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.
Used Azelaic Acid? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
November 6, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Cons:
Slightly itchy when first applied. I use Kinerase Cream after washing my face w/ a gentle cleanser and let the cream soak in. If my skin were dry I imagine it would be worse. So - moisturize first!
The only thing that truly works for me is blue light therapy - but I was spending $250/month to maintain that treatment (at the derm's office). My skin looked perfect but it was pricey, so I let it go. I have a new job which means stress, and we all know what leads to: zits. I've tried every topical (Retin-A, clindamycin, NeoBenz, ProActiv, etc) and antibiotics, I won't use Accutane but was on the verge of snapping and getting it! My boyfriend told me about this product and I've been using it a few days and I've already noted improvement. I'm very pleased! One tube will probably last me two months and it's already inexpensive. A lotta bang for my buck. For me, it's a good supplement to getting the blue light every now and then.
September 26, 2007
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
It works. Nothing else worked before. Skin feels smoother after a few days.
Cons:
itches, but for a very short time. You can not use it longer than 6 month and skin can get sensitive to sun. I use it from october to april, then I am only on some cosmetic stuff.
The fist weeks it itches and seems do not have much effect, but after one month you see big improvement. About the same time it stops itching, then you can help dead-skin removal with scrubs one-two time a week - skinoren gets even more effective. Though now, when I ahve used it for 4 or 5 years 6 months per year, the effect is lower - my skin seems have got used to the acid in skinoren and does not respond as good as before.
August 24, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
It works!
Cons:
Initial itching but that does subside, takes a while for the effects to take place
I had tried everything out there short of Accutane but I continued to break out and have very oily skin. I started using this about 9 months ago and initially it caused ALOT of itching but that subsided after about a month. I still continued to break out for about 2-3 months after starting this but after that, my skin has stayed pretty consistently clear with an occassional breakout. It has also helped decrease the oiliness of my skin. Also previous acne scars are pretty much gone. The only thing is to have patience cause it really did help me!
August 1, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
it cleared up small acne straight away
Cons:
i have red acne scars that are lightening up, but are not completely gone yet. the itching isn't too bad.
i like it, and with my health plan; it's free!
July 10, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
I have rosacia and this product in one week made my skin more clear, took out the red and is very smooth.
Cons:
It can sting and itch for the first 15 minutes after applied, but I read that will subside in time once your skin gets used to the product.
I highly recommend this to anyone with rosacia or acne. It seems to work wonders for me and now that I have trid it and see very good results will continue to use it on a daily basis. It also gives your skin a more youthful appearance. So, it has an anti ageing affect too!!! Great stuff!
July 7, 2007
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
I was using Finacea for my complexion for a while. Then, on my last trip to Greece I decided to get something there. The pharmacist gave me SkinOren. I love it. It goes on great, feels smooth where the Finacea went dry and turned white-ish.
I am very happy with SkinOren. I like it better than any other creme I have tried. Finacea WITH co-pay is $30 and SkinORen OTC was just 8 Euro....
June 20, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
It Works. I have dark skin and it really works. I had extremely dark spots and I went to different dermatologists and used what was said to be stronger and Nothing. I had acne spots that were MONTHS and YEARS old, YES YEARS and this worked for me.
Cons:
Dont use it on un-affected skin. Will discolor slightly.
It works.
May 6, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
It works on my acne, makes my skin look much better in general.
Cons:
None for me, other than I have to see a doctor every year to get it. When I started using it 10 years ago, I remember it being a little itchy, but that was it.
I have moderate cystic acne, and this is the only thing that has ever helped it. Occasionally, I have not used it, and the acne always comes back. I always try OTC meds before I give up and go back to it.
April 28, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Lightens redness(VERY fast),reduces
inflamation
Cons:
A little itchy at first
I think it's just totally awesome. All
around my hairline I started breaking out,
really bumpy, but with Evoclin and Finacea
It's pretty much gone. But if you have
seasonal wheat or grass allergies(like me),
it can be really itchy at first, 'cause
azelaic acid is found in wheat and barley.
April 11, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
whitening effect of acne marks
kills pimples fast
natural antioxidant, makes skin looking young.
Cons:
stinging itchy feeling for first couple uses
bad smelling
it works and lightens up the dark/red acne marks at the same time.
Pros:
After just one night my deep zits started to heal and were no longer painful. Smaller zits (the kind that would probably turn into nasty little white heads) began disappearing. My complexion is smoother and less red/irritated!