Azelaic Acid - Azelex

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What it is: Made under the brand name "Azelex". Azelex is a cream containing 20% azelaic acid, a naturally occuring acid found in whole grain cereals and animal products. It is normally applied twice daily.

What it does: Azelaic acid is thought to help the skin to renew itself more quickly and prevent the buildup of cells that can plug pores, therefore reducing pimple and blackhead formation. It also helps to kill P. Acnes, the bacteria that cause acne.

Things to be aware of while taking it:
(see full story for details)		 Side effects are generally mild and short lived. Most common, in 1-5% of people are itching, burning, stinging, and tingling. Other side effects were reported in less than 1% of people.

There have been a few reports from darker skinned people of lightening of the skin. Azelaic acid has not been well studied in people with dark complexions.

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References

"Azelaic Acid (Topical)." MedlinePlus. 2006.Thomson Healthcare. 2000 link.