Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is a new skincare treatment that uses Azelaic acid, plus other brightening & soothing ingredients like licorice root extract and salicylic acid to improve uneven skin tone, smooth bumpy texture, calm redness, while also helping to reduce the look of blemishes and fade acne scars.
I had never heard of Azelaic acid until about early 2018 but as it turns out, Azelaic acid is nothing new. It used to be available in prescription-only products (with higher concentrations) but now it’s more accessible than ever as more brands are introducing skincare treatments with Azelaic acid.
In fact, it has been touted as one of the hottest new skincare ingredients to put on your radar. Obviously, my curiosity was piqued!
What is Azelaic Acid?
Chemically, Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid (but don’t be afraid: this type of acid is your skin’s friend). It works on skin as a gentle leave-on exfoliant which helps unclog pores and refine skin’s surface. While it does lightly exfoliate skin, it doesn’t do so as aggressively as the likes of Glycolic Acid can, so you’re far less likely to see any adverse effects.
How Does Azelaic Acid Work?
According to Paula’s Choice, a great deal of research has shown that Azelaic acid can significantly diminish the appearance of skin blemishes, help fade post-acne marks and other discolorations, and reveal a more even skin tone.
It even reduces skin sensitivity and delivers antioxidant benefits. It’s compatible with any skin type, no matter your age.
In short, Azelaic acid is a versatile and gentle yet effective ingredient you need to know about.
As a self-proclaimed skincare enthusiast, I couldn’t resist trying out this buzzy new beauty buy! So, does the new Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster really live up to its complexion correcting claims? Keep reading to find out!
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster comes in an opaque squeeze tube which makes it easy to dispense the product. The oil-free (and fragrance-free) formula has a very lightweight cream-gel texture that goes on very smoothly and absorbs super quickly with a matte finish.
I find the texture similar to that of a smoothing primer with a weightless feel, and it layers well under any moisturizer or other skincare products.
Photo: Paula’s Choice Instagram
The directions state that it can be used once or twice daily, alone or added to your moisturizer or serum. I have been using it on its own all over my face (only at night) and follow with a moisturizer. A little goes a long way! It can also be used as a targeted spot treatment for hyper pigmentation, brown spots or blemished areas as needed.
As with any exfoliating or skin-brightening treatments, it is even more important to apply a sunscreen daily during daytime when using this product.
On a side note, I am also loving the new Paula’s Choice Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30. Full review here.
The results?
I have been using Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster for a little over 3 weeks now and it has definitely made an improvement in my skin tone and texture. Not only is my complexion more even-toned but I have much less redness and my skin looks and feels smoother. Not to mention, I’ve had no new breakouts.
Although I am not quite ready to ditch my full-coverage foundation yet, I feel like I don’t need a whole lot of coverage anymore…and that says a lot (considering my sensitive, acne-prone skin!) This Azelaic acid booster will surely continue to be a part of my nightly skincare routine.
Bottom Line
If you’re also struggling with post-breakout marks, redness, rough or bumpy skin texture and dark spots, Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is definitely worth trying out, especially if your skin is sensitive to more potent exfoliating acids like Glycolic Acid.
Azelaic acid booster works its skin-improving magic without any irritating side-effects and tackles several complexion concerns at once! More to love, this sensitive skin savior is cruelty-free!
Available at Amazon.com, Nordstrom.com and paulaschoice.com for $36 (1 oz)