Authored on 24 January 2024 by Dr Ruch Karunadasa,
Medically reviewed 7 May 2026 by Mr Adeel Arshad.
Next review due: 7 May 2027
Skinoren cream
Prescription azelaic acid cream for acne and rosacea, after online clinical review.
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What is Skinoren cream?
Skinoren contains azelaic acid, a topical active ingredient that helps reduce inflammation and bacterial activity in acne-prone skin and can improve rosacea symptoms in suitable patients.
Skinoren is usually applied morning and evening. Most patients begin to notice visible improvement after a few weeks, with better outcomes from consistent use as advised by a prescriber.
Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin on affected areas such as the face, chest, or back. For sensitive skin, some patients start once daily before increasing frequency.
Frequently asked questions about Skinoren cream
How does Skinoren work?
Common bacteria on the skin feed on sebum produced by sebaceous glands. Their waste products can irritate skin and contribute to inflammation and spots. Skinoren disrupts this process, helping reduce inflammation and spot formation.
Skinoren also slows the growth of harder outer skin cells that can mix with sebum, block pores, and contribute to blackheads and whiteheads.
How much does Skinoren cost?
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What if I use too much Skinoren or miss a dose?
If you miss your Skinoren dose, apply it as soon as possible. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.
Overdosage with normal topical use is unlikely. If irritation or hypersensitivity occurs, wash the skin with warm soapy water and seek clinical advice if symptoms persist.
How long does it take Skinoren to work?
The time needed for Skinoren to work varies between patients. Many people notice improvement within the first four weeks of treatment.
Skinoren Cream should not usually be used continuously for more than 12 months without prescriber review.
Is it safe to buy Skinoren online?
Skinoren Cream is a prescription-only medicine and should only be supplied after an appropriate clinical assessment.
At PrivateDoc, GMC and GPhC registered clinicians review consultations. If suitable, prescriptions are dispensed by a regulated UK pharmacy service 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 affected skin twice daily (morning and night). As a general guide, 0.5g (approximately 2.5cm) is enough to treat the entire facial area.
For sensitive skin, some patients apply once daily in the evening for the first week before increasing to twice daily.
Before applying, wash the area with water (or a mild cleanser) and dry thoroughly.
Depending on severity, duration varies by patient. Many patients need several months for best results.
The cream should not usually be used for longer than 12 months continuously. For full instructions read the patient information leaflet.
What is Skinoren used for?
Skinoren Cream is used for acne vulgaris and some forms of rosacea.
It helps by reducing bacteria involved in acne development and slowing skin-cell overgrowth that can block pores and worsen comedones.
Who should not use Skinoren?
Skinoren should not be used by anyone with known or suspected allergy to azelaic acid or any excipients in the product.
Skinoren Cream is intended for adults and children over 12 years. Safety and efficacy are not established for children under 12.
Limited targeted study data exist for people over 65 and those with renal or hepatic impairment, so use should be based on a careful risk-benefit assessment.
For full prescribing details, see the summary of product characteristics.
Can I use Skinoren if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequately controlled studies of topical azelaic acid in pregnancy. Prescribers should assess suitability carefully during pregnancy.
It is not known whether azelaic acid passes into breast milk in clinically relevant amounts. Caution is advised, and infants should not come into contact with treated skin.
What are the side effects of Skinoren?
Like all medication, Skinoren Cream can cause side effects in some patients.
Very common: local skin reactions (burning, itching, redness).
Common: dryness, scaling, local pain, skin discolouration, irritation.
Uncommon: loss of skin colour, acne worsening, tingling, dermatitis, discomfort.
Rare: vesicles, ulcers, eczema, allergic reactions.
Report side effects to your prescriber so treatment can be reviewed if needed. For full details, read the patient information leaflet.
What is the active ingredient in Skinoren?
The active ingredient in Skinoren cream is azelaic acid. Each gram contains 200mg azelaic acid (20% w/w).
For a full list of other ingredients (excipients), see the patient information leaflet.
Clinical authorship and medical review
The expert team leading our online clinics
PrivateDoc is happy to introduce you to some of our leading UK licensed clinicians.
Dr Ruchira Karunadasa
MB BS - GP Chief Medical Director GMC Number: 6054459
Adeel Arshad
MPharm, PIP - Pharmacist Lead Clinician GPhC Number: 2070294
