Skinoren cream is a topical cream applied directly to acne-prone skin (face, back, or chest) or to the face with visible signs of ageing to help improve its appearance. It contains the active ingredient azelaic acid and is usually prescribed for mild to moderate cases of acne or cosmetic skin ageing. In some acne cases, it may also be prescribed with an antibiotic tablet.

Azelaic acid cream can also be used “off label” to treat acne scars, rosacea, and dark spots.

Skinoren cream contains 20% azelaic acid, which works to fight acne in 2 main ways:

1. Reduces the growth of keratin cells, the outermost skin cells, which can become blocked and form whiteheads and blackheads.
2. Attacks acne-causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, which can irritate the sebaceous glands, leading to inflammation and pus

How does Skinoren cream work for ageing?

Rather than directly addressing deep wrinkles, Skinoren cream works for anti-ageing by:

1. Inhibiting tyrosinase – Tyrosinase is an important enzyme for melanin production, the skin’s natural pigment. By inhibiting tyrosinase, azelaic acid lightens dark spots, sunspots, and melasma, a skin condition that causes brown or grey spots to appear on the face, resulting in a more even skin tone.
2. Boosting skin cell turnover – By increasing the shedding of dead skin cells and accelerating skin cell turnover, which improves skin texture, reduces dullness, and makes your skin appear smoother and brighter.
3. Reduces inflammation – Azelaic acid has powerful antioxidant benefits, which prevent free radicals caused by sun exposure and pollution, and protect your skin from inflammation, redness, and oxidative stress.

How long does Skinoren cream take to work?

Skinoren azelaic acid cream starts working quickly, with many people noticing improvements in their skin within 4 weeks, depending on how severe their acne is at the start of treatment, and 4 to 8 weeks for anti-ageing. One study found that 64% of people using 20% azelaic acid cream for 16 weeks reported good to excellent improvement in their skin.

It can take 3 to 6 months of consistent daily use to notice the full effects of Skinoren cream for anti-ageing. A study looking at the effectiveness of 20% azelaic cream, followed by 30% phytic acid and 40% L-ascorbic acid for 8 weeks, found that 100% of participants were satisfied with the results and most reported improvements in their skin’s hydration, firmness, elasticity, and a reduction in redness and wrinkles.

Skinoren cream is applied directly to the affected area. You should apply the cream exactly as your doctor has told you to. Most people will need to apply it twice a day for several months. Though it can be used longer than a year if working well, there are limited studies where Skinoren was used for more than a year.

To apply Skinoren cream for acne or to apply Skinoren cream for anti-ageing, you need to:

1. Wash the whole area you are going to treat with plain water or a mild cleanser if your skin is greasy. Dry the skin thoroughly.
2. Apply the cream to the affected area. 0.5g is enough to cover your whole face, so adjust the amount according to the area affected.
3. Rub the cream into your skin gently.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after use.

If your skin is very sensitive, you may only need to apply the cream once a day, in the evening, for the first week. After that, increase to twice a day.

Skinoren cream is a prescription-only acne treatment, which means you need a doctor’s approval to get it. Once approved, you can buy Skinoren from trusted online doctor services, or it may be available on the NHS. You will also need a prescription from a doctor if you want to buy Skinoren cream for cosmetic ageing reasons.

Can I buy Skinoren Cream online?

Yes, you can request Skinoren cream for acne and anti-ageing from Superdrug Online Doctor by:

1. Filling out a short online health questionnaire and uploading 2 photos for our doctors to review.
2. Select your preferred treatment and make a payment.
3. Once approved, we will send Skinoren to your preferred address, or you can choose to collect it from your local Superdrug Pharmacy.

Ordering acne treatment or anti-ageing formulas from us is fast and convenient. We’ll dispatch your medication in discreet packaging, and in some cases, you may be able to collect it the same day.

Can I buy Skinoren cream over the counter?

No, Skinoren cream requires a prescription from a doctor. There are many over-the-counter products available if you have mild acne or mild signs of ageing. If you’re not sure which acne treatment you need, you can ask one of our doctors to recommend one for you.

Can I get Skinoren cream on the NHS?

Yes, Skinoren cream may be available on the NHS for acne, but you will need to make an appointment with a doctor to find out if it is suitable for you and available in your area. It is not available on the NHS for anti-ageing purposes because it is considered a cosmetic use. So, you will need a private prescription to get Skinoren cream for anti-ageing.

Like all medications, Skinoren cream side effects are possible, but not everyone will get them.

Very common side effects, affecting more than 1 in 10 people, include:

• burning
• itching
• abnormal redness of the skin at the site of application (erythema)

Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, are:

• scaly skin
• pain
• dryness
• skin discolouration or irritation

Uncommon side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 people, include:

• greasy skin
• acne or loss of skin colour
• tingling
• dermatitis
• discomfort or swelling where the cream was applied

Rare side effects, affecting up to 1 in 1000 people, include:

• cracking of the lips
• small blisters called vesicles
• eczema
• ulceration
• warmth at the application site
• allergic reaction
• rash at the site the cream was applied
• worsening of asthma symptoms

A full list of Skinoren cream side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with the treatment.

What to do if you get Skinoren cream side effects

If you get Skinoren cream side effects, most will be mild and temporary, and should improve as your skin gets used to the active ingredient.

If you get side effects like burning, itching, redness, or dryness, you can:

• reduce the amount of cream you use
• apply it once a day instead of twice
• temporarily stop using Skinoren until the effects pass
• use a gentle moisturiser

Allergic reactions are rare but can be serious. If you think you are having an allergic reaction to Skinoren cream, stop using it immediately and see a doctor or call 999 in an emergency. Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• swelling face, eyes, or skin
• rash
• urticaria
• asthma symptoms that get worse

Skinoren cream is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it if you are allergic to azelaic acid or any other ingredients listed in the medication. It is also not suitable for use in young children.

Tell your doctor before applying Skinoren cream if you have any other medical conditions, particularly asthma. In rare cases, some people with asthma have reported that their asthma symptoms have got worse after using azelaic acid.

You should also let your doctor know if you are taking any other prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications before using Skinoren cream.

Skinoren cream & pregnancy

There is little research into the effects of azelaic acid use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant, or are thinking about having a baby, speak to your doctor before using Skinoren cream.

It is important that babies do not come into contact with skin or breast tissue treated with Skinoren cream.

Skinoren cream isn’t the only acne or anti-ageing treatment available. There are creams, gels, and foams that contain different active ingredients to help treat the causes of acne or oral antibiotics that can help manage the bacteria that can cause spots. While there are several prescription anti-ageing creams and gels available if Skinoren cream is not right for you.

Topical acne treatments

Topical acne treatments are creams, gels, or solutions that are applied directly to the skin affected by acne. They can work in several ways, often by killing the bacteria on the skin that can cause spots or increasing skin cell turnover to limit inflammation and stop new spots from forming.

At Superdrug Online Doctor, we can provide:

• Acnecide 5% gel – a benzoyl peroxide gel that works by attacking the bacteria responsible for causing acne, which does not require a prescription
• Aknemycin Plus 4% – a prescription-only solution that’s applied to the skin and contains an antibiotic called erythromycin to kill acne-causing bacteria, and a retinoid, tretinoin, to unclog pores and promote skin cell turnover
• Clindamycin 1% + benzoyl peroxide 5% gel – a prescription topical acne treatment that contains clindamycin, an antibiotic, and benzoyl peroxide that's applied once daily to the affected area
• Differin cream – contains a retinoid called adapalene, which is applied just before bed and left overnight to increase the turnover of skin cells, reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of new spots – also available as Differin gel
• Epiduo Forte gel – a branded, prescription-only form of gel that contains 0.3% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to treat moderate to severe acne by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and increasing skin cell turnover
• Epiduo gel – a less concentrated version of Epiduo forte, which contains 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide
• Finacea gel – an azelaic acid-containing gel, similar to Skinoren cream, but in a milder 15% formulation, which works in the same way to treat acne
• Treclin gel – a topical gel used to treat acne on the face, which contains 1% clindamycin and 0.025% tretinoin
• Zineryt solution – an antibiotic solution that contains erythromycin to stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria and zinc to reduce skin inflammation and redness

Oral antibiotics

Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline and lymecycline, can be prescribed for moderate to severe acne, always in combination with topical treatments. It can take up to 6 weeks to notice improvements, and they can be prescribed for several months.

At Superdrug Online Doctor, our doctors may prescribe:

• Doxycycline + Skinoren 20% cream
• Doxycycline 100mg + Epiduo gel 0.1%
• Lymecycline 408mg + Skinoren 20% cream
• Lymecycline 408mg + Epiduo gel 0.1%
• Oxytetracycline 250mg + Epiduo gel 0.1%

If you’re not sure which acne treatment is right for you, you can ask one of our doctors to recommend an acne medication for you.

Topical anti-ageing treatments

There are many over-the-counter anti-ageing treatments available, but these provide a slower-acting approach and are gentler on your skin, resulting in fewer side effects. These can be useful for preventing ageing or managing mild signs. However, prescription-only topical treatments offer a more potent effect and contain active ingredients at higher concentrations for faster, more pronounced results.

At Superdrug Online Doctor, we can provide the following prescription anti-ageing treatments following a short online consultation with one of our doctors:

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a type of retinoid that is available in a cream or a gel and in various strengths ranging from 0.025% to 0.1%, depending on the severity of your symptoms. It’s usually the first-line treatment used for anti-ageing and works by increasing skin cell turnover, boosting collagen production, and suppressing the production of the skin’s natural pigment to help fade dark spots.

Research has shown that tretinoin 0.05% cream can reduce sun-induced skin lesions by 60%. It is best applied once daily at night before bed to avoid sun exposure.

Aklief cream

Aklief cream contains a retinoid called trifarotene, which works by speeding up skin cell turnover, boosting collagen, and smoothing the skin’s texture to help improve the visible signs of ageing. The cream is available in a 50mcg/g strength and is applied once daily in the evening to avoid sun exposure.

Differin cream

Differin cream contains the active ingredient adapalene, which is a type of retinoid. It is applied directly to the face to increase skin cell turnover, enhance collagen production, and reduce inflammation. It is applied once daily in the evening, when you are least likely to be exposed to the sun.

Research has shown that Differin cream can reduce visible signs of ageing, such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging, spots, and a loss of elasticity, known collectively as a skin ageing score, by 5.7 points after 6 months of daily treatment.

Finacea gel

Finacea gel contains the same active ingredient as Skinoren, azelaic acid, in a lower concentration of 15% and is available as a gel rather than a cream. It works in the same way as Skinoren, but may be more suitable if you have sensitive or reactive skin. It is also suitable for use while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Does Skinoren remove dark spots?

Yes, Skinoren cream can help remove dark spots. It works by blocking the production of melanin, the natural pigment in the skin, to lighten dark spots, reduce inflammation, and promote skin cell turnover. This would be an “off label” use for this product.

Does Skinoren help rosacea?

Yes, Skinoren is an effective rosacea treatment. It works by reducing redness, inflammation, visible blood vessel appearance, and bumps by lowering inflammation, regulating skin cell growth, and killing bacteria on the skin. It is usually prescribed for mild to moderate rosacea and should be used long-term for the best results. This is an “off label” use for Skinoren.

What should I avoid when using Skinoren?

When using Skinoren, make sure you avoid it coming into contact with your eyes, mouth, or any other mucous membranes. You should also avoid using it with other irritating topical acne treatments and be mindful of using skincare products that contain alcohol. Ideally, Skinoren cream is applied twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Avoid applying it before washing, showering, or swimming, as this may reduce its effectiveness.

Can Skinoren cream help with acne scars?

Yes, Skinoren cream can help with acne scars. It works by promoting skin cell turnover, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting melanin production to help fade skin discolouration and smooth the skin over time. To be effective, it needs to be applied consistently and is usually best for mild scarring. Again, using Skinoren in this way would be considered “off label” but it’s safe to do so if prescribed by your doctor.