Azelex : Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream

i was put on finacea and the first week it made my acne subside. After the first week i continued breaking out in a lot of pimples all over my face. i've used other products such as oral antibotics, retin-a-micro, and others. so far nothing has worked. i've been using finacea and it hasnt helped my acne at all. i dont know what else to use because my face looks so disasturous i dont want to leave the house.

I have been using Azelex acid, Retin A Micro, Tetracycline, and BenzaClin for severe acne and scaring. First I started just using the Retin A Micro and it helped but not enough so my docter put me on Benzaclin and I was on this skin regimine for 3 months. However I was still unhappy so my docter put me on Tetracycline and my skin texture changed to "baby soft" and acne cleared up on my face, back and chest. I felt like a new person. Then I noticed I was left with no acne but ugly scars and red icky dots all over my face so I was put on Azelex acid and I have been on this for about a month. My skin looks ten times better. Scaring and redness is improving and with time and lots of time it will be all better.

I've been using AcneDerm (20% azelaic acid)cream for about 2 months ($15 NZD). Dermatologists use this not only for acne, but for the dark marks left behind on the skin, called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is what I've mainly been using the cream for. The good news for those out there who have these marks are that they naturally fade over time, although it can take many months. Azelaic acid helps fade the marks more quickly without bleaching the normal skin around them. I've found it really useful and am very pleased with the results. Other people on this forum haven't got on with it. The important things to remember about any acne medication, is 1.) give it a good run, any product usually takes weeks to work. 2.) if one thing doesn't work for you GO BACK TO YOUR DOCTOR!! There are loads of different products out there and people respond very differently to them, for no apparent reason, so you must persevere untill you find the thing that works for YOU. DON"T GIVE UP!

IF YOU HAVE NOT USED THIS PRODUCT FOR AT LEAST 12 WEEKS, PLEASE DO NOT POST ANY COMMENTS!!!! This product takes a full 12 weeks in order to achieve optimal results. If you are not willing to suffer through at least a month of moderate skin discomfort, this is not the drug for you. I have been on 6 prescription acne medications and countless OTC products before trying azelex. I am currently using azelex cream in the morning and tazorac at night. Although my acne has only decreased by about 50%, this medication seems to fade existing red marks from previous lesions (however, at a cost of looking pale for at least 12 weeks). For the first 30 days, your skin will be irritated and will peel off, but the irritation will eventually go away. I found that applying aveeno face lotion with chamomile after the azelex seemed to help with the irritation.

I just started getting acne at 23 so this is my first prescription. I helped clear up my forehead but did nothing for my rash looking acne around my nose which is where I am most self conscious. Also I get random pimples on my cheeks...Hopefully it will continue to improve my skin but I may seek other options.

I dont believe there in one miracle cream that will work for everyone, but if this works for you great! It was working for me but mabey my skin has become imune.IDK.lol.

My mom has the 15% Finacea stuff and let me borrow. I have had acne since age 15 and I'm 26 now. I use ProActive, but wanted to see how the stuff worked for her. She's using it for age spots. I does reduce redness, but I could see it making my face whiter if I used it all over. The trick is to use mild cleanser and wash cloth and no astringent or an astringent that is extremely mild w/ no acid or alcohol in it. And make sure the face is completely dry before applying. Apply very lightly to problem areas. I don't see it being a very good day time regimine or preventive. But the fading of the spots is awesome. I also make sure to apply lotion once the cream is dried to avoid overdrying and excessive oil production. I still use proactive during the day...don't know how this might turn out...I'm being careful...but I know my skin pretty well at this point as far as limits and PH balance. Hope it works for you!