Skip to main content
Adeel Arshad
Authored on 24 Jan 2024 by Adeel Arshad,Medically reviewed 24 Jan 2024 by Dr Ruch Karunadasa.Next review due: 24 Jan 2025

Skinoren Cream

Prescription medication

Skinoren Cream is used for acne vulgaris and some forms of rosacea.

Medication effect duration

Like any other prescription medication you must consult a doctor before using it. PrivateDoc offers a confidential free consultation service that may result in you receiving a prescription for Skinoren if it is deemed appropriate and Skinoren can be prescribed safely.

Free online digital health consultation

Complete a 100% free and secure consultation to explore your treatment options. How our online prescription consultation works.

Packs and prices

Skinoren Cream medication

Skinoren costs from £30.00. Prescription included.

Prescription included

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read the full pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance.

The expert team leading our online clinics

PrivateDoc is happy to introduce you to some of our leading UK licensed clinicians.

Dr Ruchira Karunadasa

Dr Ruchira Karunadasa

Chief Medical Director
Dara O'Malley

Dara O'Malley

Director of Pharmacy
Caroline Marshall

Caroline Marshall

Head of Operations

Ready for your online visit?