What is Skinoren Cream used for?
Skinoren Cream is used to treat the symptoms of acne, which most commonly include the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules on the skin. Skinoren contains the dual-action ingredient azelaic acid, which helps to stop the growth of pore-blocking skin cells and kill the bacteria which causes inflammation and infection. By using Skinoren Cream regularly over a sustained period, your acne symptoms should show visible signs of improvement within a few weeks.
Although mainly an acne treatment, Skinoren Cream is in some cases prescribed to treat other skin conditions like rosacea. The formulation in Skinoren moisturises and soothes the skin while reducing inflammation and alleviating facial redness, which are common rosacea symptoms. Finacea Gel contains a similar formulation to Skinoren, and can also be used to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate acne or rosacea.
How does Skinoren Cream work?
Skinoren Acne Cream contains the active ingredient azelaic acid, which works to combat the symptoms of acne in two ways:
- Azelaic acid prevents the growth of keratin skin cells, which can block the pores when mixed with sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin. By stemming the growth of these skin cells, azelaic acid reduces the development of spots and blackheads.
- Azelaic acid also kills the bacteria responsible for causing acne, which feeds on the sebum the skin produces. This is what causes the skin to become inflamed or infected during an acne breakout. By destroying this bacteria, Skinoren reduces inflammation and allows the skin to heal naturally.
Skinoren Cream alternatives
Acne is a common skin condition experienced by millions of people, and there are a number of prescription and over-the-counter treatments available to treat the symptoms of acne.
It’s recommended that you try an over-the-counter solution to treat your acne before considering a prescription medication. Over-the-counter solutions include:
- Acnecide Daily Cleanser
- Acnecide Gel
- CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
If one or more over-the-counter treatments have proved ineffective, you may want to move on to a prescription-only treatment. Prescription medications for acne include:
- Topical antibiotics such as Dalacin-T or Zineryt
- Topical retinoids such as Differin
- Oral antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline
- Keratolytics such as Acnecide
- Combination treatments such as Duac, Epiduo or Treclin
Self-help techniques such as using mild soaps and cleansers, avoiding touching the face or squeezing spots, and removing makeup before bed can also help to control the symptoms of acne.
Directions
How do I use Skinoren Cream?
After washing, apply a thin layer of Skinoren Cream directly to the affected areas. This should be done twice daily, although for those with sensitive skin it’s recommended to only apply the cream once daily during the first week.
When applying Skinoren, around 0.5g (roughly a 2.5cm dollop) should be enough to cover the whole face. If other areas of the body are affected (such as the chest, back or shoulders), use an amount according to the size of the affected area.
Skinoren should be used continuously for a number of months in order to be at its most effective, but not for more than 12 months at a time. You should see an improvement in your acne after the first month. If there’s no improvement after this time, speak to your doctor.
Who is Skinoren Cream suitable for?
Skinoren is suitable for adults and children over the age of 12 who are suffering from the symptoms of acne. It is not recommended for use by anyone under the age of 12. If you are unsure whether Skinoren Cream is suitable for you, you should speak to your GP.
Skinoren Cream side effects
As with any topical medication, it is recommended that you conduct a spot test (applying the cream to a small area of skin) before you commence treatment to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
Side effects while using Skinoren are rare, but they can include:
- A burning, tingling, or stinging sensation
- Skin redness
- A skin rash
- Dry skin
- Skin irritation
- The skin becoming sensitive to light
If you experience any side effects, you should stop using Skinoren Cream and speak to a GP or pharmacist.
Skinoren Cream warnings
Do not use Skinoren if you are allergic to azelaic acid or any of the other ingredients listed below.
Skinoren is for external use only. Avoid direct contact with the eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes. If contact occurs, wash immediately with cold water.
Skinoren is generally safe to use with other medications, but you should speak to your GP before using Skinoren alongside any other treatments.
Skinoren is not recommended for use by children under the age of 12.
Skinoren Cream Ingredients
Skinoren contains the active ingredient azelaic acid (20% w/w). It also contains arlatone 983 S, cutina CBS, cetearyl octanoate, propylene glycol, glycerol, benzoic acid and purified water.