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

Pros:

I have used this cream for about four days and my husband has noticed a difference. I hope it will help my acne scars.

Cons:

I burning and itching is very hard to deal with!! Is there anyone out there that can recommend a non-greasy moisturizer for the face. My face is very dry and starting to peel.

It's only been a few days. I am using this with Doxy 150mg a day, Ziana gel at night and this cream in the day time. I hope it works!! P.S. the product is very expensive without insurance.
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December 30, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

I've only used it for a couple of days, but I can already see the results! My acne has shrank considerably and the redness is always gone when I wake up in the morning!

Cons:

A little bit of itching...nothing I can't simply ignore. I mean WHO CARES if it works right?

I really like this product!! TRY IT!!
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November 19, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

i think its working

Cons:

itching, little bit burning,

i have used it for about two weeks... my pimples used to last for a week and leaving scars after that.. but those pimples are gone n scars are healing up... But now i am WORRIED about too much Small WHITE HEADS i got on forehead and cheeks and some on overall face after using it. I do not why? I think it may be due to reaction with some kinda soap as i was on vacation for 4 days and used Hotel soap on face.
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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.
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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!
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March 14, 2007
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

None, i can think of.

Cons:

It burns like hell. It made my skin very flaky and scaley!!

Dont buy this. There are better meds out there.
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December 8, 2006
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Fades dark spots, decreases oil

Cons:

Itchy, drying, makes skin sensitive, label says not to drink caffeine when using product

My mom has the 15% Finacea stuff and let me borrow. I have had acne since age 15 and I'm 26 now. I use ProActive, but wanted to see how the stuff worked for her. She's using it for age spots. I does reduce redness, but I could see it making my face whiter if I used it all over. The trick is to use mild cleanser and wash cloth and no astringent or an astringent that is extremely mild w/ no acid or alcohol in it. And make sure the face is completely dry before applying. Apply very lightly to problem areas. I don't see it being a very good day time regimine or preventive. But the fading of the spots is awesome. I also make sure to apply lotion once the cream is dried to avoid overdrying and excessive oil production. I still use proactive during the day...don't know how this might turn out...I'm being careful...but I know my skin pretty well at this point as far as limits and PH balance. Hope it works for you!
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April 26, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

havnt noticed a great deal of difference but have only been on it 2 weeks

Cons:

stings quite abit

hasnt really worked all that well, when i first started with it it kind of worked but im stil getting break outs. maybe within time it will start working but i dought it. it stings quite abit when i put it on, stings for about 10 minutes. price wasnt a problem because its on the nhs which is lucky because i think i would be quite annoyed if i had to pay for another product that doesnt work.
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March 26, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Lightens hyperpigmentation

Cons:

itch's for about 5 min but not too bad, $50.00 with my insurance b/c I haven't met my deductible yet but I saw that some were only paying $10.00 but I WOULD pay the $50 again

It really helps to lighten the dark spots and red marks but didn't help with my little "rice" like underskin pimples
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January 4, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

right now i'm on my 8th weeks,i have a MODERATE acne and hopefully this will work great for me!<easy to apply,and so far it fades the redness of my cysts a lil bit,and hOping that it will be gone soon;(

Cons:

first week,itchy,burning,stinging,and after a week and something your skin will get use to it,it don't bother me now nlike before the only thing that bother me now is a bit of itching of my face,but i know that this will go away

so far it's working,but kinda slow for me,maybe i'm just obssess to take this bumps away from my face..
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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