What is azelaic acid derived from?
In the 1970s, Dr. Marceua Nazzaro-Porro of Italy was studying tinea versicolor white spots caused by Pityrosporum furfur and found that in people with darker skin, tinea versicolor can cause obvious hypopigmented patches. This is because the azelaic acid secreted by Malassezia, a fungus that normally parasitizes on the skin surface, can effectively inhibit the synthesis of melanin in the skin, leading to local hypopigmentation in tinea versicolor. Thus, the mechanism by which azelaic acid whitens skin was discovered.
A large number of subsequent studies have confirmed that topical azelaic acid also has significant therapeutic effects on pigmented skin diseases such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and chloasma.
Why azelaic acid burns?
Azelaic acid can cause a burning or stinging sensation in people with sensitive skin, especially when they first start using it.
One of the most common adverse reactions of azelaic acid cream is mild to moderate irritation when used topically. Most patients may experience mild local redness, burning, stinging and other discomforts, and some patients may develop Mild irritant contact dermatitis, resulting in localized skin erythema, dryness, and scaling.
This is due to the acidic nature of azelaic acid, which can irritate sensitive skin.
Using moisturizer can help soothe and moisturize the skin. It usually subsides on its own in about 1-2 weeks. Contact allergies to azelaic acid are extremely rare.
In order to reduce these side effects, it is usually recommended to start using azelaic acid at a lower concentration, and then gradually increase the concentration as the skin's tolerance increases. Once tolerance is established, it can be used with confidence.
Can azelaic acid be used with vitamin c?
Azelaic acid helps minimize dark spots and reduce skin redness. And provides gentle, non-drying exfoliation. Azelaic acid can be used at night, when the skin's natural exfoliation process is at its highest.
Vitamin C has a positive effect on the natural production of collagen, targeting and neutralizing harmful free radicals to enhance youthful, radiant skin. Vitamin C is often used in the morning as it works synergistically with sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
But remember, always use sunscreen during the day, as both ingredients can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
How do you dissolve azelaic acid powder in water?
Azelaic acid is poorly soluble in water, making it difficult to dissolve. But it can be dissolved in water at low concentrations (usually around 2%).
You can follow these steps:
Add hot water: Pour a small amount of azelaic acid powder into 40°C distilled water and stir continuously until dissolved. This is because warm water helps the azelaic acid dissolve.
Adjust pH: Azelaic acid makes the solution acidic. If you need to adjust the pH to a more skin-friendly level, usually around 4-5, you can use a pH adjuster and use a pH meter to check the pH.
Cool the solution and store: Allow the solution to cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container away from light and heat.
