Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid - is found in grains such as barley, wheat and rye, as well as in the human body. It is also produced from oleic acid, which is contained in sunflower or milk thistle oil.

Azelaic acid is naturally produced by yeasts known as Malassezia furfur, which live on normal skin. Azelaic acid is a saturated dicarboxylic acid. It acts on the skin as a gentle exfoliant that helps unclog pores and smooth the skin's surface.

Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory effects on the skin (it reduces redness and swelling in acne-prone skin). It has antimicrobial properties,  stops the growth of skin bacteria that infect skin pores and keeps them clean. The antimicrobial effect of azelaic acid can be attributed to the inhibition of microbial cell protein synthesis. Azelaic acid prevents the onset of inflammation, helps clear pores of the bacteria that cause acne. Azelaic acid acts very specifically; it is harmful to specific organisms such as Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. These are found in the sebaceous glands and cause acne vulgaris. It disrupts the pH of these organisms, thereby destroying them and preventing their multiplication. 

Azelaic acid is also used in the treatment of rosacea and this is due to its ability to reduce inflammation. It helps to lighten skin that suffers from hyperpigmentation (such as melasma and dark spots left after acne). It indirectly affects melanocytes, which are skin cells that produce melanin.

Azelaic acid has been used in medicine for many years to treat skin conditions.

- suppresses the proliferation of bacteria on the skin surface

- regulates sebum production

- has anti-inflammatory effects

- reduces its sensitivity

- prevents excessive keratinization of the skin

- inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme, which causes excessive pigment production

- lightens skin tone and helps remove dark spots after acne

- is completely safe for long-term use

- smooths the skin's surface and softens fine lines

- thanks to its antioxidant properties, it rids the skin of free radicals that cause premature aging