usage:christy has used this item for a few months.
Price Paid:200.00
Acne severity:moderate
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R, Chicago
Jan 27th, 2009
How well it works
:):):)
Agreeability
:):):):)
Affordability
:):):):):)
Pros:affordable, doesn't require a prescription (I use Melazepam, which is 20% azelaic acid cream and $12 per 2oz tube), doesn't stain or bleach clothes or sheets, more effective than other topicals, no side effects
Cons:occasional mild tingling feeling for a few minutes after application, not sure it's really helped my persistent dark spots from former zits
Bottom Line:The best topical out there. However, for my moderate acne I've found I must apply it 2x a day and it doesn't clear my face, just keeps it more manageable. Melazepam is available over the counter for those of us without dermatologists or health insurance.
Recommended:Yes
Usage:R has used this item for about a year.
Price Paid:12.00
Acne severity:moderate
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Nick, NJ
Jan 4th, 2009
How well it works
:):):)
Agreeability
:):):)
Affordability
:):):)
Pros:right now i'm on my 8th weeks,i have a MODERATE acne and hopefully this will work great for me!<easy to apply,and so far it fades the redness of my cysts a lil bit,and hOping that it will be gone soon;(
Cons:first week,itchy,burning,stinging,and after a week and something your skin will get use to it,it don't bother me now nlike before the only thing that bother me now is a bit of itching of my face,but i know that this will go away
Bottom Line:so far it's working,but kinda slow for me,maybe i'm just obssess to take this bumps away from my face..
Recommended:Yes
Usage:Nick has used this item for about a month.
Acne severity:moderate
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MissPark, Texas
Jan 3rd, 2009
How well it works
:):):):)
Agreeability
:):):):)
Affordability
:):):):)
Pros:It works well. It is affordable and clears up pimples while leaving your skin soft.
Cons:It takes a long time to work. Dedication is key.
Bottom Line:I've tried many topical and oral medication but only to find that it is ineffective after I've continued use for several months. I also wanted to find a cheaper alternative to what I was previously using (Benzaclin with spirinolactone) It worked well but it was seriously hurting the bank considering that each bottle of Benzaclin could only be used for 3 months once it is mixed and cost $150. My dermatologist prescribed me Azelex in the morning and Retin-A at night. I used it for two months with absolutely no results. If anything my skin got progressively worse. I had huge cystic acne and little bumps all over my face. But by the third month my face was getting clearer. My old acne scars were fading and my skin was so soft. My skin is now clear (minus the occasional hormonal breakouts). I find that Azelex burns on the face, but after few weeks of use it disappeared. I hope this works for you as it did for me.
Recommended:Yes
Usage:MissPark has used this item for a few months.
Price Paid:35.00
Acne severity:moderately severe
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