Description
What is Azelaic Acid 20% Cream?
Azelaic Acid 20% Cream (commonly sold under brand names like Aziderm 20%, Ezanic 20%, and Exazel 20% in India) is a dermatologist-recommended topical medication. It contains a high concentration of azelaic acid—a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid. It is primarily used to treat mild to moderate acne (pimples), rosacea, and various forms of hyperpigmentation (such as melasma and post-acne dark spots).
How Azelaic Acid 20% Cream Works?
Azelaic acid operates on the skin through multiple mechanisms:
- Antibacterial Action: It penetrates deep into the pores and kills the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) that cause acne breakouts and inflammation.
- Keratolytic Action (Unclogs Pores): It normalizes the shedding of dead skin cells (skin cell turnover), which prevents hair follicles from becoming blocked and stops comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) from forming.
- Anti-inflammatory Action: It lowers the production of reactive oxygen species and reduces inflammatory substances in the skin, easing the redness, swelling, and lumps associated with active breakouts and rosacea.
- Inhibits Melanin: It selectively targets and inhibits abnormal melanin (pigment) synthesis, which helps fade hyperpigmentation and melasma without drastically affecting normally pigmented skin.
What is the role of Azelaic Acid 20% Cream?
The role of Azelaic Acid 20% cream is to serve as a multi-functional therapeutic treatment for problematic skin. Unlike spot treatments that only dry out a single pimple, this cream fundamentally alters how the skin behaves—reducing bacterial load, keeping pores clear of debris, calming inflammatory responses, and addressing the dark spots left behind by healed acne.
Uses of Azelaic Acid 20% Cream
- Acne Vulgaris: Treating mild to moderate inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.
- Rosacea: Managing the erythema (redness) and papulopustular lesions (bumps) associated with mild to moderate rosacea.
- Hyperpigmentation & Melasma: Fading dark spots, uneven skin tone, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark marks left after a pimple heals).
Benefits of the Azelaic Acid 20% Cream
- Clears Breakouts: Effectively reduces active pimples and prevents future acne from forming.
- Improves Skin Texture: Regular use smooths out rough skin by continuously unclogging pores.
- Dual-Action on Scars: It not only treats the active acne but simultaneously fades the dark spots and marks left behind, resulting in a brighter, more even complexion.
- Well-Tolerated Long Term: Unlike some antibiotics, azelaic acid does not cause bacterial resistance, making it safe and effective for long-term management of acne and rosacea.
Azelaic Acid 20% Cream Side Effects
While generally well-tolerated, especially when the skin adjusts to it, some users may experience local site reactions.
- Common Side Effects: A stinging, burning, or tingling sensation immediately after application. Mild dryness, itching, peeling, or temporary redness of the skin.
- Rare Side Effects: Contact dermatitis or, in very rare cases with prolonged use on darker skin tones, hypopigmentation (unwanted lightening of the skin color).
Conclusion
Azelaic Acid 20% Cream is a highly versatile and effective treatment for individuals struggling with acne, rosacea, and skin discoloration. Because it tackles bacteria, inflammation, and pigmentation all at once, it is a staple in dermatological skincare. For optimal results, it requires consistency—it usually takes a few weeks of regular application to see noticeable improvements, and broad-spectrum sunscreen must be worn daily to protect the healing skin.
FAQ
How should I apply Azelaic Acid 20% Cream?
Clean and dry the affected area completely before applying. Take a pea-sized amount and gently massage it in a thin layer over the affected areas. Wash your hands thoroughly after application. It is usually applied once or twice daily, as directed by a dermatologist.
Can I use moisturizer with it?
Yes. If you experience burning, stinging, or dryness, it is highly recommended to apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer either before or after applying the azelaic acid to help manage skin irritation and repair the skin barrier.
How long does it take to see results?
It typically takes about 4 to 8 weeks of consistent, daily use to see significant visible improvements in acne, rosacea, or pigmentation.
Is Azelaic Acid safe during pregnancy?
Azelaic acid is generally considered one of the safer topical acne treatments to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, you should always consult your doctor or gynecologist before using it while pregnant.
Will it make my skin sensitive to the sun?
Yes, azelaic acid acts as a mild exfoliant and can increase your skin’s photosensitivity. It is crucial to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every morning while using this medication.
Can I use it with other skincare actives?
While it can be incorporated into a routine with other products, avoid using it at the exact same time as other strong exfoliants (like AHAs/BHAs) or strong retinoids without medical supervision, as this can cause severe irritation and compromise your skin barrier.
Additional information
| Active Ingredient (Generic Name): | Azelaic Acid 20% |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Micro Labs Ltd |
| Packing: | 15 gm |
| Delivery Time: | 6 To 15 days |
| Pack Size | 3 Cream, 5 Cream, 10 Cream, 20 Cream, 30 Cream |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.