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
June 30, 2010
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Cons:
itchy for a while after applying
Light white powder can get onto dark clothes,
you end up using alot of it so make sure you get 180g for 4 weeks for one application a day and double that for 2 applications a day.
can lighten skin (I like this but I know its a con for some ppl, still doesnt bleach anything else)
may be expensive to buy if you aren't on the NHS or if you don't have insurance as you will need alot ofit for body acne.
I would reccomend this to anyone who has body acne as BP is often just too much of a restriction on your life. Cant sleep on friends sheets cause you will bleach them with BP, can't wear the sexy black dress or top cause if you sweat you will bleach it... etc etc its great stuff and since using it my skin has really improved, i dont like to review "too soon" but I prefer this so much I wanted to share the word as so few ppl know about this treatment. BTW I have been using once a day. I will do another review after 6 weeks xx
June 20, 2010
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
I've been using azelaic acid on my chest for a week now and my chest is already less red. So far I'm positive! No irritation, itchiness, redness or whatever. I'm curious what happens when you stop using it. Will the acne come back worse than before using azelaic acid?
May 18, 2010
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Removes 90% of all acne around the face
Cons:
Itching for first 10 minutes after applying
Causes dry skin
First of all I'd like to point out that I have had acne ever since I was 18 and I'm now 24 with what can only be classified as adult acne. I've been using this cream on its own since December 2009 and it has worked wonders on my skin. I stopped using the oral-antibiotic treatment which I was on for 3 years and continued using this cream. It has however, made my skin around my mouth and chin really dry after showering. My lips seem to dry up a lot more than usual forcing me to use vaseline on them to stop the rest of my skin around them from tightening up. This is the best solution to adult acne by far! Totally recommend this product.
March 19, 2010
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
This has cleared up 95% of the acne on my face and jaw line in a matter of weeks (3).
Cons:
Burns when first appiled. Initially dries my skin out, which is great but then my skin seems to overcompensate by producing more oil, turning me into an oily slick and requiring me to wash my face every couple of hours at work.
I've tried everything, to include accutane. This stuff works.
November 29, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Truly truly truly works! It got rid of cystic acne and made the reduced the redness.
Cons:
Slight tingling and burning when you first apply it. So worth it though!
You must not give up on this product. It truly does work if you are patient with it. I have only used this for about a month now and I can't believe how much my face cleared up. It looks and feels so smooth. I no longer have bumpy cheeks!
November 15, 2009
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
I have hyperpigmentation. it was very depressing as I always had good skin. I am using skinoren at night and nivea cell renewal sun cream during the the day. skin is clearer, dark patches fading slowly. Will continue use.
Cons:
slightly pricey, but lasts long.
Looks very promising. I have made this cream a part of my skin care routine. Will update later.
October 6, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Results were immediate. Not too drying. No new breakouts since I started.
Cons:
Make sure you let your skin dry for 20 minutes after washing, before applying the Finacea. Keeps the itching down.
I have a history of acne and now I struggle with rosacea. I've tried it all. Tazorac, Ziana, differin, accutane once a week. Recently I had been using Ziana to improve texture and help with the rosacea breakouts. I didn't realize it was making my face worse. I was an oil slick by 2 pm! I began to get hard cyst-like pimples on my chin. The minute I stopped using it and switched to Finacea, my skin began to clear again.
October 6, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
It worked for my severe rosacea. I started using it 3 days ago along with doxycicline and can see the results.
Cons:
Expensive, burns and itches like crazy at first.
My rosacea got pretty bad over the last 2 weeks. The cheecks and chin are red like beets, feels like I'm runnig a fever and the face is covered with tiny white bumps that itch. It was getting progressively worse and my doctor prescribed me azelex. She didn't tell me much what it does and the pharmacist said it was an acid, so I was reluctant to use it twice a day, especially that it burns. I used it maybe a cople times and then had to wash it off with water after 1-2 hours of non-stop mild but anoying burning.
After reading some of the reviews I sucked it up and started using it as prescribed. It improved my skin condition significantly. Although I'm still red, the bumps are smaller now and the whiteheads come off.
I have oily skin and this creme helps to keep it dry. I'm surprised to find out that it supposedly works for blackheads, so I'll try to use it on my nose and forehead as well.
Reading all the reviews it looks like it works differently for everyone, but is worth try
September 6, 2009
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Cons:
no side effects
Clears skin in a few weeks,it is great product..
September 1, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Reduces redness. Reduces inflamation. Overall smoother skin.
Cons:
Made my skin oily even the next day. Doesn't do much of anything to unclog pores. Itchiness about 5 minutes after application.
This product worked much better for me in the winter. I have rosacea, so my skin cannot tolerate more intense acne products(Ziana effed me up). I work in a hot restaraunt and the air condition doesn't work half the time, so this summer I have not been able to stay clear at all. This product does not exfoliate, and does not unclog pores, but if you suffer from inflammation or rosacea, finacea is not a bad fit. I am going to continue to use this just to prevent big zits, but I also intend on going back to my derm and giving something else a try(if there is anything I haven't tried). I feel like this medication has been clogging my pores, but is simultaneously preventing them from swelling. So I have lots of small whiteheads all the time, as opposed to a few big ones if I weren't on it. I gues its a trade off I'm willing to make for now.
Pros:
Over 2 weeks in so far:
Seems as effective as BP at present
Calms down acne in terms of:
amount,
severety and
redness,
light white powder makes skin look nice and does not bleach anything (like BP does)
Does not cause foetal malformations like retin A (always speak to doctor about this anyway)
Does not cause as much irritation as BP
does not cause antibiotic resistance as it is not an antibiotic.
Does not cause sun sensitivity