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:

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January 3, 2009

Pros:

It works well. It is affordable and clears up pimples while leaving your skin soft.

Cons:

It takes a long time to work. Dedication is key.

I've tried many topical and oral medication but only to find that it is ineffective after I've continued use for several months. I also wanted to find a cheaper alternative to what I was previously using (Benzaclin with spirinolactone) It worked well but it was seriously hurting the bank considering that each bottle of Benzaclin could only be used for 3 months once it is mixed and cost $150. My dermatologist prescribed me Azelex in the morning and Retin-A at night. I used it for two months with absolutely no results. If anything my skin got progressively worse. I had huge cystic acne and little bumps all over my face. But by the third month my face was getting clearer. My old acne scars were fading and my skin was so soft. My skin is now clear (minus the occasional hormonal breakouts). I find that Azelex burns on the face, but after few weeks of use it disappeared. I hope this works for you as it did for me.
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July 1, 2008

Pros:

Keeps my chest clear and bacne under control.

Cons:

My face is very sensitive so it made my face itch like crazy!!! It was so irritating that I had to wash it off immediately. My back acne isn't clear but is much better than before, and I haven't had a break out on my chest in more than a year.

My face was too sensitive for it, but it's effective for my chest and back.
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June 27, 2008

Pros:

Calmed bad case of keratosis pilaris on arms immediately. Soothes inflammation, fades dark spots.

Cons:

RX only - why does anyone need prescription for this? I have had no side effects in 2 months use.

excellent results cost of 3 large tubes (3 months supply) with insurance is $45
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June 24, 2008

Pros:

it made my skin less red.

Cons:

it made break out more,since them I have been batling acne.

not worth for me.
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May 28, 2008

Pros:

Clears blackheads, smaller comedones, and cysts. Starts working immediately. One of the few products my skin isn't allergic to. Works on hormonal acne too!

Cons:

Stings a bit if your skin is still wet when you apply it. Steep price if you don't have insurance, but if you can come up with the money, and have stubborn acne like myself, it's totally worth it.

The best topical I've ever used. This in combination with Rosula, for my body acne, equals the closest thing to a normal complexion I've had since I was on Accutane. (I also highly recommend allergy tests for acne sufferers. I found I am allergic to dairy, since I've given it up I've noticed a huge difference.)
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May 13, 2008

Pros:

This product is by far the best cream prescribed to me. I've tried everything from Differin, Duac, Retin-A, to over the counter products like Oxy, Clean & Clear, etc...and this one is GENTLE to my skin, FEELS GREAT under make up, CLEARS PIMPLES FAST

Cons:

Nothing yet!

After 6 years of horrible combinations that left my skin dry, red, and more embarassing than my acne itself, this cream, along with Doryx 100 mg (once a day) has DEFINATELY made me feel like there is hope for clearer skin and feeling beautiful once again. The best part, I've only been using it for 3 days!!! I can't wait to see how much improvement I will see in a few weeks!!!
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April 13, 2008

Pros:

i've used it for 2 years & it has kept my acne away. i've suffered w/ acne since my teens & into my 20's. my dermatologist recommended i use the azelex w/ nicosyn (another topical acne cream) & they work well w/ my skin. forget retin-A or differin

Cons:

none. when i first tried it, i didn't have any irritation. just the fact that my pimples dried up & shrunk. i saw a big difference in two weeks and the patches of redness went away.

i've tried everything from retin-A, drug store brands, department store products to proactive. azelex and nicosyn really work. i guess i finally met the right dermatologist who actually listened & suggested the right treatment. i ran out of my medication & actually my skin is doing well on it's own, now. funny to say, but...it's been 4 years i haven't used it. i am now 29 & i guess i grew out of the acne stage. i just wanted to comment on how these products worked so well for me that now i don't need it anymore. only thing i wish is i had found the products when i was in high school when my acne was at it's worse. red and painful. i trully recommend these treatments because it's gentle and it works.
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April 8, 2008

Pros:

seems to work, is over-the-counter

Cons:

stings if your skin is very dry, and you need to avoid sunlight

better than nothing
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December 24, 2007

Pros:

Good product ever,reduce dark complexion and ligthen skin.being an african american is hard to find product that works for us, but girls those days are over.Azelex really work so use it.

Cons:

A bit itchy I know but who say beautiful was easy.I mean those burning itchy feeling are totally worth it

If you want a better skin so use it and it doesn't clog pore. But if you mix it with an oral contraceptive would be better. I've been strugling with acne since I was 12 years old and now I find total relief thanks to Azelex.
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November 12, 2007

Pros:

It works, you still get some bumps, but they clear up much faster!

Cons:

Can leave you feeling greasy if you have oily skin like me.

Try it out, if you have mild-moderate acne and I have brown skin with marks, it clears up the major breakouts and heals the new ones faster. Also, you can buy it from NZ for cheap. $35.00 for 3 bottles of cream (3 months worth).
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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.