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%

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

Pros:

Works better than anything else i've ever used in the 10 years i've been struggling with acne. Clears up breakouts while i sleep so i wake up to clear skin.

Cons:

its kind of costly if you don't have insurance

I've used everything for my face, and i mean EVERYTHING over the counter to prescription and this is by far the best cream i have ever used. it doesn't make my face red, itchy, or flakey. i have had big red cystic pimples and small "normal" ones and my advice (well for girls i guess) i went on the pill, used minocycline, and used azelex, has worked better than any other combination ever! it finally made me feel normal again instead of the girl with acne. SO bottom line is! AMAZING and i would recommend it to anyone
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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.
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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.
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July 31, 2011
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)

Pros:

Works!

Cons:

None

Try it
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April 6, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Very effective! Smoothed complexion, overall lightening of the skin, cleared acne!

Cons:

Burning and itchy for first 30 mins or so after application for at least 3 weeks from the date first started using.

Azelaic is great! I've used antibiotics, retin-a, benzoyl peroxide, and more to try to calm down breakouts. Nothing has worked as effectively as this product. I'm very pleased with the overall smoothness and the brightness of my skin color. I would highly recommend this product to anyone that has been struggling with breakouts and/or minor skin discoloration.
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January 1, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

smoother skin, less cystic acne, is not irritating or drying, fades red marks faster than they would fade on their own

Cons:

seems to lighten entire face and make it a lighter/white color, doesnt totally prevent acne

this is an effective topical that has a lot less negative side effects than most other topicals. be careful though!! I used azelex for about two months when i stopped using it almost entirely- massive breakouts followed. In the description of side effects it does say "if you stop using azelex too soon, your acne may return the same or worse than before." So true! If you get clear skin with this, don't stop completely- my advice would be to continue using it but just less frequently.
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November 19, 2008
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

after one day my skin seemed a lot calmer and although i still had redness it wasn't as bad as it was the night before

Cons:

slightly itchiness

i have tried loads of different creams, gels and solutions in the past which have not made the slightest difference and my doctor said they were all the same types so he prescribed me this which is completely different and contains different ingredients. i have only been using it for one day so far however it has made a difference. i hope it continues to get better. also if your in full time education get it from your doctor it will be cheap or free
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April 12, 2008
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

For me helps a little even when used just twice a week, once a day. Does not bleach textiles. Skin turns very smooth after the peeling effect.

Cons:

Does not cure the acne even in regular use, though reduces blackheads. Delays the healing of red spots. The itching can be quite unbearable, especially on hot weather (so I opt to using just occasionally)

Has positive effect for me even when used occasionally, so why to suffer from the itch daily. Not many treatments work for me, so this is well worth recommending.
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March 21, 2008
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Doesn't bleach clothing

Cons:

Made my acne worse, delayed healing of spots

I used this for two months. It gradually made the acne on my chin worse and worse. It has been worse that it has ever been and the spots that are appearing take ages to heal and remain red. Normally my spots disappear within a few days. I didn't have much stinging or itching on application-just occasionally. I have hormonal acne, I flare up on my chin twice a month normally with between 2-5 spots. Since using skinoren I have about 10 spots and that has been all month long, I keep getting new ones and the old ones aren't disappearing. I cannot recommend skinoren at all. Perhaps it is because my acne is hormonal and adult acne-I am 29. I have stopped using skinoren today and have some DIM on order as my next product to try, if that doesn't work I'll have to try spiro
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January 21, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

This medication got to work right away! I saw reddness reduced after a week. After about 3 weeks people that knew me came up to me telling me how great my face looks.

Cons:

It's not a miracle. I didn't expect to find a miracle drug though. Around my period I still break out, however not NEARLY as bad. I used to get hard painful bumps on my cheeks and jaw that would last forever!

I only use this product. No moisturizer or any other acne product. I wash my face with AVEENO baby hair and body wash. Then apply this medication twice a day. It itched the first week and it was more like a tingling that lasted for about 15 minutes. I don't feel that at all anymore. TRY IT!!! You'll be happy you did! The tube lasts me about a month and a half and my insurence covers half. A bit expensive, but I like the results so I will pay.
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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