Glycolic acid helps unblock clogged pores by encouraging mild peeling of the skin. By removing trapped sebum and dead skin cells, there would be a reduction in the population of acne-causing bacteria. Adding Azelaic acid on glycolic acid acne treatment makes the population of acne-causing bacteria even lower, since Azelaic acid is a potent antibacterial agent. Azelaic acid also normalizes the abnormal shedding of the cells lining the hair follicle; this action reduces the formation of comedo.

“We conducted a 12-week, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group study of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of azelaic acid 20% cream and glycolic acid lotion compared with tretinoin 0.025% cream and a vehicle lotion to treat mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris. Patients treated with azelaic/glycolic acid experienced a significantly greater reduction in the number of papules, as well as a greater reduction in the number of inflammatory lesions, than those treated with tretinoin. Overall global improvement was approximately 25% in both groups. In the physician evaluations, treatment with azelaic/glycolic acid was found to cause significantly less dryness, scaling, and erythema than tretinoin. Patients also reported significantly less dryness, redness, and peeling with azelaic/glycolic acid. Significantly more patients in the azelaic/glycolic acid group than the tretinoin group reported that they felt attractive. The combination of azelaic acid and glycolic acid is a useful alternative to tretinoin, being at least as efficacious as the latter, while offering a superior tolerability and patient approval profile.” ( Source: Efficacy and safety of azelaic acid and glycolic acid combination therapy compared with tretinoin therapy for acne. Spellman MC, Pincus SH. University of California at San Diego and VA Medical Center, USA.)

Materials:

20% Azelaic Acid cream (Skinoren, Azelex)
5% Glycolic Acid cream or serum

Procedure:

1. Remove oil and dirt on the face by washing it with soap and water then towel dry.
2. Apply the 5% glycolic acid cream or serum for 5 minutes then wash it away using tap water.
3. Apply the 20% Azelaic acid cream on the skin and leave it for at least 1 hour.

Precautions:

Consult your doctor first if you are pregnant, lactating or could become pregnant during the use of this type of acne treatment. This acne medication is not intended to be used on children.

References:

1. Efficacy and safety of azelaic acid and glycolic acid combination therapy compared with tretinoin therapy for acne. Spellman MC, Pincus SH. University of California at San Diego and VA Medical Center, USA
2. Combination azelaic acid therapy for acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 Aug;43(2 Pt 3):S47-50.
3. Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid, J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2006 Apr;4(4):293-300.
4. Topical therapy for acne. Am Fam Physician. 2000 Jan 15;61(2):357-66.

Last update: December 31, 2008