Acne.org Products
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
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.
February 14, 2011
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
- actually clears your acne
- smooth skin
- cheap
Cons:
- it took a few months to see results
- cheek acne hasn't completely faded (yet)
- need to put it on consistently even after your acne has gone.
So, I started using the QV range (a brand based in Australia) and although my skin was looking lovely, I still broke out occasionally. So I e-mailed the company my thoughts and the lady recommended me their product Azclear Action Lotion -- I think their other product is AcneDerm. Anyway, so I started using it and at first nothing happened, then I broke out (it was looking pretty horrible and I was feeling somewhat depressed as my initial skin was clearer than my then-current skin. But I stuck to it and eventually I found myself with a blemish-free forehead. My cheeks are; however, slowly recovering (and the marks are fading!). I want to try putting on my nose but I really don't want to live with a pimply nose for a few months. I'd rather deal with the occasional pimple (and attack it with benzoyl peroxide). I am worried, however, of the long term side effects as I find myself begin to break out if I stop using this. Maybe I'll try to wean myself off it... BUT, it is definitely worth it in comparison to benzoyl peroxide as it does not bleach clothes nor does it make your skin dry - (just apply a moisturiser after use).
February 12, 2011
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
Pros:
-It cleared my moderate face, jawline, neck, chest, arm and bacne up completely...
-the tingle reduces to pretty much nothing once your skin is used to it
-the white powder has a slightly cosmetic effect if you are pale
-slightly but noticably reduces redness immediately (could be the powdery residue)
-can apply makeup over it easily
-much less irritating than BP (I can use this on my neck!! my neck is now finally clear!!)
Cons:
-It took 4 months to have an effect and 8 months to totally clear me up
-Leaves a white powder residue which can leave deoderant like lines on clothes (they come off with water just like deoderant lines)
-tingle can be uncomfortable at first
after 12 years of acne, I will use this forever!
My acne is moderate but very expansive, covers me from forehead to buttcrack when untreated. This stuff has saved my skin and my sanity! I reccomend anyone try it before anything harsher as the side effects are just about the mildest of any acne medication and it does have dramatic positive effects with perseverence! You really do have to be patient though. It does take months to work. used for 9 months.. never going back!
July 15, 2009
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Works really really good.....,One just has to be patient and follow the instructions given by their doctor.We all want something that works quickly but patience is important.Definately worth trying.
Cons:
Itchy when u put it on....But I can handle it.Makes skin dry especially in winter as it is winter in SA now.but I use Nutraderm Moisturising Lotion for the dryness.
I said I will update u in 3 months,after writting here on the 11 May 2009. Well I have not finished 3 moths yet. But let me tell u I look much,much,much better than i was 2 moths ago.The pimples r completely gone.The dark spots r much lighter but still visible.Let me just say my self-esteem and confidence is right up thereeee.Am feeling GOOOD.Remember Iam on 6 months programme using Skinoren with Minerva35,end of the month I will visit my derm just to see if he is happy.But I am. I will update u again in 3 months. My curiousity now is wath will happen after i finish the 6 months.Mhhhh dont know will have to wait and see.But I cannot take another break out.
July 16, 2016
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Eh
I certainly do not recommend this product! Before starting I would get a few pimples on my forehead but after using Azelex I have now had pimples everywhere. I also noticed a lot of whiteheads while using it as well as no improvement in my scarring. Please don't be discouraged by this review but be warned!!!! This didn't work for me but it might work for you, remember to never give up and stay persistent!â¤ï¸
September 22, 2017
thank you for letting us know!
March 1, 2019
That's called purging. How long did you try it for?
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.
February 25, 2016
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
Works for me in combination with Retin-A
I started using Finacea while I was pregnant because I was having terrible breakouts and couldn't use the acne medications I was on prior to pregnancy. It definitely helped, even with crazy pregnancy hormones throwing my skin completely out of whack. My skin still wasn't perfect though, so after I finished breastfeeding, I added Retin-A to my routine. My skin has been 90-95% clear since. I have been using both for a year and a half now. I use Retin-A at night and Finacea in the morning.
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.
October 16, 2011
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Have been using for over 10 yrs! Wonderful product. Absolutely no side effects as others describe. Purchasing it as axelex in the US and skinorin in Italy, phenomenal ! I have tied the product from Mexico without success. I am a medical,professional specializing in non surgical medical treatments and enhancements and this product has consistently preformed the best in my clients!
Cons:
Non
Give it time. In chronic or acute acne, you will always get worse as the product lifts what lies beneath to the surface. Once that occurs, you will begin to see improvement! Tip: Wash your face well am and pm and apply. Go to bed with a dirty face....
Live with your acne! Best of luck!
Pros:
less redness
less oily
reduction in blind pimples
porcelain -like complexion
no initial break out
smooth skin
works quickly