Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a 100% natural ingredient that did the job of multiple skincare products all in one, and was all-natural and clinically proven to deliver what it promised? Well, there is, and its name is azelaic acid. However, what this natural acid is and what it does that is so amazing. It is a saturated dicarboxylic acid extracted from grains such as wheat, rye, and barley with the molecular formula C9H16O4. It is also found on the skin being produced by a yeast called Pitysporum ovale. What is surprising about this acid is its ability to act on a series of problems related to skin health, hyperpigmentation, rosacea and adult acne.

One of the signs of skin aging is the appearance of brown spots or hyperpigmentation. This overproduction of pigment is the result of repeated exposure of the skin to the damaging effects of the sun’s UV radiation and, in particular, the sun’s UVA rays. These “age spots” can also be made worse by daily skin exposure to environmental pollutants and pollutants. Due to constant exposure to these irritants, the skin reacts by producing greater amounts of the skin pigment melanin. The result of this increased production of melanin is the formation of brown spots and freckles called lentigines. Azelaic acid is also effective for melasma or “the mask of pregnancy” due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.

It lightens these dark spots resulting from the overproduction of melanin by blocking the enzyme tyrosinase necessary for the conversion of tyrosine into melanin, the pigment responsible for these spots. Studies have shown that the ability of this natural substance to lighten these spots is about the same as hydroquinone, around sixty percent. The advantage it has over hydroquinone is that it can be used for long periods of time where hydroquinone should not be used for more than three months, it has virtually no side effects, it has not been shown to be carcinogenic in animal models, and it is available without prescription. One of the downsides of azelaic acid is that it can take a little longer to lighten brown spots and it is very sensitive to oxidation when exposed to air. Creams and gels found in bulk jars, tubes, or pump bottles are easily exposed to air. This repeated exposure to air causes its natural ingredients to oxidize and lose their effectiveness. It is very important that consumers look for Azelaic Acid in sealed single-dose containers to ensure maximum potency with each use.

Another property of is its effectiveness in the treatment of comedogenic and inflammatory acne. Acne is caused by the bacteria Proprionbacillus acnes. These bacteria cause an inflammatory response of the skin that results in increased production of sebum that clogs the pores and traps both Propriobacillus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. These trapped bacteria are responsible for the inflammation and comedones seen with acne. Azelaic acid is effective against acne because it works on many levels compared to other acne products. It is bactericidal for acne bacteria by exhibiting an anti-DNA action at the level of the bacterial nucleus. By reducing bacteria, it reduces inflammation and sebum production, giving skin a chance to heal.

Another serious problem frequently seen with acne, especially in dark-skinned people, is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Any condition that causes skin irritation, whether environmental or bacterial, can lead to hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid is not only effective in reducing inflammation by killing the bacteria responsible for acne, but as mentioned above, it is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation associated with acne through its anti-tyrosinase activity.

This natural acid is also an antioxidant scavenger for free radicals and does not cause photosensitivity. This makes it an ideal product that can be used safely every day.

Rosacea is a condition characterized by facial redness, pimples, and pustules. It can occur at any age, but is most common in the 30-50 age group. This condition primarily affects Caucasian men and women of northwestern European descent. There are four subtypes of rosacea:

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea typified by a permanent reddening of the skin that blushes and blushes easily.

Papulopustular rosacea is characterized by redness with pus-filled bumps that can easily be mistaken for acne.

Phymatous rosacea characterized by redness and irregularities in the skin and nodules that can affect various parts of the face such as the nose (Rhinophyma), chin (Gnatophyma), forehead (Metophyma), cheeks and eyelids (Blepharophyma), and ears (Otofima).

Ocular rosacea associated with red, dry and irritated eyes and eyelids that itch, burn and give the sensation of having a foreign body in the eyes.

Azelaic acid is an effective treatment for rosacea, especially for the erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular types of rosacea.

There is increasing evidence showing that azelaic acid is useful in the treatment of certain premalignant skin lesions. Several human clinical trials have shown azelaic acid to be effective in the treatment of lentigo maligna, and there are a few reports of its successful use in the treatment of isolated low-grade isolated lesions of malignant melanoma.

Every once in a while there is a cosmetic ingredient that is safe, natural and treats multiple problems at the same time. Azelaic acid is one such product and, in fact, is nature’s magic bullet.