Skinoren contains the active ingredient azelaic acid, a naturally-occurring acid which treats acne symptoms in two ways:

• Reducing the growth of keratin surface skin cells. Keratin skin cells can mix with sebum (an oily substance produced by the skin in the sebaceous glands) and form plugs, blocking the pores and leading to spots developing. By reducing the growth of keratin cells, azelaic acid reduces the chances of pore-blocking plugs forming.

• Killing the bacteria associated with acne. Common bacteria (propionibacterium) trigger the production of waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands, causing them to become infected and inflamed. Azelaic acid works to decrease the number of propionibacterium by reducing the sebum on which they feed, allowing the skin to heal naturally . Azelaic acid also has the ability to lighten the skin by affecting melanin production, which is why some people use it to treat hyperpigmentation or dark underarm skin

Most users will see an improvement in their skin condition within 4-8 weeks of using Skinoren cream, but this can vary from person to person; the speed at which it produces results will depend on the severity of your acne symptoms (among other factors). For optimal results, Skinoren should be applied consistently over a period of several months.

When using Skinoren cream, a single dose of about 2.5cm (roughly 1 inch or 0.5g) should be enough to cover the entire facial area. If other areas are affected, the amount used should be scaled to the size of the area affected. To use Skinoren cream, follow these simple instructions

• Skinoren cream should be rubbed into the affected areas twice daily after washing.

• Those with sensitive skin may wish to apply Skinoren cream once daily in the evening for the first week of treatment.

• Skinoren cream should not be used for more than 12 months continuously.

• To get the best effects from Skinoren cream, it’s important to use it regularly and continuously for several months, though improvement should be seen after around 4 weeks. We recommend that you have a review

Skinoren cream contains the following active ingredients: azelaic acid 20% w/w

The inactive ingredients are:Benzoic acid (E210),Cetearyl octanoate + isopropyl myristate (PCL Liquid),Glycerol 85%,Propylene glycol,Purified water,,Stearoyl macrogolglyceridesGlycerol monostearate 40-55,Cetostearyl alcohol

As with any cream, it’s possible to be allergic to Skinoren cream .

• It is recommended that you do a spot test before commencing treatment to ensure the cream does not produce an allergic reaction

• In rare cases, this medication can cause allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, eyes or mouth

• If this medication causes breathing difficulties or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, you will stop using treatment and contact your GP or call 111 immediately Skinoren does also come with some potential side effects, although the majority of users will not experience them. If you do experience any side effects from using Skinoren cream, they can include:

• A burning, stinging or tingling feeling.

• Skin dryness

• Skin irritation

 • Itching

.• Redness, burning of the skin

• Cause cracking and soreness around the corners of the mouth

• A rash.

• Skin sensitivity to light

• Skinoren is for external use on the skin only. You should not allow Skinoren to come into contact with your eyes or mouth or crevices of the nose. If it does, wash your eyes or mouth immediately with large amounts of cool water. If eye irritation persists you will contact your GP or call 111

• Thoroughly wash your hands immediately after each application of Azelaic Acid

• Do not use any additional topical antiacne treatment as this can increase the risk of irritation

• Do not use Skinoren if you are allergic to azelaic acid or any of the other ingredients listed in 5.

Skinoren is not recommended for use in children below the age of 12 due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy.

Skinoren and other medications Skinoren can be used safely with most other medications and should not impact their effectiveness, or vice versa. However, you should always speak your doctor or pharmacist before using Skinoren if you are using, have recently used, or plan to use any other medications.

Skinoren during pregnancy or breastfeeding If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. This is due to limited information around the use of the active substance azelaic acid during pregnancy.