What is azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye.

It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it effective in the treatment of skin conditions like acne and rosacea. The acid can prevent future outbreaks and clean bacteria from your pores that causes acne.

Azelaic acid is applied to your skin and is available in gel, foam, and cream form. Azelex and Finacea are two brand names for prescription topical preparations. They contain 15 percent or more of azelaic acid. Some over-the-counter products contain smaller amounts.

Because it takes some time to take effect, azelaic acid by itself isn’t typically a dermatologist’s first choice for treating acne. The acid also has some side effects, such as skin burning, dryness, and peeling. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about using azelaic acid for acne.

Uses of azelaic acid for acne
Azelaic acid works by:

clearing your pores of bacteria that may be causing irritation or breakouts
reducing inflammation so acne becomes less visible, less red, and less irritated
gently encouraging cell turnover so your skin heals more quickly and scarring is minimized
Azelaic acid can be used in gel, foam, or cream form. All forms have the same basic instructions for use:

Wash the affected area thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Use a cleanser or mild soap to make sure the area is clean.
Wash your hands before applying the medication.
Apply a small amount of medication to the affected area, rub it in, and let it dry completely.
Once the medication has dried, you can apply cosmetics. There’s no need to cover or bandage your skin.
Keep in mind that you should avoid using astringents or “deep-cleansing” cleansers while you use azelaic acid.