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
December 11, 2007

Pros:

Goes on smooth, no pain, and works througout the day do prevent new bumps.

Cons:

I think it makes my facial hair grow faster, but I don't really consider that a con. Other than that can't really think of any.

Really works to prevent acne, remove redness, and even out skin tone. Im using this in conjunction with clenia face wash and its the best my skin has been in years. It's almost like a godsend since I still have a couple months left in college to enjoy good skin. The first time i applied my skin seemed a little itchy, but every time since then i don't even notice its on. Benzoyl peroxide seems to be treating the symptoms of acne, but azaleic acid seems to treat the cause. I use the product finacea cream. Also does not cause photosensitivity like so many other products.
March 31, 2007
Everyday when i put it on, it always itches for awhile. It did help reduce the seriousness of my acne. In between I stopped when it ran out, but my acne didn't get worse or anything like that at all, so thats good. But it won't clear all of the acne up. Decided to use other recommended products at night and skinoren in the morning. Now, my acne is about 80% gone.
March 13, 2007

Pros:

It did fade my red marks a little bit.

Cons:

Made my face itch really badly for the first few minutes after application. Like you want to scratch off my whole face. No burning. Itching decreases after a few weeks of daily use.

I used this for 2x a day for 3 months and had zero change in my acne. If anything I think it got a little worse.
March 2, 2007

Pros:

it seems to work, but ive only been on it for a week.. it also makes my face feel smoother

Cons:

it does itch at first... but thats about it

ive only used finacea for about a week, so far everything is going pertty good and my skin is gradually clearing. I was a little concerned about using it and almost decided to stop because of all the things about it giving people worse skin, but i figure my skin wouldve broken out already if it was gonna do that. A lot of people used this and liked it a lot, so im hoping i get good results. I used it before and i didnt like it, but that was because i was using it like a spot treatment, just dabbing a little glob on one pimple at a time.... DO NOT DO THIS... it makes your skin really dry and red for about a week in those areas. make sure to rub it in like a lotion on your problem areas... then it will probably work.
January 5, 2007

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

severe itching and burning, my face peeled miserably when I washed it off. then i started to break out even worse when I went back on BP. It has been 4 months since I used it and I am still living in the aftermath.

Do not use this if you have even slightly sensitive skin, try Klaron or Clindamycin instead. They prescrtibe this for sensitive skin, but it is not for sensitive people at all. If you have the slightest sensitivity to BP (redness, dryness, itching) do not try this it will make your skin so much worse. Also, the skin can hold on to an allergic reaction for months, so you can't go back to whatever you used to use until it clears completely.
May 4, 2012

Pros:

Reduced oily skin and redness.
Controls acne

Cons:

After a while it stopped working :(

I started getting acne 3 years ago(I'm 14 old now)..My mum bought it 1 week ago so I gave it a try.After 3 daysI was 100% acne free.I only had some scars left.It also reduced oilness..But suddenly the oilness came back and I broke out.. I still use it and maybe it's just to early to see if it really works..=/
August 8, 2009

Pros:

Acts fast on pustule cysts and whiteheads.

Cons:

Expensive but insurance reimbursed me. It burns and stings like hell for about 10 minutes. Started to itch and dry up resulting in dryness on one side of my jawline.

I just started using it because I started breaking out like crazy. I was using hormone pills, progesterine, for pregnancy. After 3 months, I had to stop the pills because my face broke out. I haven't been out in public for about 2 weeks. It's so embarrassing. I only had like 5 big pustule cysts and other marks so In desperation, I went to Rite Aide to purchase benzoyl peroxide and salicic acid which I used the first day. Then I made an appointment with my Dermatologist the next day for a chemical peel which I used to get every month at no cost to me due to insurance covering. The second day I received my chemical peel at 12pm at seemed worse but within a few hours I noticed inflammation decreased. I used Azelex the third day and saw some change. I noticed my scars decreasing in color and size. However, I noticed that I was starting to dry up on one side of my face. I started using Aloe Vera gel and seems like its working. Today I am in my 4th day and am seeing a major improvement. AMEN
May 6, 2009

Pros:

Gets rid of oily skin

Cons:

Doesn't stop whiteheads, turns your face very red, and causes itching so bad you would pay to take a wire brush to your face.

I was only on this for 7 days so I'm not the best judge. I was on Clyndamycin and switched to this and I had to spend the next week locked up in my apartment. I never quit medication no matter what but I just couldn't stay on this one. You say to yourself that the itching is no big deal but when you combine incredible itching with steps in the wrong direction it was an easy decision. I can't imagine that this wouldn't turn anyone's skin into a crust filled wasteland but then again everyone is different. Definitely use at your own risk!!
July 12, 2008
i've been using skinoren for about a month.now i have not see big improvement.maybe 1 or 2 months later my acne wont be in my face.you just use it.maybe it will help u.of course beteer than nothing
November 24, 2007

Pros:

great thing for the price, pretty effective on blackheads, not hard to apply, does not cause long- lasting redness or anything, a bit smoothers the skin

Cons:

itching is excruciating, a bit burning; applying consumes a lot of time, you can only see any results after a month or so

This thing is pretty good if you have problems like blackheads but it won't work on your breakouts, at least, it didn't heal mine. Applying is easy but needs some time, after that your skin is all itching and a bit burning for a while, totally unbearable but after a week or so using it these side effects will certainly diminish. I've used this thing for countless months, it didn't heal my breakouts; definitely- a lot of my clogged pores were gone but otherwise I could hardly see any improvement. This thing is great though if you have really really mild acne, check this out before trying anything stronger, it won't make your skin look bad and will smoother your skin.

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.