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
September 2, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Cons:
Burns a little (probably a sign it's working), if you skip a day or two, you see negative effects.
I tried everything, including a 6 month course of Accutane, which when concluded my acne resumed. I use Retin-A at night and Azelaic Acid in the morning and believe that this combination has cleared my skin completely- a wonderful solution to an Accutane follow-up treatment. After the first week of Azelaic Acid use, my acne worsened quite a bit. I was advised by my dermatologist that this would happen- it always gets worse before it gets better! He was right... it's a lot better! One downside: I went on a vacation which after some sun exposure, I stopped using the acid for a few days to let the sunburn heal. I noticed acne returning almost immediately. Maybe acne returned as a result of the sunburn which also might not have accured if I was not using this medication. The cream will also make you very sensitive to the sun. I would recommend a very strict routine and minimal sun exposure. Overall, I love this stuff.
August 28, 2009
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Awesome Product for Acne. Fellow Acne Sufferers, please do try it out. I've tried everything under the sun but this is the ONLY thing that works.
Cons:
Prescription-medication.
One word. GREAT.
August 31, 2011
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
fades red marks slightly (new ones)
Cons:
broke me out in small bumps after the fourth week, some of them have started to head.
left me with more red marks than before I used the cream.
I wish I didnt try azelex. My skin was looking pretty good before I went on it but I really wanted to get rid of those red mark..
I don't think what I had was an initial breakout since I got little bumps at the end of the 3rd week of use.
February 13, 2009
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Got rid of my moderate acne , at least a 90% improvement.
Skin already started to feel smoother and healthier after one week.
No irritation like BP ..
Cons:
Burns for about 5 Minutes after application
I use the 15 % Skinoren Gel , it absorbs better into the skin than the cream and leaves your face with a nice smooth and matt feel due to its skin-shedding properties.
Surprisingly it helps to prevent deeper , cyst like spots which i used to get.
October 29, 2016
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
Actually Works
I have been prescribed this 2 weeks ago for my acne and hyperpigmentation. My skin has honestly improved so so much. I apply it twice a day and i have not stinging or flaking, maybe I am lucky. From the start of using this I have had no new breakouts and my scars are fading. I think you should give it a go!!
December 9, 2016
are you still loving the finacea? have you noticed any sort of purging?
February 10, 2017
You are so right, a lot of people say that it stings and burns when they apply it to their face, when I apply I don't get anything. After 3 days my skin was almost perfect, the scars have disappeared and I haven't have any new acne, but I take mime in combination with Spiro (the pill) and I only pay $20 for it, my Health Insurance is great, I think people should not listen to everyone and try it first!
August 23, 2013
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Fingers crossed its working
I am 47 years old and have suffered with acne since my teens. I myself have tried every cream, facewash etc but then came across Skinoren by accident. I ordered some from Amazon and have been using it for about 4 weeks. I have had no breakouts at all since I started it. Usually my chin area has at least 2 massive painful spots but since I started using the cream I have had one tiny spot in 4 weeks. May just be coincidental but I am going to keep on with it in hope....
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 21, 2015
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Wonder Drug
I have had Rosacea for many years. I take antibiotics two times a day and have used Metrojel 1 percent with no relief. I felt so frustrated because it just got worse. My internist told me there was nothing else that could be done at this time. I received a coupon in the mail for $30.00 for a new product called Azelex Acid. I asked my doctor to write a prescription. With insurance I paid $130.00. I have used it only 5 days and already my skin is improving. I can't believe it. My skin has cleared up and is soft and smooth. The redness and pimples are gone. It is worth every penny.
July 28, 2015
I've been using Azelaic acid for a couple of weeks. No improvement yet.
I'm shocked that you have to pay so much. In the UK, all prescriptions cost about £8, regardless of the medication. I know the cost to the NHS is only about £3.50 per tube. It's a really cheap drug. I'm really hoping that there's a cheaper way for you to purchase this.
May 24, 2013
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
no strong odor
clear on the skin
i just started using azelax yesterday and maybe im just seeing things but my skin looks different. looks a little less inflamed and a little softer. im concerned about one thing i see everyone feels burning i didnt feel anything what so ever when i applied this cream. could that be bad? hoping this stuff really works. ill write another review soon w my results.
September 22, 2017
do you still recommend it??
November 21, 2012
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Pros:
Skin cleared,
acne scars reduced,
Reduced redness
Cons:
Itchy,
Dryness
i have had acne for 15 yr now....i have tried almost every single medicine out there...most are effective but after i stop using them my acne comes back. I don't want to use accutane because of the bad side effects. ive been on azelaic acid for 3 weeks now...so far its working good...lets wait and see what happens after a month or two.
Pros:
Clears up most, if not all acne.