According to dermatologist Dr. Rachel Maiman, with whom Elite Daily spoke for this article, azelaic acid, an antibacterial and acne-fighter, is an "under-the-radar ingredient that is frequently overlooked when compared to the more popular alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids." If you're looking to incorproate azelaic acid into your routine, start by picking up any of the best azelaic acid products featured here. Dr. Maiman suggests choosing a product that contains additional brightening and skin-soothing ingredients such as niacinamide, glycolic acid, and/or vitamin C, to really make the most of its benefits.
Though much of the research on topical azelaic acid has been limited to prescription-only products with a concentration between 15% to 20%, Dr. Maiman says she has seen good results from over-the-counter products with lower concentrations of azelaic acid. Keep in mind that some people — depending on the skin condition you're trying to treat — may require require a visit to a board-certified dermatologist to get a prescription-strength azelaic acid product.
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