Azelaic acid is a unique component used as a base for the preparation of many cosmetic preparations. It is one of the most common treatments for skin discoloration, inflammation and acne. Consuming acid contributes to a healthy, natural looking skin.
What is Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid, preparations based on which are successfully used to eliminate skin defects, is one of the carboxylic acids. A certain amount of this substance is also formed in the human body during lipid metabolism. For the needs of the pharmaceutical industry, this substance is obtained as a result of industrial processing of cereals: wheat, barley and rye.
Properties
The popularity of azelaic acid is due to its beneficial properties.
Among them stand out:
- anti-inflammatory. The remedy has a soothing effect on the skin, removes inflammation and redness;
- antibacterial. The tool actively fights against microorganisms that cause acne and other skin defects;
- smoothing. The surface layers of the epidermis are polished, the skin is leveled;
- whitening. The tool prevents the appearance of melanin, helps to improve complexion, lighten age spots and scars from rashes;
- oxygenating. Oxygen is delivered to the cells of the dermis, which activates metabolic processes. The pores become less dirty, and the development of acne is reduced.
Indications for use
Azelaic acid, preparations based on this substance, are used to treat a wide variety of skin defects.
These are:
- acne - blockage of the sebaceous glands;
- increased pigmentation;
- rosacea - a chronic dermatological skin pathology in which pustular and other rashes are present;
- acne, other rashes;
- seborrhea;
- rosacea;
- demodicosis is a pathology caused by the activity of ticks.
Contraindications and side effects
In some rare cases of acid use, side effects are observed.
The most common of them are:
- slight redness of the skin;
- feeling of numbness;
- burning;
- hyperemia and peeling of the skin;
- temporary increase in sensitivity;
- slight itching;
- tingling or tingling sensation.
Contraindications:
- excessive sensitivity to the constituent elements of the product;
- children under 12 years of age.
It is prescribed with caution:
- during pregnancy;
- during lactation.
Application in cosmetology
Preparations based on azelaic acid have become a common remedy for various skin diseases.
Against acne and demodicosis
The acid affects the skin in several ways:
- First of all, it destroys the propoionic bacteria that cause acne inflammation.When applied, the pores are kept clean, which is a prerequisite for the methodical elimination of acne and prevention of their secondary detection.
- The drug has comedolytic properties, that is, it reduces the number of comedones or blocks pores.
- The use of acid helps to effectively eliminate old skin cells in a natural way of exfoliation.
- With the help of Skinoren Gel cream or ointment, the main element of which is azelaic acid, demadecosis is treated. This requires long-term complex therapy.
Rosacea and pigmentation
Azelaic acid in various cosmetic forms reliably cures rosacea at all stages of the disease.
Such a drug has the properties:
- keratolytic;
- antibacterial;
- vaso-strengthening;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antioxidant.
Once in the layers of the epidermis, the acid activates the release of a number of free fatty acids - inflammatory provocateurs, and also helps to reduce the production of melanin. The same treatment is given for hyperpigmentation. The cream brightens problem areas of the skin and prevents their further spread.
Peeling
Azelaine peeling is a superficial, painless skin treatment.
It is used in cases:
- rosacea (spider veins);
- rosacea (non-infectious chronic inflammation);
- folliculitis (inflammatory lesions of the hair follicles);
- smoothing out fine wrinkles;
- hyperpigmentation. This removes the outer layer of the skin. Peeling whitens pigmented spots and gives the skin an even tone.
This method is easy to use, almost devoid of restrictions and side effects.
As a method for rejuvenating facial skin, it is allowed to be used at almost any age. The greatest effect of the procedure is achieved in cases when it is performed by a professional cosmetologist. Home cleansing does not guarantee maximum results, but the effect will be. In addition to this, the development of side effects and complications is possible.
Instructions for the use of azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is used according to the instructions for use.
The basic requirements are that:
- dosage and duration of therapy are determined individually;
- before the procedure, the treated surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried;
- cream or gel is smeared with a thin layer and gently rubbed with fingertips;
- it is prescribed to process the skin twice: in the morning and in the evening;
- if irritation does not stop during treatment, the frequency of application of the drug per day should be reduced to once or completely abandon therapy with azelaic products;
- the cream should not get on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, lips, and also in the eyes;
- the whole face does not need more than 2.5 cm of cream.
Features of use during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and subsequent feeding of the child, acid preparations can be used provided that the benefits of treating the mother outweigh the risk to the fetus or the newborn baby. Before using the remedy, you need to consult with your doctor. In any case, the acid and its derivatives should be used with caution.
Preparations with azelaic acid
Brown spots and acne are traditionally treated with medications that contain acid. In such cosmetics, azelaic acid is most often used as the main substance. Its content in these products is minimal, but the skin is provided with vitamins and health for a long time.
Azelik
The composition of this cream is based on bacteriostatic action against acne. Continuous use reduces the production of acne-causing fatty acids. The appearance of comedones is sharply reduced. During the action of the cream on the process of keratinization of epidermal cells, the growth and activity of melanocytes, which are responsible for hyperpigmentation, slow down.
The acid evens out the skin surface, brightens. No traces of exposure remain after treatment. The cream should be applied to a previously cleaned surface.
For this purpose, one of the cleansing cosmetics is first applied to the face, then it is removed with a towel. Acne is noticeably reduced after 4 weeks of use. Uneven relief, fresh scars and scars are corrected. The maximum result is achieved after 2-3 months of using the cream.
Azix-Derm
The main dosage form of the drug is a 20% topical cream. Contains an active element - azelaic acid and binders. Produced for the local elimination of acne and pathological hyperpigmentation.
The drug is characterized by antimicrobial action against bacteria that cause acne, not only on the outer skin area, but also in the sebaceous glands. In parallel with this, there is an anti-inflammatory effect on imperfect skin.
The skin marked with acne is cleansed and dried. It is recommended to apply the cream in a thin layer on the face, neck and, if necessary, on the upper breast area. The subsequent cleaning of the skin from impurities is carried out using water and a mild cleanser.
The cream should be used regularly 2 times a day for at least 1 month. In case of irritation, the dose of the cream must be reduced or applied once a day. It is allowed to temporarily cancel therapy and resume it after the irritation disappears.
Skincleer
Azelaic acid in the composition of the drug in question has antibacterial properties, has an anti-inflammatory effect, eliminates skin edema and irritation. It has a keratolytic effect, that is, it removes dead skin cells.
Unlike other analogues, skinclair acts not only in the outer layers of the skin, but also in the depths of the epidermis, in the ducts of the sebaceous glands. The maximum result from using the cream is observed 2-3 months after the start of treatment. It is not a hormonal drug, does not affect metabolism. The cream is allowed to be used already from adolescence.
Skinoren
The multifaceted therapeutic activity of Skinoren gel based on azelaic acid allows it to be classified as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, kerato-regulating agents.
Indications for use:
- acne of the skin (pimples and blackheads);
- prevention and treatment of foci of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that appears after acne has healed.
The course of treatment is designed for 3 months, but improvement occurs after 3-4 weeks of using the drug. It should be consumed 2 times a day (morning and evening). Before applying, the face should be washed and dried with a towel. To eliminate acne and blackheads, the gel is applied in a targeted manner 2 times a day with a thin layer, and then rubbed in a little.
There is also a cream of the same name on the market, which includes a little more azelaic acid than the gel (20% versus 15%).
It is suitable for people with dry to normal skin, while the gel is suitable for patients with oily dermis. Since the active ingredients have little absorption, the product does not have any contraindications for women during pregnancy and lactation.
Acne Stop
Acne Stop is a topical drug used to normalize painful changes in the epidermis (acne) and hyperpigmentation of the skin of a benign nature (melasma). The therapeutic effect of the cream is based on the properties of its main ingredient - azelaic acid.
In addition to it, the content includes shapers and additional components: glycerin, benzoic acid, octyldodecanol, propylene glycol and some others. The drug is applied topically. To do this, you first need to cleanse the skin, dry it and apply the cream with soft rubbing movements.
For best results, continuous use is recommended.The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor and depends on the specific characteristics of the organism. The drug has certain side effects that patients should be aware of.
Side effects:
| Organs and systems of the body | Adverse manifestations |
| Epidermal reactions |
|
| Local reactions |
|
| Immunity | Symptoms of oversensitivity are observed |
| Respiratory system | In patients with bronchial asthma, exacerbations of this disease are possible |
If the listed or other adverse effects appear in the course of treatment with Acne Stop, you should immediately inform your doctor about it.
Azogel
A skin defect such as acne is effectively treated with Azogel, the active element of which is azelaic acid. In addition to it, there are auxiliary substances such as dimethicone, carbomer interpolymer, and others. The medicine eliminates the risk factors for acne, and not just the manifestation.
It has an antiseptic effect. The antibacterial effect is on the bacteria that cause acne. It also reduces the formation of dead skin cells that cause blackheads. The drug softens the skin and relieves irritation. The effectiveness of the cream is high even with long-term treatment.
Among the recommendations for using the drug is the treatment of papulopustular forms of acne or rosacea. The tool should treat problem areas 2 times a day. Visual improvement is usually noticeable after 4 weeks.
If the use of a therapeutic agent causes irritation, the volume of the gel or the number of applications must be reduced. In case of special need, it is recommended to suspend the treatment process for a few days. Azogel gel should be used continuously throughout the entire period of treatment.
Aknestop
Aknestop with azelaic acid content practically has a rejuvenating effect. The tool is successfully used to fight bacteria, new sudden acne formations.
In addition to acid, the basis of the drug is:
- propylene;
- glycerol;
- glycerol;
- other effective means.
The drug has not only external, but also internal effects, that is, heals not only the effect, but also the causes of acne formation. The use of the drug slows down the synthesis of fatty acids, which are the direct cause of acne formation.
Aknestop normalizes processes in the follicular ducts, washes out unfavorable microorganisms. The duration of treatment is due to the individual characteristics of the patient's body. The minimum treatment period is 4 weeks, and in the case of melasma, 3 months.
How to make a cream yourself
Preparations with the presence of medicinal acid are offered over-the-counter in pharmacies in the form of cream, gel, powder. However, the cream is easy to make yourself at home. It will cost less, and there will be no worry that you bought a fake product.
To receive the cream, you need to prepare in advance:
- powdered azelaic acid;
- sucrose;
- microlil. A special preservative that prolongs the shelf life of the finished cream;
- jojoba oil. If necessary, it is allowed to replace it with olive or rosemary;
- water.
The procedure for preparing the ointment is as follows:
- Add 1.5 mg of azelaic acid to 16.5 ml of water, mix thoroughly. For this, clean glassware must be used. Since the acid is very poorly soluble in water, stir it vigorously, whipping the composition.
- After the final dilution of the acid, 1.5 ml of sucrose is added. Everything is mixed again.
- 7 ml of oil is poured into the second glass vessel, and both dishes are heated in a water bath.
- After dissolving sucrose, the contents of both mixtures are mixed until homogeneous.
- Finally, add a drop of microlith.
Homemade azelaine cream is ready. The drug can be used daily. Already after 1-2 months, it will be possible to observe a positive result of the therapeutic acid - acne and blackheads will quickly disappear.
Author: Georgich (gorec49)
Useful videos about azelaic acid and preparations with its content
Azelaic acid against rosacea:
Mechanism of action of azelaic acid:
Thanks for the home remedy recipe! I will consult with a beautician and try it on my rashes in the near future.
Itself would not risk doing cream at home, tk. I'm afraid I might hurt my skin. Therefore, I buy Librederm Azelain Matting Serum from the Seracin collection. It has a light texture that is quickly absorbed. After applying it on the face, it evens out the skin tone, the oily shine passes. After regular use, the pores become smaller and the acne diminishes.