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
December 18, 2016
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Love!
I had never heard of this drug until I went to the dermatologist in June 2016 because of a recurring cyst on my chin. I wanted a cortisone shot. I told him I refused to use retin a micro due to the initial breakout I had about 4 years ago. My skin is super sensitive and i needed something gentle yet effective, so he prescribed azelex! I have been using this for six months and have not had one since! It has greatly reduced my hormonal breakouts and smoothed my skin overall. I am very very pleased with this product! I even wrote him a thank you email for his suggestion! Highly recommended for mild to moderate acne!
December 7, 2016
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
A Saviour for Me
I accidentally discovered Finacea after finally realising that my constant and worsening "breakouts" were actually pustular Rosacea, and reading up about the condition and treatments online (including here, thank you!). In Australia it is pharmacy medication but needs no prescription, and sells for only AUS$25, so I thought I would give it a try. I was a bit disappointed for the first few weeks as new pustules kept forming - some really nasty - but I persisted having read it can take 4-8 weeks to impact. Patience was rewarded. 8 weeks on and my skin is finally really settling down for the first time in years and almost blemish free. Pustules are few and much smaller and settle down faster. Most scaring is gone. I find a small amount of tingling but no major reactions. An absolute wonder!!!!
November 26, 2016
Product used: Bayer (Azelan)
Quick effect
Azelan is basically azelaic acid, a dicarboxylic acid derived from the fermentation of some cereals and has antioxidant, depigmenting and anti-acneic effect.
I noticed (after a week of daily use twice a day) a reduction in inflammation and oiliness, bleaching of spots and thinner skin.
November 17, 2016
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Azelex acid Purchased without prescription?
Can i buy Azelex without dermatologist prescribing it? If so where? Website?
Michaela123
December 1, 2016
I just bought a 10% Azelaic Acid Suspension from the ordinary skincare line (it's a UK brand under Deciem, [link removed]). The product itself was $7.90 for an ounce + $4.99 shipping and it took about 2 weeks to get to me. I also looked at Curology but most of the formulas they make for patients is only around 4% and it's $20 a month. I can't tell you how the Ordinary formula is working so far because I tried it for the first time last night but my inflammation has already decreased a bit and I didn't have any new spots this morning. Hope this helps!
roxyower
January 18, 2017
I get mine on Amazon. It's called melazepam. It's 20% azelaic acid which is the highest I've found online without a prescription. I really like it and the tube is 2 oz.
Niru
September 22, 2017
Would you be able to share if the azelaic acid from the ordinary worked for you?? thank you! <3
October 31, 2016
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Miracle Cream! Noticeabe Results After First Application!
All I can say is that this product is amazing. I noticed the marks and active acne calmed down and noticeably faded after the FIRST time I used it. I applied it to the areas affected before I went to sleep and when I woke up, it was like 3 weeks had gone by. The marks were significantly faded and the sore spots had all calmed down. I have only been using this cream for 4 days but the results are better than other creams I have used for weeks. As with all acne creams, you must apply sparingly and I find that gently massaging the cream into each separate blemish reduces the redness of skin that isn't affected by acne. I have not found it to be drying and as my skin is so oily, the chances of any dryness are pretty slim. I am therefore lucky enough to be able to apply Skinoren in the morning AND evening which maximises results. I didn't want to leave the house 5 days ago and now, I am free to do so with my head held up high because of Skinoren.
October 29, 2016
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
Actually Works
I have been prescribed this 2 weeks ago for my acne and hyperpigmentation. My skin has honestly improved so so much. I apply it twice a day and i have not stinging or flaking, maybe I am lucky. From the start of using this I have had no new breakouts and my scars are fading. I think you should give it a go!!
December 9, 2016
are you still loving the finacea? have you noticed any sort of purging?
February 10, 2017
You are so right, a lot of people say that it stings and burns when they apply it to their face, when I apply I don't get anything. After 3 days my skin was almost perfect, the scars have disappeared and I haven't have any new acne, but I take mime in combination with Spiro (the pill) and I only pay $20 for it, my Health Insurance is great, I think people should not listen to everyone and try it first!
October 20, 2016
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
hello, could you advise how things turned out as i am suffering the same after a few weeks use.
July 17, 2016
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
The best thing I've ever used!
I've struggled with acne since I was about 21 when I was diagnosed with rosacea and have tried SO many different products/methods to try and shift it. I had great success with BP originally, but my skin became intolerant to it, the same thing happened with Differin after initial good results. Skip forward a couple of years and my acne is back to where it was before I started any kind of treatment, I am now approaching 31 years of age and figured I'd exhausted all of my options with regards to clearing my skin. Then I discovered azelaic acid (skinoren brand), completely by chance and thought I may as well give it a go. After only 4 weeks I started to notice the difference, I usually have approximately 5 cysts around my jaw at any one time of the month (at their worst before my period), and many smaller pimples covering the rest of my face, after approximately week 4 I noticed they weren't as angry as usual, and that as they were clearing there didn't seem to be any new ones forming to take their place. Once they had healed, and since around week 5 of treatment ... absolutely nothing! All that is left is 1 very tiny pimple which is almost healed, and my skin has never looked so smooth. It's also worth mentioning that I experienced absolutely no side effects with this product, no itching, no dryness, no flaking, no purging, nothing. I'm not sure how it works in other countries but in the UK this is available to purchase online without a doctors visit (just an online 'consultation'), for £15, which is only about £7 more than an normal prescription from a GP, but saves the inconvenience of taking time off work, trying to book/go to an appointment etc. Personally I cannot recommend azelaic acid highly enough :)
July 16, 2016
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Eh
I certainly do not recommend this product! Before starting I would get a few pimples on my forehead but after using Azelex I have now had pimples everywhere. I also noticed a lot of whiteheads while using it as well as no improvement in my scarring. Please don't be discouraged by this review but be warned!!!! This didn't work for me but it might work for you, remember to never give up and stay persistent!â¤ï¸
September 22, 2017
thank you for letting us know!
March 1, 2019
That's called purging. How long did you try it for?
June 18, 2016
Product used: Azclear (Azelaic Acid (20%) Lotion)
I love it!
Cleared up my back acne. Reduces pimple size fast! I've had two annoying blackheads on my forehead since I can remember. I squeezed them out for the hundredth time and put Azclear over the then open pore. I never got a blackhead in that spot again and it's been about 4 months since! My back has cleared up about 90% and I put Azclear on, every other day, after showering and washing with gamophen medicated soap. Honestly so happy I found this product! Ps : I'm doing caveman on my face and I only use it as a spot treatment on my face as it can be trying to my extremely sensitive skin, but I use it as a lotion on my back