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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October 25, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

I haven't had any cystic pimples since using

Cons:

Burns like hell and itches. Been using it for 2 and a half weeks. Sometime it feels worst than others. And I started getting those whiteheads on my forehead and cheeks instead of cystic pimples now.

No cystic pimples! That is great! That means no more scars for me. I am getting those little whiteheads though instead. But I'd much rather have those than cystic. REally burns and itches. I'm almost thinking about stopping it because of that, way too bothering.
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September 27, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Acne started to diminish after only one night of use!

Cons:

Burns / itches quite a bit when you first apply it.

I have adult acne which worsens around that time of the month. Azelex works so much better than Retin-A (tretinoin) for acne. It keeps my skin clear - so far! I have combination skin and tend to develop cystic acne. Azelex is the only acne stuff I use daily.
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September 16, 2007
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Easy-to-apply, soaks in to skin, doesn't sting or dry

Cons:

Under-the-surface white heads

I am using this as well as Spirotone for 3-4 months. It goes on easy, but has some little grains in the cream sometimes. My skin has improved, but I am not sure if it is the cream or Spiro.. I think Spiro mainly. This has kept large nodules at bay, but it gives me lots of under-the-surface white heads, I don't know if these would otherwise be big nasty spots, if so maybe I should be grateful! But they are annoying and easy to pick at and make worse.. so I'm back to square one really!
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August 28, 2007
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

improvement after the first week

Cons:

itchy!!!

it really gets rid of stubborn acne
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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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August 16, 2007
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Reduces red marks, reduces acne by about 70%

Cons:

Stings on application, itches.

I think it works very well I use this as well as being on Dianette and so far so good, it's getting rid of scars and for the first time in 8 years I don't have to wear thick horrible layers of make up to cover the acne up, just have to use a concealer for the red marks on the most part. The itching and any drying affect faded away in the first few weeks.
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August 14, 2007
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

noting!

Cons:

it burns my face. realy ITTCHING!!

ppl said the ittching sense will faded, ive been using it for a week, and i cant stand the itching, so i stop using it. nway, my skin dried n did nothing to the acne.
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July 29, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

worked for the first week

Cons:

after the first week i continued to break out

i was put on finacea and the first week it made my acne subside. After the first week i continued breaking out in a lot of pimples all over my face. i've used other products such as oral antibotics, retin-a-micro, and others. so far nothing has worked. i've been using finacea and it hasnt helped my acne at all. i dont know what else to use because my face looks so disasturous i dont want to leave the house.
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July 3, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Reduces red spots and lightens hyperpigmentation also helps with acne

Cons:

none

I have been using Azelex acid, Retin A Micro, Tetracycline, and BenzaClin for severe acne and scaring. First I started just using the Retin A Micro and it helped but not enough so my docter put me on Benzaclin and I was on this skin regimine for 3 months. However I was still unhappy so my docter put me on Tetracycline and my skin texture changed to "baby soft" and acne cleared up on my face, back and chest. I felt like a new person. Then I noticed I was left with no acne but ugly scars and red icky dots all over my face so I was put on Azelex acid and I have been on this for about a month. My skin looks ten times better. Scaring and redness is improving and with time and lots of time it will be all better.
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March 31, 2007
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)

Pros:

Reduces spots and marks left from spots

Cons:

A bit of stinging a little dryness

I've been using AcneDerm (20% azelaic acid)cream for about 2 months ($15 NZD). Dermatologists use this not only for acne, but for the dark marks left behind on the skin, called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is what I've mainly been using the cream for. The good news for those out there who have these marks are that they naturally fade over time, although it can take many months. Azelaic acid helps fade the marks more quickly without bleaching the normal skin around them. I've found it really useful and am very pleased with the results. Other people on this forum haven't got on with it. The important things to remember about any acne medication, is 1.) give it a good run, any product usually takes weeks to work. 2.) if one thing doesn't work for you GO BACK TO YOUR DOCTOR!! There are loads of different products out there and people respond very differently to them, for no apparent reason, so you must persevere untill you find the thing that works for YOU. DON"T GIVE UP!
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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