Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. For decades, it has been on the rise in dermatology due to its unique properties and effectiveness in the treatment of several skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. What makes azelaic acid so effective for skin care? To know more about the global azelaic acid market kindly visit to Coherent Market insights recent report.
Let's explore the science behind this amazing ingredient.
How Azelaic Acid Works
Azelaic acid works through several mechanisms that make it useful for a variety of skin problems. It mainly acts on two major skin problems: inflammation and abnormal cell growth.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Azelaic acid has been proven to have a significant reduction in inflammation within the skin. This makes it very useful for inflammatory skin diseases such as acne and rosacea, where inflammation is the leading cause of symptoms. Through the reduction of swelling and redness, it can calm the skin and prevent further irritation.
Azelaic Acid Antibacterial Action
Azelaic acid has antimicrobial effects, especially against Propionibacterium acnes, or the bacteria responsible for the formation of acne. How it prevents the causative agent from multiplying helps to prevent breakouts and encourages clearer skin. It also fights the generation of comedones, as its unobstructed pores are very important in preventing acne.
Normalization of Keratinocytes
The skin's natural process of cell turnover is disrupted in acne and some types of hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid regulates the growth of skin cells, known as keratinocytes, which causes them to shed dead skin cells properly. This will prevent pores from getting clogged and decrease the formation of acne lesions. By encouraging proper cell turnover, azelaic acid can also help lighten dark spots and melasma, thereby achieving an even skin tone.
Tyrosinase Inhibition
Azelaic acid is known to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which is an enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis, the pigment that gives skin its color. Through this inhibition of the enzyme, azelaic acid helps in preventing hyperpigmentation such as dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma, which give a person a brighter and more even-toned complexion.
Azelaic Acid for Sensitive Skin
The best benefit of azelaic acid is its excellent safety profile. Generally, it is tolerated by most skin types, even sensitive skin. Azelaic acid is usually less irritating compared to other powerful acne treatments like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. It may be used every day without inducing major dryness or peeling, making it an ideal candidate for those who have sensitive skin or cannot tolerate other acne treatments.
