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.
Used Azelaic Acid? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 16, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Cons:
Tingling/itching upon application, dry and peeling skin at first, may worsen or cause increase in cold sores, and some lightening of skin color
IF YOU HAVE NOT USED THIS PRODUCT FOR AT LEAST 12 WEEKS, PLEASE DO NOT POST ANY COMMENTS!!!! This product takes a full 12 weeks in order to achieve optimal results. If you are not willing to suffer through at least a month of moderate skin discomfort, this is not the drug for you. I have been on 6 prescription acne medications and countless OTC products before trying azelex. I am currently using azelex cream in the morning and tazorac at night. Although my acne has only decreased by about 50%, this medication seems to fade existing red marks from previous lesions (however, at a cost of looking pale for at least 12 weeks). For the first 30 days, your skin will be irritated and will peel off, but the irritation will eventually go away. I found that applying aveeno face lotion with chamomile after the azelex seemed to help with the irritation.
January 5, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
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.
January 3, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Works well, definitely reduces breakouts and how long a pimple lasts. Doesn't make my sensitive skin red or irritated.
Cons:
My skin does itch and/or sting sometimes, but usually only for half an hour or so after i apply it. I only use it at night, so this isn't really a problem. My insurance won't pay for it.
My skin is very sensitive, and did not tolerate most other prescription topical acne medications (aside from Differen). Everything else irritated my skin...made it all red and peely, but Azelex, though it can cause itching/stinging, has not made my skin red or caused peeling. It's cleared up acne pretty well.
December 30, 2006
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Cleared up blackheads and heavy breakout areas such as forehead in about 2 weeks.
Cons:
My face feels dry. I was prescribed Chylindamycin (SP?) during the day for it and now my face just feels oily which makes me think I am producing more breakouts! Must use as prescribed
I just started getting acne at 23 so this is my first prescription. I helped clear up my forehead but did nothing for my rash looking acne around my nose which is where I am most self conscious. Also I get random pimples on my cheeks...Hopefully it will continue to improve my skin but I may seek other options.
December 27, 2006
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Helped clear alot when I first started using it.
Cons:
Burns like a SOB and is super itchy, for me atleast, also the result have kinda been declining.It seems like it wont let the pimple form but there is still puss or w/e under the skin that i can feel, and a red spot that is visible.
I dont believe there in one miracle cream that will work for everyone, but if this works for you great! It was working for me but mabey my skin has become imune.IDK.lol.
December 18, 2006
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Worked for about one week
Cons:
Extremely dry skin, cysts, white heads, more sensitive skin
After using Poractiv for about 2 years. My dermotologist perscribed Finacea for me, about 3 months ago. At first my face cleared instantly, I thought I had finally found a product that works for my VERY oily skin and large pores and mild to moderate acne. But the more I used the Finacea the worse my skin got. I applied it morning and night all over my face. It made my face break out where it normally never breaks out, especially on my forehead! It made these horrible cysts on my chin that would be purple in color and nothing but blood would come out! It also caused a little scarring on my left cheek! My skin has never been so dry!!! It is so embarassing! My skin has never looked worse! I have been trying White distilled vinager as a astringent for about 3 days now, and my face looks ALOT better, maybe by Christmas I can look good!
December 16, 2006
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
I think the stuff is good.....but my acne (the small bit tht i get) comes back every now and then and i have been using this stuff for bout 2 months.........anyone else get this?????
December 12, 2006
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Completely cleared up my skin (painful cysts) within two weeks and has kept it clear. Nothing has worked like this for me.
Cons:
The initial adjustment period. My skin stung and itched at first, but it was tolerable (and WELL worth the results) and with each use the stinging got less frequent and less intense and eventually went away completely.
Azelex is a miracle worker for me. It has really changed my skin. And I'd used Retin-A for a decade, oral antibiotics (tetracycline, minocycline and others), BCPs for years, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, BHAs, etc. The only thing I hadn't tried probably is Accutane. Some (BCPs and Retin-A) helped a good deal, but I would still get painful cysts. Until Azelex. Miracle worker Azelex cleared my skin and kept it clear better than any other product I've ever tried. It has holy grail status with me.
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!
December 5, 2006
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
I use this in conjunction with Benzamycin, and it does a wonderful job keeping my breakouts to a minimum. The best thing about it is that it helps fade those nasty leftover red marks!
Cons:
I haven't experienced any cons. No dryness. No stinging. Nothing.
While I'm not sure I'd recommend this on its own as an acne treatment, it is great when used in conjuction with another product. I especially recommend it for fading leftover red marks .
Pros:
Fading of red acne scars, some decrease in number of acne lesions