1 Reviews
- 귀찮구나Dec 17, 2021 (UTC)Combination SkinAcne Skin
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The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsFor those with oily skin, large pores, and thick dead skin cells that lead to acne-prone skin, azelaic acid can be incredibly beneficial. It's fantastic at removing excess dead skin cells, inhibiting their formation, and reducing inflammation - making it a godsend for those pesky blackheads. It also helps fade discoloration, quickly improving acne scars and was widely used for brightening, though it's now banned in cosmetic formulations in Korea. The Ordinary's gel-cream formula is easy to dose visually and applies smoothly. I prefer this cream form over essence-type products. I keep a stock of various acne treatments, but since azelaic acid became harder to obtain after changing hands from Bayer to Leo Pharma, I finally resorted to buying it overseas. It's frustrating that even large pharmacies in my area don't stock it anymore - what's the deal, Leo Pharma? Pressure from the FDA? I'm particularly annoyed because I'm allergic to isotretinoin and can't take it orally. My go-to products weren't cutting it (even had to buy salicylic acid overseas due to low concentrations here), and there's only so much physical treatments at dermatology clinics can do. Despite following a rigorous skincare routine, without completely destroying my sebaceous glands, I'm left with just extractions and peeling. So, I waited a week, fuming, for this to arrive. Tretinoin is more hassle than it's worth, so this direct purchase was much cheaper than prescription fees. To my delight, the inflammation was reduced by half the very next day after application, leaving me both thrilled and doubly annoyed at the hassle.
ConsThe downside is having to buy it from overseas. It's fine when it's in stock on Coupang Global, but if you're trying to buy just this from the official site, the shipping costs can be a pain. Seems like I'm not the only one with this issue - it keeps selling out quickly after restocking. Might need to stock up whenever it's available. If this annoys you too, Leo Pharma should at least make Azelex more accessible, those jerks.
TipIf you can't control the amount, you might experience stinging similar to tretinoin. Gradually increase usage and consider application methods similar to tretinoin - mix with a moisturizer, apply after thorough hydration, or use it locally. If you don't have severe blemishes or are using it purely for brightening, don't use it too frequently. It inhibits dead skin cell formation, which can backfire for those with thin skin. While its mechanism differs, the visible effects are similar to tretinoin, so moisturize well after use to avoid dryness the next day. It doesn't cause photosensitivity, so morning use is fine, and it can be combined with other antioxidant products (except retinol!). However, it can be irritating, so know your skin's limits. Some mention concerns about potentially harmful ingredients, but if your skin tolerates it well, you shouldn't worry too much. Phenoxyethanol is a stable preservative. Without emulsifiers like dimethicone or triethanolamine, azelaic acid creams can be very dry. If you dislike small amounts of emulsifiers but are okay with preservatives in medications, that's a bit contradictory, isn't it?