Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.8
501 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
34.5%
4
31%
3
18.3%
2
8.9%
1
7.3%

Used Azelaic Acid? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Date
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
August 24, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

It works!

Cons:

Initial itching but that does subside, takes a while for the effects to take place

I had tried everything out there short of Accutane but I continued to break out and have very oily skin. I started using this about 9 months ago and initially it caused ALOT of itching but that subsided after about a month. I still continued to break out for about 2-3 months after starting this but after that, my skin has stayed pretty consistently clear with an occassional breakout. It has also helped decrease the oiliness of my skin. Also previous acne scars are pretty much gone. The only thing is to have patience cause it really did help me!
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 21, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Helps fade hyperpigmentation (red spots)
No RX

Cons:

none

I use an 18% Azelaic acid topical from CSC - it is in liquid form. I have been using Glycolic mixes from them (and lots of other skin care) for some time, with great results. I have medium olive skin, and PIH is a bigger problem for me than the actual breakouts. I don't have much itching, but the kind I get is made with chirally correct molecules and I think that helps it be more gentle and still effective.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 16, 2007
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Reduces red marks, reduces acne by about 70%

Cons:

Stings on application, itches.

I think it works very well I use this as well as being on Dianette and so far so good, it's getting rid of scars and for the first time in 8 years I don't have to wear thick horrible layers of make up to cover the acne up, just have to use a concealer for the red marks on the most part. The itching and any drying affect faded away in the first few weeks.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 14, 2007
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

noting!

Cons:

it burns my face. realy ITTCHING!!

ppl said the ittching sense will faded, ive been using it for a week, and i cant stand the itching, so i stop using it. nway, my skin dried n did nothing to the acne.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 5, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Helps red and brown marks on sun damaged skin with adult acne and rosacea. Seemed to help reduce new acne lesions or shorten time to healing, not a miracle traeatment.

Cons:

Prickling feeling when freshly applied not intolerable but may bother some. Not available in my country.

I order this from NZ pharmacy with an extremely helpful pharmacist, cost is reasonable. It was not available for some time and replaced with a lotion that rolled off the skin. Skinoren product seems also to blend with makeup with a little effort so works for daytime too, not greasy at all. All this is pointless unless you use SPF >45. I will continue to use it daily and recommend it to others.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 1, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

it cleared up small acne straight away

Cons:

i have red acne scars that are lightening up, but are not completely gone yet. the itching isn't too bad.

i like it, and with my health plan; it's free!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 29, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

worked for the first week

Cons:

after the first week i continued to break out

i was put on finacea and the first week it made my acne subside. After the first week i continued breaking out in a lot of pimples all over my face. i've used other products such as oral antibotics, retin-a-micro, and others. so far nothing has worked. i've been using finacea and it hasnt helped my acne at all. i dont know what else to use because my face looks so disasturous i dont want to leave the house.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 10, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

I have rosacia and this product in one week made my skin more clear, took out the red and is very smooth.

Cons:

It can sting and itch for the first 15 minutes after applied, but I read that will subside in time once your skin gets used to the product.

I highly recommend this to anyone with rosacia or acne. It seems to work wonders for me and now that I have trid it and see very good results will continue to use it on a daily basis. It also gives your skin a more youthful appearance. So, it has an anti ageing affect too!!! Great stuff!
This Was Helpful

Report
July 7, 2007
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

I was using Finacea for my complexion for a while. Then, on my last trip to Greece I decided to get something there. The pharmacist gave me SkinOren. I love it. It goes on great, feels smooth where the Finacea went dry and turned white-ish.

I am very happy with SkinOren. I like it better than any other creme I have tried. Finacea WITH co-pay is $30 and SkinORen OTC was just 8 Euro....
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 3, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Reduces red spots and lightens hyperpigmentation also helps with acne

Cons:

none

I have been using Azelex acid, Retin A Micro, Tetracycline, and BenzaClin for severe acne and scaring. First I started just using the Retin A Micro and it helped but not enough so my docter put me on Benzaclin and I was on this skin regimine for 3 months. However I was still unhappy so my docter put me on Tetracycline and my skin texture changed to "baby soft" and acne cleared up on my face, back and chest. I felt like a new person. Then I noticed I was left with no acne but ugly scars and red icky dots all over my face so I was put on Azelex acid and I have been on this for about a month. My skin looks ten times better. Scaring and redness is improving and with time and lots of time it will be all better.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 30 31 32 33 34 … 37
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