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%

Used Azelaic Acid? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
October 13, 2008
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

improvement after 1-2 weeks

Cons:

non...maby itching in first days

it helps
This Was Helpful

Report
September 8, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Works great! I use this at night and Differin in the am and this routine has been for over 10 years. I have still noticed that even with this routine I cannot use a sunscreen during the day on my face without breaking out. I use benz per for this.

Cons:

The reg cost of this medicine is totally out of control. Thanks for insurance! Itching after I put it on. This has been for 10 years!

I'd like to find something to put on my face that will help me NOT break out if I put on sunscreen (even the non oiliest kind)
This Was Helpful

Report
August 5, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

IT´S THE GREATEST THING I HAVE EVER TRIED FOR MY FACE IT ACTUALLY WORKS.

Cons:

IT DOES STING FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT THEN YOU GET USED TO IT THE REWARDS ARE GREAT

I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING BEFORE AND THIS IS HTE ONLY THING THAT HAS EVER REALLY ACTUALLY WORKED IN SUCH A SHORT TERM. AND I HAD THE SEVERE CYSTIC ACNE TYPE. IT ACTUALLY EVEN HELPS YOU IN DIMINISHING YOUR SCARS AND BROWN SPOTS. EVERYONE SHOULD TRY THIS. EVEN IF YOU DONT HAVE ANY INSURANCE IT IS VERY WELL WORHT OF YOUR PENNIES.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 12, 2008
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

easily absorbed, seems to help

Cons:

slight itching. reduces healing of red spots.

it reduced the redish tone i had on my cheeks, keep using it consistently!!!! i missed using it once and i woke with a break out. i had about 3 major breakouts since using it but overall i think it really works.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 20, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Finacea doesn't hurt your skin. I find it cosmetically elegant. I find my skin tone more even and it has helped to quickly heal "underground" cysts and whiteheads alike. I feel like I am finally able to use a product that is 'caring' for my skin.

Cons:

A little irritation at first around my eye area. Don't bring it too close up .

I feel this is a helpful topical. It was the only topical that my skin wasn't a raw, red flaky disaster. I think it reduced the number of blemishes and redness in my skin. It simply feels better to the touch and looks smoother overall.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 15, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

I use Azelex, it has a mattifying quality that makes me look better. It doesn't cause any redness or peeling. My skin is more even toned and my scars are fading. Combined with Proactiv lotion works great.

Cons:

The first few applications had a very mild stinging sensation but after the first few days that stopped happening. Now it feels great. Seemed to sting more if my skin was even a little damp.

I used Proactiv, Murad, Retin A, the oil cleansing method, Birth control pills, Benzaclin, and oral tetracycline. My skin would peel and crack and the redness and irritation seemed to get as infected as my zits. Azelex is changing all that. The cream is soothing, and I haven't experienced any redness. I almost don't need foundation. My pores are smaller now. When I feel I need it I may infrequently combine with leftover proactiv lotion. For years I thought acne meant I had oily skin but now I know that I have dry skin. I have begun to treat my skin like a piece of old lace and it has improved. Cetaphil wash is the strongest soap I use, Thayers Rose water witch hazel for toner (alcohol free),Azelex cream, and Neutrogena sunblock 30 spf and I am done. Considerably less expensive too since Azelex is covered by my insurance and the other stuff probably cost 25 bucks total.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 3, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Has cleared up clogged pores and reduced the life of cystic bumps. My skins hasn't peel or become red. Towels & bed sheets are bleached. I can use make up without issues (after the burning/itching stops).

Cons:

It itches and burns for 10-15 minutes everytime I apply. It's a bit expensive with my insurance - $50 a tube - which lasts about 3 months. Boyfriend can't kiss me anywhere on my face after I apply.

I love this product simply because it doesn't stain my towels or bed sheets. It has cleared up my acne and reduced clogged pores. I don't break out as often. When I do get a pimple/cystic bump, it leaves a much lighter mark on my face. I've been using for about 8 months. It still burns and itches, but worth the price for clearer skin.
This Was Helpful

Report
February 26, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Helped clear up mild acne

Cons:

caused reccurent cold sores, a possible side effect

I have gotten about 5 cold sores in my life before I used this product. When I started using it I got one every month for three months! Once I got 2 in one month. I talked to my derm and that is a possible (but uncommon) side effect. It helped my skin but wasn't worth it for me.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 2, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Excellent cream that works very quickly even if used once a day. Used this cream before I got pregnant and my acne went by 90%. Stopped throughout pregnancy and now back on and its working its magic again. Still have minor small whiteheads.

Cons:

Itches & burns like crazy for upto 30 minutes after application. Use a desktop fan to cool your face whilst the itching is happening!

Great cream that does work in quite a quick time. My acne is moderate and its really helping. But I will say I can understand if people would not use it because the itching is awful, in fact I have to stand outside in cool air cos its agony! Luckily its not for long and the benefits of this cream outweigh a few minutes of itching.
This Was Helpful

Report
November 24, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

helps with dark spots and uneven skintone and with acne love that i get it free from my derm through my insurance also its easy to apply.

Cons:

at first slight tingling kinda burning for first few weeks.

great product for both acne and hyperpigmentation issues.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 28 29 30 31 32 … 36
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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