Azelaic acid is a lesser-known skincare active that works to target hyperpigmentation and its root causes. That sounds pretty impressive for a single ingredient but let’s take a closer look at what exactly azelaic acid is and how it works to improve the appearance of skin.
This type of acid is mainly derived from rye and other wheat sources, making it an example of an Isolated chemical compound. In skincare, azelaic acid has many benefits including reducing pimples and brown spots with regular use. This article will explore everything you need to know about azelaic acid before and after, and why it’s a great skincare tool.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring compound with antioxidant properties. It’s a type of dicarboxylic acid that’s used as a topical treatment for various skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and melasma. Azelaic acid works by fighting free radicals and inhibiting tyrosinase which leads to less melanin production.
This makes azelaic acid recommended for anyone searching for an effective way to reduce brown spots and hyperpigmentation associated with aging, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and sun exposure.
The most commonly reported side effects of azelaic acid are dryness and scaling. To help manage these symptoms, it’s recommended that you use the product twice daily in place of your usual moisturizer or daytime sunscreen.
How Does Azelaic Acid Work?
Azelaic acid chemically resembles resorcinol, a chemical found in some acne treatments. Azelaic acid helps to fight the bacteria that cause acne and can also help regulate oil production. It is believed to work by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme in skin cells that causes pigment-forming melanin to build up, giving skin a brown or dark color.
By fighting inflammation and regulating oil production, azelaic acid reduces pimples and brown spots more quickly. In addition, it can make your skin look more radiant due to its exfoliating properties. Azelaic acid also has anti-inflammatory effects which can reduce redness and irritation caused by rosacea or sensitive skin types.
The most popular benefit of azelaic acid is its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation in the skin while also improving other visible signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. This is because azelaic acid works by targeting the root cause of hyperpigmentation rather than simply treating the symptoms like topical vitamin C serums often do!
Why Is Azelaic Acid Good for Hyperpigmentation?
Last but not the least, using azelaic acid as part of your skincare is a good choice to treat hyperpigmentation because it targets two of the main causes of skin discoloration. Azelaic acid works as a mild exfoliant that gets rid of dead cells, making way for new skin to grow. It also helps to regulate melanin production in the skin, preventing the overproduction of brown pigment that leads to hyperpigmentation.
The exfoliation action of azelaic acid helps to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Repeated use tones down the appearance of brown spots and other discolorations by clearing away surface impurities and fading dark spots on the skin.
