Azelaic Acids for Acne

Ever considered azelaic acid for acne? Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon, found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is one of the acids used in "facial peels" performed in a doctor's office. This organic product prevents the process of hyperkeratosis, or overgrowth of skin cells, forcing follicles shut. By reducing the rate at which skin cells grow in the linings of pores, it keeps pores open.

It is antibacterial, controlling both Propionibacterium acnes, the microorganism that flourishes in clogged pores, and Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterium that also causes abscesses, boils, and impetigo.

Physicians at the University of California at San Francisco have found that a cream containing 20 percent azelaic acid is as effective in treating acne as benzoyl peroxide gel (5 percent concentration), tretinoin cream (0.05 percent concentration), erythromycin cream (2 percent concentration), and oral tetracycline given at a dosage of 500-1,000 mg per day, provided it is used to treat pimples and mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

However, azelaic acid is less effective than Accutane for the treatment of acne conglobata, the form of the condition that produces large, deep pustules.

Azelaic acid cream should be applied twice daily for at least 2-3 months. It can be used for up to 1 year. Im provement should be detectable within 1-2 months. To ensure adequate penetration, the cream should be rubbed thoroughly (but not too vigorously) into clean skin for 2-3 minutes. An advantage of azelaic acid over antibiotics is that azelaic acid does not cause bacteria to become antibiotic-resistant. Azelaic acid seldom produces adverse effects, the most common being short-term itching and burning sensations. About 10 percent of people who use azelaic acid will experience burning and itching during the first 2-4 weeks it is used.

Azelaic acid has a special application for persons of Asian, especially Korean, descent who use skin lighteners. Alternated with hydroquinone products (which are available in the US, although not in Asia) every 2 to 4 months, azelaic acid may prevent the freckles and age spots that can occur as a paradoxical effect of hydroquinone skin care products.

Read about Acne's Nutritional Therapies and A-C-E Your Acne: Vitamin Acne Treatment.

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