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
July 4, 2010

Pros:

It seems to have been the only thing that has worked for my skin.. iv been using it now for 3 weeks and it really has reduced the severity of my pimples.. i still have the red marks from where the pimples were but there is definately less new pimples and the red marks are dissapearing.. I also think it is helping fade my freckles which is a plus too.. i think you have to be careful about uv light tho so wear a sunscreen when going outside

Cons:

apparently can only use for 6 months in one go ( i dont no y this is??)
can make your skin itch a bit (u have to refrain from scratching :-P )
Takes a little while to actually work (give it at least a week using twice a day but if you've paid for the tube you may as well use the hole lot then decide at the bottom of the tube if you are wanting to carry on using it)

It works really well.. if ur at the end of ur teather give it a go because it will most probably help you just look at all the other reviews
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August 20, 2009

Pros:

got this under the NHS in england
doesnt dry out skin

Cons:

skin is greasy at times

i was prescribed this to fade my scars on my cheeks but i haven't really noticed a difference in that aspect. i have however noticed that it completely cleared my back acne and because it regulates cell growth, i dont get blackheads anymore! my skin is never dry and flaky anymore when i use this stuff at night so thats a definite plus. i'm not sure if its helping clear up pimples because i'm still breaking out on my cheeks!
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June 6, 2009

Pros:

It really helped clear up my acne, and my face feel a lot more moisturized.

Cons:

It does itch at fiirst, and it doesn't get rid of blackheads

When I first used this product it itched! Insnaly bad but I stuck with it and I have had AMZING results. It really helped clear my acne up, and it really doesn't itch that bad once you get used to it. I think this is the longest I have been able to use and get results from an acne product.
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May 7, 2009

Pros:

It makes your skin very smooth.

Cons:

Little itchy

I don't have any acne, I do get the odd spot. I am using it for Chloasma which is a hyperpigment problem with dark skin. It seems to be working but only used it for 3 days so i'll give it a month or so.
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May 3, 2009

Pros:

I've been on Finacea azelaic acid get 15% for 2 months now and I can tell you that the changes in my skin are great. My break outs of acne has dropped I'd say 90%. I use this cream along with Differin at night and an antibiotic. I feel good now.

Cons:

Some burning when I initially started using the cream and flaking. That lasted for the first two weeks. Now I put it on and go with no problems.

It took time to see the results. I've been on these meds now for two months and I can see the changes. My family and friends also notice that my skin is healthy and compliment me all the time. My skin is smooth to the touch, I still have some scaring but that is even lighting up over time as I continue to use the medicine. I ensure I was my hands before and after application, try not to pick and cleanse my skin twice a day with a hypoallergenic facial wash. My confidence is up and I hope you will experience the same results as me. I would recommend this to anyone. I'm in the military,it cost me nothing just my time to put it on and use it as directed.
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April 4, 2009

Pros:

It WORKS!! Clears up acne on face, chest, back (I know, gross!) etc. It also helps even out any skin discoloration. It has even reduced fine lines....serious!!

Cons:

Has a slight burning/stinging sensation when first applied which is worse if you're putting it on at bedtime (lying on it!). Not cheap...my co-pay is $30.

Definitely recommend...especially if you are one of the rare people like myself who are allergic to benzoyl peroxide (in most over the counter acne meds). I was very self-conscious when going to the pool/beach, as I had acne the worst on my back, chest and neck. It got to the point where I was self conscious around my husband of 12 years! I finally got fed up and went to the dermatologist. I'm amazed at the outcome!! The burning/stinging sensation went away after 2-3 months. The Azelex did start drying my face after a couple months too, but I use Aveeno face lotion with my morning application and Differin (another topical acne treatment prescribed by my dermatologist) with my nightly application. Both help keep my face from getting dry. I also take an antibiotic twice a day and wash with Dove soap twice a day.
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March 17, 2009

Pros:

Drys out skin

Cons:

Drys out skin- causes breakouts

I have been using this cream for about two weeks. I have mild acne which looks a lot worse on my fair skin. I tried this cream hoping it would burn off my acne bumps- it did just that literally. I use CeraVe Cleanser and lotion (they work great BTW) and I would put this on after I washed my face and before I put on moisturizer. This stuff really dried out my skin- actually made it flaky and by the 2nd week, my skin was worse. I think if you dry out your skin too much it can alos cause more acne- you need some moisture. I am now on Spironolactone (Oral medicine) as I have tried every anitbiotic out there and all topicals- I am hoping this works as I heard great reviews
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March 15, 2009

Pros:

Keeps moderate adult acne under control.

Cons:

Stings for a little when I first apply it.

I have been using Azelex for approx. 5 years now and I LOVE it. My other acne meds have been "tinkered with" over the years by my dermatologist, but Azelex has always performed well.
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March 2, 2009

Pros:

It really does work! I've tried so many other things and got desperate to clear my skin before my wedding. This did it in about 2 months and my skin was glowing! I'm still using it and my skin has been great. I also pair it with BenzaClin topical.

Cons:

Like others have said, it does burn at first, but this went away after a little while. It also dried my skin out, but I think that is b/c I was using both azelex and benzaclin 2x/day. I switched to benzaclin in morning and azelex and night.

this stuff is amazing! if you experience the burning and extreme dryness, try only applying it once daily (or maybe even every other day) or pairing it with a light facial moisturizer (with SPF of course!)
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November 3, 2008

Pros:

A miracle, seriously! Non-drying nor irritating. Visible results in approx. 1 month, full results in 3 months.

Cons:

Itchy feeling (about 5mins) for the first month or so, but as the acne clears up it will subside. (Just think of it as a way to tell its working!)

If Differin or another Retin-A product hasn't worked for you I strongly recommend giving Azelex a try. Be patient and be fairly strict about your daily regime, face cleanser, followed by azelex, then oil-free moisterizer w/sunscreen 2x daily. Has completely saved my self-esteem which anyone with acne can relate too. Kind of expensive, my insurance used to give me a 50g tube for $35 but they bumped me down to the smaller 30g tube for the same price. One tube lasts about 2 months. Worth every penny tho. Lastly I use this product in along w/ minocycline, antibiotics are great option if you have moderate to severe acne.
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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.