Acticlear Gel – Our problem solver
The active ingredient in Acticlear Gel is Azeloglycine 15%, a derivative of Azelaic acid that is less irritating to the skin’s surface. Azelaic acid is a naturally derived acid from grains, including wheat and barley. It is also naturally produced by yeast that lives on our skin (Malassezia furfur, also known as Pityrosporum ovale).
Acticlear Gel for Acne, Large Pores, and Blackheads
Azeloglycine 15%, the active ingredient in Acticlear, can reduce both non-inflammatory and inflammatory outbreaks. It can be compared to other approved medications such as benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics like erythromycin and tretinoin (a form of vitamin A), but azelaic acid has better tolerance with less skin irritation.
One of the main causes of acne and inflammation is the buildup of dead skin cells around the hair follicle. Azeloglycine normalizes the buildup of dead skin cells and opens blockages of closed and open comedones (sebum).
It is also beneficial against sebum production in the forehead, chin, and cheeks by inhibiting the conversion from testosterone (hormone) to 5-dehydrotestosterone (reduces sebum production).
Acticlear Gel for Rosacea
Dr. Richard Gallo, a researcher and chairman of the dermatology department at the University of California, has conducted studies showing that azelaic acid downregulates cathelicidins, one of the skin’s defense mechanisms.
Cathelicidins have a much higher level in the skin of those with rosacea. It turns out that too high levels of cathelicidins cause redness, edema, and irritations that are characteristic of this flushing skin condition.
Azeloglycine (also found in Finacea, which is prescription-only) can reduce the proteins that cause these symptoms in the skin disease rosacea.
An interesting point in Dr. Gallo’s study was that lower levels of azelaic acid seem to work better than higher levels. Several dermatologists believe that Finacea gel 15% is better than Skinoren cream 20% (prescription only). Acticlear Gel contains 15% Azeloglycine in a gel/cream form that allows the product to penetrate well into the skin.
Acticlear Gel for Pigmentation
Azelainic acid is a recommended alternative for those who are sensitive to Hydroquinone (prescription cream) for the treatment of hyperpigmentation or melasma. It is most effective in concentrations of 15%-20% in cream or gel.
A 20% azelaic acid is said to be comparable to a 2% Hydroquinone cream in reducing hyperpigmentation. It is most effective in the treatment of melasma and not particularly effective in bleaching freckles or age spots.
It is most effective in the treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne outbreaks that have left red or brown marks. It is recommended to use as a serum in combination with other elixir products for pigmentation and can be used locally.
Effective in Combination with Other Active Ingredients
Acticlear Gel is more effective in combination with other active ingredients such as retinoids, AHA acids, BHA acids, niacinamide, and Vitamin-C.
Acticlear Gel for Men
The product is very well-suited and tolerated by men who have a thicker and coarser skin type. It is often recommended in combination with Niactil 4%.
Common but temporary side effects
Common but temporary side effects include redness, mild flaking, and peeling due to excessive dryness. This can be adjusted by using it in combination with Hydractil Lite Cream or Hydractil Rich Cream. Mild itching, tingling, or stinging may also occur in some people (around 5-10%).
These effects usually subside with repeated use and by reducing the application to once a day instead of twice a day. It is often recommended for those who are sensitive to alternate with Niactil 4% in the beginning.