Evidence supporting the use of: Azelaic acid
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Azelaic acid is widely used in general skin care due to its multifaceted dermatological benefits, and its efficacy is supported by a substantial body of scientific evidence. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. In dermatology, it is primarily recognized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic properties. These effects make it beneficial for common skin issues such as acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that azelaic acid inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria involved in acne) and reduces the production of keratin, a protein that can block pores and lead to acne formation. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in both acne and rosacea. Azelaic acid also inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production, making it effective in addressing hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Over-the-counter formulations (typically 10%) and prescription strengths (15-20%) are both used, with the latter being approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA for the treatment of acne and rosacea. Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary burning or tingling upon application. Overall, scientific research, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, supports the use of azelaic acid as a safe and effective option for improving skin texture, reducing inflammation, and treating pigmentary disorders.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dioneAbalone
Algal protein
Allantoin
Almond fruit
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-terpineol
amaranth
Anserina
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arbutin
argan nut oil
Asam gelugor
Ascophyllum nodosum
astaxanthin
avocado
azelaic acid
beet
behenic acid
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
Biopeptide
birch
bird\'s nest
bisabolene
black currant
Black spruce
borage
bottle gourd
Brassica
butternut
California chia
camphor oil
candelilla wax
Carnosine
castile soap
catalase
cereal grass
chervil
chickweed
citral
cocoa butter
colostrum
copaiba oil
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
currant
d-alpha tocopherol
David\'s milkberry
dog rose
dulse
dulse leaf
Dunaliella salina
egg
emu oil
flavans
Gac
geraniol
Glucosylceramide
glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
Glycosylceramides
goji berry
Haematococcus pluvialis
Heartsease
heartwood
Himalayan salt
Houttuynia
hyaluronic acid
Kachnar
keratin
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
L-histidine
Leptospermum scoparium
Lilium polyphyllum
limonene
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
loquat
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mandarin
mango
manzanita
Mesua
mixed carotenoids
Mung bean
Nectarine
Night jessamine
Oak
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
oryza
palmitic acid
Panthenol
Pelvetia canaliculata
Phlebodium decumanum
Phytoene
Phytofluene
procyanidin
procyanidol
pumpkin
radish
red clover
rockweed
root tuber
rose
Sargassum
sarsaparilla
sea salt
sesame
Shark oil
silica
silicon
Silk protein
Snakeroot
spinach
Taraxacum
Triglycerides
Tropical jewel hisbiscus
Tyrosinase
Urolithin A
vegetable oil
Verbascoside
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
Watercress
Watermelon
Witch Hazel
Xanthophyll
Yuzu
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by azelaic acid
AcneAge Spots
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Dermatitis
Lesions
Rosacea
Seborrhea
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)
