Skinoren Cream

What is Skinoren?

Skinoren is a branded antibacterial skin cream that can be used off-label to treat hyperpigmentation, acanthosis nigricans and melasma. Its main use is as a treatment for ‘common’ acne, but it’s sometimes used to manage other skin conditions.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes patches of skin to appear darker and more uneven than normal. There are several possible causes, and an excess production of melanin is thought to be one. Melanin is a substance produced by your body, and is responsible for the pigmentation of your skin and hair, and the photoprotection (the process that protects you from sun damage) of your skin and eyes.^[1]

Melasma and acanthosis nigricans also affect skin tone, but in different ways. Melasma causes patches and spots to appear on the face, often during pregnancy. Acanthosis nigricans causes the skin to darken and become ‘velvety’ in texture.^[2]

Skinoren contains azelaic acid, which is a dicarboxylic acid. It works by destroying bacteria, and blocks tyrosinase, an enzyme that produces melanin.

How does Skinoren work?

Azelaic acid, the active ingredient in Skinoren, inhibits the activityof tyrosinase.^[5] Tyrosinase is an enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis (forming the amount your body makes), so reducing this enzyme can also lower melanin, too much of which can cause hyperpigmentation.

Skinoren also has antibacterial properties, which means that it targets bacteria on your skin and destroys it. It’s often used to treat acne, and has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.^[3]

Hyperpigmentation affects people differently. It can be caused by adrenal disorders (like Addison’s disease), genetics (freckles that run in the family), hormonal changes, and injuries to the skin (often called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation). Oral contraceptives, thyroid disorders, and a lack of certain vitamins are also thought to be causes, among others.

Melasma is sometimes called ‘the mask of pregnancy’ because it often starts for women during pregnancy — but it can also affect men too. Its cause isn’t known, but it’s thought it might be related to hormones and sun exposure.^[4]

What doses of Skinoren are there?

Skinoren cream contains 20% azelaic acid (200mg per gram). It comes in a tube, and is applied directly to your skin. How much you’ll need to use will depend on which skin condition you’re treating. For acne, Skinoren is usually applied twice a day, but a clinician can advise you about how much you’ll need to use.

Skinoren is a long-term treatment. This means it might be weeks or months before you begin to see improvements. The cream should never be used for longer than 12 months.

How to use Skinoren

Skinoren cream should be used exactly how it’s been prescribed. Before applying it, clean the area you’re treating with water. You should always dry your skin thoroughly before using the cream.

The amount of cream you use for each application will depend on the patches of skin where the pigmentation is uneven, including factors like the size of the area you’re treating, and how dark the skin is. A rough estimate of how much you’d usually use is around 2.5cm (one inch) of cream, which is enough to cover all the skin on your face. Skinoren can be rubbed in gently, and evenly.

If your skin is sensitive, you might be advised to only use Skinoren once a day while you adjust to it. You should wash your hands after each application.

If your skin feels dry while using Skinoren cream, try applying a fragrance-free, oil-free moisturiser to help soothe and hydrate your skin.

How long will Skinoren take to work?

Whether you’re treating hyperpigmentation, acanthosis nigricans or melasma, it might be months before you start to see changes while you’re using Skinoren. There’s no guarantee of exactly how long it will take your skin tone to fade, but you should start seeing some improvements after four to eight weeks, with maximum effects after around six months.

In one study that looked at facial hyperpigmentation in darker-skinned patients, the patients involved used azelaic acid 20% cream for a period of 24 weeks. The results after 6 months showed that the cream was effective, well tolerated, and in some cases, more effective than previous treatments.^[1]

What if I make a mistake while using Skinoren?

Skinoren is for topical use on your skin only. You should try to avoid the cream coming into contact with your eyes and mouth by applying it carefully. If it does come into contact with either, wash the area with water.

Using more cream than you need might cause problems like skin irritation or itching, so you should always stick to the dose suggested by a clinician. In rare instances, azelaic acid has worsened asthma symptoms in those that have it. You should tell us if you have any pre-existing conditions like asthma, or are currently taking any other medications that Skinoren might interfere with.