Your skin is 90 percent of your selfie! If this doesn’t convince you to give your skin some extra TLC, we don’t know what will.
While there are popular skincare ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and hyaluronic acid, there are also some great ingredients that unfortunately fly under the radar, despite being worthy of all your attention. One such miracle skincare elixir that has resurfaced is azelaic acid.
Azelaic acid is a skincare ingredient that significantly reduces the appearance of blemishes, fades acne scars and discolouration, improves skin’s surface, evens skin tone and reveals a healthy glow. Yes, we know this sounds like an ad, but this ingredient is really that good!
What is azelaic acid?
Chemically speaking, azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid. The term may sound scary, but this acid, unlike other harsh ones, is skin-friendly. While azelaic acid can be derived from grains such as wheat, barley and rye, it is the lab-engineered formula that is used in skincare products due to its effective and stable nature.
Benefits
Though azelaic acid is used in lower concentrations, say somewhere between 15 and 20 percent in products, it has incredible skin benefits. It exfoliates skin gently, thereby unclogging pores and perfecting any skin imperfections. And that’s not all! This acid is a treat for all those with sensitive skin and bumps.
How to use
While azelaic acid is an easygoing ingredient, it’s best to take some precautions when using it. Avoid multiple exfoliating products at one time as that can sometimes tend to irritate your skin.
So, whether your skin is looking dull and dehydrated, showing signs of sensitivity and premature ageing, or losing its natural colour, the one skincare ingredient you can turn to is azelaic acid. However, we suggest you consult your dermatologist on how to work this ingredient in your regular skincare routine to reap maximum benefits.
Written by Fatema Habib on 23rd Sep 2019