Key takeaways
Azelaic acid (Finacea, Azelex) and minocycline (Minocin) are both used to treat acne, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of acne. Azelaic acid is a topical treatment that you apply directly to your skin, and it also treats rosacea. It works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria and reducing inflammation. You need to use it twice daily, and it may take several weeks to see improvement. Minocycline, on the other hand, is an oral antibiotic that treats moderate-to-severe acne and various bacterial infections. It works by preventing bacteria from making proteins, which stops them from multiplying. Minocycline can make you more sensitive to the sun and can cause dizziness, while azelaic acid can cause skin irritation and dryness. Additionally, minocycline is available as a lower-cost capsule or tablet, whereas azelaic acid can be more expensive and comes in different forms like gel, foam, and cream.
