Prev page Next page Back to Blog
Azelaic acid: Versatile skincare ingredient for acne and redness
Azelaic acid, despite being a mild acid, has powerful properties that make it effective in treating a range of skin problems, from acne and rosacea to hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores. Its versatility and gentleness make it especially good for people with sensitive skin. Here's everything you need to know about azelaic acid and its benefits!

What is azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is found naturally in our skin, but the ingredient often used in skin care comes from grains such as wheat and rye. In skin care products, it is most often used in products that should stay on the skin, such as serums and creams, where it has time to work without being washed off. This acid is particularly effective for skin problems such as acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation, and is therefore an ingredient that can fit well into the skin care routine of people with these skin conditions.

The benefits of azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is a versatile ingredient with multiple benefits, making it particularly useful for a variety of skin concerns:

Acne: Azelaic acid has an antibacterial effect against the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes , which contributes to acne. In addition, it helps reduce sebum production and prevent clogged pores, making it particularly effective for both hormonal acne and adult acne.

Rosacea: In rosacea, azelaic acid helps to reduce the inflammation caused by the peptide* cathelicidin. Cathelicidin is part of the body's defenses, but when overproduced it can lead to inflammation and redness, making azelaic acid an important treatment to reduce these symptoms.

Hyperpigmentation: Azelaic acid slows the overproduction of melanin, which helps to even out skin tone and reduce dark marks, such as the scars that can appear after acne or as a result of melasma.

*Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins in the skin.

Azelaic acid's unique properties - being both antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and keratolytic (breaks down dead skin cells) - make it an excellent multifunctional treatment for many skin types and problems.

Skinome

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin disease that mainly affects people with fair skin. It is characterized by recurrent facial redness, visible blood vessels and sometimes acne-like rashes.

The cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but both genetics and factors such as the functioning of the immune system and environmental influences are believed to play a role. Stress can also worsen symptoms.

Do you want to know more about Rosacea?

Read our article 5 tips for those with rosacea where we give our best tips for rosacea-prone skin.

READ MORE
Skinoma

Acne

Acne is one of our most common skin diseases that affects both young people and adults. Teenage acne is often caused by hormonal changes during puberty, which lead to increased sebum production and inflamed pores.

Adult acne, especially hormonal acne, often appears around the jawline, chin and neck, and in women it often worsens during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.

Want to know more about acne?

Read our article 5 tips for you with acne or acne-prone skin.

READ MORE

How do you use azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is safe to use daily, both morning and night. The most common concentration in skin care products is 10%, which is effective enough without causing irritation for most skin types. If you have sensitive skin, you can start using azelaic acid 2-3 times a week and gradually increase the use. It is also a good idea to use sunscreen daily, even though azelaic acid does not make the skin more sensitive to the sun, to protect against hyperpigmentation.

Is azelaic acid safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yes, azelaic acid is safe to use during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. But as always, it's important to listen to your skin and consult your doctor if you're unsure.

Summary: The versatility of azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is a powerful yet gentle ingredient that can treat a range of skin concerns, from acne and rosacea to hyperpigmentation. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly useful for people with sensitive skin or skin that reacts easily to other acids. By using azelaic acid as part of your skin care routine, you can effectively counteract the problems that can lead to skin conditions that can be experienced both mentally and physically.