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Skinoren (Azelaic acid)

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Skinoren (Azelaic acid)

Skinoren 20% cream is a topical treatment use to treat mild acne and moderate acne. It contains the active ingredient azelaic acid. Skinoren cream works in two way:

1. It reduces the growth of the keratin skin cells that block pores; and
2. It acts against the bacteria on the skin that contribute to acne breakouts and spots.

Both actions combined make Skinoren cream an effective treatment for acne.

  • Treatment for acne
  • Unblocks pores and kills bacteria

Buy Skinoren Cream Online

Skinoren 20% cream is a topical prescription cream used to treat acne. It contains azelaic acid, which reduces the growth of the harder outer skin cells, such as keratin surface skin cells, which can block pores and cause blackheads and whiteheads.

This medicine should only be used to treat acne (acne vulgaris).

When to use Skinoren Cream

Skinoren 20% cream is used to treat acne only. Azelaic acid can improve mild to moderate acne by reducing the number of blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads.

Age Restrictions:

Azelaic acid is a suitable treatment for adults and children over 12. Please avoid using it on children under 12, as there's little research to prove whether the topical cream is safe.

How to Use Skinoren

Before using Skinoren 20% cream, thoroughly wash your facial area with a mild skin cleansing agent. Dry your face before you apply Skinoren cream.

Apply Skinoren cream to the areas affected by acne twice daily. You should cover the whole affected area, not just the individual spots.

If you have sensitive skin and this treatment irritates your skin initially, reduce the applications to once daily until the irritation passes, and then slowly increase back to twice daily applications.

When to Avoid Using It

There are some cases where you should avoid using Skinoren, including if you have broken or irritated skin, as the cream can cause discomfort. While azelaic acid can work with other acne treatments, please consult your doctor to avoid interactions.

While rare, people with asthma might notice their symptoms worsening when using the treatment. If this happens, please seek medical help.

Precautions

Read the ingredients carefully before using azelaic acid, which could cause allergic reactions. Skinoren is only for topical use and should never be ingested.

Ingredients

The main ingredient in Skinoren Cream is Azelaic acid, 20% w/w. Inactive ingredients include benzoic acid, glycerol, propylene glycol, purified water, cetearyl octanoate, isopropyl myristate, stearoyl macrogolglycerides, glycerol monostearate and cetostearyl alcohol (which may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis).

There are very few side effects associated with using Skinoren.

Most people experience a stinging sensation when applying the product initially, but this subsides with time, or by applying the cream more thinly on the skin.

If you have sensitive skin, reduce the number of applications from twice daily to once daily, until you build up a tolerance to it.

How does Skinoren (Azelaic Acid) work?

Skinoren contains azelaic acid, a powerful ingredient used to treat acne. It works by:

  • Killing bacteria that contribute to acne.
  • Reducing inflammation.
  • Unclogging pores.
Can I use other acne treatments with Skinoren cream (azelaic acid)?

You can combine Skinoren with other acne treatments such as oral antibiotic acne treatments, but Skinoren should not be used alongside any other acne creams as it may cause excessive skin dryness or skin irritation.

I have started using Skinoren cream and the treated area is red and irritated, is this normal?

Redness and irritation of the treated area can occur when you use Skinoren Cream for the first time. This is not usually serious and subsides typically within a week.

During this time, reduce the frequency application to once daily to allow your skin to recover and then slowly build up to using it twice daily.

Can I use this cream when pregnant?

There is limited information about the safety of using Skinoren cream while you're pregnant.

If you are pregnant, you should inform a member of our team so we can ensure that this is the most suitable treatment option for you.

Is Skinoren available for next day delivery

Yes, we understand that sometimes you want to get your treatment as soon as possible, therefore we offer a next day delivery service.

If you buy Skinoren cream online from Pharmacy Online before 4pm Monday to Friday, it is available for next day delivery.



Is it safe to buy Skinoren cream online

Yes, as long as you are buying from a website that is a legally operating and regulated pharmacy, it is perfectly safe to buy Skinoren Cream online.

At Pharmacy Online, we have all the necessary regulation to be able to safely provide convenient access to genuine prescription acne treatments through our dedicated healthcare professionals at our online pharmacy, online consultation and online clinic.

How do I buy Skinoren online

Skinoren is only available on prescription, so simply select our online doctor service. Then select 'Start Consultation'. You will need to fill in a simple health questionnaire so our pharmacists can ensure it is safe for us to supply your Skinoren to you.

Can Skinoren be purchased over the counter?

No, Skinoren is a prescription medication. You'll need to visit a doctor and obtain a prescription or consult an online pharmacy.

Your assessment with Pharmacy Online will take a few minutes, and if suitable, your registered team can administer the treatment.

How often should I use Skinoren?

Please apply Skinoren twice daily, once in the morning and again at night. Using it too often could result in reactions and skin sensitivities.

How long does it take for Skinoren to show results?

It can take several weeks or even months to see the full results of Skinoren. Even if you don't witness the positive effects immediately, you should continue using the treatment as long as your doctor recommends.

Can Skinoren be used on sensitive skin?

Skinoren can be suitable for sensitive skin, but you might need to use a smaller amount or apply it once daily until your skin gets used to it.

Is Skinoren suitable for long-term use?

In most cases, Skinoren is safe for long-term use, but it's best to speak to your doctor about the potential risks and decide whether they outweigh the benefits.

What should I do if I miss an application?

If you miss an application, please apply it as soon as possible. However, if it's closer to your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.

How should I store Skinoren?

Store Skinoren at room temperature (below 30°C), away from heat and moisture. Avoid storing it near pets and children. The shelf life is 3 years, and the cream should be used within 6 months of opening.

How should I dispose of expired Skinoren?

Never dispose of expired Skinoren down the sink. Instead, ask your pharmacist for advice or follow local regulations.

Can I go out in the sun after applying Skinoren?

If you're planning on going out in the sun, please apply sunscreen to prevent it from burning.

Can I wear makeup after applying Skinoren?

Yes, there's nothing wrong with wearing makeup after applying Skinoren, but you should moisturise your skin before wearing it.

Leaflets

Before taking any medicines, regardless of whether they are over the counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.

Patient Information Leaflet

Umar Razzaq, MPharm | University of Strathclyde, Clinical Pharmacist.
Content Written by:Umar RazzaqMPharm | GPhC Reg: 2064448 | University Of Strathclyde
Date Written:12/06/2026
Role:Clinical Pharmacist
Nish Fayyaz, MPharm | University of Strathclyde, Pharmacist.
Medically Reviewed By:Nish FayyazMPharm | GPhC Reg: 2225257 | University Of Strathclyde
Date Checked:12/06/2026
Role:Pharmacist
Fully inspected and regulated service
UK registered pharmacy
Approved UK-licensed treatments
Discreet next day delivery