Formula for Pores, Acne, and Brightening with Azelaic Acid
Question
I have skin problems including large pores, pitted scars, clogged acne, dark spots, and dullness. What other ingredients should I mix with AZELAIC ACID and at what percentage to address these issues?
Answer
Subject: Formula for Pores, Acne, and Brightening with Azelaic Acid
Hello! Regarding your skin concerns about large pores, clogged pores, and dullness, and your question about using Azelaic Acid, it's a great ingredient for these issues.
Azelaic Acid helps to:
- Reduce clogged pores and acne.
- Improve skin brightness and reduce dark spots.
- Minimize the appearance of pores.
To create a simple formula targeting these concerns, you can combine Azelaic Acid (specifically the water-soluble derivative like Azeloglicina, which was previously mentioned) with Niacinamide. Niacinamide is excellent for pore appearance, oil control, strengthening the skin barrier, and brightening.
Here is a simple example formula structure (percentages are approximate and can be adjusted):
- Water Phase:
- Distilled Water: ~80%
- Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid Solution: 2-5% (for hydration)
- Actives:
- Azeloglicina (20% solution): 50% (This gives 10% active Azeloglicina, as previously recommended)
- Niacinamide: 3-5%
- Preservative:
- Appropriate Preservative: 1% (Follow supplier's recommended usage rate)
Instructions:
- Combine the water phase ingredients.
- Add Niacinamide and stir until dissolved.
- Add Azeloglicina solution and stir until fully mixed.
- Add the preservative and stir.
- Check the pH and adjust if necessary (Azeloglicina works well in a range, but check specific supplier info).
Note on Pitted Scars: While this formula helps with pores, acne, and brightening, pitted scars (atrophic scars) are more challenging and often require treatments like microneedling, lasers, or chemical peels, rather than just topical application.
Always do a patch test before using any new formulation.