AZELAIC ACID - YOUR SECRET SOLUTION FOR SKIN TROUBLES

From a medical ingredient to a powerhouse active ingredient in the beauty industry: Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, skin-brightening, and antioxidant properties, and offers numerous other benefits for the complexion – an absolute win for the skin!

What is azelaic acid and how does it work?

Azelaic acid belongs to the group of dicarboxylic acids and is obtained as a natural active ingredient from wheat, barley, and rye. In skincare and medical products, a synthetic form of azelaic acid is often used, as it usually guarantees longer stability and higher effectiveness.
Azelaic acid is often used in skincare due to its diverse effects: anti-acne effect or antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect, comedolytic effect (opening and refining pores), as well as brightening action for hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration.

Benefits of azelaic acid for different skin types

In principle, azelaic acid offers numerous benefits for many skin types – primarily for impure skin, sun-damaged skin, oily or greasy skin, skin types with severe acne, skin diseases such as rosacea, and with hyperpigmentation or acne scars and discolorations. Sensitive skin types or skin types prone to atopic dermatitis may also use azelaic acid, but must start with a low concentration (below 15%) and/or larger application intervals (not daily in the morning/evening).  Azelaic acid can help with a variety of skin issues:

Azelaic acid as an antioxidant for well-aging effect

Azelaic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory, comedolytic (blackhead-dissolving), and skin-brightening properties at concentrations of 15% or higher, also possesses antioxidant properties at concentrations as low as 5%. This means it intercepts free radicals, thereby reducing their harmful effects on the skin and thus helps to prevent skin aging, among other things. Furthermore, the antioxidant effect of azelaic acid can also contribute to the overall improvement of the skin's appearance. The Moisturizer Barrier Boost CPA Barrier Repair Cream from DR. EMI ARPA SKIN contains, among other things, the active ingredient azelaic acid in a concentration of 5%. The 'A' in CPA stands for azelaic acid – 'C' for ceramides and 'P' for peptides.  

Azelaic acid for blemished and acne-prone skin

The highly potent azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which is helpful in the treatment of acne and breakouts. She can reduce the number of acne-causing bacteria and alleviate inflammation. In the case of minor skin blemishes up to acne (Acne vulgaris), azelaic acid can provide quick relief. Azelaic acid under 15% is available over the counter and can be found in some skincare products for blemished skin. The effectiveness in the treatment of acne is only sufficiently proven from a concentration of 15%. In the case of acne-prone skin and severe acne, a specialist should always be consulted: Dermatologists continuously analyze and monitor the skin condition after creating an individual treatment plan for acne patients.

Azelaic acid for acne scars, pigmentation spots, and melasma

The brightening properties of azelaic acid are used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Azelaic acid inhibits the activity of enzymes involved in the production of melanin, thus helping to lighten acne scars, pigmentation spots, and melasma, which can occur due to sun damage, for example.  

Azelaic acid for skin prone to rosacea

Azelaic acid has a soothing effect and alleviates persistent redness and sensitivities in skin prone to rosacea.  Additionally, the acid has a mild exfoliating effect: pores are gently freed from excess sebum and refined.   So azelaic acid also helps with impurities and unevenness that can occur with skin prone to rosacea.