Does Azelaic Acid Really Work for Skin Lightening?

Azelaic Acid may sound familiar if you have ever read the ingredients listed on natural skincare products. Commonly found within the grains of wheat, rye and barley, this natural skin bleaching agent has proven to be a naturally effective lightener for the skin. In addition, this acid also has been tested to treat a wide array of skin conditions too. Let’s take a look into Azelaic Acid and Azelaic Acid uses!

What is Azelaic Acid?

So, what is Azelaic Acid exactly? Well… This compound was used in many acne treatments for its advantages in fighting against it. This is because it belongs to a specific class of medications called dicarboxylic acids. These acids are used to treat bacterial-related acne breakouts by attacking the infected pores to help in reducing inflammation and lowering the production of keratin which creates clumps of dead skin cells that trap sebum in your pores that cause more breakouts.

With that said, as azelaic acid was more commonly used to treat acne related problems, doctors noticed it had side effects to it which were related to skin lightening.

How Does Azelaic Acid Lighten Your Skin?

Surprisingly, being only a natural ingredient found in yeast, this acid has the advantages of giving you paler skin, naturally. Studies were made to see how powerful this ingredient was to lighten complexion. In South America, a 24-week-long study took place and found that 20% concentration of Azelaic Acid was comparable to 2% hydroquinone in treating the skin disorder, azelaic acid for melasma. Another study was conducted in the Philippines and found that 20% of azelaic acid was stronger than that of hydroquinone. So maybe azelaic acid for skin lightening does work…

Our Thoughts on the Use of Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid seems very reliable for lightening the complexion, and we feel it’s a great alternative to other types of skin lighteners, here’s why:

• First and foremost, it’s much safer because it’s all natural and FDA approved! Also, it’s an excellent substitute for hydroquinone, which is a prevalent skin bleaching compound. Because this acid is natural, this also means those that suffer from sensitive skin won’t experience irritations or breakouts.
• Another great thing about azelaic acid besides its ability to lighten complexion is that it’s anti-inflammatory and successful in treating various forms of acne. You are getting two advantages in one product from using it!
• It’s safe for all skin complexions, especially those with a deeper and darker skin tone.
• It’s effective in bringing life back into dull and aged skin by brightening and evening out the tone of your skin.
• Unlike hydroquinone, azelaic acid does not affect the pigments in your skin, but rather tackles abnormal melanocytes (small melanin cells) instead. If you suffer from hyperpigmentation or want to rid of discoloration this agent is great for fading away those problem areas, azelaic acid for hyperpigmentation. In other words, azelaic acid is not to harsh on the skin where it will give you a “bleaching effect”.

Now let’s discuss the cons to Azelaic Acid. Here are just a few azelaic acid side effects:

• Azelaic Acid is not very potent, which means it will not attack your average production of melanin and alter the complexion of your skin that way. This is merely used to treat small blemishes such as freckles, hyperpigmentation, melanoma, birthmarks, dark spots and red spots.
• The highest concentration of azelaic acid is 20% and requires a prescription from a doctor. However, you can find azelaic acid with a concentration of 15% without the need of one.
• The use of azelaic acid only will do so much. This means it will just lighten the shade of your skin by at least two levels. If you want to get better results from using azelaic acid that are comparable to hydroquinone (azelaic acid vs hydroquinone), we recommend you combine it with additional skin lightening ingredients (azelaic acid and hydroquinone together). Alpha hydroxy acids and tretinoin are a few you could try.

Some of the Best Azelaic Acid Products to Try

Want to know some of the best products out there that contain Azelaic Acid?  Here are our top picks!

GIGI Bioplasma Azelaic Cream

Considering you are probably looking to lighten your skin in the most effective manner, we decided to suggest the highest amount of azelaic acid you can find in a cream over-the-counter. This is the strongest cream you can find without prescription because it contains a 15% concentrate of azelaic acid.

This smooth and creamy formula will glide right on and absorb quickly into your skin. Also, it’s less harsh and gentle and is perfect for those who may suffer from dry, flaky, sensitive skin.

Expect to see visible results from continued use of this product. Also, if you notice you have breakouts or discolored blemishes, just add a dab or two over the area to treat those spots.

Be sure to check it out on Amazon.com.

PCA Skin Pigment Gel

Next, we have a gel formula that contains azelaic acid, 2% hydroquinone, kojic acid, citric acid and more, all of which pack a punch in the effects of skin lightening. Kojic acid is commonly used in many skin lightening products and works the same way hydroquinone does. Considering this gel contains powerful ingredients you can expect quick results after using this regularly.

If you suffer from any sort of skin discoloration disorder this product is one to consider. Many of the customers who have experienced problems from melasma have seen significant results after using this gel. But not just for that alone, they have also noticed a distinct difference in their pesky dark patches and spots fading away.

This gel is quite promising, and we recommend it! Be sure to check it out on Amazon.com.

Sesderma Azelac RU Liposomal Serum

Lastly, we want to introduce you to this lightening serum.

Although the percentage of azelaic acid is lower (10%) don’t let that discourage the power of this skin lightener.

The product comes infused with many boosting perks found in other skin lightener formulas. Here are just a few listed on the bottle: mandelic acid (promotes clear skin by erasing blemishes and encouraging cell turnover), retinol (an antioxidant that prevents free radicals while increasing the production of collagen), phytic acid (a natural skin lightener found within plant seeds), and finally Vitamin C (a very important antioxidant that everyone needs, but it is also known to be a highly capable skin lightener).

With all being said, with the combination of these ingredients you will get a highly potent serum that contains 10% azelaic acid for maximum skin lightening benefits.

Be sure to check it out on Amazon.com.