How to use Azelaic Acid for Rosacea?

When you have a concern for the skin such as rosacea it’s only natural for you to wary of using any old ingredient in your daily skincare routine. The beauty of azelaic acid is the fact it contains anti-inflammatory properties meaning it can reduce redness and soothe the skin. With the ability to reach the lower layers and preventing any future flare-ups of redness and other levels of rosacea severity. With this in mind lets investigate how to use azelaic acid for rosacea.

How long does azelaic acid take to work on rosacea?

Before we get stuck into how long it takes for azelaic acid to work on rosacea, let me first describe what azelaic acid is and how it benefits the skin.

Azelaic Acid

The chemical name for azelaic acid is dicarboxylic acid and is a natural extract from barley, wheat, and rye. With modern day technology obtaining an effective and stabile level of this powerful, but gentle acid has become the norm, and you can expect to find more and more of this clever ingredient make its way into the various skincare formulas.

Most mistaken as a member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid, azelaic acid provides the same exfoliating and clarifying benefits of its fellow acids yet remains gentle on the skin whilst acting like a potent antioxidant. Often found in concentrates between 15% and 20% with even lower percentages known for having impressive results on the skin. Having said that if you find you suffer from skin conditions such as rosacea finding the right formulation is vital to ensure there are no signs of irritation or sensitivity caused. 

Main Benefits of Azelaic Acid

• Combats breakouts, including spots, blackheads, and frequent acne flare-ups
• Reduces the appearance and severity of rosacea
• Exfoliants the build-up of dead skin cells revealing a brightened complexion
• Diminishes the sign of dark spots and hyperpigmentation

Can azelaic acid make rosacea worse?

Rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties azelaic acid has gained a reputation at reducing signs of redness and irritation by working its way deeply into the lower layers of the skin and aiding longer lasting results. Much like all acids, specifically chemical exfoliants, you must first find the right formula due to the fact concentrates of azelaic acid of 10% or less tend to be difficult to find, leading to many products containing higher percentages can have an effective on the consistency of the formula with it becoming very grainy. This can cause a problem for those with rosacea as the physical disruption on the skin can lead to more severe flare-ups of redness and flaky areas on the face.

When should azelaic acid be used in routine?

There are many products that contain azelaic acid all of which provide the same impressive results. You can find products such as serums and moisturisers whichever formula you decide to try it is important to know how it’ll work for you and your skin type.

Whether it is an over the counter or prescription it is best to apply a thin layer on the surface if the skin, especially if it is a new ingredient you are adding to your routine. Once your skin has built a tolerance to azelaic acid you can use it morning and evening with peace of mind you won’t have long lasting reactions. Having said that, it is always best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist before trying a new skincare product to avoid any unwanted reactions. Once you have established azelaic acid will work perfectly into your routine you can optimise the results by applying your serum or cream-based products after using an exfoliating toner containing an AHA or BHA, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. By doing this you are removing the barrier caused by the layer of dead skin cells allowing the azelaic acid to reach further down into the skin. Don’t forget to follow this with a hydrating moisturiser, something enriched in hyaluronic acid and SPF of 30 and above. 

What should you not mix with azelaic acid?

Since azelaic acid is one of the gentler facial acids, there are more ingredients you can team with it. This is, however, doesn’t mean you are safe to use it with anything, below is a list of ingredients you should take caution when teaming them together with azelaic acid.

Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid (BHA)

When teaming these ingredients together without a worry of causing irritation to the skin, you should apply products that complement each other. For example, if you are wanting to use a serum enriched in azelaic acid, then opt for a toner containing the BHA, salicylic acid. This will not only help azelaic acid penetrate the skin, but due you will also leave enough time in between to avoid any sensitivity caused. Bearing in mind of course, that if you have a dry or sensitive skin type prone to rosacea and similar flare-ups, its best to avoid using salicylic acid in your daily routine all together.

Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C

With both ingredients having an outdated reputation of becoming unstable in formulations. You may naturally think that both are not suitable to work together, but when introduced to your routine the right way, you’ll truly reap the rewards to these skincare powerhouses. If I was to suggest, it would be to first apply your vitamin C serum in the morning, followed by azelaic acid moisturiser in the evening.

Azelaic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid

Lucky for us hyaluronic acid can be teamed with every skincare ingredient with no concern of irritation. This duo would in fact, be the most beneficial if you experience frequent flare-ups in rosacea. The hydration given to the skin by hyaluronic acid will help soothe the outer surface and enable azelaic acid to work its magic with the peace of mind there will be limited if any side effects, but instead a healthy, balanced, and luminous finish to the skin.

Can you use azelaic acid every day?

You can indeed! In fact, you can use it twice a day in your daily routine in the morning and evening. If you are wanting to know in a little more detail about azelaic acid and how it benefits the skin, check out our dedicated blog post about this clever ingredient and how it works for your complexion, especially if you suffer with rosacea.  

There you have a little more information about how to use azelaic acid for rosacea. As I have already mentioned it is vital for, you’re the health of your skin to ensure you consult with a doctor or dermatologist. Once you have a better understanding of how this ingredient benefits the skin, you’ll be amazed with how your complexion improves.

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