Azelaic acid (pronounced “az-uh-LAY-ik”) is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that’s present in wheat, rye, and barley. Additionally it is produced by the Malassezia furfur yeast, which is a typical commensal organism on the pores and skin. Azelaic acid has been proven to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and comedolytic (comedone-reducing) properties, making it an efficient remedy for quite a lot of pores and skin situations, together with zits, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Azelaic acid works by inhibiting the expansion of micro organism and fungi, decreasing irritation, and selling cell turnover. Additionally it is thought to intrude with the manufacturing of melanin, the pigment that provides pores and skin its shade, which might help to lighten darkish spots and hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid is usually well-tolerated, with the commonest negative effects being gentle pores and skin irritation and dryness.