Azelex 20% Cream: My Experience with Azelaic Acid for Acne and Rosacea

william_owens2026-04-18 292 4

1 min read

last active 4/18/2026

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I've been using Azelex 20% Cream for about three months now to treat my rosacea, and I've seen some improvements in my skin. The cream is easy to apply, but the first few weeks were a bit rough with skin irritation. I stuck with it, and now I've noticed less redness and fewer breakouts. I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences or if there are any tips for managing the initial irritation? I've also been curious about the potential long-term effects and if anyone has had any issues with prolonged use. Also, I found the allergic reactions listed to be serious — has anyone experienced any of these? Lastly, I want to know if anyone has reported side effects to the FDA and how that process went?

william_owens2026-04-18

1 min read

last active 4/18/2026

HOT

Comments (4)

christopher_turner4/14/2026

I tried Azelex briefly, but the burning sensation was too much for me. I ended up switching to a different topical treatment. I didn't experience any of the serious side effects, though. I hope it works for you.

cheryl_vazquez4/14/2026

I've had some good results with Azelex, but I find that it works best when combined with other treatments. I use it in conjunction with a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer designed for sensitive skin. This seems to help reduce the irritation. I also did some research that showed Azelex has antioxiant properties which help to prevent skin aging. It's a bonus along with the skin benefits.

randy_ramirez4/14/2026

Be patient with it. It took me about 6 weeks to start seeing real improvements. If you can stick it out, it's worth it. I've had no serious side effects, but I did have some minor flaking and redness at the start. This is why I suggest using a topical steroid to prevent the irritation.

hannah_alvarez4/14/2026

I've been using Azelex for years and haven't had any problems, but I did learn to use a tiny amount on the first use. Applying too much can cause irritation, so start with a pea-sized amount and see how your skin reacts. Also, a cream and a gel version of azelaic acid are available and gel usually have less irritation.