Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.8
506 Reviews
Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
68%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
At prescription strengths (15 - 20%) studies show it should help reduce mild-to-moderate acne by a significant and noticeable amount after 3 months or so of treatment, so that’s not too shabby. However, it is unlikely to completely clear the skin on its own.
Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
Azelaic acid is available in 15% - 20% by prescription. Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one. Azelaic acid is also available over-the-counter in strengths 10% and lower. Here are some places you can find it online.
Read All About Azelaic Acid
Compare To Other Treatments
5
34.6%
4
30.8%
3
18.2%
2
8.9%
1
7.5%

Used Azelaic Acid? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 28, 2009

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

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.
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January 3, 2009

Pros:

This stuff is amazing!!
In two weeks my problem areas cytsic deep scarring pustules are all but history..My skin looks great!!

Cons:

None at all,even the price is worth paying for something that actually for a change works..
Bit tingly at first but at least you know its working away..
Seemed to bring out a few whitehead where acne was worse but thats all gone now....

Throw every anti-botic and other topical away and get this stuff.. No word of lie its amazing stuff!! And stick with it for at least two weeks!!
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November 27, 2008

Pros:

Gentle on skin, makes it smooth and baby soft!

Cons:

None

I've used this for 1 week exactly and it really is like a miracle! My skin is incredibly smooth and soft and 90% of my acne is completely gone. I love it!!
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July 14, 2008

Pros:

A miracle drug! Works FAST! One application took my skin from a hot crazy mess to almost clear! Tighter pores, vanishing pimples, just an overall reversal of many types of acne. It kills acne on your face, instantly!

Cons:

None so far

There's no need to suffer the daily misery of bad skin when this drug is available! I'm almost 39 and had never experienced such terrible outbreaks. My Dr. rx'd finacea and within one application, my husband noticed my skin was "pretty, the way it used to be". This is a miracle drug that treats hormonal break-outs and all sorts of acne. I was able to attend a party that I had declined because I was too embarrassed for people to see my skin. I can't believe one gel can accomplish all that it does. I've used all sorts of treatments and this is BY FAR, the best! My skin was a sickening, grotesque mess from my hairline all the way down to my neck and finacea radically changed it in one application. My entire face was full of acne, all kinds: whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, redness, bumps. Finacea knocked it out w/one punch. I'm still shocked. Finacea is amazing. I haven't had skin like this since I was eleven years old. I'm so thankful.
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August 28, 2007

Pros:

improvement after the first week

Cons:

itchy!!!

it really gets rid of stubborn acne
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June 16, 2007

Pros:

it certainly lightened my PIH

Cons:

stings a bit during the beginning of treatment

my friend recommended differin to me a couple of months ago and i gave it a try. and it worked quite well: it got rid of my pimples in just 3 days but my PIHs (small red and brown marks left after pimple disappeared)are still visible although differin kinda like 'bleached' it a bit. i ran out of that cream so i went to the pharmacy to get another one and i asked the lady about any other meds she knows that can fade my marks away. and that was when i first heard of SKINOREN. the lady said it helps alot with those red spots and can treat pimples too. so i bought it. the first time i used it, it itched my skin but i think it'll b okay after my skin is used to it. i kinda c some improvement after 3 days but not as huge as what differin has done to my pimples. BUT, after a few weeks, IT DID FADED MY MARKS AWAY!! i was so happy, finally those stupid marks are going away. it does get rid of pimples but takes a longer time. like the pharmacist said, it works more for the marks. try it!!!
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September 5, 2015
Very good both for acne and acne-derived scars/hyperpigmentation
On its own is not enough to cure acne, but as a complementary treatment either for acne or acne scars is very good and not-irritating. In one month you'll see a clear difference. It is the only treatment by prescription I use on my skin and I am acne-free. Give it a try!
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September 1, 2009

Pros:

Reduces redness. Reduces inflamation. Overall smoother skin.

Cons:

Made my skin oily even the next day. Doesn't do much of anything to unclog pores. Itchiness about 5 minutes after application.

This product worked much better for me in the winter. I have rosacea, so my skin cannot tolerate more intense acne products(Ziana effed me up). I work in a hot restaraunt and the air condition doesn't work half the time, so this summer I have not been able to stay clear at all. This product does not exfoliate, and does not unclog pores, but if you suffer from inflammation or rosacea, finacea is not a bad fit. I am going to continue to use this just to prevent big zits, but I also intend on going back to my derm and giving something else a try(if there is anything I haven't tried). I feel like this medication has been clogging my pores, but is simultaneously preventing them from swelling. So I have lots of small whiteheads all the time, as opposed to a few big ones if I weren't on it. I gues its a trade off I'm willing to make for now.
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June 18, 2009

Pros:

Skins less oily

Cons:

didnt really notice much improvement and i have quite sensitive skin and found this too harsh

didnt really help
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May 11, 2009

Pros:

Could see difference on the first 2 day of use.Hope it continues to work.I see less pimples.Makes skin feels smooth and nicely matt

Cons:

Has an itchy feeling after putting it on.The scars are still there though.

I see a difference.I see the pimples are smaller and dry in the morning.Im starting my 2nd week today.My derm said it will help will the scars as i have dark skin.My dermatologist has put me on a 6 months program.im taking Minerva-35 as well.The combination seems to be really working.Will keep u updated in 3 months.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.