Jun 1

Jun 1 PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORDINARY AZELAIC ACID SUSPENSION 10% – ONE OF THE BEST BRIGHTENING LOTIONS

PM Regimen, AM Regimen, acne marks, dark spots, oily skin, brightening serums, facial treatments, hyperpigmentation, brightening, brightening creams

THE ORDINARY | AZELAIC ACID SUSPENSION 10%

The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is one of the most unusual and likely most misunderstood skincare products in The Ordinary’s vast catalogue of democratically priced skin care. As big a fan as I am of the brand, even I overlooked this tiny tube of miraculousness.

Found in grains, Azelaic Acid is produced naturally by bacteria that thrives in our skin’s surface microbiome. It’s somewhat of a miracle worker — with the ability to treat numerous conditions that can leave the complexion appearing lackluster and spotted.

Think of Azelaic Acid as a superior antioxidant that also happens to fade post-acne marks over time. That’s significant and new on the skincare scene.

Many of us, yours truly among them, have those dastardly acne marks that never seem to go away until we forget they’re there. Suddenly, one day months, even years later, they’re gone, right? But it’s nice to now have some control over that prolonged period of time and fuhgeddaboudit mentality.

What is Azelaic Acid?

“A type of acid known as a dicarboxylic acid derived from grains that offers numerous benefits when applied to skin. For example, it’s a gentle leave-on exfoliant which helps unclog pores and refine skin texture. Azelaic acid also significantly lessens factors in skin that lead to redness and bumps. Azelaic acid is also an antioxidant.

Research has shown azelaic acid can significantly diminish blemishes, help fade the appearance of post-acne red marks and other discolorations, and reduce the kind of skin sensitivity that leads to redness.

Although azelaic acid can be derived from grains like barley, wheat, and rye, its lab-engineered form is typically used in skincare products because of its stability and effectiveness. Because of this, azelaic acid is considered a synthetic ingredient, but this is a clear case where the synthetic version outperforms the natural version, with no research indicating a risk to skin.

Azelaic acid is available in strengths of 10% or less over-the-counter, and in topical prescription products at concentrations between 15-20%.”

- The Paula’s Choice Research Team; References for this information: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2017, pages 35-42; and September 2016, issue 3, pages 269-282; The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, March 2017, pages 37-40; Advanced Biomedical Research, February 2017, ePublication; Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, October 2016, pages 771-775; Skin Therapy Letter, January 2016, pages 1-7; Cutis, January 2016, pages E9-E11; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2015, pages 964-968

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension is formulated with a ten-percent concentration of the power active. It’s contained in a thick cream form — a silicone “suspension”. If you’re no fan of silicone in your skin care, this isn’t for you. But perhaps, you dislike post-acne marks even more than you dislike silicone. If that’s the case, look no further than this Azelaic Acid treatment.

A dab of this on acne marks twice a day for a week or two and you’ll begin to see your troubles fade before your eyes.

SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for $7.90 here.

THE ORDINARY AZELAIC ACID SUSPENSION 10%