What is Skinoren?
Skinoren Is a cream that contains 20% azelaic acid which helps to treat mild to moderate acne.
What is Skinoren used for?
Skinoren is used to treat mild or moderate acne. It can be used on your face, back or chest. Skinoren can be used on its own or is sometimes used in combination with an oral antibiotic.
For more information on what causes acne and how you can take care of your skin, click here.
How does Skinoren work?
Skinoren contains an ingredient called azelaic acid which works in three ways to help clear acne. Azelaic acid is an antimicrobial ingredient which kills the bacteria that causes acne. It also reduces the production of keratin in the skin which can block pores, helping to prevent blackheads from forming. It also helps to reduce inflammation in the skin. Another benefit of Skinoren is that it can help reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark marks left on the skin when the acne heals).
How to use Skinoren?
Skinoren is usually applied twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. If you find that your skin is sensitive to Skinoren, you can start by using it once a day.
Every morning and evening, wash your hands and then gently wash and dry the areas where you have acne. Apply a thin layer of cream to those areas. Make sure you wash your hands after using the cream.
Do not use any other medicated skin care products at the same time as Skinoren, unless this is on the advice of a healthcare professional.
Skinoren dosage
The amount of Skinoren you use depends on the size of the affected area. For the face, you’ll need to use roughly 2.5cm of cream. If you’re using Skinoren on your chest and back, you’ll need to increase the amount of cream you need in order to apply a thin layer to those areas.
Is it effective?
If used regularly, you should see some improvement in your acne between 4 to 8 weeks. It can take some time for skin to improve so it’s important that you should use Skinoren consistently as prescribed.
What are the main side effects of Skinoren?
Skinoren can cause redness or dry skin over the area being treated. It can also cause a mild stinging or burning sensation when applied. If you find that your skin is becoming dry when using Skinoren, you can use an unfragranced, oil free moisturiser to help soothe your skin.
If you have sensitive skin, you can start using the treatment just once per day.
Please read the Patient Information Leaflet for more details on possible side effects.
What else should I know about Skinoren?
Skinoren is safe to use if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. If you’re breast-feeding, Skinoren should not be applied to the chest or breast to avoid contact with the baby.
What are alternative acne treatments?
If you don’t want to use Skinoren for your acne, there are other acne treatments that can help. There are several different types of prescription creams and gels available which can be either used alone or in combination with an alternative antibiotic tablet, depending on the severity of your acne. Combined contraceptive pills can also be helpful for some female acne-sufferers.
Click here to find out about the different prescription acne treatments we offer.
What are the non-drug alternatives to Skinoren?
If you don’t want to take Skinoren for acne, there are things you can do to improve your skin.
There is some evidence that having a balanced diet may help and make sure to drink plenty of water.
Avoid touching your face or picking or squeezing spots. This can cause infection, delay healing, and result in scarring.
Use a gentle, unfragranced cleanser with lukewarm water no more than twice a day. If your skin is dry, use an unfragranced, oil-free moisturiser. Avoid using oil-based make-up which can block pores, making your acne worse.
Click here for more advice on how you can take care of your skin.
