I began using azelaic acid in the summer to help clear years of hyperpigmentation from acne and my skin is (almost) clear for the first time in 6 years! I also noticed a significant decrease in acne. My skin is nearly perfect. I wake up excited to see how clear my skin is getting lol. Thanks for info and inspo, Dr. Dray! 💖
That is so great to hear. How often did you use it? Twice a day, at night only? I happen to have some from a different country and had no idea it worked for melasma!
I had perioral dermatitis, and because I was in my first trimester of pregnancy, my dermatologist didn't want to use oral medications. She prescribed azelaic acid instead, and it worked like a charm!
I had perioral dermatitis and my Derm prescribed a three month course of Doxycycline, he stressed to use the full course, six weeks in I didn't see a huge difference in my skin and I discontinued the doxycycline, it wasn't worth the upset stomach and I didn't feel comfortable taking Doxycycline for 3 months. Any suggestions?
@@DrDrayzday I have been using Azclear 20% sold over the counter in Australia because of you. You mentioned it in one of your videos. It is so beneficial to my skin. Thank you very much. You're a real one👍
@@diane.loves.you. try head and shoulder. it has the active ingredient zinc pyrithione which is effective against some yeasts (which can be a potential cause of perioral dermatitis). I was on topical probiotice for 2 months and it didn't help, but within a week of using head and shoulder, the condition improved drastically, and completely disappeared within the next few weeks
i just love how Doc looks beautiful and natural. without any other things like fillers or botox. she is simply amazing and connects with her followers in a human and simple ways!
I bought the Ordinary azelic acid and it pills under makeup so I switched to Paula's choice which plays much better with my foundation. I hope the FDA watches your channel to approve 20% for OTC in America!
Super agree!! I’ve used a combo azelaic acid 15% and tret 0.018% cream for over a year now and its made such a major difference. I used to use azelaic acid by itself which helped with my rosacea but I have super oily skin that “clogs” frequently so I wanted to give tret a try. Shocked my skin was able to get used to tret, but now that it is, it’s much less sensitive than how it used to be. My skin is just way stronger and healthier in general 😁 thanks for all your amazing advice over the years.
@@rosalina2773How did tret react with your skin? Before I thought I had normal acne and would use differen gel but it kind of irritated my skin ans the purging wouldnt stop but I found out I had type 2 rosacea. I stopped differen and just started TO azelaic acid and i feel tingling and there is purging too just like differen. Idk if its normal and if should continue with it? So two questions 😁
@@PansySilverhand77 hi! Just now saw this. Tbh I used Differin first and it WRECKED my face. Idk if it was too strong or I had some sort of reaction to it but it was bad. I was really scared to try tret for that reason but I didn’t have that reaction at all! It did make my skin very dry but I didn’t even get peeling. I was using the lowest % possibly only 3 nights a week and applied over a thick vanicream moisturizer. It got better over time and I saw results only within a couple months, but it was still about a year for my skin to get 100% used to it and it no longer made me dry. For that year my skin was also extra sensitive as would be expected, so I used very bland products for extra sensitive skin like vanicream. However, after about a year my skin is actually way less sensitive than before I started. I think that’s probably due to the fact that it thickens your skin overall over time, so sensitivity is lessened. I still do not apply it every night; 3x a week has been more than enough for me. Less is more when it comes to tret imo! There’s not really any evidence that applying it daily or using a stronger % gives any better results than a low % or applying a few times a week. Probably just depends on the person. Azelaic acid does cause me some tingling too even still today but unless you’re getting some serious irritation from it, I think that’s normal for sensitive skin. Hope that helps! And I do still definitely recommend apostrophe!
@@rosalina2773 question did you put it all over the face or just on the areas you want to treat?? Like the areas with pimples or dark spots? Edit: I ask because if my whole check area has acne and dark spots is it okay to do the full cheek area and not just dabbing on the specific spots. I hope that makes sense.
I have been using an azelaic acid for over a year now, and it’s game changing for acne. Doesn’t make your skin worse before it gets better either, and almost no irritation, incredible ingredient.
I’ve been using azelaic acid for about two years and it and Kojic acid have made the biggest difference in my mid-40s skin. I have noticeably less melasma and redness. I feel like it was a game changer for me.
Girl....check out PCA skin pigment bar cleanser! It is really good. Has kojic, tranaxamic, niacinimide and a few other things. I just use a cotton round to pick it up then let it sit for 2 min. It lasts a long time too.
Have been using azelaic acid for a long time only on my pimple, when I do get pimples. It helps heal quickly and yes, the marks goes away faster too! Love it.
Just started the ordinary Azelaic acid 10% for my perioral dermatitis so this is coming at the perfect time! Love you Dr. Dray, if you see this you’ve helped my skin so much over the years. Been here since your early Differin videos ♥️
As a user of TO's azelaic acid for a couple years, it has genuinely worked for me, but I only get the full benefit using it every day to every other day. Just be consistent. I got this and their glycolic acid toner a couple years ago and before use I had all these closed comedones (tiny texture bumps that you can't really pop/no head, too small) and PD from trying to mechanically exfoliate without hydrating well enough, then my experiment with differin which put my face into full catastrophe PD. This product saved my face. The glycolic acid was too harsh to use more than once a week, diluted. But THIS is GOLD. Stay consistent, give it a try.
Azelaic acid is the best acne med I’ve ever used! Four years ago, I started to have worsening acne again. I became allergic to benzoyl peroxide after using it for years, and I never felt salicylic acid was that helpful for me. I did two courses of Accutane already. I did a deep dive into new acne treatments and decided to try azelaic acid. I tried the over-the-counter ones from Paulas choice and the ordinary, and neither really seemed to help much, but the 15% prescription gel has incredible results for me. I’ve been using it twice a day for four years now. When I first started using it, I had some interesting stinging after I applied it, but it would go away quickly and never really bothered me. That never happens anymore and now I have zero side effects. I love the way it makes my skin feel and it doesn’t make it peel or irritated. I use lotion over it at night, and sunscreen and makeup over it during the day. I completely agree that it is a well-kept secret, and very under-appreciated and under-utilized. I’m glad to see a dermatologist finally saying this! 😁
I have a history of acne so retinol is great, but it doesn't take care of all of my skincare concerns. I was still getting pustules and crepy skin. Retinol + Azalaic Acid has been a dream for my skin. I highly recommend it!
Dr Dray does have a vlog, talking about using retinol and azelaic acid together. There are products that combine both. I know a brand called Isomers has a product that combines the two and niacinamide.
@@db-gb5xi if it’s not formulated together can you still use them both in the same routine though? I heard they’re complimentary. But I’m scared. 😅I’m new to retinol so I’m going to start slow but mixing them I’m very wary about. I’m watching all the videos I can.
@@TheCRYSTALLURE Yes. Check out her video, vlog: using retinol and azelaic acid together, Mar '21. She says application order doesn't matter (and other articles I've seen say the same thing).
Curology included 5% azelaic acid in the formula they compounded for me along with tretinoin and niacinamide. The formula helps my skin a lot, but the combination does make it tough to know which ingredient(s) is actually doing the heavy lifting
I have the 4% combination from Dermatica, but I still add on their 20% azelaic acid 1-2 a week. I've used tretinoin without azelaic acid and I will tell you, that it was amazing on its own BUT aesthetically, my skin looks healthier and more supple when I use it with azelaic acid.
I had the same three ingredients in my Curology formula. Worked great but I had to stop the subscription because they sent me too many too soon. I could never figure out how to change the delivery times, but that product really worked.
I have melasma on my checks and forehead, I used vitamin C and differin gel for around 18 months with very mild success. Azelaic acid was a game changer! After ~6 months the patches have faded and some sections of skin are back to my normal skin colour. I’m using the 20% cream from Australia. Highly recommend!
Hey, how severe was your melasma? My mom has quite severe melasma and nothing has worked so far. Also did you use anything else alongside Azeliac acid that helped with your melasma? Many thanks
Hello Doctor Dray thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us my skin was in a very bad state to a point I was ashamed of going out I even resigned from my job until covid came and we had to wear mask I took advantage of it since I knew my skin would be covered day long .I also discovered your channel same period and have been a silent follow have followed all your instructions on skin care and I can attest my skin is at its best am proud of myself now, my skin is glowing thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I've used azeliac acid for years now. I literally will never be without it. I have pustule rosacea but I never see a spot if I use my azeliac acid. I'm so grateful the product exists
I am using a 15% prescription from my derm in the morning a few times a week with my antioxidants under my sunscreen as well as my tretinoin at night. My hyperpigmentation has improved and goes away much faster than before.
Thank you Dr Dray. I live in Australia and I just went to the pharmacy after watching your videos on azelaic acid. I bought both Azclear lotion and Finacea gel. Azclear $13.99 AUD ($9.50 USD) and Finacea $25.99 AUD ($17.50 USD). Both are more affordable than Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary options.
I have used then15% script for a few years Initially used 2x a day for about a yr. It has taken all my dark/any discolor spots away. I'm 41 but never went into the sun much (no tanning etc). They were not really "dark" but on very fair skin. It's cleared ALL clogged pores and rosacea almost completely (never had acne/blemish only red skin at times)! I use script tretinoin at night too. Amazing product you just need patience. Oh and I love your makeup-lovely!
Azelaic acid worked like a miracle for me! I had given up after suffering from acne for more than 10 years 😢 Everything else was just so drying and irritating benzoyl peroxide, adapalene etc. that it was more irritating than effective
My OB prescribed me azelaic acid to help with breakouts during my pregnancy - I was using the ordinary’s azelaic acid suspension before I got my prescription and I honestly haven’t noticed much of a difference in their effectiveness surprisingly (however getting it with a prescription is much cheaper). I know its a tricky topic to cover and you already have a few videos but could you put out more content for pregnancy/breastfeeding safe skin care/hair care/ etc. as well as baby skin care?
Yes! Azelaic acid is seriously unrated. I’ve been using OTC 15% Skinoren gel (South Africa) for two years now (I’m 47) and seen huge difference in skin texture, brightness, pigmentation, and reduction in breakouts. But I did a double-take after the first few days of using it already! I know - doesn’t sound possible - and I wouldn’t have believed someone else either. I recommended it to a friend who’se derm couldn’t believe the difference in her skin a couple of weeks later - even with her ice-pick scarring which barely improved with monthly micro needling and Fraxel laser. I continue to see improvement and notice the difference in my skin when I run out. Wonder ingredient for me.
my doctor prescribed me 20% last week as i have hyperpigmentation anddd acne and this video made me much more confident, so thanks a lot. also you look really beautiful! red is ur colour
Yes! Agree 💯% Dr. D. I have been with you for 3 years and my skin is transformed. I use The Ordinary Azalaic Acid 10% and it really helps me with my sun spots and redness (not rosacea...just a fair ginger). It fits into my regimen perfectly.
Thank you for the information. I dare say I hate the short attention span of the masses because more & more intelligent people with informative videos are chopping them up like never before, to keep peoples attention & for myself it makes it almost unbearable. 😢
I’ve been using the 10% Azelaic Acid serum from Peach Slices and I feel like it has made a significant different in my skin. I have rosacea and most other exfoliating acids cause me issues. I have noticed a remarkable decrease in redness, dryness, and painful bumps since I’ve began using it.
that one has a lot of fragrance/essential oils or something in it. i saw it at ulta the other day and was like hmmm ... so i didn't want to try it without a rec! thanks!
@@qingdaogrrlI definitely wouldn't have bought it if that were the case. I got it yesterday and today I've woken up with 0 new pustules which is kind of rare for me
azelaic acid is my favourite ingredient ever. been using The Ordinarys 10% for years and it is wonderful for my hormonal acne. i rarely break out anymore and when i do (usually because i forget to do my skincare) the pimples dissapear within a couple applications. recently switched to 20% and its even better, im honestly amazed at how much brighter and clearer my skin looks, i only switched two weeks ago! azelaic acid is the one skincare product (aside from sunscreen) i honestly couldnt live without. i also often spot treat any bumps with the 10% one or two times a day on top of regular application so its good to know thats an okay habit. i just find that its really helpful for getting rid of acne quickly.
I have perioral dermatitis and anyone who has too knows what a struggle it is. Ive tried tons of other things before my derm prescribed me Finecea foam and it really made a difference! I love it !
Yes! Azalaic acid is one of my holy grail products. I've been using it at least once daily (sometimes twice daily) for many years now for acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, and it works! It is one of best tolerated things I've ever put on my face; I tolerate it better than many sunscreens and moisturizers I've used. I've never experienced any dryness, itchiness, or irritation, or purging, and definitely nothing compared with the prescription retinoids. And it's been especially great for me, since I'm allergic to salicylic acid, so this has to work as my exfoliant.
Also, I've always used the prescription-strength azalaic acid. I started with Finacea foam until it had some supply-chain issues a few years ago, and I found I liked the generic gel version better! Much easier to use, in my opinion!
From Australia here, the local chemist sells 20% azelaic acid lotion otc, i got it today because I have heard so many good things about it in terms of acne, redness and hyperpigmentation, started today, wish me luck!
Recently had finally finished 10% otc stuff and started the prescription strength. Used up 15% Skinoren gel (still a cream imho) and now use a little bit cheaper 20% cream called Acnestop. The skin on my face has finally became smooth and acne subsided. I definitely noticed the oil-reduction effect. It does sting in the beginning but the effect is so worth it. The main issue is slight flaking around the mouth.
I've been using the Peach Slices 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for the last few months and it has really made quite the difference in my routine. I usually have it in my nighttime routine and it works wonderfully.
During my last pregnancy my only symptom was acne and it was BRUTAL. My OBGYN consulted with some derm colleagues and prescribed me finacea as a “let’s give it a try” solution and I recall it working really well; I continued to use it postpartum too. Fast forward 3 years I’m pregnant with my second and GUESS WHO IS BACK??? Ugh. I had just spent an entire year getting my PCOS induced hormonal acne under control and then paid a lot of $$$ to do microneedling, peels, and light therapy to lighten my hyperpigmentation and flatten out acne scars and now all that money is going down the drain and I’m devastated. But then I remembered azaelic acid and immediately bought Paula’s choice and the ordinary’s while I wait for my dr’s appt so I can get finacea again. In Canada, it also needs to be prescribed (and we don’t even get adapalene over the counter!) This video feels like a sign that my acne will be under control again soon!!!
I use azaleic acid in Australia under the brand Azclear. The foaming face wash is an excellent second step in my cleanse and love the lotion for my ever bumpy chin skin. It really makes a difference
When I started to break out from mask wearing, my dermatologist prescribed the foam… it was a GAME CHANGER. Oh my gosh. Now my insurance will only cover the generic gel, which works great… but the brand name foam was so fantastic. Talk about anti aging AND helps with my adult breakouts. So glad I mentioned my ‘maskne’ to him.
I am able to get Finacea from pharmacies in Mexico (I live close to the border). It costs about $20. So far, in my experience, the first month of using it was rough. My face felt super itchy. It took so much effort to not scratch my face. After a month, the itchiness subsided. My skin looks great. I alternate between Finacea and tretinoin every night.
My dermatologist prescribed me azelaic acid (skinoren) ( i live in Europe) for my acne and it did wonders with my skin. It helped my acne tremendously and my post imflamattory hyperpigmentations faded. I had mild/moderate acne. I also had perioral dermatitis and it helped that get better also.
l’m so glad to see a comment about skinoren, I got prescribed this aswell and have been afraid to use it. so glad to hear it has been working for you:)!
azelaic acid( i used the ordinary one ) helped me a lot with my acne especially when it comes to residual marks and pih , it also helped a lot with my skin texture as well ,anyways thanks dr dray for talking about this amazing ingredient .very ionformative video as always and BTW i can't wait for the weekend vlogs 😍😍😍
I was prescribed tretinoin but it was giving me a bad burn, even with the small amount I was using plus only once a week, was prescribed azelaic acid instead and it’s been a big difference! No burning! Although one day I’d like to try using a retinoid again for the anti aging effects
I bought my very first product from The Ordinary yesterday! I've been wanting to try azalaeic acid for my sun damaged induced hyper pigmentation for awhile now so I'll be adding into my routine. I love the idea of the mild exfoliation benefit since I stopped using all other topicals while getting accustomed to tretinion. Thanks for all of the education and entertainment! Every single video I've watched from you has left me more confident and educated about my skin care choices.
I alternate between The Ordinary's 10% and Skinoren 20%. This amazing ingredient has really helped fight any hormonal acne, in conjunction with 0.05% tretinoin.. 💞
I agree, it's the most underrated ingredient. I remember when my roommate with a good skin recommended it to me about 6 years ago. Me, the PCOS cystic acne victim, thought she's again pushing some ridiculous unsolicited advice that won't do much and never listened to her. It was the only recommendation I got from a friend ever that I admit was excellent and I admit I was wrong not to give it a try then. I use 20% 2 a week whilst on tretinoin and I love it. It's better than BHA for my T zone!!!
My dermatologist prescribed a compounded ointment of 15% Azelaic Acid, 1% Ivermectin, and 1% Metronidazole for my acne Rosacea. Cleared it right up! Once it was clear, Paula's Choice skin care has kept me clear. I have also used the PC Azelaic Acid. I'm now trying The Ordinary skin care, to save money. So far it's working great.
I’ve spent my whole career working with derms, 8 years now, I still come to Dr Dray for everything haha she’s brilliant and so detailed. I also share so much of what I learn from her with patients (my derms know this and sometimes think I’m brilliant too but really it’s just Dr dray).
Tried azelaic acid for my acne/rosacea 3 years ago and will never look back. For anyone shopping around, the inkey list also makes a 10% azelaic acid serum that is nice. The ordinary is also great. Save your money on the naturium one though, it did not do much for me.
I have rosacea so I have been using Azlaic Acid for some time. My favourite Azelaic Acid product is Metroruboril from Isispharma (I think it's only available here in Europe). It has 15% azelaic acid (you don't need prescription from your doctor, 15% is widely available over the counter here) plus licorice root extract, centella asiatica, green tea extract, niacinamide. It doesn't peel at all and I never got irritated from using it. Also, it's not even expensive - around 15-17 euros.
Great video!!!!!!!! Azeliac acid did help with my hyperpigmentation ( in combination with alpha arbutin and niacinamide) so I kept it as part of my skin care routine.
I love the Azelaic acid from Paula’s Choice! It’s become my favourite product after seeing an improvement in both redness, texture and minor acne. I’ve used it once a day for a little more than a year, but I’m a bit hesitant to use it twice a day do to the salicylic acid. Do you think it would be possible to use it twice a day or would it be better to try to get a prescription strength instead? I do like that it includes the salicylic acid so I can stick to only one product
I've had success with Naturium's Azelaic Topical Acid 10%. I know Dr. Dray isn't a fan, but I really like the liquid formula -- my skin can't seem to handle the silicone that's in some other OTC products. Weirdly, I thought I couldn't handle niacinamide or Vitamin C either, and Naturium has both. But it calms my redness down overnight.
Azelaic acid was truly a magic bullet for my other otherwise untreatable acne. Hugely recommend and agree with you that it should be over the counter. Benzoyl peroxide is and irritated me so much more.
I had severe comedonal acne and my derm compounded a formula of tretinoin 0.1+ 15% azelaic acid+ 4% niacinamide. The azelaic acid controls hyperpigmentation and reduces bacteria while the tretinoin helps normalise my skin cells and the niacinamide reduces oil. The bonus is the formulation has a PHA at a low % as well. It's a very powerful formulation but all my acne and pigmentation has cleared within 2 months of using it.
Fineaca 15% was a game changer for me. I have rosacea and acne. Thanks to you I talked about Finecea to my family medicine doctor a year ago. He didn’t know about it but checked it out and agreed to prescribe it to me. It changed my skin. 🎉
Azelaic Acid saved my skin! I had hormonal acne for two years (painful bumps all over my jaw and cheeks monthly). Nothing conventional helped (BHA, AHA, benzoylperoxide, Retinol, Sunscreen) so I tried 0,02% retin-a for 6 months. Didn't work and left me with melasma! I was back to zero... but found the Azelaic acid booster from PC. Within a month my acne was gone! My skin got so much smoother and glowy. It saved my skin! And slowly the melasma is decreasing too over the years. After one tube of the PC booster I switched to the Ordinairy one due to cost which gave me the same benefits and I used this for 3 years. Recently I switched to the FaceTheory 15% serum and I noticed that my skin was itching and stinging again for the first few weeks of use, which makes me suspect it's indeed way stronger than the 10% ones I used before and absorbed well.
I have been prescribed this gel for about six months now and I was told that my face feels soft for the first time I can ever remember the other day 🥲 I’ve had a bit of keratosis pilaris on my cheeks all my life and this has really reduced that. My nose is generally clear of blackheads and whiteheads and when I put this on a pimple, even one that looks like it is deep under the skin and would take weeks to completely resolve, it causes the slight bump to become a whitehead within a day or two and completely goes away soon after that with no residual acne marks. I am so grateful my dermatologist prescribed this, he predicted I had a bit of early onset hormonal acne
15% Finacea gel in my morning routine for the last year has been a game changer for both my acne and hyperpigmentation. That and tretinoin in the PM are my holy grail actives
@@erickescobedo4820 I don’t use it at the same time as tret (I only use it in the daytime). I’ve tried but it dries my skin out too much using them together
I just picked up the 15% gel from the pharmacy after getting a script from my derm. I'm exicted because I'm pregnant and cant use my normal actives. I've been using the 10% over the counter azelaic acid by the ordinary and I was seeing some minor differences in my skin but at the same time no stinging no dry skin etc. I just put the 15% gel on for the first time tonight, and there is no irritation at all. I'm going to start every other night. Wish me luck. Thanks Dr. Dray❤
Hi Dr. Dray- I was diagnosed with Rosacea in 2010 and only recently became aware of Azelaic Acid. I have the papulopustular form of Rosacea so I never know when it's going to kick in or calm down. Recently I got a prescription for the 15% gel and find that it's calming down my situation on the cheek area. But, the issue is most annoying. Thank you for your informational video about it.
I have started to use it recently and it's been magical. I must say it's far better than retinol that I used for 9 months. My hyperpigmentation has almost gone within a short period of time
I’ve used the Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid for about three years, particularly in the hotter months, when my skin is very oily. Aside from some tingling and quickly resolved redness at the very beginning, I had no signs of irritation. It has helped control oiliness and the development of clogged pores by a respectable percentage. I don’t use it daily in the winter because my skin is more combination, but continue to use it two to three times a week. Thanks for an interesting video.
@@satisfyingvideos4752 My skin was more oily at first, too. Settled down after a while, I suppose there was an adjustment period. During that time, I used a clay mask to help control the oil. I’ve also added a low percentage retinoid three times a week and that’s had a really positive effect on my oily skin.
I have been fighting hyperpigmentation and breakouts on my cheeks for a year. Started tretinoin to help but would have flare ups while wearing a mask at work. Nothing I tried would help. I finally tried azelaic acid and it is working. I was nervous using it alongside tret, and would apply azelaic acid in the morning and tret at night. Thank you for letting me know I can combine them.
And it is WAY more gentle than a lot of other acids. I use tretinoin at night but I put a smear of The Ordinary azelaic acid on my nose to prevent blackheads.
Dear Andrea, I live in Germany and here we can get the prescription strength Azelaic Acid over the counter. My product of choice is the facetheory Luizela A15 Serum with 15% Azelaic Acid. I use it together with my Adapalen 0.1% at night and I've seen major improvements in my skin.
I just started using prescription strength azelaic acid gel 15% last week. I suffer from mild acne and rosacea. My dermatologist suggested trying this since ivermectin wasn’t working to help my acne. I’ve tolerated it well so far! In the morning use Cetaphil Gentile Cleanser, pat dry, apply Azelaic acid gel 15%, then follow up with Elta MD sunscreen for acne/ rosacea prone skin. At night I use Pan Oxyl 4% wash and moisturize with CeraVe PM. I’m excited to see how the next few months go! Thank you for all your advice! Skincare can be so complicated and so individualized. Your videos are very helpful & reassuring!
I have some type of eczema, sebderm. I started using Facetheory's 10% Azelaic Acid for a min now. At first I dealt w/ redness & burning on my face until I started using it after moisturizer and then seal with cerave healing ointment every night. I immediately stopped getting irritation & it cleared the redness, flaking, & texture. When I finish the bottle I'll bump up to Facetheory's 15%!
I use 15% for rosacea every other day due to dryness. It has really helped calm my skin and my skin has slowly been resurfaced. I have not found it to be fast acting, but over time, the results are really nice.
I have used the Paula’s Choice Azelaic 10% Booster twice a day for 9 months and it has made wonderful improvement in the texture, look and feel of my skin. My skin is much smoother and slowly my milia and other problems are getting better. Does it matter which order to put on Azelaic acid with other ingredients? Should moisturizer go on first or on top, and if I use Zeroid urea cream should that be layered under or on top of azelaic acid? Thank you.
I’ve been using azelaic acid for a few months and it’s faded acne spots that were on my chin and it’s friggin’ wonderful. I use the one from Paula’s choice.
I tried using The Ordinary Azelaic Acid but I found it got gritty and pilled big time. I have heard they may have reformulated so I might try it again. Or I may check out the Paula’s choice. We have one dermatologist in my province so getting in to see her is almost impossible. I am thankful for your insights.
In NZ we are fortunate to have access to 20% azelaic acid prescription strength OTC. It works amazing with niacinamide and retinol (night routine) and can see visible results after the 1st day. I do find it does pile under sunscreen and I either use it exclusively at night but mostly I pair it with a silicone-base moisturiser or moisturisers that also can act as a make-up base (like Bioderma Sebium Matte control ) and it doesn't pile. Hope that helps anyone starting the azelaic acid journey!
Can you please explain the steps in your nighttime skincare routine...like in what order do you apply azelaic acid, niacinamide and retinol?? I am confused whether a niacinamide serum is gonna work when applied over an azelaic acid cream. Can you apply other serums over the OTC azelaic acid? Your answer would be of great help, thank you!!
I have had prescription Azelaic acid and I've used the one from The Ordinary and I'd say they seem to act the same way equally for me. I don't have any huge problems but once in awhile I have a flair up of Perioraldermatitis and I have hyperpigmentation on my cheeks and I notice a difference in redness and texture right away if I use either product. The prescription one is so much more expensive.
It’s a love for me! I use 15% Skinoren or generic though. Regardless, it’s a life saver for acne and sensitive, redness-prone skin (no diagnosis of rosacea yet).
I have been using Skinoren (used be Bayer, now Leo Pharma) for 2 years now.. I am super happy with it. I always wondering if i could use it for life, i use only once a day.
I'm using the 15% gel form but I find it to be very sticky if I don't apply it to my skin while it's a bit damped. I asked my doctor to send in nthe 10% strength whch comes in cream form and better for dry skin. I'm not sure if the cream form comes in 15% which may be way better than 10 for me but if not, I'll stick with the 15 percent. Thanks for this informative video.
Freaking love azelaic acid so much. I've only used it in otc products but I noticed it helped acne, made my skin less oily, and it helped with melasma. I didn't know about it during my first pregnancy and my skin was terrible, acne, greasiness, and melasma. This time with my second I'm using it twice daily and my skin is almost as good as as when I'm not pregnant. I love knowing it's very safe in pregnancy too.
I began using azelaic acid in the summer to help clear years of hyperpigmentation from acne and my skin is (almost) clear for the first time in 6 years! I also noticed a significant decrease in acne. My skin is nearly perfect. I wake up excited to see how clear my skin is getting lol. Thanks for info and inspo, Dr. Dray! 💖
Which brand ?
That is so great to hear. How often did you use it? Twice a day, at night only? I happen to have some from a different country and had no idea it worked for melasma!
HI. How often did you use it and how long before seeing results
Did you use the 10% ? 15% ? or 20% ?? and how was your routine with it ?? please respond 🥺
Could you please tell us which one you've been using? 😘
Honestly I would totally fly to Houston to have Dr. Dray be my dermatologist
thanks for watching
I agree! Heck, I would fly to Houston to spend time with her shopping, enjoying tea, chatting.
IKR?!
Me too. But too bad she doesn’t work as a dermatologist anymore. She only makes videos now.
I’m gonna be moving to Houston next summer and would love to have her as a dermatologist
I had perioral dermatitis, and because I was in my first trimester of pregnancy, my dermatologist didn't want to use oral medications. She prescribed azelaic acid instead, and it worked like a charm!
so glad this helped you!
Good to hear. & congrats. 🍼
I had perioral dermatitis and my Derm prescribed a three month course of Doxycycline, he stressed to use the full course, six weeks in I didn't see a huge difference in my skin and I discontinued the doxycycline, it wasn't worth the upset stomach and I didn't feel comfortable taking Doxycycline for 3 months. Any suggestions?
@@DrDrayzday I have been using Azclear 20% sold over the counter in Australia because of you. You mentioned it in one of your videos. It is so beneficial to my skin. Thank you very much. You're a real one👍
@@diane.loves.you. try head and shoulder. it has the active ingredient zinc pyrithione which is effective against some yeasts (which can be a potential cause of perioral dermatitis). I was on topical probiotice for 2 months and it didn't help, but within a week of using head and shoulder, the condition improved drastically, and completely disappeared within the next few weeks
i just love how Doc looks beautiful and natural. without any other things like fillers or botox. she is simply amazing and connects with her followers in a human and simple ways!
Look the old videos...
@@fenecofeneco19 and? Before made some procedures. So what?
I LOVE her dark red sweater and darker red lipstick! Very Fall/Autumn appropriate!
I bought the Ordinary azelic acid and it pills under makeup so I switched to Paula's choice which plays much better with my foundation. I hope the FDA watches your channel to approve 20% for OTC in America!
I was considering trying that one. I appreciate your comment :)
i also experienced that with the ordinary! i’m trying the naturium azeleic acid serum as its cheaper and includes vitamin c (:
Little yeast’s “hello” was super cute at the beginning of the video)
Super agree!! I’ve used a combo azelaic acid 15% and tret 0.018% cream for over a year now and its made such a major difference. I used to use azelaic acid by itself which helped with my rosacea but I have super oily skin that “clogs” frequently so I wanted to give tret a try. Shocked my skin was able to get used to tret, but now that it is, it’s much less sensitive than how it used to be. My skin is just way stronger and healthier in general 😁 thanks for all your amazing advice over the years.
When do u use azelaic acid?
@@crisfernandez7820 it’s in the same cream as the tretinoin, so I use them together. It’s by Apostrophe.
@@rosalina2773How did tret react with your skin? Before I thought I had normal acne and would use differen gel but it kind of irritated my skin ans the purging wouldnt stop but I found out I had type 2 rosacea. I stopped differen and just started TO azelaic acid and i feel tingling and there is purging too just like differen. Idk if its normal and if should continue with it? So two questions 😁
@@PansySilverhand77 hi! Just now saw this. Tbh I used Differin first and it WRECKED my face. Idk if it was too strong or I had some sort of reaction to it but it was bad. I was really scared to try tret for that reason but I didn’t have that reaction at all!
It did make my skin very dry but I didn’t even get peeling. I was using the lowest % possibly only 3 nights a week and applied over a thick vanicream moisturizer. It got better over time and I saw results only within a couple months, but it was still about a year for my skin to get 100% used to it and it no longer made me dry. For that year my skin was also extra sensitive as would be expected, so I used very bland products for extra sensitive skin like vanicream. However, after about a year my skin is actually way less sensitive than before I started. I think that’s probably due to the fact that it thickens your skin overall over time, so sensitivity is lessened. I still do not apply it every night; 3x a week has been more than enough for me. Less is more when it comes to tret imo! There’s not really any evidence that applying it daily or using a stronger % gives any better results than a low % or applying a few times a week. Probably just depends on the person.
Azelaic acid does cause me some tingling too even still today but unless you’re getting some serious irritation from it, I think that’s normal for sensitive skin.
Hope that helps! And I do still definitely recommend apostrophe!
@@rosalina2773 question did you put it all over the face or just on the areas you want to treat?? Like the areas with pimples or dark spots?
Edit: I ask because if my whole check area has acne and dark spots is it okay to do the full cheek area and not just dabbing on the specific spots. I hope that makes sense.
I have been using an azelaic acid for over a year now, and it’s game changing for acne. Doesn’t make your skin worse before it gets better either, and almost no irritation, incredible ingredient.
How do you use it and which one?
I’ve been using azelaic acid for about two years and it and Kojic acid have made the biggest difference in my mid-40s skin. I have noticeably less melasma and redness. I feel like it was a game changer for me.
Girl....check out PCA skin pigment bar cleanser! It is really good. Has kojic, tranaxamic, niacinimide and a few other things. I just use a cotton round to pick it up then let it sit for 2 min. It lasts a long time too.
What product name are you using? I’m on 15% AA rx strength. What Kojic acid product are you using?
Have been using azelaic acid for a long time only on my pimple, when I do get pimples. It helps heal quickly and yes, the marks goes away faster too! Love it.
I've used Finacea since 2014 for my papulopustular rosacea. It's a game changer. I went from having bad skin to clear & gorgeous skin. I ♥️ it!!
Just started the ordinary Azelaic acid 10% for my perioral dermatitis so this is coming at the perfect time! Love you Dr. Dray, if you see this you’ve helped my skin so much over the years. Been here since your early Differin videos ♥️
I also purchased TO 10% for perioral dermatitis. I just started 2 weeks ago. I don't use it every day.
As a user of TO's azelaic acid for a couple years, it has genuinely worked for me, but I only get the full benefit using it every day to every other day. Just be consistent. I got this and their glycolic acid toner a couple years ago and before use I had all these closed comedones (tiny texture bumps that you can't really pop/no head, too small) and PD from trying to mechanically exfoliate without hydrating well enough, then my experiment with differin which put my face into full catastrophe PD. This product saved my face. The glycolic acid was too harsh to use more than once a week, diluted. But THIS is GOLD. Stay consistent, give it a try.
Azelaic acid is the best acne med I’ve ever used! Four years ago, I started to have worsening acne again. I became allergic to benzoyl peroxide after using it for years, and I never felt salicylic acid was that helpful for me. I did two courses of Accutane already. I did a deep dive into new acne treatments and decided to try azelaic acid. I tried the over-the-counter ones from Paulas choice and the ordinary, and neither really seemed to help much, but the 15% prescription gel has incredible results for me. I’ve been using it twice a day for four years now. When I first started using it, I had some interesting stinging after I applied it, but it would go away quickly and never really bothered me. That never happens anymore and now I have zero side effects. I love the way it makes my skin feel and it doesn’t make it peel or irritated. I use lotion over it at night, and sunscreen and makeup over it during the day. I completely agree that it is a well-kept secret, and very under-appreciated and under-utilized. I’m glad to see a dermatologist finally saying this! 😁
I have a history of acne so retinol is great, but it doesn't take care of all of my skincare concerns. I was still getting pustules and crepy skin. Retinol + Azalaic Acid has been a dream for my skin. I highly recommend it!
How do you combine the two? What percentage do you have of each?
Dr Dray does have a vlog, talking about using retinol and azelaic acid together. There are products that combine both. I know a brand called Isomers has a product that combines the two and niacinamide.
@@db-gb5xi if it’s not formulated together can you still use them both in the same routine though? I heard they’re complimentary. But I’m scared. 😅I’m new to retinol so I’m going to start slow but mixing them I’m very wary about. I’m watching all the videos I can.
@@TheCRYSTALLURE Yes. Check out her video, vlog: using retinol and azelaic acid together, Mar '21. She says application order doesn't matter (and other articles I've seen say the same thing).
Curology included 5% azelaic acid in the formula they compounded for me along with tretinoin and niacinamide. The formula helps my skin a lot, but the combination does make it tough to know which ingredient(s) is actually doing the heavy lifting
Same I have the same combination however with dermatica.
I have the 4% combination from Dermatica, but I still add on their 20% azelaic acid 1-2 a week. I've used tretinoin without azelaic acid and I will tell you, that it was amazing on its own BUT aesthetically, my skin looks healthier and more supple when I use it with azelaic acid.
I had the same three ingredients in my Curology formula. Worked great but I had to stop the subscription because they sent me too many too soon. I could never figure out how to change the delivery times, but that product really worked.
@@KK-gn8nmcan I mix my tret with my azalea?
I have melasma on my checks and forehead, I used vitamin C and differin gel for around 18 months with very mild success. Azelaic acid was a game changer! After ~6 months the patches have faded and some sections of skin are back to my normal skin colour. I’m using the 20% cream from Australia. Highly recommend!
Hey, how severe was your melasma? My mom has quite severe melasma and nothing has worked so far. Also did you use anything else alongside Azeliac acid that helped with your melasma? Many thanks
Hello Doctor Dray thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us my skin was in a very bad state to a point I was ashamed of going out I even resigned from my job until covid came and we had to wear mask I took advantage of it since I knew my skin would be covered day long .I also discovered your channel same period and have been a silent follow have followed all your instructions on skin care and I can attest my skin is at its best am proud of myself now, my skin is glowing thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️
glad to hear things have improved
Can you tell me your skincare routine? What products are you using?
I finally went to the dermatologist for help with my acne rosacea. My azelaic acid Rx has been a gamechanger! Thanks for this video, Dr. Dray!
I've used azeliac acid for years now. I literally will never be without it. I have pustule rosacea but I never see a spot if I use my azeliac acid. I'm so grateful the product exists
Is it okay for long term used?
I am using a 15% prescription from my derm in the morning a few times a week with my antioxidants under my sunscreen as well as my tretinoin at night. My hyperpigmentation has improved and goes away much faster than before.
that is great to hear!
Azelaic acid 20% cream helped more than tretinoin , salicylic and oral accutane together and now I am finally (almost) acne free.
Thank you Dr Dray. I live in Australia and I just went to the pharmacy after watching your videos on azelaic acid. I bought both Azclear lotion and Finacea gel. Azclear $13.99 AUD ($9.50 USD) and Finacea $25.99 AUD ($17.50 USD). Both are more affordable than Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary options.
I have used then15% script for a few years Initially used 2x a day for about a yr. It has taken all my dark/any discolor spots away. I'm 41 but never went into the sun much (no tanning etc). They were not really "dark" but on very fair skin. It's cleared ALL clogged pores and rosacea almost completely (never had acne/blemish only red skin at times)! I use script tretinoin at night too. Amazing product you just need patience. Oh and I love your makeup-lovely!
thanks Doc for mentioning how bacteria don't become resistant to the azelaic acid, super good point!
Azelaic acid worked like a miracle for me! I had given up after suffering from acne for more than 10 years 😢 Everything else was just so drying and irritating benzoyl peroxide, adapalene etc. that it was more irritating than effective
My OB prescribed me azelaic acid to help with breakouts during my pregnancy - I was using the ordinary’s azelaic acid suspension before I got my prescription and I honestly haven’t noticed much of a difference in their effectiveness surprisingly (however getting it with a prescription is much cheaper). I know its a tricky topic to cover and you already have a few videos but could you put out more content for pregnancy/breastfeeding safe skin care/hair care/ etc. as well as baby skin care?
I was prescribed finacea during my pregnancy too! Pregnancy acne was the worst acne of my life. 😢
Yes! Azelaic acid is seriously unrated. I’ve been using OTC 15% Skinoren gel (South Africa) for two years now (I’m 47) and seen huge difference in skin texture, brightness, pigmentation, and reduction in breakouts. But I did a double-take after the first few days of using it already! I know - doesn’t sound possible - and I wouldn’t have believed someone else either. I recommended it to a friend who’se derm couldn’t believe the difference in her skin a couple of weeks later - even with her ice-pick scarring which barely improved with monthly micro needling and Fraxel laser. I continue to see improvement and notice the difference in my skin when I run out. Wonder ingredient for me.
my doctor prescribed me 20% last week as i have hyperpigmentation anddd acne and this video made me much more confident, so thanks a lot. also you look really beautiful! red is ur colour
glad the info was helpful
Girl it’s been a year!!! Please update your result because I’m using 20% for the first week and it’s itchy
Yes! Agree 💯% Dr. D. I have been with you for 3 years and my skin is transformed. I use The Ordinary Azalaic Acid 10% and it really helps me with my sun spots and redness (not rosacea...just a fair ginger). It fits into my regimen perfectly.
Thank you for the information. I dare say I hate the short attention span of the masses because more & more intelligent people with informative videos are chopping them up like never before, to keep peoples attention & for myself it makes it almost unbearable. 😢
I’ve been using the 10% Azelaic Acid serum from Peach Slices and I feel like it has made a significant different in my skin. I have rosacea and most other exfoliating acids cause me issues. I have noticed a remarkable decrease in redness, dryness, and painful bumps since I’ve began using it.
that one has a lot of fragrance/essential oils or something in it. i saw it at ulta the other day and was like hmmm ... so i didn't want to try it without a rec! thanks!
@@qingdaogrrl there is no fragrance or essential oils. Not in the serum, at least.
@@qingdaogrrlI definitely wouldn't have bought it if that were the case. I got it yesterday and today I've woken up with 0 new pustules which is kind of rare for me
I use 20% azelaic acid with tretinoin amd lactic acid alternate days and it has changed my skin in less than a month. I love it❤️❤️❤️❤️
azelaic acid is my favourite ingredient ever. been using The Ordinarys 10% for years and it is wonderful for my hormonal acne. i rarely break out anymore and when i do (usually because i forget to do my skincare) the pimples dissapear within a couple applications. recently switched to 20% and its even better, im honestly amazed at how much brighter and clearer my skin looks, i only switched two weeks ago! azelaic acid is the one skincare product (aside from sunscreen) i honestly couldnt live without. i also often spot treat any bumps with the 10% one or two times a day on top of regular application so its good to know thats an okay habit. i just find that its really helpful for getting rid of acne quickly.
I have perioral dermatitis and anyone who has too knows what a struggle it is. Ive tried tons of other things before my derm prescribed me Finecea foam and it really made a difference! I love it !
I had that before, and what clear it up in literally 3 weeks was oral antibiotic and clindamycin gel. I literally saw results in 24 hours
Yes! Azalaic acid is one of my holy grail products. I've been using it at least once daily (sometimes twice daily) for many years now for acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, and it works! It is one of best tolerated things I've ever put on my face; I tolerate it better than many sunscreens and moisturizers I've used. I've never experienced any dryness, itchiness, or irritation, or purging, and definitely nothing compared with the prescription retinoids. And it's been especially great for me, since I'm allergic to salicylic acid, so this has to work as my exfoliant.
Also, I've always used the prescription-strength azalaic acid. I started with Finacea foam until it had some supply-chain issues a few years ago, and I found I liked the generic gel version better! Much easier to use, in my opinion!
I really like the 10% AA suspension from The Ordinary. It has helped some with my melasma and make a big difference in skin texture quickly.
From Australia here, the local chemist sells 20% azelaic acid lotion otc, i got it today because I have heard so many good things about it in terms of acne, redness and hyperpigmentation,
started today, wish me luck!
How was the experience?
Recently had finally finished 10% otc stuff and started the prescription strength. Used up 15% Skinoren gel (still a cream imho) and now use a little bit cheaper 20% cream called Acnestop. The skin on my face has finally became smooth and acne subsided. I definitely noticed the oil-reduction effect. It does sting in the beginning but the effect is so worth it. The main issue is slight flaking around the mouth.
I've been using the Peach Slices 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for the last few months and it has really made quite the difference in my routine. I usually have it in my nighttime routine and it works wonderfully.
During my last pregnancy my only symptom was acne and it was BRUTAL. My OBGYN consulted with some derm colleagues and prescribed me finacea as a “let’s give it a try” solution and I recall it working really well; I continued to use it postpartum too. Fast forward 3 years I’m pregnant with my second and GUESS WHO IS BACK??? Ugh. I had just spent an entire year getting my PCOS induced hormonal acne under control and then paid a lot of $$$ to do microneedling, peels, and light therapy to lighten my hyperpigmentation and flatten out acne scars and now all that money is going down the drain and I’m devastated. But then I remembered azaelic acid and immediately bought Paula’s choice and the ordinary’s while I wait for my dr’s appt so I can get finacea again. In Canada, it also needs to be prescribed (and we don’t even get adapalene over the counter!)
This video feels like a sign that my acne will be under control again soon!!!
The baby will be worth all the skin issues.
I use azaleic acid in Australia under the brand Azclear. The foaming face wash is an excellent second step in my cleanse and love the lotion for my ever bumpy chin skin. It really makes a difference
I was part of a study for Finacea gel…wow, what a magic potion! Cleared my Rosacea right up. I am so grateful for it❤️
When I started to break out from mask wearing, my dermatologist prescribed the foam… it was a GAME CHANGER. Oh my gosh. Now my insurance will only cover the generic gel, which works great… but the brand name foam was so fantastic. Talk about anti aging AND helps with my adult breakouts. So glad I mentioned my ‘maskne’ to him.
Finacea has been one of the best things to happen to my skin! I definitely saw the difference switching from OTC to 15%.
Hi, may I ask did you use it for acne or Rosacea? X
@@mrunalpatel6729 both but acne is a bigger issue for me
I love azelaic acid. Been using the 15% for years for rosacea and I only use it in the evenings with great results.
I am able to get Finacea from pharmacies in Mexico (I live close to the border). It costs about $20. So far, in my experience, the first month of using it was rough. My face felt super itchy. It took so much effort to not scratch my face. After a month, the itchiness subsided. My skin looks great. I alternate between Finacea and tretinoin every night.
Hello Dr Dray. I live in Australia and I can buy 20% Azelaic acid over the counter. It’s been a game changer for treating my rosacea.
My dermatologist prescribed me azelaic acid (skinoren) ( i live in Europe) for my acne and it did wonders with my skin. It helped my acne tremendously and my post imflamattory hyperpigmentations faded. I had mild/moderate acne. I also had perioral dermatitis and it helped that get better also.
glad to hear this has helped
same here :) I use Skinoren 15% for 5 years now and it really does the job
@@winternacht535 Same😂 It seems skinoren is pretty often prescribed in Europe
l’m so glad to see a comment about skinoren, I got prescribed this aswell and have been afraid to use it. so glad to hear it has been working for you:)!
Me too I’m using skinoren 20% it’s the only one that helped me with the acne, it’s a miracle.
azelaic acid( i used the ordinary one ) helped me a lot with my acne especially when it comes to residual marks and pih , it also helped a lot with my skin texture as well ,anyways thanks dr dray for talking about this amazing ingredient .very ionformative video as always and BTW i can't wait for the weekend vlogs 😍😍😍
How long did it take for you to see results for acne treatment?
@@JubeeBijou you know in conjuction with adaplene i think it took 6 months
@@atefoueslati7330 So glad to hear you got good results. Thank you.
I have the same positive results with that product, Atef. 👍🙂
That is the one I use and it helps my redness and hyperpigmentation so much.
I was prescribed tretinoin but it was giving me a bad burn, even with the small amount I was using plus only once a week, was prescribed azelaic acid instead and it’s been a big difference! No burning! Although one day I’d like to try using a retinoid again for the anti aging effects
glad to hear things improved
I bought my very first product from The Ordinary yesterday! I've been wanting to try azalaeic acid for my sun damaged induced hyper pigmentation for awhile now so I'll be adding into my routine. I love the idea of the mild exfoliation benefit since I stopped using all other topicals while getting accustomed to tretinion.
Thanks for all of the education and entertainment! Every single video I've watched from you has left me more confident and educated about my skin care choices.
update?
I alternate between The Ordinary's 10% and Skinoren 20%. This amazing ingredient has really helped fight any hormonal acne, in conjunction with 0.05% tretinoin.. 💞
I agree, it's the most underrated ingredient. I remember when my roommate with a good skin recommended it to me about 6 years ago. Me, the PCOS cystic acne victim, thought she's again pushing some ridiculous unsolicited advice that won't do much and never listened to her. It was the only recommendation I got from a friend ever that I admit was excellent and I admit I was wrong not to give it a try then. I use 20% 2 a week whilst on tretinoin and I love it. It's better than BHA for my T zone!!!
My dermatologist prescribed a compounded ointment of 15% Azelaic Acid, 1% Ivermectin, and 1% Metronidazole for my acne Rosacea. Cleared it right up!
Once it was clear, Paula's Choice skin care has kept me clear. I have also used the PC Azelaic Acid.
I'm now trying The Ordinary skin care, to save money. So far it's working great.
I've been using the prescription 15% gel for a year or so for hyperpigmentation and rosacea. It's helped my skin and I'll continue to use.
I’ve spent my whole career working with derms, 8 years now, I still come to Dr Dray for everything haha she’s brilliant and so detailed. I also share so much of what I learn from her with patients (my derms know this and sometimes think I’m brilliant too but really it’s just Dr dray).
Tried azelaic acid for my acne/rosacea 3 years ago and will never look back. For anyone shopping around, the inkey list also makes a 10% azelaic acid serum that is nice. The ordinary is also great. Save your money on the naturium one though, it did not do much for me.
I have rosacea so I have been using Azlaic Acid for some time. My favourite Azelaic Acid product is Metroruboril from Isispharma (I think it's only available here in Europe). It has 15% azelaic acid (you don't need prescription from your doctor, 15% is widely available over the counter here) plus licorice root extract, centella asiatica, green tea extract, niacinamide. It doesn't peel at all and I never got irritated from using it. Also, it's not even expensive - around 15-17 euros.
Great video!!!!!!!! Azeliac acid did help with my hyperpigmentation ( in combination with alpha arbutin and niacinamide) so I kept it as part of my skin care routine.
I love the Azelaic acid from Paula’s Choice! It’s become my favourite product after seeing an improvement in both redness, texture and minor acne.
I’ve used it once a day for a little more than a year, but I’m a bit hesitant to use it twice a day do to the salicylic acid. Do you think it would be possible to use it twice a day or would it be better to try to get a prescription strength instead? I do like that it includes the salicylic acid so I can stick to only one product
Been using prescription azelaic acid for at least 15 years, and now use 3 times a week as maintenance. Keeps my skin texture at bay.
I've had success with Naturium's Azelaic Topical Acid 10%. I know Dr. Dray isn't a fan, but I really like the liquid formula -- my skin can't seem to handle the silicone that's in some other OTC products. Weirdly, I thought I couldn't handle niacinamide or Vitamin C either, and Naturium has both. But it calms my redness down overnight.
Azelaic acid was truly a magic bullet for my other otherwise untreatable acne. Hugely recommend and agree with you that it should be over the counter. Benzoyl peroxide is and irritated me so much more.
I had severe comedonal acne and my derm compounded a formula of tretinoin 0.1+ 15% azelaic acid+ 4% niacinamide. The azelaic acid controls hyperpigmentation and reduces bacteria while the tretinoin helps normalise my skin cells and the niacinamide reduces oil. The bonus is the formulation has a PHA at a low % as well. It's a very powerful formulation but all my acne and pigmentation has cleared within 2 months of using it.
Fineaca 15% was a game changer for me. I have rosacea and acne. Thanks to you I talked about Finecea to my family medicine doctor a year ago. He didn’t know about it but checked it out and agreed to prescribe it to me. It changed my skin. 🎉
How long did it take for you to see result? And did you stop using it after i cleared up? I just got prescribed this gel as well
Yes!! I’ve been using the ordinary azelaic acid and it’s been so helpful for my acne and hyperpigmentation!!!
How long have you been using it?
Azelaic Acid saved my skin! I had hormonal acne for two years (painful bumps all over my jaw and cheeks monthly). Nothing conventional helped (BHA, AHA, benzoylperoxide, Retinol, Sunscreen) so I tried 0,02% retin-a for 6 months. Didn't work and left me with melasma!
I was back to zero... but found the Azelaic acid booster from PC. Within a month my acne was gone! My skin got so much smoother and glowy. It saved my skin! And slowly the melasma is decreasing too over the years.
After one tube of the PC booster I switched to the Ordinairy one due to cost which gave me the same benefits and I used this for 3 years.
Recently I switched to the FaceTheory 15% serum and I noticed that my skin was itching and stinging again for the first few weeks of use, which makes me suspect it's indeed way stronger than the 10% ones I used before and absorbed well.
I was just prescribed this! I had never heard of it before and was skeptical. Thanks for the video!
I have been prescribed this gel for about six months now and I was told that my face feels soft for the first time I can ever remember the other day 🥲 I’ve had a bit of keratosis pilaris on my cheeks all my life and this has really reduced that. My nose is generally clear of blackheads and whiteheads and when I put this on a pimple, even one that looks like it is deep under the skin and would take weeks to completely resolve, it causes the slight bump to become a whitehead within a day or two and completely goes away soon after that with no residual acne marks. I am so grateful my dermatologist prescribed this, he predicted I had a bit of early onset hormonal acne
15% Finacea gel in my morning routine for the last year has been a game changer for both my acne and hyperpigmentation. That and tretinoin in the PM are my holy grail actives
Do you layer the azelaic acid under the tretinoin?
@@erickescobedo4820 I don’t use it at the same time as tret (I only use it in the daytime). I’ve tried but it dries my skin out too much using them together
I just picked up the 15% gel from the pharmacy after getting a script from my derm. I'm exicted because I'm pregnant and cant use my normal actives. I've been using the 10% over the counter azelaic acid by the ordinary and I was seeing some minor differences in my skin but at the same time no stinging no dry skin etc. I just put the 15% gel on for the first time tonight, and there is no irritation at all. I'm going to start every other night. Wish me luck. Thanks Dr. Dray❤
At least one derm I follow basically said prescription azelaic acid was her go to during pregnancy and she still uses even with sensitive skin.
I love this lady. She is my skin saviour. Thank you doctor ❤️❤️
My skin can't tolerate retinol so I replaced it with azelaic acid & it works like magic 😍
Hi Dr. Dray- I was diagnosed with Rosacea in 2010 and only recently became aware of Azelaic Acid. I have the papulopustular form of Rosacea so I never know when it's going to kick in or calm down. Recently I got a prescription for the 15% gel and find that it's calming down my situation on the cheek area. But, the issue is most annoying. Thank you for your informational video about it.
I totally love your explanations they're always super clear and detailed whitout being repetitive. Highly appreciated 😊.
I have started to use it recently and it's been magical. I must say it's far better than retinol that I used for 9 months. My hyperpigmentation has almost gone within a short period of time
Good to know. I have PIE I'm hoping it will help the red marks that seem to last forever
I’ve used the Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid for about three years, particularly in the hotter months, when my skin is very oily. Aside from some tingling and quickly resolved redness at the very beginning, I had no signs of irritation. It has helped control oiliness and the development of clogged pores by a respectable percentage. I don’t use it daily in the winter because my skin is more combination, but continue to use it two to three times a week. Thanks for an interesting video.
just started azelic acid and my skin is so much oily than before:( Is it normal?
@@satisfyingvideos4752 My skin was more oily at first, too. Settled down after a while, I suppose there was an adjustment period. During that time, I used a clay mask to help control the oil. I’ve also added a low percentage retinoid three times a week and that’s had a really positive effect on my oily skin.
I have been fighting hyperpigmentation and breakouts on my cheeks for a year. Started tretinoin to help but would have flare ups while wearing a mask at work. Nothing I tried would help. I finally tried azelaic acid and it is working. I was nervous using it alongside tret, and would apply azelaic acid in the morning and tret at night. Thank you for letting me know I can combine them.
And it is WAY more gentle than a lot of other acids. I use tretinoin at night but I put a smear of The Ordinary azelaic acid on my nose to prevent blackheads.
I am currently using 10% azelaic acid with vitamin c and arbutin liposome. Good formula and has worked me. AZ is truly a wonderful ingredient
Dear Andrea,
I live in Germany and here we can get the prescription strength Azelaic Acid over the counter. My product of choice is the facetheory Luizela A15 Serum with 15% Azelaic Acid. I use it together with my Adapalen 0.1% at night and I've seen major improvements in my skin.
I use the prescription and every time I go home to Italy I buy it over the counter. I love it!
Red is definitely your color! You look beautiful in red!🥰
I just started using prescription strength azelaic acid gel 15% last week. I suffer from mild acne and rosacea. My dermatologist suggested trying this since ivermectin wasn’t working to help my acne. I’ve tolerated it well so far! In the morning use Cetaphil Gentile Cleanser, pat dry, apply Azelaic acid gel 15%, then follow up with Elta MD sunscreen for acne/ rosacea prone skin. At night I use Pan Oxyl 4% wash and moisturize with CeraVe PM. I’m excited to see how the next few months go! Thank you for all your advice! Skincare can be so complicated and so individualized. Your videos are very helpful & reassuring!
I have some type of eczema, sebderm. I started using Facetheory's 10% Azelaic Acid for a min now. At first I dealt w/ redness & burning on my face until I started using it after moisturizer and then seal with cerave healing ointment every night. I immediately stopped getting irritation & it cleared the redness, flaking, & texture. When I finish the bottle I'll bump up to Facetheory's 15%!
I use 15% for rosacea every other day due to dryness. It has really helped calm my skin and my skin has slowly been resurfaced. I have not found it to be fast acting, but over time, the results are really nice.
OTC: Peach Slices 10% azaleic serum and Paula's Choice 10% booster w/ licorice and salicylic acid are nice products
I have used the Paula’s Choice Azelaic 10% Booster twice a day for 9 months and it has made wonderful improvement in the texture, look and feel of my skin. My skin is much smoother and slowly my milia and other problems are getting better. Does it matter which order to put on Azelaic acid with other ingredients? Should moisturizer go on first or on top, and if I use Zeroid urea cream should that be layered under or on top of azelaic acid? Thank you.
I’ve been using azelaic acid for a few months and it’s faded acne spots that were on my chin and it’s friggin’ wonderful. I use the one from Paula’s choice.
I tried using The Ordinary Azelaic Acid but I found it got gritty and pilled big time. I have heard they may have reformulated so I might try it again. Or I may check out the Paula’s choice. We have one dermatologist in my province so getting in to see her is almost impossible. I am thankful for your insights.
In NZ we are fortunate to have access to 20% azelaic acid prescription strength OTC. It works amazing with niacinamide and retinol (night routine) and can see visible results after the 1st day. I do find it does pile under sunscreen and I either use it exclusively at night but mostly I pair it with a silicone-base moisturiser or moisturisers that also can act as a make-up base (like Bioderma Sebium Matte control ) and it doesn't pile. Hope that helps anyone starting the azelaic acid journey!
Yep same here in Australia and it is super affordable $10 for a 25g Azclear 20% tube!
Can you please explain the steps in your nighttime skincare routine...like in what order do you apply azelaic acid, niacinamide and retinol?? I am confused whether a niacinamide serum is gonna work when applied over an azelaic acid cream. Can you apply other serums over the OTC azelaic acid? Your answer would be of great help, thank you!!
Hi Kimberly, What's the Azelaic acid you get in NZ?? :)
I'm in new Zealand and would love to know too please!
@@kalemarnica32 Yea that's what we have here too, but not as cheap. Lowest I could find in-store was $17.99.
I agree Dr. Alexis Stephens had mentioned how good azelaic acid is and it is really a friendly treatment
I have had prescription Azelaic acid and I've used the one from The Ordinary and I'd say they seem to act the same way equally for me. I don't have any huge problems but once in awhile I have a flair up of Perioraldermatitis and I have hyperpigmentation on my cheeks and I notice a difference in redness and texture right away if I use either product. The prescription one is so much more expensive.
Just started on this acid! Can’t wait to see the results
I use 10% azelaic acid with liposomal arbutin and vitamin c and oh boy this thing has changed my skin texture so good
It’s a love for me! I use 15% Skinoren or generic though. Regardless, it’s a life saver for acne and sensitive, redness-prone skin (no diagnosis of rosacea yet).
glad to hear this has helped
I have been using Skinoren (used be Bayer, now Leo Pharma) for 2 years now.. I am super happy with it. I always wondering if i could use it for life, i use only once a day.
I'm using the 15% gel form but I find it to be very sticky if I don't apply it to my skin while it's a bit damped. I asked my doctor to send in nthe 10% strength whch comes in cream form and better for dry skin. I'm not sure if the cream form comes in 15% which may be way better than 10 for me but if not, I'll stick with the 15 percent. Thanks for this informative video.
Freaking love azelaic acid so much. I've only used it in otc products but I noticed it helped acne, made my skin less oily, and it helped with melasma. I didn't know about it during my first pregnancy and my skin was terrible, acne, greasiness, and melasma. This time with my second I'm using it twice daily and my skin is almost as good as as when I'm not pregnant. I love knowing it's very safe in pregnancy too.