Azelaic acid is primarily used in dermatology to treat a variety of skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and skin- lightening properties. Its main uses include:
- Treating mild to moderate acne by killing acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and preventing clogged pores
- Managing rosacea, helping to reduce redness and inflammation associated with this condition
- Improving hyperpigmentation issues such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and dark spots by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which reduces excess melanin production and evens out skin tone
- Helping with other skin conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa, keratosis pilaris, psoriasis vulgaris, and even androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness)
- Being safe and gentle enough for use in children, pregnant, and breastfeeding individuals, making it a preferred option when other treatments are contraindicated
Azelaic acid also gently exfoliates the skin, removes dead skin cells, and acts as an antioxidant to protect skin cells from free radical damage
. In summary, azelaic acid is a versatile topical treatment used to fight acne, reduce redness and inflammation, even out skin tone, and treat various inflammatory and pigmentary skin disorders with a good safety profile
