Azelain (Azelaic Acid): Active ingredient for acne and rosacea

Azelaic Acid is a carboxylic acid. It is neither an AHA nor a BHA. Azelain occurs naturally in wheat, rye and barley.

Azelaic acid is a potent active ingredient and is commonly used to treat severe acne and rosacea . Similar to Zinc PCA , it acts against the acne-causing Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Dermatologists often prescribe up to 20% azelaic acid for acne.

Azelaic acid down- regulates the skin's oil production and ensures that the cells grow healthily and no longer become clogged as often. Because that is often a problem with acne. Azelaic acid also lightens pimple marks , which is very beneficial for people with acne, as the pimple marks can be treated at the same time.

In the treatment of rosacea , medicine makes use of the anti-inflammatory effect of azelaic acid. Up to 10-15% azelaic acid can be found in prescription creams like Skinoren or Soolantra .

Unfortunately, azelaic acid also has side effects due to its strong effect. Regular use can cause burning or drying of the skin. When treating a skin disease, however, these side effects are usually accepted because the skin disease should not progress further.

A milder derivative of azelaic acid is the azelain derivative Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate . This derivative does not have the side effects described above.