Okay, so my skin’s been a mess lately. I’ve got this olive tone that looks great when it’s clear, but it loves to hold onto dark spots. Post-acne marks, sunspots, you name it. Every pimple leaves a souvenir, and summer sun doesn’t help.
I’ve tried glycolic acid, vitamin C, even some derm-prescribed creams, but they either irritated my skin or took forever to work.
Then I stumbled across Sesderma’s Azelac RU Liposomal Serum. It’s got azelaic acid, retinol, and a bunch of brightening stuff, and people were raving about it fading spots fast.
I was like, “sure, why not?” Here’s what happened after a month of using it.
Table of Contents
What It Does
Azelac RU is a lightweight facial serum meant to brighten your skin and tackle dark spots. Think post-acne marks, melasma, or those freckles that pop up after too much sun. It’s packed with liposome-encapsulated actives, which is a fancy way of saying the ingredients sink deep into your skin for better results.
Sesderma says it’s good for all skin types—dry, oily, or combo—and you can use it year-round, even in summer. Just slap on sunscreen after.
The serum’s versatile. You can use it alone or pair it with stuff like chemical peels or laser treatments if you’re going hard on pigmentation. It’s supposed to even out your skin tone, reduce blemishes, and fight signs of photo-damage (aka sun damage).
I liked that it’s not just for one issue—it targets acne, spots, and even fine lines.
My main goal was fading those stubborn marks from old breakouts, but I was curious if it’d help with my occasional pimples, too.
It comes in a 1.0 fl. oz bottle with a dropper. Small, but a little goes a long way. The box calls it a “liposomal serum,” though I noticed some sites say “brightening serum” now. Same stuff, just a branding update.
I was ready to see if it lived up to the hype.
Key Ingredients
This serum’s got a lot going on. Here’s the main players, broken down simple:
- Azelaic acid: Calms redness, fights acne, and lightens dark spots by slowing melanin production. Perfect for my overactive pigment.
- 4-Butylresorcinol: A strong brightener that stops tyrosinase, the enzyme behind dark spots. It’s great for melasma and PIH.
- Tranexamic acid: Another pigment-fighter, especially for UV-induced spots. It’s a derm favorite for brightening.
- Retinol: Speeds up cell turnover, smooths texture, and helps fade spots. Also tackles fine lines, which I’m starting to notice.
- Vitamin C (3-O-ethyl ascorbic): Brightens, protects against free radicals, and evens tone. Not as intense as pure vitamin C, but still solid.
- Morus alba extract = white mulberry extract: Packed with antioxidants to calm skin and boost radiance.
The full ingredient list is long—water, lecithin, glycerin, and some stabilizers like xanthan gum. There’s a bit of fragrance, which I wasn’t thrilled about, but it’s faint. I checked the bottle against Sesderma’s site, and it matched, so no sneaky formula changes. The liposomes are the cool part—they help the actives penetrate deeper, which is why this feels more potent than other serums I’ve tried.
How I Used It
The instructions are straightforward. Cleanse your face, tone if you’re fancy, then apply a few drops of Azelac RU. Massage it into your face, neck, and even chest if you want. Use it morning or night, but always follow with sunscreen in the AM. I stuck to nights only, since retinol can make skin sun-sensitive.
I started with a clean face, using a gentle cleanser. No exfoliants or other actives at first—didn’t want to piss off my skin. I used the dropper to get three drops, which was enough for my face and neck. The serum’s thin and clear, with a slight tacky feel that absorbs fast. No greasiness, which my oily T-zone appreciated. After, I’d layer a lightweight moisturizer. In the morning, I’d rinse my face and pile on SPF 50.
I used it every night for the first week, then dropped to every other night because my skin felt a bit tight. I avoided vitamin C or acids on the same night to keep irritation low.
One tip: shake the bottle before using. The formula can separate a bit, and you want it mixed. Also, don’t overdo the drops—more isn’t better and just wastes product.
My routine was simple otherwise. Cleanser, Azelac RU, moisturizer at night. Morning was cleanser, a hydrating serum, and sunscreen.
I kept it consistent, which was key. I’d forget sometimes, but a sticky note on my mirror helped.
Results and Vibes
So, how’d it go? I’ve been using Azelac RU for five weeks now, and I’m pretty happy, though it’s not a magic wand.
My skin’s olive and prone to PIH—every pimple leaves a dark mark for months. I also get mild breakouts, especially around my chin.
After a week, I noticed my skin looked brighter. Not like, glowy Instagram filter bright, but less dull. My post-acne marks on my cheeks were starting to fade, maybe 20% lighter.
By week four, those marks were down to faint shadows, and a stubborn spot on my jawline was barely there. I’d say my overall skin tone’s more even, especially around my forehead where sunspots used to bug me.
Acne-wise, it’s been a win. I haven’t had a major breakout since starting, and smaller pimples heal faster without leaving dark marks. The azelaic acid’s doing its job. My texture’s smoother, too, thanks to retinol. I’ve got a couple fine lines near my eyes, and they’re less obvious now, though not gone.
It’s not perfect. My oldest PIH, like a year-old mark on my temple, is still there, just lighter. I hoped for more dramatic fading, but five weeks is short for deep pigmentation. Also, the serum can dry you out. My cheeks felt tight early on, so I upped my moisturizer game. If your skin’s super sensitive, ease in slow.
Here’s what I dig:
- Fades spots fast: My newer marks are way lighter, and old ones are improving.
- Acne control: No big breakouts, and pimples don’t scar.
- Smooths skin: My texture’s better, and fine lines are softer.
- Lightweight: Absorbs quick, no oily residue.
And what’s meh:
- Slow on old spots: Deep PIH needs more time.
- Drying: You gotta moisturize or it’ll feel tight.
- Fragrance: It’s mild, but I’d rather none.
- Pricey: At $40–50, it’s not cheap for 1 oz.
I’m sticking with it. The progress is real, and I’m curious what three months will do.
It’s not a cure-all, but it’s one of the best I’ve tried for my skin type.
FAQ
How soon do you see results?
A week for brighter skin, 3–4 weeks for fading spots. Old marks take longer, like 2–3 months.
Does it irritate?
It can, thanks to retinol and azelaic acid. Start every other night and moisturize. If it stings, cut back.
Can I use it with vitamin C?
Not at the same time—retinol and vitamin C can clash. Use vitamin C in the morning, Azelac RU at night.
Is it good for acne?
Yep, it helps prevent breakouts and fades marks. Pair with a gentle cleanser for best results.
Final Take
Sesderma’s Azelac RU is a solid pick if you’re fighting dark spots and acne. It’s faded my post-acne marks, kept breakouts at bay, and made my skin smoother.
It’s not gonna erase years-old pigmentation in a month, and you need to moisturize to avoid dryness, but the results are worth it. For my olive, acne-prone skin, it’s a keeper.
If you’re consistent and don’t mind the price, it’s a great addition to your routine. Just don’t skip the sunscreen.
