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
December 13, 2012
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
Cons:
occasional dryness
occasional itching
expensive
I have never had "bad" skin but for years I have suffered from hormonal zits. Every month (2x month) I would get a 1-2 of those blind cystic zits on my chin or around the mouth. They would pop up suddenly and between the swelling/residual redness would wreak havoc on my face anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. It felt like every time I finally had clear skin another would be waiting to attack. I tried everything- proactive, BP,salicylic acid, sulfur, zinc, omega 3s but they were unavoidable. I avoided the derm for years because I went on Tazorac back in HS and it made my skin explode. Finally, now, at the age of 25 I went back to the derm with the intention of asking for spironolacutone but instead she prescribed Finacea and WOW. From day 1 my skin had a matte finish after applying. I used to have to wash my face midday but after using Finacea my once overly oily skin was not longer an oil slick by 2pm. Redness was also drastically reduced! I am a fair-skinned girl so I would have red marks from previous zits last for weeks on my face, since using Finacea I have had a porcelain -like complexion that is soft/smooth to the touch! I am not saying it is necessarily a magic cream- I still get a pimple here and there- but they are drastically smaller and easier to manage. If I see a blind pimple forming I dap a pea sized amount on the little devil and by the morning any forming bump is almost flat and all redness is kaput! Further, I have found that the Finacea brings some of the crud in your pores to the surface so they can be extracted easily without any zit appearing. I found the negatives of this cream to be so minor I am not even sure they are worth mentioning! I get some occasional dryness that can be rid with exfoliation and moisturizer Also, if I apply to much cream my skin will itch. Also, the cream is expensive. It is about $50.00 for a tube that will last 2-3 months when used 2x daily. If you are a women in her 20's with hormonal acne TRY IT! I
December 5, 2012
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
It works!
No side affects
Reasonably priced (in NZ)
Cons:
Could do with a bigger tube?
I'm a 32 year old male. Suffered from acne since early teens. Derma said I would have adult acne into my 40's. Tried roaccutane when I was younger, antibiotics, BP cream, Salicylilc acid etc. and nothing worked. I don't know how I didn't know about Azelaic Acid but I'm so glad I do now! - Been using for 3 months and my skin is clearer than it has ever been and there are NO side effects to this cream. No flaky skin, no sensitive skin, no sun sensitive skin just clear skin! Use it twice a day after cleansing with a mild cleanser like cetaphil. Apply generously to the entire affected area, this isn't a spot treatment. I rub in over chin and cheeks area. A 30g tube lasts me about 3 weeks. NOTE! - Give this treatment a chance. It takes at least 4 weeks to start working but after that you will notice a continual improvement. Good luck! There is hope! :)
November 22, 2012
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Quick results! Really works!
Cons:
Makes skin itch and tingle when applied
I've suffered with acne most of my adult life. When I was 29 my acne was so severe I was prescribed roaccuntane for six months which gave amazing results! My skin remained clear for about 5 years afterwards, bar the occasional spot. Since then my skin has got worse, but not to the extent it was when I was 29, but enough for me to go see my doctor. Im 38 now and Over the past 4 yesrs I've tried pretty much most all the over the counter acne treatments and prescription creams and antibiotics from my doctor, but none worked. Until last week when i returned to the docs again, she prescribed skinoren cream along with doxycycline tabs and the results are really noticeable! My skin looks clearer, feels smoother, and it reduced the couple of cystic spots after two days! It has also improved the look of my old red acne scarring! I recommend this cream to anyone with moderate acne.its fab!
October 10, 2012
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Works quickly
Anti-inflammatory
Cons:
Burns, itches
This stuff is fantastic. I tried everything to clear up some hormonal body acne (after going off birth control pills) for months: salicylic acid body wash, BP, AHA, Retin-A. I had bright red, rashy acne all over my chest, neck and back and after a week, it's 80% gone. GONE. This started to work after only four days (applied twice a day). Coincidentally, that is how long the burning and itching occurred after use. It was almost unbearable the first 4-5 times of using it (for about 30 minutes after application) but it gradually got better and by the fourth day, there was no irritation at all. Stay with it!
October 1, 2012
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
WORKS! And quickly.
Cons:
Leaves skin a little sticky
Stings a bit
I love this stuff. My doctor prescribed it to me to use in the morning with my Benzoyl Peroxide and since that time I've noticed a difference in my skin. My skin went from having several new pimples a day to one or two a week. It stings a little and leaves the skin a but sticky to the touch BUT putting the benzoyl peroxide on after really helps. I also use Retin-A at night alone. I started at the same time at the Azelaic Acid so I think it's all three together.
September 18, 2012
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
-Really helps reduce pimple size
-Doesn't make skin red like benzoyl products
-Works with sensitive skin
-Doesn't dry out skin
-Helps conceal redness
-Has neutral smell
Cons:
-Need prescription in the UK
This cream really works for me. I have tried many kinds of topical treatment, but I always go back to Skinoren when I need to fix a spot. I also use it together with other products sometimes, but just this cream alone can make my spots disappear in about 2-3 days. It is gentle on the skin and a tube lasts me a very long time.
September 16, 2012
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
One of the only acne treatments you can use whilst pregnant / trying to conceive
Cons:
Topical is less convenient than tablet options- makeup application over this is less good than over a primer
I came off the pill to conceive and my teenage acne that I left 10 years behind me reappeared! Because I was trying to conceive there were very few options open to me- I took erythromycin but added this to my regime and it made a big difference. I wanted to recommend this to anyone in the same position. It stings a little but no redness or peeling and should be used twice a day for max results. Im hooked until I can start back on Dianette! Also- maxfactor 24 hour concealer is brilliant for spots.
August 10, 2012
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Clears red marks over time
absorbs quickly and easily
Cons:
stinging upon initial application
I've used retin-A, clindamycin, benzaclin, and azelex over the years and azelex is the only one I still use. My derm prescribed it because benzaclin was making me peel like crazy, and once I switched all the redness and flakiness went away. I don't think it controls major cystic acne, but for those in their mid-twenties who still suffer from breakouts azelex is perfect. I always forget how much of a difference it makes until I run out and have to wait to see the doctor to get a new prescription. When I stop using it I get the same old breakouts I used to get.
I would definitely recommend it for those with mild-moderate adult acne. My skin can't take any of my other prescription products anymore and I think the Azelex is gentler but just as effective for me.
July 28, 2012
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
Pros:
Reduces inflammation
Kills acne
Gets rid of blackheads
De-clogs pores
Cons:
Slight burning sensation for a few minutes after applying
Dryness
I used to get these clogged pores all over my cheeks and temples that would result in scar-forming acne. I also had a thick formation of blackheads on my nose that would become infected and turn into whiteheads. This is the only product that has cleared my pores and prevented this type of acne. When I first started applying Finacea, I immediately noticed reduced inflammation on my active acne. Thereafter I applied Finacea twice/daily after washing my face. I also applied moisturizer 5-10 minutes after applying Finacea. It took about 4 weeks before I was happy with the result - now my skin is smooth and bump-free. I ordered my Finacea from an online Australian pharmacy (which doesn't require prescription) for about $25. Note: I still suffer the occasional whitehead from shaving, as I don't think Finacea is as effective at preventing this type of acne.
June 14, 2012
Product used: Azclear (Azelaic Acid (20%) Lotion)
Pros:
Less irritating than finacea, REALLY works. cystic acne is all gone! Fast results on whiteheads and can use moisturiser/ sunscreen over the top. I had hyperpigmentation from minocycline use (sunny australia Grr ) and It has really reduced the brown spots as well>
Cons:
takes 2-4 months to really clear cystic acne.
Tube is a lot smaller than finacea but it's also a lot cheaper and a little goes a long way! Do not stop suddenly- acne will come back.
It will work with patience! I would tell anyone with acne to give it a go. BP hurts when I use it this is the best topical for my adult acne I've tried. No probs with birth defects etc yay! persevere through the initial horror of getting worse skin and you will be rewarded with great reduction in acne, skin texture improvement and reduction in hyperpigmentation (from hormones, minocycline etc)
Pros:
less redness
less oily
reduction in blind pimples
porcelain -like complexion
no initial break out
smooth skin
works quickly