What Does Azelaic Acid Do for Rosacea?
We’ve been doing a lot of work on azelaic acid lately. As mentioned in previous posts, it’s a highly effective skin ingredient with a number of impressive benefits. One of the most interesting facts is that it can fight both acne and skin redness, such as rosacea.
What makes these two benefits from one ingredient so unusual is that (usually) any product formulated to target breakouts like pimples and blackheads can dry out the skin and cause irritation and redness if not used correctly. Azelaic acid has proven once again that it’s a unique ingredient that can effectively balance both breakouts and redness.
This brings me back to today’s topic and answering a question we’ve been asked: “What does azelaic acid do for rosacea? I’ve done some research and will let you know what results you can expect when you add azelaic acid to your skincare routine and how it can fight redness or rosacea.
Can Azelaic Acid Reduce Redness?
Yes, there are many clinical studies proving the benefits of azelaic acid and its benefits to the skin, especially in terms of reducing inflammation, redness, and hyperpigmentation after breakouts. She has the ability to
do this by preventing the overproduction of melanin, which can cause darker pigmentation in discolored areas or patches. This leads to azelaic acid’s ability to further improve the appearance of puffiness,
which is caused by visible blood vessels and can lead to flare-ups of rosacea and other forms of redness.
While azelaic acid has an exfoliating effect that often irritates rosacea and skin inflammation, it does so in a gentle and effective way that doesn’t strip the skin of important oils it needs to stay healthy, nor does it penetrate too deeply into the underlying layers of the skin, leaving it feeling extremely dry, tight, and uncomfortable.
By the way, you definitely need to talk to your doctor about incorporating azelaic acid into your skin care routine, especially if you have irritated and dry skin.
How long does it take for azelaic acid to treat rosacea?
Let’s start at the beginning for the best way to begin your azelaic acid skin journey: First, you should consult a dermatologist to make sure the concentrate and formula are safe for at-home use.
Next, you should do a patch test, applying some of the product to your forearm and leaving it on for 24 hours to ensure there is no skin reaction.
If at any time you notice the product on your skin starts to burn, sting, or itch, wash it off immediately and avoid future use.
To best assess the effects of azelaic acid on your skin and rosacea symptoms, use it regularly for three months.
The time it takes to see results varies from person to person. Some people notice improvements in pigmentation spots as soon as one week.
For areas of redness and rosacea, you may see results in four to six weeks, some even sooner, depending on the severity of the rosacea.
The following guide explains how to inject azelaic acid into the skin and how long it takes to work on rosacea and redness. When using a new acid on your skin, you can also help the process along by following these important tips to keep your skin healthy and happy. Be sure to apply SPF sunscreen daily to protect your skin from sun damage.
AHAs like lactic acid help azelaic acid penetrate the skin by removing the barrier of dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin.
Avoid BHAs like salicylic acid and other active ingredients to prevent your skin from becoming too dry and irritated.
Pair azelaic acid products with other products rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attract and lock moisture into the skin.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Plan and formulate your routine to include products that fight rosacea symptoms while nourishing and protecting the skin barrier.
Which acid is best for rosacea?
There are many acids that have many benefits for the skin, but which one is the best to use for rosacea? Well, it’s azelaic acid! No, actually, it’s the best for the following reasons:
Azelaic acid
Not only does it kill bacteria that are known to cause spots and blemishes, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve the symptoms of rosacea flare-ups on the skin. And it is able to do this while remaining gentle on the skin.
Ascorbic acid
Also known as vitamin C, this acid also has rejuvenating benefits when it comes to fighting rosacea, but it can be quite irritating to the skin.
You also need to remember that you should avoid using azelaic acid and ascorbic acid together, as they tend to neutralize each other. For more information, see our previous blog post on using both Vitamin C and Azelaic Acid together in your skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that does a lot of things because it locks in moisture to the skin and helps repair the protective barrier. It’s also safe for all skin types, and you’ll find that it can deliver impressive skin results when combined with azelaic acid. Below are some examples of the best acids to choose if you’re looking to combat rosacea and other symptoms of redness. Don’t forget to consult your primary care physician or dermatologist if you have any concerns or questions about these ingredients and how to use them on your skin. Can I use Azelaic Acid twice a day? Yes, it is completely safe to use Azelaic Acid twice a day, preferably once in the morning and once in the evening. If you want to effectively combat rosacea and reduce inflammation, we recommend regular use to see faster results and achieve your skin goals. Once your skin has developed a tolerance and is accustomed to the effects of other products in your skincare routine, you can be confident that your skincare routine will deliver optimal results and overall improvements in the health and appearance of your skin and complexion. I hope you now have a better understanding of Azelaic Acid and how using it in your skincare routine can improve rosacea.If you have any questions or want to join in the skin chat, follow us on Instagram. We look forward to seeing you there!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.