Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.8
506 Reviews
Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
68%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Azelaic Acid
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.
Azelaic Acid
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%

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February 11, 2011
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Reduces inflammation & redness almost immediately, excellent @ clearing away the large obnoxious blemishes

Cons:

a bit drying, hard to find

definitely worth a try! IT's cost effective and it works better than any other acne treatment I have tried
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June 12, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

works well on acne and fades scars

Cons:

some itching till u are used to it

i been using this for last couple of months and i love it! all my spots are kept at bay and my scars are fading with help of this cream and aloe vera. its does itch when first applied but after few wks your skin gets used to it! totally reccomend it to anyone!
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June 12, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

This stuff definitely seems to dissolve the clogs in the pores on my forehead and I haven't had any big pustules or cysts since starting it.

Cons:

Dries my face out horrendously after application, followed by an oil slick that Exxon would be proud of a few hours later. Burns and itches like mad, especially after I've shaved. Does absolutely nothing to prevent small zits on my chin and nose.

As far as getting rid of my acne, this stuff is on the borderline of not working and making it worse. It also seems to exacerbate my oily skin problem and redness (caused by the acne that it doesn't kill).
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October 3, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

nice consistency, no irritation, no refrigeration, no bleaching, no dryness or peeling

Cons:

a little pricey, but it's worth it

I have tried A LOT of acne medications. This is one of my favorites. I experience no irritation whatsoever and it seems to control my acne better than the topical antibiotics I was using prior. No drug works for everyone, but this has worked very well for me. I will continue to use it.
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July 4, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

My skin looks 3times better than before

Cons:

Sometimes very itching and irritating.

I have found that now when i wash my face is cold water before applying that it helps with the burning, most people wash with warm water leaving the pores open and more prone for burning.... My skin looks great I kid you not I have tried everything and even the dark spots are disappearing. I use this in conjunction with a glycolic toner from Dr. Milton Moore in Houston TX... It helps trust me... Get any glycolic product and use during day WOW is all I can say
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June 14, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

great at fading dark spots
great at controlling oil

Cons:

none!!!!!!! (i wouldnt dare complain about the price- i paid 100.00 bucks for it but its worth it).

i use finacea and it is amazing. i have the most hypersensitive skin in the world and ive searched for years for something that actually fades hyperpigmentation and does so without irritating my skin. my prayers were finally answered when i started using finacea. my spots are not completely gone but they have faded a lot and my skin tone is more even and radiant. it works really fast. i personally dont have the itching or burning that others have complained about. i love this product!! i will be using this for a long, long time. even if its just for maintenance reasons.
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May 25, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

gives you the feel of smooth skin, have yet to see the cons the azelaic acid supposedly gives to some people.

Cons:

mild burning irritation when applying to face.

Azelex was prescribed to me only a week ago because i have acne as well as keratosis pilaris. it looks and feels like a Retina-A type product, but has different results. Withint this short period of time that ive used I IMMEDIATELY felt my skin SO much smoother than i have ever felt it since i can remember. I naturally have sensitive skin that can dry real easy, but havent experienced any sort of those problems with this product. Its cliche, but i have tried every acne product out there from proactive, to retina-A, to IPL, to accutane and have never experienced any significant recovery (accutane stoped my breakouts though), but i have never had anything that made me feel so optimistic or have given me immiediate results like this after merely a few days.
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April 25, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

I started Azelex with oily, scarred and blemished skin. After using Azelex for an approximate 4 months, my skin tone has become evenly balanced in color and natural oils. No more major breakouts. Skin looking 95% better than 5 months before.

Cons:

Price
Tingling sensation (does wear away a few minutes after application)

Works wonders
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March 5, 2008
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

over time it removes almost all acne and redness. you still might get a pimple though, but when your face is in your natural colour one zit or two does'nt look that bad.

Cons:

still had two breakouts after i starting using it. one year after i started, then six months after that. maybe because i got lazy and did'nt use it frequently enough when i looked good. hope so..

your acne itches, but i saw it as a signed of it working. and in a while, it sure did. i cleared up fine and got my selfesteem back.
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September 29, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

I guess this is more for rosecea? I dont know why they gave it to me for Acne. It did not help my acne and actually made it MUCH worse. This stuff should NOT be marketed as an acne treatement if its mostly for scars and redness.

Cons:

I guess this is more for rosecea? I dont know why they gave it to me for Acne. It did not help my acne and actually made it MUCH worse. This stuff should NOT be marketed as an acne treatement if its mostly for scars and redness.

Made my acne worse.
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website