Azelaic acid is increasingly popular in skin care, and we can find it in these products

Because of how rapidly the beauty industry has developed, nearly all of us have become chemists and scientists. We have been closely examining the composition of all products over the past few years, and it appears that new active ingredients appear almost daily.

While acids were previously discussed in the context of hyaluronic or salicylic acids, this year another one is slowly taking over the primacy in the beauty world, and products with azelaic acid are becoming increasingly popular.

Azelaic acid is a derivative obtained from barley or wheat, but when it comes to skincare products, it is most often obtained in a laboratory to achieve greater stability.

It is mainly used to achieve an even skin tone, and since its effect is gentler than chemical peels such as AHA acids, it has become one of the favorite ingredients among dermatologists. In addition to being effective in fighting acne and acne scars, azelaic acid is a powerful antioxidant that, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, also has positive effects on skin affected by rosacea.

When choosing products whose main ingredient is azelaic acid, we are guided by the following recommendations. First, it is important to determine the right concentration. Although formulations with 15% and 20% are more effective, experts argue that even lower concentrations are sufficient to cope with moderate acne. In this case, the process of use before the first visible results will be slightly longer.This ingredient can be found in a variety of formulations – from creams, to cleansers, and even serums. While serums are the most common, choose the one that best fits your skin care routine. Azelaic acid should be the first ingredient applied to a dry face after cleansing. Most people tolerate using it morning and night, but if your skin is sensitive, use it only in the morning.

While this ingredient is ideal for those with sensitive skin types, care should be taken when combining it with other ingredients to avoid disrupting the skin barrier. Avoid ingredients such as retinol, AHA and BHA acids, vitamin C, and benzoyl peroxide.However, it is recommended to use it with ingredients that have a calming effect, such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Finally, it should be noted that azelaic acid will not have an instant effect, but should be guided by the slogan – long and consistently wins the race. With the right concentration, combination of ingredients and a consistent routine, it is possible to achieve a healthy and even complexion.