The Pathogenesis of Acne: How Might Azelaic Acid Act?

In the 1989 article, the authors discussed the pathogenesis of acne and proposed mechanisms by which azelaic acid might be effective in its treatment. They suggested that azelaic acid acts by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and normalizing the keratinization process in hair follicles which prevents the formation of comedones. Additionally, azelaic acid was thought to reduce the production of fatty acids that contribute to the inflammatory process. The article did not provide specific numbers of participants in a study, as it appears to be a discussion of the potential actions of azelaic acid rather than reporting on a particular research study.