Azelaic Acid Essay Example

Azelaic Acid Essay Example Azelaic Acid Paper Azelaic Acid Paper Abstract Azelaic acid is an essential acid that has emerged to answer most skin problems. Through several researches, it has been proven to treat even the most common skin problems. This paper will discuss Azelaic acid and its capabilities in treating skin illnesses. Azelaic Acid Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this present era of innovations, new discoveries continue to emerge. Scientists, researchers, and even individuals continue to experiment and try new stuff that will answer their inquisitiveness or needs. In the field of skin care, an acid has been found and considered to be an effective cure for most common skin problems. This acid is known as Azelaic acid. Since its discovery, many beauty product manufacturers are adding it as an ingredient. Azelaic Acid: Definition   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Azelaic acid is a â€Å"saturated dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally in wide variety of whole grains such as rye, barley, and wheat† (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008, n.p.). It has a yellowish- to white-powder appearance (MSN Encarta, 2008). Small amount of Azelaic acid can also be found in the human body. Generally, an acid is characterized to be sour and corrosive. However, and Azelaic acid is one that is weak and non-corrosive. Thus, it is safe to be applied on the skin. Benefits of Azelaic Acid   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Azelaic Acid has been commonly used as treatment for skin cancer and other disorders of the skin (MSN Encarta, 2008). Researches also show that Azelaic acid is an effective antibacterial (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). This is so because the acid is helpful is destroying and reducing the growth of bacteria. Commonly, Azelaic Acid has been used as a treatment and prevention for acne, pimples, and blackheads. This is so because Azelaic acid is capable of destroying the bacteria that causes acne, clearing the pores of the skin, and reducing the keratin (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). Notably, a keratin is a natural substance that also contributes in the development of acne. Azelaic acid has also been proven to be effective in repairing skin discoloration by efficiently destroying the free radicals and reducing inflammation. Free radicals are atoms or molecules that attack the cell membranes’ structure that will create metabolic waste products such as lipofuscins (Klatz Goldman, 2003). An excess of the lipofuscins has been shown to cause skin darkening or â€Å"age- spots,† because they are only visible on certain parts of the skin (Klatz and Goldman, 2003, p. 23). Furthermore, Azelaic acid effectively reduces the pigmentation of the skin. Thus, Azelaic acid is good also for those who are bothered by their dark skin. In addition, Azelaic acid is good for those people suffering from melasma. Melasma is derived from Greek word â€Å"melas† which means black; it is characterized as blotchy, irregularly patterned, brown or sometimes grey- brown hyper-melanosis of the face and occasionally evident on the neck (Katsambas, Stratigos, Lotti, 2003, p. 336). Being an acid and antibacterial, Azelaic acid is operative in moderating noticeable scars and spots caused by acne. Moreover, it is efficient in renewing and healing the skin because of its ability to kill the bacteria that causes the skin problem and ability to normalize the skin growth. Furthermore, Azelaic acid has been used for its efficiency in stimulating growth of hair. Azelaic acid has not yet been approved by the FDA as a treatment for hair loss. However, scholars say that it is effective because Azelaic acid has been found to potentially inhibit 5-Alpha-Reductase in human skin that eventually leads to the decrease of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes hair fall (Medline Plus, 2008). Azelaic Products Predominantly, Azelaic acid products are in the form of gel and cream. Cream usually contains only a solution of 20% of Azelaic acid mixed with other inactive ingredient such as glycerin, cetearyl octonoate, cocoglycerids, propylene glycol, and purified water to produce skin product (Niaze, p. 105). Gel, on the other hand is manufactured by adding benzoic acid, ETDA, 15% of Azelaic acid, among others (Niaze, p. 105). An Azelaic acid in the form of cream and gel makes the product mild, tolerable, and safe; it is used in treating rocasea which causes irritation, redness, and pimples (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). One of the Azelaic Acid cream 20% manufactured, widely distributed, and used is Finevin as a cure for acne vulgaris (Doctor’s Guide. 2008). It is manufactured by Berlex Laboratories, Inc., an affiliation of Schering AG, Germany (Doctor’s Guide. 2008). Harmful Effects of Azelaic Acid Nevertheless, not all skin types react well on Azelaic acid. It also has drawbacks, especially if applied improperly. Some of the side effects include itching, burning, stinging, and tingling (Medline Plus, 2008).   Usually, Azelaic acid for acne has been advised to be used twice a day and only on parts affected by acne. Product makers also require patients experiencing side effects to consult their doctors immediately to avoid further damage. However, despite these side effects, millions of people in almost 70 countries use Azelaic acid for treating their facial problems. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The efficiency of the Azelaic acid has been proven because of its three powerful abilities. First, Azelaic acid is an antibacterial; it has the ability to destroy the bacteria found in the follicles that cause pimples and acne. Second, Azelaic acid is an anticomedonic; it inhibits formation of comodones which are squeezed from blackheads. The last ability is anti-inflammatory, which is essential in the reduction of free radicals. These three general abilities of Azelaic acid are vital in repairing skin problems that trouble both men and women. Nevertheless, these medications should be properly applied in order to avoid further skin complications. Furthermore, one must not use these products without consulting an expert first in order to ensure a satisfactory effect of the product. References Azelaic acid information. (2008). Azelaic Acid. Retrieved August 4, 2008 from azelaicacid-information.com/info/ Doctor’s Guide. (1995). FDA Approves Finevin (Azelaic Acid Cream 20%) For the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from pslgroup.com/dg/1F9E26.htm Katsambas, A. D., Stratigos, A. J., Lotti, T. M. (2003). Melasma. In A. D. Katsambas T. M. Lotti (Eds.) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments, 2nd Ed. (pp. 336–341). Berlin, Germany: Springer. Klatz, Ronald, Goldman Robert. (2003). The New Anti- Aging Revolution: Stopping the Clock for a Younger, Sexier, Happier You!. North Bergen, NJ: Basic Health Publications, Inc. Medline Plus. (2008). Azelaic Acid Topical. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a603020.html MSN Encarta. (2008). Azelaic Acid. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from http://encarta.msn-ppe.com:443/dictionary_701704442/azelaic_acid.html Niazi, S. (2004). Handbook of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Formulations. London: CRC Press.