Azelaic acid acne guide
How to use azelaic acid 15% gel for mild to moderate facial papulopustular acne and protect your skin barrier.
How to use
- 01
Step 1
What it is and how it works
Azelaic acid helps keep pores clear and reduces inflammation and acne-associated bacteria. This guide covers the prescribed 150 mg/g gel for mild to moderate facial papules and pustules.
- 02
Step 2
Apply it as prescribed
Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin twice daily. About a 2.5 cm strip of gel is enough for the whole face. Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, mucosa and broken skin, then wash your hands.
- 03
Step 3
Skin care and interactions
Use a gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturiser and SPF 30–50+ each day. Do not apply another facial acne medicine at the same time unless your prescriber has reviewed the combination. Avoid alcohol-based, abrasive or drying products.
Dose schedule
- 01
Step 1
Timing and review
Use it morning and evening as prescribed. If irritation develops, the prescriber may advise less product or temporary once-daily use. Review at 4 weeks and again at 8–12 weeks; stop and ask for review if acne worsens or has not improved after 1 month.
- 02
Step 2
If you miss an application
Apply it when you remember unless the next scheduled application is near. In that case, skip it and continue as usual. Do not apply extra product to make up for it.
Side effects
Local irritation
Mild redness, dryness, stinging or peeling can occur, especially at the start. Use a gentle moisturiser and follow the prescribed adjustment plan. Stop and seek advice if the reaction is marked or persistent.
Sensitivity or asthma symptoms
A rash or colour change can occur, and asthma has rarely worsened. Stop using the gel and seek advice for a spreading rash, wheeze or a clear change in asthma control.
04 · Do not use if
Do not use this treatment if
- You are allergic to azelaic acid or an ingredient in the gel
- The treatment area has cuts, active eczema, severe irritation or sunburn
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and your clinician has not made an individual decision
05 · When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor if
- Facial swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread blistering, eye pain, light sensitivity or altered vision — seek urgent medical care
- Acne is worsening, scarring is developing, or there is no improvement after 1 month
- Wheezing, shortness of breath or worse asthma control after starting the gel
Storage
Keep the tube tightly closed in its original package, out of children's reach. Follow the temperature and expiry instructions on the label and do not use the product after it expires.
What to expect
Improvement is usually gradual and may become noticeable after about 4 weeks. Keep the routine consistent until review; do not add extra active products in an attempt to speed the response.