One of the newest natural skin lighteners is an old ingredient used for treating acne, azelaic acid. This plant acid naturally occurs in grains, specifically barley, rye, and wheat. A highly concentrated solution of azelaic acid is used in “face peels” at the dermatologists. In this concentration, it should never, ever be applied to African-American skin, but in concentrations that do not cause inflammation it is useful for several common skin problems.

A mild solution of azelaic acid is often used to treat acne in African-American teens. Dark skin is especially susceptible to acne scars. Azelaic acid opens pores, keeping oils from accumulating, and kills Propionibacterium acnes, the bacterium that causes acne. Doctors at the University of California at San Francisco have found that a 20% azelaic acid cream is as good for treating acne as Retin-A, benzoyl peroxide gel, or tetracycline antibiotics. In this situation, azelaic acid prevents scarring and hyper-pigmentation that often accompanies scarring.

In adults who have hyper-pigmentation, azelaic acid works differently from other skin lightening agents. Other skin lightening agents interfere with an enzyme that makes it possible for the skin to make dark pigments. Azelaic acid, on the other hand, accelerates the shedding of dead, dark skin cells from the very top layers of the skin, and stimulates the grown of skin underneath. If the condition that caused the skin darkening has passed, then azelaic acid can help new, healthy skin come to the surface.

It usually takes 2 or 3 months to get results from azelaic acid creams. These creams should be rubbed into the skin for 1 or 2 minutes to make sure they penetrate. If you are an adult with hyper-pigmented skin, not a teen with acne, and you experience itching or inflammation, stop use at once and try another skin lightening agent.

To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel

Publisher/Esthetician

NYRAJU Skin Care

http://www.nyrajuskincare.com