These days, people strive to do what they can to look and feel as healthy as possible. This includes having the healthiest-looking skin and hair. One treatment option to consider is azelaic acid. This article will help you learn everything you need to know about azelaic acid, its benefits with benzoyl peroxide, and what these products can be used for.
What is Azelaic Acid?
The first thing that should be addressed is helping you understand what azelaic acid is. Azelaic acid is a compound typically found in barley, rye, and wheat. Azelaic acid allows you to treat various conditions, including rosacea and acne, as it can soothe inflammation that can make these conditions particularly bothersome. While azelaic acid is a naturally occurring compound, it is generally in a synthesized form when used in cosmetic products. This is because, in its synthesized form, this compound is typically more stable and effective.
There are many different types of people that can significantly benefit from using azelaic acid. Still, it can be a good idea to consult a professional to ensure that this product can help you with what you need. It is generally considered safe, especially for pregnant or nursing. However, by checking with a professional for peace of mind.
Benefits of Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a product that offers numerous benefits to the user. Let’s learn about some of the top benefits of using products that contain this compound.
Antibacterial Properties
One of the reasons this can be an effective treatment option for acne is because this product has antibacterial properties. This means that it can kill the bacteria responsible for acne and can also be very effective in fighting cystic acne, unlike many other options on the market. Azelaic acid can get beneath the pores, killing the bacteria at a cellular level.
Can Remove Dead Skin
Dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores, leading to problems like unwanted acne development. Azelaic acid can increase the turnover rate in your dead skin cells, which means that they leave your face faster. This leaves you with clearer-looking skin and will help prevent future breakouts.
Reduces Acne Scars and Melasma
Azelaic acid can reduce melanin production in those hyperactive areas, which leads to those dark spots on the skin. This allows you to lighten issues like hyperpigmentation by limiting the production of tyrosinase, the enzyme that your skin needs to produce melanin. Because there is less melanin being produced, hyperpigmentation starts to fade significantly in areas not regularly exposed to the sun.
Safer Alternative to Other Acne Products
There are prescription products that are made for acne. While being highly effective at treating severe cystic acne, some of these products do have side effects that people should be concerned with. At best, you may have issues like skin irritation or dry lips. But, there are more severe side effects, including for pregnant women. Many prescription alternatives are not suitable for pregnant women because they can lead to potential congenital disabilities. Azelaic acid may be comparably effective while also safer for everyone to use.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Azelaic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties to notice less pain, swelling, and redness caused by issues like acne and rosacea. These products are great because you can get the benefits of the anti-inflammatory properties more mildly when compared to other options on the market.
What Azelaic Acid Can Be Used For
When you look good, you feel good. You have the confidence to take on the world. If you suffer from acne that you can’t seem to get rid of or have hair loss, you will feel self-conscious. This will have a negative impact on your everyday life. The good news is that you may be able to find a solution that works for you when you use a product that contains azelaic acid.
Azelaic acid can be used for a variety of different conditions. This section will look at some of the most popular uses for azelaic acid.
Acne Treatment and Prevention
As previously mentioned, azelaic acid can be highly effective in treating and preventing future acne. This product can give your pores the deep clean needed to avoid irritation and those acne breakouts that can negatively impact your life. It can also make any acne that you currently have to appear less red and less irritated, meaning that they will be less noticeable.
Hair Growth
Azelaic acid is a 5a-reductase inhibitor, which can be behind problems like hair loss and alopecia areata. Several studies show there is evidence that using azelaic acid for hair loss can be very effective in promoting hair growth.
Treating Rosacea
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, azelaic acid can be a very effective treatment for rosacea. After some use, you will notice a significant difference in the visible blood vessels and common swelling in rosacea sufferers.
Skin Lightening/Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can occur after a breakout, and azelaic acid can help balance this issue so that your skin can get back to looking clear. It can also be very effective for skin lightening, stopping the discolored skin caused by melanin.
Benzoyl Peroxide Combination
Benzoyl peroxide is a compound long been used to treat and prevent acne. This compound works by killing the bacteria hidden deep in your pores and helping the skin remove excessive oil and dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat pimples, cystic acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. You can purchase these products easily enough as an OTC product.
While this product can be highly effective in treating skin problems, including reducing the visibility of acne scars, this compound can be made even more effective when used in combination with other products. For instance, a product with antibacterial properties like azelaic acid can help acne sufferers find more benefits from their acne remedies.
Some side effects are common with benzoyl peroxide products, which may be more common when you first start to use products with this compound.
- Side Effects of the Skin
When using benzoyl peroxide, you may notice dryness, redness, and excessive peeling. There may also be irritation and itching where you apply it.
- Can Stain Hair and Clothes
This compound is notorious for staining your hair and clothing. It’s essential to wash your hands after using this product.
- Potential Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions may be rare, but there is still a potential for having one when using this product.
If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid products with benzoyl peroxide.
Conclusion
Azelaic acid can be a highly effective treatment for various conditions, mainly when combined with benzoyl peroxide. If you are looking for ways to improve your skin care or hair care routine, azelaic acid could be the right solution for your needs. As you can see, azelaic acid can be used to remedy various conditions to help you get the self-confidence boost that comes with a great skin care routine.
Are you looking for the best pharmaceutical-grade skin and hair care treatments? Contact EVOLVE patient care to get started!
