Azelaic Acid
Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.8
501 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
34.5%
4
31%
3
18.3%
2
8.9%
1
7.3%

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February 24, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Keeps it manageable

Cons:

Doesn't really stop the once a month hormonal breakout.

After I had my daughter I had a horrible experience with cystic acne. I tried all sort of things but because I was BFing I didn't want to take medication. This did not clear it up either. I was getting depressed. I tried laser at my DR's office. Went several times and it worked!!!! But because of the monthly hormone cycle I still have a need for this. It does seem to help. I also wash with Proactive face wash once a day. The sting is very very mild for me so I don't really mind and don't even really notice it.
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January 6, 2009
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Helps kill the bacteria hels with the redness and the Bumps soothens the skin and keeps it soft

Cons:

When i first applyed this cream i got a pins and needels feeling and slight burning sensation for about 5 mins but then it calm down rapildy

Only been useing this cream for 2 days now but as soon as u put it on a few hours later u can really feel it working.. Just hopein it now helps as other creams like Panoxy havent worked And duax..
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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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December 27, 2008
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Have High hopes for this stuff,nothing has ever worked only made my face worse(bp)...Anyway seems to be to doing something ..some cystic ane I had is gone..the skin just flaked away so a good start..I'll post again in a week with update

Cons:

Itchy..but aint scrathing..fades after a few minutes..
Pricey need prescription from the doc

Its on trial..but happy enough to keep using it
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November 10, 2008
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Reduces oilyness...

Cons:

I've been using the product for 2 months now and my skin hasn't improved at all. I still get breakouts, I still have whiteheads on my cheeks and the red spots are still there also... I'm very disappointed with this product.

Didn't work for me.
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September 10, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

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

Pros:

Works great! I use this at night and Differin in the am and this routine has been for over 10 years. I have still noticed that even with this routine I cannot use a sunscreen during the day on my face without breaking out. I use benz per for this.

Cons:

The reg cost of this medicine is totally out of control. Thanks for insurance! Itching after I put it on. This has been for 10 years!

I'd like to find something to put on my face that will help me NOT break out if I put on sunscreen (even the non oiliest kind)
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August 31, 2008
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

I never break out anymore! Now i just have to let it treat the scars etc!

Cons:

It is drying, and does cause some redness, burning, and itching in the beginning but it goes away!

I usually break out ALL THE TIME and i used to have a skin routine consisting of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing every single day and i would be in the bathroom for 45 minutes just so a pimple wouldn't pop on my face! Now i've been using skinoren on its own for just 2 weeks and I haven't broken out AT ALL! Sure, no major improvements in the scars, but that comes later! Im just glad I don't get any kind of blemishes anymore.
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August 14, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

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.
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August 5, 2008
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Pro's It came highly recommended. My first application was today.

Cons:

A generic version is not available. I paid $86.00 and that was after the insurance paid their portion.

I will write back and let you know if it worked!
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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

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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:

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  • 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.
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  • 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