Skinoren 20% Cream

Skinoren is a topical cream that contains the active ingredient azelaic acid. It’s used to treat acne and works by reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

Skinoren is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a doctor’s approval to get it. It’s prescribed for different types of acne (usually mild to moderate forms) and can be applied up to twice a day, depending on your doctor’s instructions.

Skinoren cream contains azelaic acid, which works in 3 ways to manage acne:

1. Antibacterial action – Azelaic acid works to kill the bacteria largely responsible for causing acne, called Propionibacterium acnes.

2. Regulates keratin production – By reducing the production of keratin, a structural protein found in hair, skin, and nails, azelaic acid stops:

• pores becoming blocked
• the formation of blackheads and whiteheads
• the formation of blackheads and whiteheads

3. Anti-inflammatory properties – Azelaic acid reduces skin inflammation associated with acne, making your skin less red and swollen.

How long does Skinoren take to work?

If used regularly, most people start to see an improvement in their skin within 4 to 8 weeks.

How effective is Skinoren?

In several clinical trials, azelaic acid has been shown to be an effective acne treatment. One study found that the use of 15% azelaic acid foam improved the appearance of skin in 84% of participants, and 63% reported clear skin after 16 weeks of treatment.

Another study, comparing the effectiveness of azelaic acid vs pyruvic acid for acne, found that the average overall global improvement was around 40% with azelaic acid. An earlier study found that over 65 days, azelaic acid reduced acne lesions by 65% compared to 21% with a placebo.

Skinoren 20% cream is only for use by adults and adolescents over the age of 12 years. To apply Skinoren cream, you should:

1. Thoroughly wash the area you are going to treat, such as your face, with plain water. If your skin is greasy, you can use a mild skin cleanser.
2. Dry the area thoroughly.
3. Rub the cream gently on the whole area requiring treatment.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying Skinoren 20% cream with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.

When to apply Skinoren

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should apply Skinoren twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

If your skin is sensitive, your doctor may recommend applying Skinoren cream once a day, in the evening, during the first week of treatment. From the second week, you’ll usually start applying it twice a day.

How much Skinoren to apply

The amount of Skinoren 20% cream you’ll need to apply will depend on the size of the area needing treatment.

As a guide, if your whole face is affected, use 2.5cm or 0.5g of cream each time you apply Skinoren. If you have acne on your chest and back, as well as your face, increase the amount of cream you need to apply accordingly. You only need to apply a thin layer.

How long do you need to use Skinoren?

How long you will need to apply Skinoren cream will vary from person to person. Most people will see an improvement in their skin after around 4 weeks of use. To get the best results, you’ll need to regularly use Skinoren for several months, but you must not use it for more than 12 months at a time.

Like all medications, Skinoren can cause side effects. The following side effects have been reported during clinical trials and by users of Skinoren 20% cream.

As Skinoren is applied topically, most side effects will affect the skin where it’s applied. Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) at the area of application include:

• burning
• itching
• redness

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) at the area of application include:

• scaling
• pain
• dryness
• skin discolouration
• irritation

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:

• greasy skin
• acne or loss of skin colour
• tingling
• dermatitis
• discomfort or swelling at the application site

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people) include:

• cracking of the lips
• small blisters called vesicles
• eczema
• ulceration
• warmth, rash, or allergic reaction at the site of application

How long do Skinoren side effects last?

Mild skin irritation is common at the start of Skinoren treatment, but it often fades within a week.

What to do if you get Skinoren side effects

If you think you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Skinoren 20% cream, stop using it and seek urgent medical attention.

If you experience irritation which is persistent or severe, you can:

• reduce the amount of cream you apply
• apply the cream less frequently, such as once instead of twice a day
• temporarily stop applying the cream until the effects have passed

If you are finding the side effects particularly challenging to deal with, speak to your doctor for advice. They may recommend an alternative acne treatment.

Skinoren cream may not be suitable for everyone. Do not use Skinoren if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication, including azelaic acid.

On rare occasions, people with asthma have reported that their asthma symptoms have got worse when using Skinoren cream. If you have asthma, speak to your doctor before using any product containing azelaic acid, including Skinoren cream.

If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor before using Skinoren cream.

Skinoren and other medications

You should let your doctor know before using Skinoren if you are or intend to take any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.

Skinoren 20% cream is a prescription-only topical medication for acne, which means you will need a doctor’s approval before obtaining it. You can buy Skinoren cream online from reputable, regulated online doctor services and in most UK pharmacies with a valid prescription. It may also be available on the NHS.

Can I buy Skinoren online?

Yes, Skinoren cream is available from Asda Online Doctor for the treatment of acne.

To request Skinoren, you will need to:

1. Complete a short online health assessment for one of our doctors to review.
2. Place your order.
3. If approved, your order will be dispatched and sent to your home address in discreet packaging, or you can choose to collect it from your local Asda Pharmacy 4 hours after a doctor’s approval.
4. If your order isn’t approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with alternative treatment options.

Can I buy Skinoren over the counter?

No, Skinoren cream is a prescription-only medication, so it cannot be bought over the counter. There are several over-the-counter acne treatments available, particularly for mild acne, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

Can I get Skinoren on the NHS?

Yes, Skinoren cream may be available on the NHS, but you will need to make an appointment with your doctor, so they can assess whether azelaic acid is safe and suitable for you to use to treat acne.

Skinoren cream isn’t the only acne treatment available. If Skinoren isn’t suitable for you, Asda Online Doctor has several other alternative acne treatments available that may be better suited to your needs.

Skinoren and Finacea are both topical treatments that contain the active ingredient azelaic acid. However, Skinoren is a stronger formulation containing 20% azelaic acid compared to Finacea, which contains 15% azelaic acid.

Because Skinoren is stronger, it’s more suitable for cystic, hormonal, and mild acne as well as acne scars, dark spots and rosacea. On the other hand, the lower strength Finacea gel is more suitable for milder acne and rosacea cases.

Skinoren vs Differin

Skinoren cream contains azelaic acid, an organic compound that kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces keratin production to prevent acne blemishes.

Differin contains adapalene, a topical retinoid that increases skin cell turnover, meaning it can help to unclog pores and prevent acne outbreaks.

Clinical trials show that azelaic acid and adapalene are equally effective at treating acne, but azelaic acid 15% gel caused less skin dryness and scaling. For this reason, azelaic acid may be more suitable for you if you have sensitive skin.

Skinoren vs Epiduo

Skinoren and Epiduo are topical acne treatments, but they contain different active ingredients and work in different ways:

Skinoren contains azelaic acid, which works by reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation. It’s considered gentler on your skin and a better option for people who have mild to moderate acne or sensitive skin.

Epiduo, on the other hand, has 2 active ingredients: adapalene (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide. They target blocked pores, acne-causing bacteria, and inflammation, making Epiduo a good choice for more severe acne. However, it can cause side effects, like irritation.