What Happens When You Stop Using Azelaic Acid?

Stopping azelaic acid does not usually cause withdrawal or permanently damage your skin. However, if you were using it to control acne or prevent new breakouts, the benefits can gradually disappear after you stop.

Azelaic acid helps keep pores clear, reduce inflammation and treat acne; it can also help fade the dark marks that acne leaves behind.

Will my acne come back?

It can. Azelaic acid controls acne rather than permanently curing the tendency to develop it. If your underlying acne triggers are still present, breakouts may gradually return after you discontinue treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that acne can return without an appropriate maintenance treatment.

This doesn’t mean you have to use azelaic acid forever. Your dermatologist can help determine whether you need ongoing treatment, a different maintenance routine, or another approach altogether.

What about dark spots?

Azelaic acid can help improve post-acne dark marks while you’re using it. Once you stop, previously improved pigmentation doesn’t necessarily suddenly return, but new breakouts can create new inflammation and therefore new dark marks. This is one reason controlling acne itself is important.

If you’re using Anua 10% Azelaic Acid

If Anua Azelaic Acid 10% + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum has been working well for your skin, there’s generally no reason to stop simply because your skin has improved—unless you’re experiencing irritation or a healthcare professional has advised you to change your routine.

StyleUp Beauty & Skincare stocks the Anua serum for shoppers looking to address concerns such as blemishes, redness and post-acne marks.

The key takeaway: stopping azelaic acid doesn’t make your skin “dependent” on it. You may simply lose some of the benefits it was providing, particularly if you’re prone to recurring acne