In vitro, azelaic acid acted as a scavenger of oxy radicals and inhibits a variety of oxidoreductive enzymes including 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. Azelaic acid (0.1 to 3.0 mmol/l) has been shown to produce a competitive concentration dependent inhibition of 5-alpha reductase activity in homogenates of human foreskin. Azelaic acid is being studied for potential antimycotic and antiviral properties. The multiple actions of azelaic acid cause a normalization of keratinization and a decrease in the free fatty acid content of skin surface lipids.beaner said:I hate to break it to you, but there's really no evidence it works for hair loss at all....but I'm sure it won't hurt your temples a bit.
