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
May 14, 2007

Pros:

It works better than the other creams I've tried.

Cons:

don't know why, but it gives me dry eyes. So I started applying it further from my eyes and seemed to have taken care of that

I didn't have the itching or stinging that I read about. I think I have acne cause my skin cells really don't turn over fast enough so maybe now they are and that's why it doesn't sting. I also use Aveeno Radiant Wash to wash my face and wait at leasr 5 miutes before applying the skinoren.
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April 10, 2007

Pros:

Gentle, VERY effective at getting rid of redness while it gets rid of acne and makes your skin at the same time look awesome.

Cons:

I honestly can't think of any...except maybe that it's a pain in the ass having to apply topicals...even though that doesn't really apply to Finacea...

If you need something to rid you of redness and acne this is a must...in conjunction with Benzaclin / Duac this stuff is amazing. In a weeks time you'll see absolute and significant results...but more importantly it makes your skin look new all the time...it's never dull and red... I love Finacea...best product i've used thus far.
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March 28, 2007

Pros:

Definitly works on surface acne associated with adult roseca. I've read it works to get under the top layer of skin bring up the new.

Cons:

Nothing

Try it for symtoms associated with roseca.
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January 24, 2007

Pros:

red marks are fading, reduced break outs

Cons:

mild stinging and itching after application

My derm prescribed the Azelex cream applied in the morning with 100 mgs Doxycicline twice a day, stilling waiting for the insurance to approve the retin A for evening usage. My back is cleared up (hooray) my face looks so much better, I did notice a two new BIG blackheads which I generally don't have but I prefer that to the huge cysts!
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December 27, 2006

Pros:

Helped clear alot when I first started using it.

Cons:

Burns like a SOB and is super itchy, for me atleast, also the result have kinda been declining.It seems like it wont let the pimple form but there is still puss or w/e under the skin that i can feel, and a red spot that is visible.

I dont believe there in one miracle cream that will work for everyone, but if this works for you great! It was working for me but mabey my skin has become imune.IDK.lol.
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December 12, 2006

Pros:

Completely cleared up my skin (painful cysts) within two weeks and has kept it clear. Nothing has worked like this for me.

Cons:

The initial adjustment period. My skin stung and itched at first, but it was tolerable (and WELL worth the results) and with each use the stinging got less frequent and less intense and eventually went away completely.

Azelex is a miracle worker for me. It has really changed my skin. And I'd used Retin-A for a decade, oral antibiotics (tetracycline, minocycline and others), BCPs for years, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, BHAs, etc. The only thing I hadn't tried probably is Accutane. Some (BCPs and Retin-A) helped a good deal, but I would still get painful cysts. Until Azelex. Miracle worker Azelex cleared my skin and kept it clear better than any other product I've ever tried. It has holy grail status with me.
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December 5, 2006

Pros:

I use this in conjunction with Benzamycin, and it does a wonderful job keeping my breakouts to a minimum. The best thing about it is that it helps fade those nasty leftover red marks!

Cons:

I haven't experienced any cons. No dryness. No stinging. Nothing.

While I'm not sure I'd recommend this on its own as an acne treatment, it is great when used in conjuction with another product. I especially recommend it for fading leftover red marks .
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December 1, 2006

Pros:

AWESOME!!! within days my skin tone was clear and the littler acne I had was gone. Withing 2 months I was 85% clear, and COMPLETELY clear in 3 months. It's been 5 months and i cant remember my bad skin. And it lightens my scne spots. LOVE IT

Cons:

Deal with the stinging for 1 month - its so worth it. After that, it never stings again. It DOES make my skin feel a little shiny, but dabbing it w/ napkins a couple times a day in the bathroom is so worth the clear skin that comes along with it.

USE IT! It works...btw, my acne was mild-medium....but still i hated it! was on accutane twice in my life and my acne came back, but am so happy with this!!! Your confidence will sky rocket :-)
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January 7, 2021
White Patches from Azclear

Recently started using Azclear 20%. I have an olive complexion and have started to notice patches of lighter skin on my face. Has this happened to anyone else and should I continue using this product?

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February 22, 2018
Not for long term BP users / Sensitive skin
Longtime BP user here, 10+ years. I wanted to try something different so I got a Skinoren prescription from Boots ( UK) online. Used it for about 4-5 weeks. I probably went little balls deep on it ( used too much from the off) but it made my skin so incredibly itchy. I also got a bit of a chemical burn on my cheek near to my nose. It would take about 30-60 minutes before my skin would feel normal. I also couldn't find any info about using a moisturizer in combination with it.... lots of conflicting info everywhere. Didn't really help with acne just irritated my skin. I may give it another go ( using less of it next time) but it's not suitable for long-term use so any benefits will be < 9 months as its recommended to stop use after a year. I've also used differin which gave me a similar experience.
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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.