Approaching Chemistry: Does azelaic acid exfoliate?

Azelaic acid, also known as azalea acid, has little to do with azalea. It is obtained through chemical synthesis, cracking, or fermentation, and may have been translated as azalea acid in the early stages due to their similarity in English. Does azelaic acid exfoliate? Let’s study together.

What is azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is a natural organic acid mainly found in plants such as rye, wheat, and barley. Malassezia on the surface of human skin can also be synthesized and secreted. The wide range of uses of azelaic acid is astonishing. It can be used as both a functional cosmetic and a medicine for treating skin diseases such as acne and melanoma.

As a non-antibiotic topical treatment for acne, azelaic acid can be used for a long time without developing resistance, and can also be used during pregnancy, making it relatively safe. Azelaic acid has good tolerance, but some patients may experience temporary irritation reactions after use, such as burning, peeling, and itching.

As early as 1989, azelaic acid was used to treat acne. Azelaic acid is commonly used in acne vulgaris and perioral dermatitis and has a certain effect on post-inflammation pigmentation (such as acne scars) and melasma. It can also be used in seborrheic dermatitis.

Applications of azelaic acid

1.Antibacterial: It can inhibit the protein synthesis of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, directly kill bacteria on the surface of the skin and inside hair follicles, and eliminate pathogens.

2.Anti-inflammation: It can inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokine cascade reactions, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

3.Prevent excessive keratinization: It can reduce the synthesis of filamentous keratin and prevent excessive keratinization of hair follicles.

4.Whitening: It reduces pigmentation by inhibiting abnormal melanocyte activity. Moreover, azelaic acid has a high permeability to abnormal cells and does not affect normal melanocytes.

5.Inhibiting the proliferation of melanoma: It can reduce the tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis of epidermal melanocytes and melanoma cells, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of melanoma cells.

Does azelaic acid exfoliate?

The answer is YES. As an acid, azelaic acid has the function of inhibiting the excessive secretion of free fatty acids in sebaceous glands, reducing the synthesis of filamentous keratin, and preventing excessive keratinization of hair follicles. It can help reduce the appearance of lumps and large pores, thereby promoting even skin tone and smooth skin. It can effectively exfoliate, promote cell renewal, and make the skin smooth.

Exfoliation mainly removes dead keratinized cells, which can avoid pore blockage and also have a regulating effect on the skin’s condition. In daily life, it is also necessary to develop the good habit of regularly exfoliating, because the skin will have necrotic stratum corneum due to its metabolism. If not removed in time, it may clog pores, leading to folliculitis or acne, which can also have a certain impact on the skin's condition. Exfoliation can improve the smoothness of the skin and achieve deep cleansing of pores, but it should not be done frequently to avoid damage to the skin and affect skin metabolism.

Precaution of use

Azelaic acid has its characteristics:

1.Belongs to non-antibiotic class and will not develop resistance;

2.No photosensitivity, no restrictions on nighttime use;

3.Will not cause discoloration of clothing;

4.No teratogenicity, friendly to pregnant and lactating patients;

5.The chemical stripping ability of azelaic acid is weak, and sensitive muscles can be used.

Starting external application of azelaic acid may cause mild irritation, mainly burning and dryness, which is caused by stimulation of local autonomic nerve endings. Most people can establish tolerance, and the strategy is to start topical application within 1-2 weeks, apply for 15-20 minutes, rinse with clean water, and gradually increase the retention time until the skin can tolerate it, without the need for cleaning. If you use it twice a day, please use it at approximately the same time every morning and evening.

Conclusion

Does azelaic acid exfoliate? The answer is YES. It can effectively exfoliate, promote cell renewal, and make the skin smooth. Azelaic acid is mostly present in plants like rye and can also be synthesized on the surface of skin. It can also be produced via fermentation, lysis, or chemical synthesis. It may be used as a medicine to treat skin conditions like acne and is frequently utilized in the skincare sector.