30g
50g
What is Skinoren?
Skinoren is a prescription-only cream that contains 20% azelaic acid, an active ingredient used to treat mild to moderate acne.
Unlike some acne treatments that focus on just one cause of acne, Skinoren targets several factors that contribute to spot formation.
With regular use, it can help reduce spots, blackheads and whiteheads while promoting a clearer, more even-looking complexion.
How does Skinoren work?
Skinoren works in several ways to help improve acne. It helps to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin, while also unclogging pores. This can help to prevent new spots, blackheads and whiteheads from forming.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.
How long does it take Skinoren to work?
You’ll usually need to use azelaic acid cream for about a month before you begin noticing improvements to your acne.
How to use your Skinoren cream
Before using Skinoren cream, you should wash the area you are looking to treat with clean water. If your skin is greasy, use a mild cleanser and dry your skin thoroughly afterwards.
To use Skinoren:
- Apply the cream to the affected area and gently rub it in, creating a thin, even layer.
- Apply the cream regularly. If you have sensitive skin, start with one application every evening for the first week, gradually increasing to twice a day.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after each application of the cream.
The amount of Skinoren cream you will need to use will depend on the area you wish to treat. For example, a small strip of cream will treat the whole of your face, while you may need more if you’re wanting to treat your chest or back.
If you’re ever unsure of how much cream to use, speak to your pharmacist for advice.
How effective is azelaic acid at treating acne?
Research suggests azelaic acid is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne, helping to reduce both inflammatory spots and blocked pores.
A large 2024 systematic review analysing 43 randomised controlled trials found that azelaic acid consistently performed better than inactive treatments, with some studies reporting around a 70% reduction in comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) compared with 14% for placebo-style treatments.
This makes it a useful option for people who:
- cannot tolerate retinoids
- are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- want to avoid antibiotics
Benefits of Skinoren
- Suitable for long-term acne management.
- Can improve post-acne marks and uneven skin tone.
- Targets acne-causing bacteria without using antibiotics.
- Helps to reduce spots, blackheads and whiteheads.
- Helps to calm redness and inflammation.
- May be suitable for people who cannot use retinoids, including during pregnancy following medical advice.
Skinoren cream side effects
As with any medication, using Skinoren may cause side effects in some people, though not everyone who uses it will experience them. For a complete list of side effects, read the patient information leaflet.
Some common side effects include:
- burning, itching or redness when applying
- scaling, pain or dryness at the site of application
- skin discolouration
Local skin irritation may occur at the start of treatment, but this is usually mild and gets better as treatment continues. If it remains troublesome:
- reduce the amount of Skinoren you are applying
- apply it only once a day
- stop treatment temporarily
If skin irritation still continues, stop using the treatment and speak with your doctor.
When to seek medical help
You should seek medical advice if your acne does not improve after several weeks of treatment, gets worse, or is starting to leave scars.
Stop using azelaic acid and seek medical help straight away if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, like:
- a rash
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- difficulty breathing
When not to use Skinoren
Although azelaic acid is suitable for most people, Skinoren is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used:
- by children under the age of 12
- by anyone who is allergic to azelaic acid or any of the other ingredients in the product
- on broken, cracked or bleeding skin
To make sure Skinoren is suitable for you, speak to a healthcare professional before starting if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have very sensitive skin
- have eczema on the area you want to treat
How to order your Skinoren with Chemist4U
Ordering your Skinoren cream with Chemist4U is easy, all you need to do is complete our online consultation. In this, you’ll have to answer a short questionnaire, as well as an upload an image.
The image needs to clearly show the area affected with acne (if this is on the face, then a full-face photo is required).
All answers and provided images are kept completely confidential. They’ll only be seen by one of our GPhC-approved pharmacists when being reviewed for suitability.
Storage information
To store Skinoren safely, you should keep it:
- in a cool, dry place
- below 30°C
- out of sight and reach of children
Ensure that you do not use the cream after the expiry date stated on the box, or after the in-use shelf life of six months.
Alternatives to Skinoren cream
If Skinoren is not suitable for you, there are several other prescription and over-the-counter acne treatments available. Alternatives include:
A healthcare professional can help determine which treatment is most suitable for your skin and treatment goals.
Finacea vs Skinoren
Finacea and Skinoren both contain azelaic acid, but they are used for different skin conditions and come in different strengths.
- Skinoren contains 20% azelaic acid and is primarily prescribed to treat acne, helping to reduce spots, unclog pores and calm inflammation.
- Finacea contains 15% azelaic acid and is mainly used to treat acne, as well as papulopustular rosacea, helping to reduce redness and inflammatory lesions.
Because they contain the same active ingredient, both treatments work in similar ways. However, they are licensed for different uses, so you should always use the product prescribed for your specific condition unless advised.
Skinoren vs Differin
Skinoren and Differin are both prescription acne treatments, but they contain different active ingredients and work in different ways.
- Skinoren contains azelaic acid, which helps to reduce acne-causing bacteria, calm inflammation and improve post-acne marks.
- Differin contains adapalene, a topical retinoid that speeds up skin cell turnover to help prevent comedones from forming.
Both treatments can be effective for acne, but some people find Skinoren is gentler on sensitive skin. Differin may be preferred when blocked pores and blackheads are a primary concern.
Frequently asked questions about Skinoren
Can I use Differin and Skinoren together?
Yes, Skinoren and Differin can sometimes be used together, as they work in different ways to treat acne.
However, both treatments can cause dryness and irritation, especially when you first start using them.
You should only use them together if this has been recommended by your healthcare professional.
Can I apply moisturiser after Skinoren?
Yes, applying a moisturiser after Skinoren can help reduce dryness and irritation. If you are going to do so, allow Skinoren to fully absorb into your skin first and use a moisturiser that won’t block your pores.
Can I use Skinoren and tretinoin together?
Skinoren and tretinoin may be prescribed together for some people with acne, as they target different causes of breakouts.
However, you should only do this if it’s in the treatment plan provided by your healthcare professional as using both together can increase the risk of redness, dryness and peeling.
Sources
- A systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of azelaic acid in the management of acne, rosacea, melasma and skin aging (2023). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. [Accessed 15 July 2026]
- Acne – Treatment (2023). NHS England. [Accessed 15 July 2026]
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Can I use Skinoren for rosacea?
Skinoren cream is an acne treatment and should not be used to treat other skin conditions like rosacea.
Although inflammation and small pus-filled bumps are both symptoms of rosacea, the causes of rosacea and acne are quite different, meaning that Skinoren isn’t the right treatment for both.
If you do have rosacea and need treatment to help manage your symptoms, you should speak to your doctor and ask for their advice.
Can Skinoren cream help with acne scars?
If you try to pick or squeeze your spots too often or with too much force this can leave you with permanent scarring or marking.
By reducing flare-ups of blackheads and whiteheads, Skinoren can help to reduce your risk of developing scars as there will simply be less temptation to squeeze or pick at your pimples.
However, it’s important to be aware that this product isn’t a scar treatment and will not reduce the appearance of scars you already have, it merely reduces the chances of acne scars developing by treating the acne itself.
How long will it be before I see an improvement?
The amount of time it will take for your skin to improve while you’re using Skinoren cream will depend on how bad your acne is when you start treatment.
Most people will see a distinct improvement after about 4 weeks, but it may take longer depending on the condition of your skin.
For best results, you will usually need to use this treatment for several months, but you should not use it for more than 12 months at any time.
What can I use Skinoren cream for?
Skinoren cream is an acne treatment which is designed to help reduce inflammation and the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
It can be used to treat acne on your face, back, or chest, easing your flare-ups and helping you to feel more comfortable.
By reducing the number of whiteheads and blackheads that develop, Skinoren cream reduces the chances of infection and acne scarring.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that can happen to anyone but is especially common in children and young adults.
Acne happens when the glands in the surface of your skin start to produce too much of an oil named sebum, which can clog your follicles, causing spots, whiteheads, blackheads, and more.
It’s caused by hormonal changes, like those that happen during puberty, pregnancy, or throughout your period.
When you have acne, your skin will produce too much oil or sebum, which then clogs your pores and causes breakouts.
When combined with this excess oil, the bacteria that live on your skin can get aggravated, causing redness and inflammation alongside the spots and this whole combination can be sore and irritating.
Acne can be mild, causing just a few spots and blackheads, but can range all the way to severe acne, which can cause large, painful papules, cysts, and nodules on top of everything else.
Although people think acne is all about breakouts of spots, there are a couple of other symptoms you may experience when you have acne, including oily skin, or skin that’s sore or hot to touch.
Acne usually appears on your face, chest, or back, and it can be tempting to squeeze the spots that appear there, but you should resist the temptation and use an acne treatment to help you manage your condition effectively and avoid scarring.
Do I need a prescription for this medication?
You do need a prescription for this medication in the UK.
Our healthcare professionals can provide prescriptions if they think this treatment would be right for you and your condition.
When you click the button which reads “Start Consultation” at the top of this page, you’ll see a short questionnaire set up by our healthcare team which is designed to help them understand your medical needs.
Just like an in-person consultation with your GP, our doctors will assess your answers to their questions and write a prescription for the treatment they think will be best for you.
You’ll then be able to pay for your medication and we’ll send it out to you quickly and in discreet packaging.
