What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid stands as a skin-friendly dicarboxylic acid renowned for its unique properties that target and inhibit disruptive elements both on and within the skin's outermost layers. Unchecked, these instigators can give rise to persistent, visible imperfections such as brown patches and post-blemish marks, along with a lackluster skin tone and signs of sensitivities. Picture azelaic acid as a guardian with radar-like precision, interrupting or inhibiting factors that trigger skin concerns. When the skin receives this signal, it responds positively, resulting in a visibly improved complexion, regardless of age, skin type, or specific concerns.

Derived from grains like barley, wheat, and rye, azelaic acid finds its refined form in lab-engineered versions, prized for their enhanced stability and effectiveness in skincare formulas.

One of its remarkable attributes is the ability to counteract free radicals, the culprits behind inflammation. Azelaic acid possesses significant skin-calming effects, effectively reducing redness and promoting an even skin tone. It plays a pivotal role in diminishing pigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, responsible for hyperpigmentation or dark patches on the skin.

4 Leading Benefits Of Azelaic Acid

• Enhanced Skin Turnover: Azelaic acid works diligently to boost skin cell turnover, effectively unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and diminishing discoloration. This dynamic combination makes it a potential ally in addressing conditions such as rosacea, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and acne.

• Inflammation Reduction: The ability of azelaic acid to counteract and neutralize free radicals responsible for inflammation underscores its significant skin-calming effects. It serves as a reliable solution for improving redness and promoting overall skin tranquility.

• Even Skin Tone: A standout feature of azelaic acid lies in its capability to decrease pigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, a key player in the development of hyperpigmentation and dark patches. This makes azelaic acid particularly effective in managing acne breakouts, post-acne scarring, and melasma, contributing to a more uniform and radiant skin tone.

• Combating Acne: Azelaic acid emerges as a formidable opponent against acne by actively eliminating bacteria on the skin's surface. Its bacteriostatic properties limit bacteria production, while its bactericidal nature eradicates existing bacteria, notably the Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Proprionibacterium acnes) found in acne. This dual action, coupled with its role in skin cell turnover, works synergistically to keep pores clear.

What To Watch Out For

While azelaic acid boasts numerous benefits, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects that some individuals may experience. Understanding these effects can help you make informed decisions about its use:

• Irritation: A common side effect may include mild irritation. This can manifest as a tingling sensation or redness on the skin. It's crucial to monitor your skin's response, especially during the initial weeks of use.

• Itching: Some individuals may experience itching, particularly in the areas where azelaic acid is applied. This is a normal reaction for some skin types and often subsides as your skin adjusts to the treatment.

• Burning Sensation: A temporary burning sensation might occur, especially in the early stages of using azelaic acid. This sensation is typically mild and diminishes as your skin becomes accustomed to the product.

• Dryness: Azelaic acid may contribute to dryness, leading to flakiness or peeling skin. Ensuring proper moisturization can help mitigate this effect.

• Duration: It's important to note that these side effects are often transient and may last up to four weeks. As your skin acclimates to the treatment, these sensations tend to diminish.

While these side effects are relatively common, they are generally mild and temporary. However, if you experience persistent or severe reactions, it's advisable to consult with your doctor.

Navigating Azelaic Acid Safely

Here are a few essential insights to guide you as you incorporate azelaic acid into your skincare routine. Staying informed and following these precautions will maximize the benefits:

• Sunscreen Is Your Shield: Azelaic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. To safeguard against potential hyperpigmentation and protect your skin's newfound radiance, make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF with a suitable level of protection, and reapply as needed, especially when spending extended periods outdoors.

• Retinoids And Azelaic Acid – Not A Duo: While both retinoids and azelaic acid boast impressive skincare benefits individually, it's advisable not to mix them directly. Combining these potent ingredients may lead to heightened skin sensitivity and potential irritation. If you're incorporating retinoids into your routine, consider using them on alternating days or as advised by your dermatologist.

• Eczema Alert: If you have eczema-prone skin, exercise caution when introducing azelaic acid into your skincare regimen. While it may work wonders for many, those with eczema may experience increased sensitivity. Prioritize a patch test and consult with a dermatologist to determine the most suitable approach for your unique skin needs.

Obtaining Azelaic Acid

Acquiring azelaic acid isn't a straightforward task, and the process is often riddled with challenges that may test your patience. Here's why the journey to obtain azelaic acid might present certain complexities:

• Prescription Required: Embarking on this journey starts with the requirement of a doctor's prescription. However, the road to seeing a dermatologist can be lengthy, often taking weeks to secure an appointment. When you finally get there, the actual consultation may be brief, leaving you with minimal guidance such as basic skincare recommendations. Subsequent visits, spaced weeks apart, may introduce incremental adjustments, potentially leading to more intensive solutions.

• Time Intensive: Even after overcoming the initial hurdles, the commitment doesn't stop there. Azelaic acid is typically prescribed for daily use over an extended period, requiring diligence for twice-daily applications for up to six months. Throughout this time, you may encounter potential side effects, including the ones in the section above. 

A Revolutionary Alternative 

What if we told you there was a skincare alternative that not only streamlined the entire process, requiring only a collective time commitment of 90 minutes but also represented the pinnacle of state-of-the-art technology? Prepare to revolutionize your acne routine with no routine at all.

Introducing AviClear®—a groundbreaking approach to achieving clearer skin, distinguished by cutting-edge technology that stands at the forefront of innovation. Unlike treatments that have lingered for decades, AviClear® is a new and FDA-approved solution, forging the future of acne treatment. And guess what? CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers just happens to be the #1 provider of AviClear® in the whole state of Texas! 

AviClear® works differently from other acne treatments by significantly eliminating acne in three quick 30-minute treatment sessions. Utilizing exclusive technology to target the source of oils on your skin, AviClear ensures reduced oil production, resulting in improved and sustained relief from acne.

Don’t just take our word for it. Here is a customer testimonial from a verified AviClear® patient, Liana, L.:

“I got prescribed azelaic acid when I was pregnant with my son. It kinda helped with my acne, but there were still breakouts here and there. When I started breastfeeding, bam! Acne flared up again and my confidence took a nosedive. I wasn't totally sold on CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers at first but when I chatted with them on the phone for the first time, the staff was so friendly and I felt understood. And the best part is it only took 30 minutes of my time each month. Now, I'm pregnant again, my hormones are doing the cha-cha, but guess what? No acne! Thank you AviClear! No more doctor's visits during this precious and busy time with my little ones.”