Azelaic Acid
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Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. It helps clear acne by slowing the growth...

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. It helps clear acne by slowing the growth of acne bacteria and reducing inflammation in the skin. 

It is usually applied twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. You may start seeing improvement in your acne after 4 weeks of treatment.

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September 22, 2024
Product used:
Gave me atrophic scars
This gave me cystic acne on my cheeks which I didn’t have much of before. I kept with it thinking it was my skin purging. I now have atrophic scars, my skin looks worse now.
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December 21, 2023
Product used: Skinoren (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Did not work for me - itching and burning after using, acne got worse
I am 35 years old female and I have struggled with acne on and off since 12 years old. I have always had blackheads and whiteheads which were more-less controlled with Dual gel (benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin). 3 months ago I have started developing painful inflamed acne on my jawline, cheeks, and around mouth after going through a very stressful life events (so potentially hormonal and stress-induced acne) and Dual gel did not seem to control it. My dermatologist prescribed Skinoren cream (Azelaic acid) to use in the morning and Aknemycin plus in the evening. My skin was itching after using Skinoren cream during every single use, often for hours after I applied it, no matter whether I put moisturiser, make up or let Skinoren alone. I persisted with it for 4 weeks, hoping my skin would get use to it and my acne would improve. However, I got several chemical burns from Skinoren and my acne got much worse. I decided to stop taking it after 4 weeks as itching did not improve. My skin seems to be too sensitive to this product. Perhaps combination with Aknemycin plus made my skin much more sensitive to Skinoren cream.
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October 23, 2023
Product used: Azelex (Azelaic Acid (20%) Cream)
Don't work for everyone
Used azelaic acid for pustules on and around nose and near chin area 0 affect on them .
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September 21, 2023
Product used: Finacea (Azelaic Acid (15%) Gel)
Made my skin dry, red, irritated.
I used this stuff once or twice a day (about 2 pea-sized worth) - at first, I thought it was working well. Then I noticed my skin was becoming increasingly irritated / red. Then I did a patch test on my neck, and broke out in a cluster of tiny small white heads. I never break out on my neck. I stopped using the product after about 2 months. I know it works so well for some others, but not for me.
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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