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Skinoren cream

What is Skinoren cream?

Skincare medication

Skinoren is a topical cream containing Azelaic Acid, which we use to treat both acne vulgaris & rosacea. It's a prescription medication and can be used on your face, back and chest.

Frequently asked questions about Skinoren cream

  • How does Skinoren work?

    Common bacteria, found on the skin, feed on the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands found in skin cells. The waste products of this feeding process can cause irritation to the skin causing inflammation and the appearance of spots. Skinoren disrupts this feeding process, reducing the likelihood of inflammation and the development of spots.

    In addition, Skinoren cream also slows the growth rate of the outmost harder skin cells. These cells and mix with sebum to block pores and cause blackheads and whiteheads to form.

  • How much does Skinoren cost?
  • What should I do if I apply / take too much or miss a dose?

    If you miss your dose of Skinoren then this should be applied as soon as possible. If your application is close to the time of your next dose, then you should continue as normal from your next dosage and leave the previous dose as 'missed'.

    Overdosage is highly unlikely with normal usage of Skinoren Cream. Signs of a hypersensitivity reaction should be treated by washing the skin with copious amount of warm soapy water. There have been no reported incidents of azelaic acid overdosage following topical administration of Skinoren Cream.

  • How long does it take Skinoren to work

    The time it would normally take Skinoren Cream to work can be different for each patient. Most patients should start to notice a difference within the first four week of using the treatment. You should not use Skinoren Cream continuously for more then 12 months.

  • Is it safe to buy Skinoren online

    Skinoren Cream is a prescription only medicine. This means that the medication can only be issued following the presentation of a valid NHS or Private prescription.

    At PrivateDoc we have a team of GMC and GPhC registered doctors and pharmacists, all with many years of experience in prescribing for skincare issues. Once a consultation is completed, this is reviewed by one of our prescribers.

    If deemed appropriate, a prescription is issued and sent securely to our GPhC registered pharmacy, where the treatment will be dispensed and shipped securely.

  • How do I use Skinoren cream?

    Skinoren Cream should be used in accordance with your prescriber's instructions.

    Normally the cream is applied to the affected skin twice daily (morning and night). As a general guide 0.5g (approx. 2.5cm) of cream is sufficient to treat the entire facial area. Patients with sensitive skin should apply the cream once daily in the evenings for the first week before increasing up to twice daily.

    Before applying the cream, the affected skin should be thoroughly washed with plain water and dried (a mild skin-cleansing agent can be used).

    Depending on the severity of the condition, the duration of treatment will vary from patient to patient. Results are normally apparent after 4 weeks of use, with most patients requiring several months of treatment to achieve the best results.

    The cream should not be used for longer than 12 months. For a copy of the patient information leaflet click here.

  • What conditions can Skinoren cream be used for?

    Skinoren Cream is used to treat common acne, otherwise known as acne vulgaris and some forms of rosacea. The cream works by attacking the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) which play a vital role in causing the conditions to develop.

    Additionally, Skinoren creams slows the growth rate of the outmost hard skin cells which can block pores and cause blackheads and whiteheads to form.

  • Who cannot use Skinoren cream?

    Skinoren should not be used by anyone with a known or suspected allergic reaction to Azelaic Acid or any of its known excipients.

    Skinoren Cream is intended to be used in adults and children over the age of 12. The efficacy in those under the age of 12 has not established and therefore the cream should be avoided in this patient group.

    No targeted studies have been performed in these over the age of 65, those with renal impairment or those with hepatic impairment. Use of Skinoren Cream and these patients should be with caution and only where the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

    For a full summary of the product characteristics, clicking here

  • Can I use Skinoren if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

    There are no adequately controlled studies on the effects of topical Azelaic Acid in pregnant females. Animal studies have shown the potential for developmental effects on the embryo but the concentration in these studies was much greater than the maximum daily dose in humans. Azelaic Acid should be prescribed with extreme caution to pregnant females.

    Infants should not come into contact with skin that has been treated with Azelaic Acid. Again, is it not known if Azelaic Acid passes into breast milk, but due to its relatively low absorption rate through the skin, the levels which could potentially reach the breastmilk would be too low to cause any harm. Caution should be taken if prescribing Skinoren Cream to a breastfeeding mother.

    Click here for the full product summary.

  • What are the side effects associated with Skinoren?

    Like all medication, Skinoren Cream can sometimes cause unwanted side effects to occur.

    Very Common - Localised skin reactions (burning, itching, redness) at the site of administration.

    Common - skin dryness, scaling, localised pain, skin discolouration and irritation at site of application.

    Uncommon - loss of skin colour, acne worsening, tingling, dermatitis, discomfort at the site of application.

    Rare - vesicles developing, ulcers, eczema, allergic reactions

    Side effects should be reported to your prescriber as they may recommend discontinuing treatment depending on the severity of the side effects.

    For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

  • What are the active ingredients in Skinoren?

    The active ingredient in Skinoren cream is Azelaic acid. Each gram of Skinoren cream contains 200mg of Azelaic Acid (20% w/w).

    For a full list of additional ingredients (excipients), click here for the patient information leaflet.

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