i have been using a 20% azelaic acid medicated lotion everyday night for the past almost 6 months now - no issues, love the product.
initially introduced it to my routine to help with angry acne breakouts that my hormones and body decided to bless me with suddenly at the start of 2024 thankfully, my acne has now healed completely (besides the occasional monthly pimple or two, and PIE) and i feel as though azelaic was a huuuge factor to this (externally).
should I now be minimizing it from my routine to say, a couple of times a week, or maybe even removing it completely? I think that because it has acid in the name I’m a bit wary that potentially it may cause damage over time.
It doesn’t cause damage over time. Not everything that has the word acid is an exfoliating acid but even if it was those are also not bad long term. And you tolerate it just fine as is with the frequency and dosage you’re at.
If you want to keep getting the benefits of it, you should keep using it. And it seems like you do.
In my country 20% formula is prescription only and this is what it says about it:
Usually, a noticeable improvement will be visible after about four weeks, but to achieve the best possible result, the treatment should continue without interruption for several months, depending on how well you respond to the treatment.
Can be used for up to 12 months at a time.
Can cause asmathic users to experience more symptoms with prolonged use.
Very common: may occur in more than 1 in 10 users
Burning sensation at the application site
Itching at the application site
Redness at the application site
Common: may occur in up to 1 in 10 users
Peeling/flaking of the skin at the application site
Pain at the application site
Dry skin at the application site
Discoloration at the application site
Irritation at the application site
Uncommon: may occur in up to 1 in 100 users
Seborrhea (overproduction in the sebaceous glands)
Acne
Light patches of skin (depigmentation)
Stinging, tingling, or burning sensation at the application site
Skin inflammation at the application site
Discomfort in the skin at the application site
Swelling of the skin at the application site
Rare: may occur in up to 1 in 1000 users
Hypersensitivity to the medication (may occur with symptoms of angioedema (temporary swelling of the skin), contact dermatitis, swelling of the eye, and swelling of the face)
Worsening of asthma
Hives
Inflammation of the lips (cheilitis)
Rash
Warm sensation at the application site
Small fluid-filled blisters at the application site
Eczema at the application site
Sores at the application site
If you’re not experiencing any bad symptoms I’d say keep using it. If you’re worried, maybe see if a 10% formula like The Ordinary’s will be enough? I have struggled with pd and hormonal acne and the 10% formula has so far given me a whole new skin, lol.
Hey! If it’s not causing any problems, then I wouldn’t bother messing with it. However, 20% is strong, and if you ever notice that your skin begins stinging, burning, peeling, or getting unnaturally red, then perhaps it might be worth it to tone it down a bit (after an appropriate healing period to allow your skin’s symptoms to chill so you can reintroduce the product)
Hey! It’s great that azelaic acid has helped your skin! Since you’re seeing results, consider reducing to a couple of times a week. It’s usually safe, but listen to your skin. If you have concerns, a dermatologist can help. You’ve got this!
You’re right to be cautious about using acids long-term, but azelaic acid is generally considered gentle and beneficial for many people. If you’re worried about potential damage, just keep an eye on how your skin feels and looks. If it stays clear and happy, you’re probably on the right track!