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Why Azelaic Acid Is the Do-It-All Skin-Clearing Ingredient You've Been Looking For
Azelaic acid is the unsung hero of exfoliants. While retinoids and chemical exfoliators like alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids get plenty of well-deserved hype for their ability to renew skin, they're just not for everyone. If you've tried these ingredients and they weren't right for you, azelaic acid products should be on your radar. 'Despite having the word 'acid' in its name, azelaic acid is well-tolerated,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Evan Rieder.
Vogue's Favorite Azelaic Acid Products
Azelaic acid is not an AHA or BHA, but a dicarboxylic acid, and naturally occurs in grains. Yes, it gently resurfaces skin, which inherently helps smooth out uneven texture, fade dark spots, and unclog pores, but azelaic acid has other properties that enhance these benefits. The ingredient is an antioxidant and has potent anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it's long been used by dermatologists to treat redness, including the flushing associated with rosacea. It has antibacterial properties, too, and kills Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria implicated in acne, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morayo Adisa. 'It also brightens skin by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, making it ideal for post-acne marks and melasma with a low risk of irritation,' adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anetta Reszko.
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