AZELAIC ACID

Azelaic acid, also known as azelaic acid, is a dicarboxylic acid with multiple benefits for the skin. Azelaic acid can reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production in skin cells when used in concentrations of 15% or more. (1) Azelaic acid is often used to treat acne as it has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect and removes dead skin cells. (2) (3)

Azelaic acid can reduce inflammation, redness, swelling and skin irritation in rosacea. (2) (4) Azelaic acid also has a strong antioxidant effect by inhibiting the formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species). (5)

(1) Breathnach A. S. (1996). Melanin hyperpigmentation of skin: melasma, topical treatment with azelaic acid, and other therapies. Cutis, 57(1 Suppl), 36-45.

(2) Searle, T., Ali, F. R., & Al-Niaimi, F. (2022). The versatility of azelaic acid in dermatology. The Journal of dermatological treatment, 33(2), 722-732. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2020.1800579

(3) Sieber, M. A., & Hegel, J. K. (2014). Azelaic acid: Properties and mode of action. Skin pharmacology and physiology, 27 Suppl 1, 9-17. https://doi.org/10.1159/000354888

(4) van Zuuren, E. J., Fedorowicz, Z., Carter, B., van der Linden, M. M., & Charland, L. (2015). Interventions for rosacea. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2015(4), CD003262. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003262.pub5

(5) Jones D. A. (2009). Rosacea, reactive oxygen species, and azelaic acid. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 2(1), 26-30.