Azelaic acid is primarily antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Due to its effects, azelaic acid is widely used in cosmetology and dermatology. Azelaic acid can be used on its own by purchasing medications in which it occurs. You can also have a peeling with azelaic acid at the beautician. This treatment has good opinions among people struggling with acne. Check how to use azaleic acid in the fight against acne and how it works.

Azaleic acidoccurs naturally not only in whole grains1 , but also in yeasts found on the skin and hair. Due to the fact that it hasantisepathic effect, it has goodeffectsin fighting acne. For this reason, it has found application in dermatology. Its history began in 1982, when Dr. Marcella Nazzaro-Porro and the team of the San Gallicano Institute of Dermatology (Rome) conducted research on the effect of azelaic acid on skin lightening, which brought the desired results. By the way, its effectiveness in combating acne was discovered2 .

Contents:

  1. Azelaic acid - effects and action
  2. Azelaic acid - contraindications
  3. Azelaic acid - side effects

Azelaic acid - effects and action

Azelaic acid therapy is based on the normalization of processes that are disturbed in people suffering from acne, such as hyperkeratosis or the production of sebum. Its multidirectional action influences the causes of acne. They are:

  • anti-blackhead effect - inhibits hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, contributing to the formation of blackheads.
  • anti-inflammatory effect - helps to heal acne lesions with accompanying inflammation.
  • antibacterial effect - fights acne-causing bacteria without causing them to become resistant.
  • anti-seborrhoeic effect - reduces the fraction of free fatty acids on the skin that can make it shine.
  • action on discoloration - reduces discoloration associated with excessive activity of melanocytes, not only acne discoloration3 .

Randomized clinical trials showacidazelaichas comparable effectiveness to benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin, but is much better tolerated than these substances. In addition, it causes less irritation of the skin and its drying4 . At the beginning of AZA treatment you may experience skin irritation: burning or itching5and this is a normal skin reaction to azelaic acid and usually disappears with treatment6 .

According to an expertDr. Elżbieta Szymańska, MD, a dermatologist

Oily acne skin - what to do?

I have a terrible and bothersome problem with the skin of my face. My skin is acne-prone and oily. I was treated by a dermatologist. I don't know what to do and what cosmetics to use to get rid of this problem. What to do to avoid a greasy and shiny face? And how to get rid of acne spots? Dr. Elżbieta Szymańska, MD, PhD, dermatologist: In the case of seborrhoeic skin, the use of dermocosmetics that inhibit the activity of sebaceous glands should be considered. There is a very wide range of them in pharmacies. If acne discoloration is an additional problem, it is advantageous to use preparations containing e.g. azelaic or glycolic acid or retinoids. You can extend the care with professional treatments - chemical peelings .

Azelaic acid - contraindications

Due to the strong whitening effect of the acid, people with a dark complexion should pay particular attention to the applied areas. People who are hypersensitive to the components of azelaic acid should not use it. Avoid contact of the acid with the eyes as it may be irritating. If the preparation gets into your eyes or mucous membranes, rinse them with plenty of water.

Azelaic acidcan be used together with cosmetics, both for care and makeup. However, remember to choose cosmetics marked as "non-comedogenic" (ie not clogging the pores) to minimize the risk of skin changes7 . The use of harsh cosmetics, such as alcohol-based toners and soaps, can increase the risk of irritation from products that contain azaleic acid. In addition, drugs whose active ingredient is AZA can also be used during sun exposure, as it does not cause hypersensitivity to UV radiation, so it can be used all year round8 .

Worth knowing

Azelaic acid and pregnancy and breastfeeding

Animal studies have shown no adverse effects on pregnancy and lactation. Azelaic acid, however, should not be used by pregnant women and breastfeeding people due to the lack of itinformation on possible side effects in humans.

Azelaic acid - side effects

Azelaic acidmay cause side effects such as itching, irritation, redness and dryness at the application site. Side effects such as aggravation of acne, exacerbation of asthma symptoms, seborrheic dermatitis, edema or ulceration are less common. These are local symptoms that should improve with continued use of azelaic acid

According to an expertDr. Elżbieta Szymańska, MD, a dermatologist

Skin discoloration after Triderm - how to remove?

How can I remove discoloration on my forehead after applying Triderm ointment? Is it possible at all?

Dr. Elżbieta Szymańska, MD, PhD, dermatologist: Discoloration treatment requires systematic treatment. Topical preparations containing azelaic acid, retinoids or chemical peels are recommended. In particularly resistant cases, laser therapy is used. Regardless of the treatment, photoprotection is always necessary.

Elżbieta Szymańska, MD, PhD http://www.poradnikzdrowie.pl/eksperci/pytania/skora-tradzikowa-tusta-co-robic/95709/1/Elżbieta Szymańska, MD, PhD http://www.poradnikzdrowie.pl/eksperci/pytania/skora-tradzikowa-tusta-co-robic/95709/1/ Discoloration treatment requires systematic treatment. Topical preparations containing azelaic acid, retinoids or chemical peels are recommended. In particularly resistant cases, laser therapy is used. Regardless of the treatment, photoprotection is always necessary.

Ways to treat acne

Treatment of acne depends on its severity. We can only use topical treatment, we can also use oral pharmacological agents. In this case, treatment with vitamin A preparations brings good results. When treating acne, we can also use peelings and laser treatments. Dermatologist Agnieszka Bliżanowska from the WelldDerm Center tells us what to do to effectively treat acne.

References:

1. PubChem. Azelaic Acid. Available at: PubChem Azelaic Acid. Accessed 07/28/15. p1, 2nd pair, Dermnet NZ. Azelaic acid. Available at: Dermnet NZ. Azelaic acid. Accessed 07/28/15. p1, 1st par2. The story of azelaic acid: a tribute to Marcella Nazzarro-Porro. Rend. Fis. Acc. Lincei. 1995; 6 Suppl 9: 313-320. P 317, 2nd par3. Reszke R., Szepietowski J., Azaleic acid in dermatological treatment in the light of the current state of knowledge, Dermatological Review 2016, 103, 337-343. 4. Gollnick HPM, Graupe K, Zaumseil RP. Azelaic acid 15% gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Combined results of twodouble-blind clinical comparative studies. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2004; 2 (10): 841-847.5. CHPL Skinoren. 6. Dreno B, Layton A, Zouboulis CC, Lopez-Estebaranz JL, Zalewska-Janowska A, Bagatin E, Zampeli VA, Yutskovskaya Y, Harper C. Adult female acne: a new paradigm. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2013; 27: 1063-1070.P 1064, RH col, final par7. Goodman G. Acne. Natural history, facts and myths. Aus Fam Physician. 2006; 35: 613-616 P615, LH col, 2nd par. 8. Gollnick HP et al. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2004; 2: 841-847P7, middle col, 1st par

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