DISCOVER ITS PROPERTIES, THE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AND THE CONTRAINDICATIONS TO ITS USE 

 

In this article focusing on azelaic acid we reveal

• ·  Azelaic acid: what it is and what its properties are
• ·  The cosmetic benefits of azelaic acid for:
• ·  Acne
• ·  Dark spots
• ·  Rosacea
• ·  Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• ·  Hair
• ·  The contraindications and side effects of azelaic acid
• ·  How to combine other products with azelaic acid

If we were to ask you how many acids for skin you know, what would your answer be?

You might think of hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and, perhaps, glycolic acid.

And what if we were to tell you about the benefits of azelaic acid? You can count on us to explain everything.

AZELAIC ACID: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT ITS PROPERTIES ARE

Although it is not among the most popular skincare products, azelaic acid is a natural substance produced by a yeast (Malassezia furfur) that is normally present in our skin flora. 

In other words, it is already found on our skin. It can also be found in many foods and plants, such as wheat, rye and barley.

It is also present in olive oil at the start of its oxidation process. From a chemical perspective it is a dicarboxylic acid.

Considering its properties, azelaic acid can undoubtedly become a good friend.

It is effective in preventing and reducing blemishes. More specifically, thanks to its keratolytic activity, it helps to minimise redness and skin discolouration, leaving a smoother, more even complexion.

It is a potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant: it protects against free radicals, helping the skin to remain young-looking and fresh.

THE COSMETIC BENEFITS OF AZELAIC ACID:

ACNE

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: there is no such thing as perfect skin!

It is normal to have blemishes, dark spots, discolouration, scars and time lines. It would be difficult not to.

However, accepting your skin for what it is does not mean not looking after it. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Azelaic acid is an effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory that is perfect for outbreaks and redness. It is a great inhibitor of keratinocyte proliferation.

People who suffer from acne know exactly what we mean. In short, azelaic acid does not allow the build-up of the dead cells responsible for clogging enlarged pores and consequently acne outbreaks.  

It is particularly indicated for impure skins, because it regulates oiliness, has an anti-inflammatory effect on sebum build-ups and bacterial pus and prevents the formation of blackheads. In addition, unlike many other products used to treat acne, it is extremely mild.

DARK SPOTS

There can be different types of dark spots on the skin, from those left by acne to those caused by ageing.

Azelaic acid has a depigmenting action, i.e. it reduces and normalises melanin production, leaving the skin more even and mitigating dark spots.

Thanks to its antioxidant action, it also counteracts skin ageing and leaves it more radiant.

ROSACEA

Maybe not everybody knows what rosacea is. 

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterised by erythema or dilated capillaries (tiny blood vessels). As a result, the skin always appears red. There are different types of rosacea, the main ones being subtype 1 and subtype 2.

 

Subtype 1, which is also known as ‘couperose skin’, is associated with a superficial reddening of the face.

 

Subtype 2, which is also known as ‘papulopustular rosacea’, is characterised by the presence of papules, pustules and redness.

 

Azelaic acid is perfect in the presence of the latter subtype, because it has an anti-inflammatory effect on the lesions characterising this chronic skin condition.

 

SEBORRHOEIC DERMATITIS

 

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a skin inflammation that causes redness and itch in certain areas of the body like the scalp, ears, face and chest.

 

Azelaic acid can also be used in this case. It is found in many products sold in pharmacies, because it has a sebum-regulating action that is perfect for these cases.

 

HAIR

 

According to some studies, azelaic acid can also be used in the presence of androgenetic alopecia, one of the most common causes of hair loss.

 

This is due to its anti-androgen properties that consisting in inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that is found in the follicles and converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. This ability to block the enzyme prevents testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone, bringing benefits for hair health.

 

Azelaic acid can therefore be used in combination therapies for counteracting hair loss. 

 

PRODUCTS CONTAINING AZELAIC ACID

 

A great many products containing azelaic acid are starting to appear on the market, from face creams to serums and hair lotions.

 

If, by reading this article, you realise that it is the product for you, try our AZELAIC ACTIVE MASK.

A sofa, a TV series and a good product that takes care of your enlarged pores. AZELAIC is an anti-blemish sebum-regulating face mask particularly recommended for skin with impurities and acne outbreaks.

 

Its efficacy has been proven by instrumental clinical tests that confirm noticeably fewer blackheads (-17.3%*), whiteheads (-33.3%*) and papules (-40.7%*). It also visibly shrinks pores (-37%*) and reduces sebum production (-35.6%*). With its brightening and antioxidant active ingredients it is also suitable for skin showing the first signs of ageing and with hyperpigmentation.

 

 

* Instrumental clinical test on 17 women and 3 men with impure combination/oily facial skin who used the product 3 times a week for 10-15 minutes, for 30 consecutive days.

 

HOW TO APPLY AZELAIC ACTIVE MASK?

 

To get the most from your mask, use Azelaic Active Mask 3 times a week for one month.

 

• 1. Use the brush to apply an even layer, avoiding the eye contour area
• 2. Relax and leave on for 10 minutes
• 3. Remove excess product with a tissue (not water!).

 

If you feel a slight prickling after application, this is completely normal. It is a transient characteristic of products containing azelaic acid and is synonymous with the formula’s action. If it persists, rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid contact with eyes.

 

HOW TO COMBINE OTHER PRODUCTS WITH AZELAIC ACID

 

Can azelaic acid be applied before or after other products? Let’s find out.

 

Azelaic acid and salicylic acid: if you suffer from blemishes, comedones or acne, this combination is ideal. However, they should be used on alternate days to avoid irritation.

 

So, if you want to usePERFECT SERUM or LUCE LIQUIDA, they should be applied at least 24 hours before or after using AZELAIC ACTIVE MASK.

 

Azelaic acid and Niacinamide: this combination is perfect for refining skin texture and maintaining hydration. They shouldn’t be used together though, apply the former in the evening and the latter in the morning.

 

Azelaic acid and Hyaluronic acid: this is a winning combination. Daily use of hyaluronic acid morning and evening and of azelaic acid only in the evening will refine the texture of the skin, plump it and give it a long-lasting youthful appearance. 

 

Try our HYDRA SERUM, the hydrating face serum with hyaluronic acid.

 

Azelaic acid and glycolic acid: NEVER use them together. These two acids share an exfoliating action. Stressing the skin by over-exfoliating is not only pointless, it could cause serious damage.

 

Before pampering ourselves it is often essential to get the right information and understand what is involved, because we should love our skin and never maltreat it.

 

Let us know if you already knew about Azelaic Acid and are already using it. What are your impressions?