Beauty
What you oughta know about the super-ingredient.
Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology.
Its a commonly recommended ingredient by dermatologists because it can help achieve numerous skin goals.
The most notable?Treating acne.
Shirley Chi, M.D.
Its anatural antibacterial, so its not as harsh on the skin.
Either way, the ingredient is known to be gentle and well-tolerated for most complexions.
Intrigued by the gentle acne fighter?
Keep reading for the azelaic acid benefits you should know about.
We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle’s editorial team.
It Has Exfoliating Properties
Garshick explains that one of azelaic acids most touted benefits is its mild exfoliative properties.
While it isnt a direct exfoliant, it functions similarly to retinol bypromoting regular cell turnover.
Because of that, it also helps to control yourskins oil production.
Mainly, it quashes pimples due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps with redness in acne because of itspigment clarifying properties, says Chi.
It Helps Calm Rosacea
Another key perk of using azelaic acid?
Its often used tohelp people with rosaceaor redness-prone skin, Garshick says.
Loretta Ciraldo, M.D.
FAAD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist and founder ofDr.
It Helps With Hyperpigmentation
The trouble isnt over once your active acne lesions have subsided.
There is then the aftermath hyperpigmentation,dark spots, and/or scarring.
This is another avenuewhere azelaic acid thrives.
As a refresher, hyperpigmentation is a result of the overproduction of melanin, explains Ciraldo.
In other words, the acid prevents the creation of new discoloration while also improving existing marks.
Besides the star of the formula, the serum also containsniacinamidefor extra-soothing perks along withcoffee seed extractto help brighten.
A Brightening Serum
4.5.6 Skin is a customizable beauty linecreated specifically for melanin-rich skin tones.
Studies referenced:
Charnock, C. (2004).
Evaluation of the antibacterial efficacy of diesters of azelaic acid.
Eur J Pharm Sci.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15066659/
Chilicka, K. (2020).
Scientific Reports.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69530-w
Jones, D. (2009).
Rosacea, Reactive Oxygen Species, and Azelaic Acid.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2958186/
Katsambas, A.
Clinical Studies of 20% Azelaic Acid Cream in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
Comparison With Vehicle and Topical Tretinoin.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2528257/
Lee, Y.
Potential Role of the Microbiome in Acne: A Comprehensive Review.
J Clin Med.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678709/
Levy, L. (2012).
Management of Acne Scarring, Part II: A Comparative Review of Non-Laser-Based, Minimally Invasive Approaches.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22849351/
Passi, S. (1989).
[Mechanism of azelaic acid action in acne].
G Ital Dermatol Venereol.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2534550/
Worret, W. (2006).
[Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid].
This article was originally published onSep.
