Skinoren

Skinoren is a topical cream used for the treatment of common acne. It is usually prescribed as a maintenance therapy (an ongoing treatment that you take after the first-line treatment).

However, it can also be used in combination with antibiotics for the treatment of severe acne. Skinoren combo packs can be purchased with either Doxycycline or Lymecycline.

Skinoren is a white, opaque cream containing 20% Azelaic acid. This is the active ingredient that targets the symptoms of acne.

Acne happens when the pores in your skin become blocked with oils and dead skin cells. Sebum is an oily substance that your skin naturally produces to keep itself moisturised. However, hormonal changes (that take place during puberty and menstruation) can cause too much sebum to be produced.

Excess sebum on the skin can also provide an ideal environment for certain kinds of bacteria to grow and worsen your acne symptoms. Bacteria called Propionibacterium are often responsible for creating more lesions (pimples/spots), redness, and inflammation.

Skinoren works to improve the appearance of acne in two ways:

• Firstly, it reduces the growth of your top layer of skin cells, which block pores and cause whiteheads and blackheads.
• Secondly, the active ingredient (Azelaic acid) helps to kill any acne-causing bacteria that are worsening your lesions and inflammation.

How long does it take to work?

Skinoren cream will work differently on each individual person’s skin. However, it is most common to notice improvements after 1-2 months of use.

For best results, keep using Skinoren on a regular basis for up to several months, or as long as your doctor recommends.

Skinoren should not be used for more than 12 months at any time.

You should always use medication as directed by your doctor. However, a general guide for using Skinoren is as follows:

• Start by washing your face (or other affected areas) with plenty of cold water. If your skin is oily, use a mild skin skin cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
• If applying to your entire face, squeeze out 2.5cm of cream from the tube every time you use Skinoren. Use more cream accordingly if you are treating your chest or back.
• Apply the cream to your skin and rub it in gently. Wait for it to become fully absorbed.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the treatment.

Skinoren should be applied twice a day unless your doctor has told you otherwise (once in the morning and once at night).

If you have very sensitive skin, start by using Skinoren just once a day (in the evenings). After a week, increase your application to twice a day.

What precautions should I take?

Skinoren must only be used on external skin. Be careful to avoid getting any of the cream in your eyes, ears, nose, and/or mouth.

If contact does occur with any of these sites, wash the affected areas with lots of cool water immediately.

Please note: If you are allergic to Azelaic acid or any of the other ingredients in Skinoren, do not use this treatment. Your doctor can recommend a suitable alternative.

Can I use Skinoren with other acne treatments?

You can use Skinoren in conjunction with oral antibiotics for the treatment of moderate to severe acne. At HealthExpress, we can prescribe either Doxycycline or Lymecycline.

However, you must not use any other topical anti-acne creams whilst you are using Skinoren, as this can increase your chances of skin irritation and other side effects.

Just like all medications, you may experience some side effects while using Skinoren. Usually, these are mild and go away once your skin adjusts to the treatment. It is also normal not to experience any side effects at all.

The most common side effect is local skin irritation, which usually occurs when you first start using Skinoren. If skin irritation is troublesome:

• apply less product to your skin during each application
• reduce how often you apply it (e.g. once per day instead of twice)
• temporarily stop treatment

Other common side effects include:

• burning, itching, or abnormal redness at the site of application
• scaling of the skin
• dryness
• skin discolouration (particularly on those with darker skin tones)

Skinoren is safe for the majority of adults who experience mild to moderate acne.

However, it may not be suitable for some patients with asthma. This is because Azelaic acid has been reported to worsen asthma symptoms on occasion.

Skinoren should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women unless your doctor has given you permission to use it. This is because there is very limited research on the effects of Azelaic acid during pregnancy.

If you do use Skinoren whilst you are breastfeeding, do not apply the cream to your chest area. Contact must be avoided with small infants.

You can buy Skinoren individually as acne maintenance therapy here at HealthExpress.

We also sell Skinoren and Doxycycline/Lymecycline combination packs for the treatment of moderate to severe acne.

Answer the online medical questions to complete your consultation. One of our UK doctors will then prescribe Skinoren if it is suitable for you.

All of our products are sent with free next-day delivery included in the price. They are also shipped in discreet packaging.