Does azelaic acid cause hyperpigmentation?
Who should stay away from azelaic acid. Downie says some of her sensitive-skin patients have also experienced stinging, burning and hyperpigmentation, “which is not typical, but it can happen.” She notes that hyperpigmentation typically occurs when applying azelaic acid to thinner skin areas near the lips or eyes.
Does azelaic acid help pigmentation?
Azelaic acid exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, kills bacteria, reduces inflammation and even lightens pigmentation.
How does azelaic acid reduce pigmentation?
Azelaic acid addresses hyperpigmentation by decreasing melanin production, a natural pigment responsible for producing color in the skin. It effectively inhibits the production of keratin (a protein found in skin, nails and hair) which prevents the buildup of dead skin cells that can trigger acne breakouts.
How effective is azelaic acid for hyperpigmentation?
One clinical trial demonstrated 15% azelaic acid gel to be both efficacious and safe in treating hyperpigmentation associated with acne for 16 weeks. This effect may be explained by two properties of the drug. First, azelaic acid is known to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which is needed for the production of melanin.
Is azelaic acid better than hydroquinone?
In randomized trials, azelaic acid 20% cream has been shown to be as effective as 4% hydroquinone cream but more effective than 2% hydroquinone cream [42,43]. Skin lightening produced by azelaic acid typically takes one to two months to develop [37].
Can I use azelaic acid for years?
Our experience, accumulated over the past years, can confirm that topical azelaic acid, applied for long periods, does not give rise to toxic or allergic reactions.
Does azelaic acid cause peeling?
Azelaic acid generally has very few side effects, but in some people with very sensitive skin it can cause stinging, peeling, and redness. As well as treating acne, azelaic acid is also a skin-lightening agent that’s useful for fading post-acne marks, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Which peel is best for pigmentation?
Glycolic acid peel It is best suited to treating surface hyperpigmentation because it doesn’t penetrate deep into the skin. AHA peels are also better for those with dry skin.
Is vitamin C better than azelaic acid?
“The reason is because azelaic acid is good for pigmentation, it’s anti-inflammatory and evens out skin tone.” In other words, it works similarly to vitamin C but is arguably more effective.
Is too much azelaic acid bad?
Azelaic acid topical is usually applied twice daily, in the morning and at bedtime. Follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not cover the affected area after applying azelaic acid. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.