Exfoliating acids, such as AHAs and BHAs, are skin care superheroes when it comes to sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal smoother, softer skin. One lesser-known acid that can have big benefits for skin—azelaic acid—is neither an AHA or a BHA.
What Do Azelaic Acid Products Do for Skin?
If you suffer from acne or rosacea, azelaic acid skin care products may be able to help. Azelaic acid as a skin care ingredient features anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial abilities to encourage the turnover of skin cells to target breakouts and help curb the formation of blackheads and pimples. It’s also bactericidal, which means it kills bacteria—specifically acne-causing P. acnes as well as H. pylori, which is associated with rosacea.
How to Use Azelaic Acid Skin Care Products?
You can find azelaic acid in a variety of over-the-counter products—serums, gels, peels and more—with a concentration of up to 10%. A dermatologist can also prescribe azelaic acid products as prescription-strength topical skin treatments such as Finacea, a foam treatment featuring 15% azelaic acid, or Azelex, a cream with 20% concentration.