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
September 10, 2008

Pros:

So far...nothing. After using it with Clenia wash I broke out pretty bad. So I stopped using Clenia, and my acne cleared up a little bit, but i've noticed i'm still breaking out worse then when I didn't use prescriptions at all.

Cons:

Makes my skin feel greasy and oily, makes me break out worse.

To be honest, I might have to wait a little longer, but i'm disappointed so far. I had very light acne, but after going on Rx it's gotten worse. Supposedly marks are supposed to fade...but I feel like they're worse with this stuff. It also makes my forehead and nose oily/greasy. So far i'm very disappointed. I'm going to give it a week and then if it doesn't help i'm going to switch to using just Clenia.
August 29, 2008

Pros:

not harsh on your skin
different then all the other acne meds!

Cons:

i have yet to find any, i wish it came in a bigger container! haha

honestly, this is a miracle worker. I feel beautiful again...I had minimal pimples up until the end of my freshmen year of college, i went home, and all of a sudden i burst out in giant welty acne all over my chin, i felt ugly, and it hurt all the time. My dermatologist recommended this other scary med that has alot of side effects, so i opted for Azelex and some antibiotics, and together it was an instant change! Not only have my big bumps gone away, but the scars are slowly going too!!!! YAYY!!! I occasionally get a big one starting, but i put azelex on, and it goes away! In a matter of days!! Its amazing. it really is....
August 27, 2008

Pros:

i am using it from one week i dont see much miracles neither any harshness its good

Cons:

burning sensation

try it
August 14, 2008

Pros:

I've only used it for a few days, but it seems to be working well.

Cons:

I get a bad reaction to benzoyl peroxide, but the small amount in this hasn't created any negative effects yet.

I purchased Skinoren online from a different country which is the same thing as Azelex in the U. S. with 20% Azelaic acid in a topical cream. I've been reading people saying that they're spending upwards of $100 dollars on this. I only payed $24 which included shipping for a 30g tube. Try going to [link removed]>and save some money.
July 2, 2008

Pros:

Worked well for acne scars, and wearable under makeup. Didn't make my face oily like clindamycin. Definitely noticeable decrease in breakouts.

Cons:

Does dryout skin a bit and definitely does make the sensitive areas of my face itch like crazy, but the results are worth it.

I have dual prescription coverage so I try a lot of different remedies for my acne, I really liked the azelex because it helped my oil control as well as the acne and acne scars. it may be expensive if you don't have good insurance but I think it's worth it.
June 25, 2008

Pros:

Works WONDERFULLY at reducing acne; no side effects for me; started working in two weeks; reduces redness and inflammation

Cons:

Pimples already there have to clear up on their own (finacea won't help)

I love Finacea. I am sensitive to antibiotics and my derm wanted to try this before we went to a topical antibiotic. 12 weeks later, she was very pleased with the condition of my skin and said I didn't need a topical antibiotic. I still break out, but nowhere near what I was (and the pimples are not severe like before). My skin is much smoother and calmer. Also, I've had basically no side effects. I use it with Retin-A and have been pleased. My dermatologist thinks it will keep getting better now.
May 3, 2008

Pros:

Finacea gel is a miracle so far! Have used it for 3 weeks now and have not had a major breakout since. Red spots are also fading quickly!

Cons:

None really, just a little bit of tingling after application. Not bothersome at all.

This product is absolutley wonderful! I am 29, and I just went to the Dermatologist for the first time 3 weeks ago for mild acne and redness/scarring from previous acne. She prescribed Finacea gel on affected areas at night, and Duac gel for spot control in the morning. I have tried a lot of OTC products for acne and none have worked as well as Finacea. I am so glad I went and got something that worked! I am looking forward to having a beautiful complexion once again, like I had back in college!
March 17, 2008

Pros:

finecea 15% has done wonders compared to azelex acid 20%

Cons:

none yet

odorless, stainless, has worked wonders
February 29, 2008

Pros:

Works very well in a short period of time. I have been impressed with the product. My skin is not dried out or peeling.

Cons:

Price; there is some itching when you first apply the med, but this does go away with time.

I had an event coming up that I wanted to get clear for...Azelex has worked wonders. Were it not for the dark spots my acne leaves behind (which Azelex is helping with, too) I would be ready to throw out all my foundation. My skin looks great.
December 29, 2007

Pros:

Easy to apply, no bad smell, works well under moisturizer and makeup! Was made for women, with a women's regime in mind. Non photo-sensitizing (won't make you sensitive to the sun). Doesn't cause dryness, peeling or redness.

Cons:

A little itching and slight burning/tingling for the first few weeks, but I got used to it - doesn't bother me now.

Not a miracle cream for me, but it has worked well enough that I'm glad I tried it and I would recommend to anyone with mild/moderate acne. I still have breakouts, but not nearly so much as I used to. I also use Verilux's ClearWave red/blue light therapy - and I think that really made the difference!!! I'm also on Yaz BCP.

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.