AZELAIC ACID - SECRET WEAPON AGAINST SKIN PROBLEMS
From medical ingredient to beauty industry powerhouse: azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, skin-brightening and antioxidant properties and numerous other benefits for the complexion - an absolute skin(p)t benefit!
What is azelaic acid and how does it work?
Azelaic acid belongs to the group of dicarboxylic acids and is obtained as a natural active ingredient from wheat, barley and rye. A synthetic form of azelaic acid is often used in skincare and medical products, as it usually guarantees longer stability and greater effectiveness.
Azelaic acid is often used in skincare due to its diverse effects: Anti-acne effect or antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect, comedolytic effect (pore-opening and refining) as well as lightening effect on hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration.
Benefits of azelaic acid for different skin types
Basically, azelaic acid offers numerous benefits for many skin types - primarily for blemished skin, sun-damaged skin, oily skin, skin types with severe acne, skin conditions such as rosacea and with hyperpigmentation or spots and discoloration. Sensitive skin types or skin types prone to atopic dermatitis may also use azelaic acid, but be sure to start with a low concentration (below 15%) and/or longer application intervals (not daily morning/evening). Azelaic acid can help with a variety of skin problems:
Azelaic acid as an antioxidant for an ageing effect
Azelaic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory, comedolytic (blackhead-dissolving) and skin-brightening properties at concentrations of 15% and above, but it also has antioxidant properties at concentrations of 5% and above. This means that it intercepts free radicals, thereby reducing their damaging effect on the skin and preventing skin ageing, among other things. In addition, the antioxidant effect of azelaic acid can also contribute to the general improvement of the skin's appearance. The Moisturizer Barrier Boost CPA Barrier Repair Cream from DR. EMI ARPA SKIN contains the active ingredient azelaic acid in a concentration of 5%. The 'A' IN CPA stands for azelaic acid - 'C' for ceramides and 'P' for peptides.
Azelaic acid for blemishes and acne-prone skin
The highly potent azelaic acid has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, which is helpful in the treatment of acne and acne breakouts. It can reduce the number of acne-causing bacteria and relieve inflammation. Azelaic acid can thus provide rapid relief for minor skin blemishes through to acne (acne vulgaris). Azelaic acid at 15% is available over the counter and can be found in some skincare products for blemished skin. However, its effectiveness in treating acne is only sufficiently proven at a concentration of 15% or higher. In the case of acne-prone skin and severe acne, a specialist should always be consulted if possible: Dermatologists continuously analyze and monitor the skin's appearance after creating an individual treatment plan for acne patients.
Azelaic acid for spots, pigmentation marks and melasma
The lightening properties of azelaic acid are used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin color. Azelaic acid inhibits the activity of enzymes involved in the production of melanin and thus helps to lighten spots, pigmentation marks and melasma, which can be caused by sun damage, for example.
Azelaic acid for skin prone to rosacea
Azelaic acid has a calming effect and soothes stubborn redness and sensitivity in rosacea-prone skin. The acid also has a mild exfoliating effect: pores are gently freed from excess sebum and refined. Azelaic acid also helps with blemishes and unevenness that can be associated with rosacea-prone skin.
