Azelaic Acid Serum for Blemishes, Pigment Spots and Uneven Skin Tone

Dermaceutic Dual+ is a concentrated anti-blemish serum formulated to address emerging breakouts, post-blemish marks, uneven skin tone and visible pigment spots.

Its dual-action formula combines azelaic acid with potassium azeloyl diglycinate, a complementary azelaic acid derivative, to help reduce the appearance of imperfections, excess oil and uneven pigmentation. Alpha-arbutin and hexylresorcinol provide additional brightening benefits to support a clearer, more even-looking complexion.

Dual+ also helps refine uneven skin texture and visibly mattify combination, oily and blemish-prone skin. The fragrance-free, silicone-free and non-comedogenic formula is designed for targeted corrective use under the guidance of a skincare professional.

Benefits

• Helps visibly reduce emerging blemishes and imperfections
  
• Improves the appearance of post-blemish marks and pigment spots
• Helps brighten and harmonize uneven skin tone
• Supports a clearer, more refined-looking complexion
  
• Helps regulate the appearance of excess oil and shine
  
• Instantly mattifies the skin
  
• Smooths and refines uneven-looking skin texture
  
• Helps reduce the appearance of blemish-related redness
  
• Supports the appearance of less visible pores
  
• Combines two complementary forms of azelaic acid
  
• Non-comedogenic
  
• Fragrance-free
  
• Silicone-free
• Vegan

Best For

Dermaceutic Dual+ is especially suitable for skin experiencing:

• Emerging breakouts and recurring blemishes
  
• Acne-prone skin
  
• Post-blemish marks
  
• Brown spots left behind after breakouts
  
• Uneven pigmentation
  
• Dull or uneven skin tone
  
• Excess oil and visible shine
  
• Enlarged or congested-looking pores
  
• Uneven or rough skin texture
  
• Combination and oily skin

How It Works

Dual+ combines two complementary forms of azelaic acid with targeted brightening ingredients to address blemishes and uneven pigmentation within one formula.

• Azelaic acid helps normalize the skin’s keratinization process, which can reduce the buildup associated with congested pores. It also helps limit the factors that contribute to blemishes while improving the appearance of redness, post-blemish marks and uneven skin tone.
• Potassium azeloyl diglycinate is a water-soluble azelaic acid derivative that helps regulate the appearance of excess sebum, support hydration and reduce uneven-looking pigmentation.
• Alpha-arbutin and hexylresorcinol target the processes involved in melanin production. Together, they help reduce the appearance of pigment spots and promote a brighter, more uniform-looking complexion.

This combination makes Dual+ particularly beneficial for clients experiencing both active imperfections and the persistent marks they may leave behind.

Clinical Results

In an in vivo study evaluating Dual+ in combination with Hyal Ceutic over 28 days:

• 90% agreed that blemishes appeared corrected and skin texture looked smoother
  
• 85% agreed that their skin appeared more mattified and clearer
  
• 80% agreed that pores appeared tighter and less visible
  
• 80% agreed that skin redness appeared visibly reduced
  
• 80% agreed that excess sebum appeared diminished and skin looked healthier

In a separate in vivo study evaluating Dual+ in combination with Regen Ceutic over 28 days:

• 71% agreed that their complexion appeared more even

Both studies were conducted by an independent European research organization on 20 participants. Individual results may vary.

How to Use

1. Apply in the evening to clean, dry skin.
2. Distribute a small amount over the full face or concentrate the serum on areas experiencing blemishes, uneven pigmentation or post-blemish marks.
3. Begin with one application every other evening. Gradually increase to once daily and, when recommended by a skincare professional and well tolerated, up to twice daily.
4. Follow with a hydrating, barrier-supporting moisturizer.
5. A temporary tingling sensation, redness or mild flaking may occur as the skin adjusts. Reduce the frequency of application if discomfort develops.

• Do not apply to irritated, sensitized or broken skin.
• Avoid direct contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
• Do not use in the same routine as retinol or exfoliating acids such as AHAs.
• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning and limit direct sun exposure.

Dual+ is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Loshen & Crem’s Recommendation

Dermaceutic Dual+ is an excellent option for clients experiencing the frustrating combination of recurring blemishes and the brown or red marks that remain after a breakout.

Because this is a concentrated corrective serum, we recommend introducing it slowly rather than beginning with daily application. Apply it every other evening and increase the frequency only when the skin remains comfortable.

Follow with a simple, barrier-supporting moisturizer such as Dermaceutic Hyal Ceutic. Avoid introducing additional exfoliating acids, scrubs or retinol at the same time, as using too many stimulating ingredients can increase sensitivity without improving results.

Dual+ may be applied across the entire face when blemishes and uneven pigmentation are widespread, or used more selectively on areas of concern.

Consistent daily sunscreen is essential. UV exposure can intensify post-blemish pigmentation and make existing marks more persistent.

Ingredients

• Azelaic Acid: A versatile active ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, redness and uneven pigmentation. It also supports normal skin keratinization, helping minimize the buildup associated with congested pores.
• Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate: A water-soluble derivative of azelaic acid that helps reduce the appearance of excess sebum, support skin hydration and promote a more even-looking complexion.
• Alpha-Arbutin: A targeted brightening ingredient that helps reduce tyrosinase activity, an important step in melanin production. It supports the gradual improvement of visible pigment spots and post-blemish marks.
• Hexylresorcinol: A brightening active that works at different stages of the pigmentation process to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. It may also complement the activity of the formula’s other ingredients.

Full Ingredient List

Water (Aqua), Azelaic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Alpha-Arbutin, Hexylresorcinol, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate.

Ingredient lists may be updated by the manufacturer. Refer to the product packaging for the most current ingredient information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dermaceutic Dual+ used for?

Dual+ is a concentrated serum designed to improve the appearance of blemishes, post-blemish marks, pigment spots, uneven skin tone, excess oil and uneven skin texture.

Does Dual+ help with both breakouts and dark spots?

Yes. Dual+ combines azelaic acid ingredients that target blemish-prone skin with alpha-arbutin and hexylresorcinol, which help improve the appearance of pigment spots and post-blemish marks.

Is Dual+ suitable for acne-prone skin?

Yes. It is specifically formulated for acne-prone and blemish-prone skin. Its non-comedogenic formula is designed to help improve imperfections without contributing to clogged pores.

Can Dual+ help with post-acne marks?

Dual+ can help reduce the appearance of brown marks and uneven pigmentation that remain after a blemish. Red or textural acne scars may require a different skincare or professional treatment approach.

Can I apply Dual+ to my entire face?

Yes. Dual+ may be applied to the full face when blemishes or uneven pigmentation are widespread. It may also be applied selectively to specific areas of concern.

How often should I use Dual+?

Begin with one application every other evening. Gradually increase to once daily according to skin tolerance. Use up to twice daily only when recommended by a skincare professional and when the skin remains comfortable.

Is tingling normal when using Dual+?

A temporary tingling sensation, mild redness or slight flaking may occur, particularly when the product is first introduced. Reduce the frequency if discomfort develops and discontinue use if irritation persists.

Can I use Dual+ with retinol?

Do not apply Dual+ in the same routine as retinol. Alternating the products on different evenings may be appropriate when recommended by a skincare professional.

Can I use Dual+ with glycolic acid or other exfoliating acids?

Dermaceutic recommends not combining Dual+ with AHA-based products in the same routine. Using several stimulating ingredients together may increase dryness, redness or irritation.

What moisturizer should I use with Dual+?

A gentle, barrier-supporting moisturizer is recommended. Dermaceutic Hyal Ceutic was used alongside Dual+ in one of the brand’s clinical studies and can help maintain hydration and comfort.

Do I need sunscreen while using Dual+?

Yes. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning. Daily sun protection helps prevent existing pigment spots and post-blemish marks from becoming darker or more persistent.

Is Dual+ suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No. Dermaceutic does not recommend Dual+ during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Is Dual+ suitable for teenagers?

Dermaceutic generally recommends Dual+ from age 18. For younger acne-prone skin, it should only be introduced following an assessment by a qualified skincare or healthcare professional.

Is Dual+ fragrance-free?

Yes. Dual+ is fragrance-free, silicone-free, vegan and non-comedogenic.