Azelaic acid is becoming more and more popular as a skin care ingredient lately, which is in part due to its effectiveness in treating "acne, rosacea and unwanted pigmentation," Guanche says. She also notes that the exfoliating acid is great for helping eradicate any mites you may have in your pores (yikes!). Similarly, Lorencin says that "it is especially effective in fighting P. Acnes bacteria," (aka one of the main causes of acne). "It is milder than salicylic acid and can be tolerated by most skin types," she adds.
