Skinoren general information

What is Skinoren used for?

Skinoren cream (also known as Azelex) is a topical antibacterial lotion used to treat acne by preventing the formation and spread of pimples and blackheads (comedones) which occur in acne. Skinoren cream also has a potential use for treatment of androgenetic alopecia (hair loss) in men and women.

How does Skinoren work?

Skinoren cream contains azelaic acid 20%, which penetrates the skin and inhibits the growth of many forms of bacteria that can live in the skin causing irritation and inflammation. Skinoren cream also stops the production of acne-promoting fatty acids by these bacteria. Both actions help unblock oil ducts in the skin that cause pimples and blackheads (comedones) so that the acne dries up. Skinoren cream also inhibits the formation of new skin cells (keratinocytes) in the comedones preventing acne spreading.

What does Skinoren contain?

The active ingredient of Skinoren is azelaic acid 20% which is an antibacterial medication. Skinoren also contains arlatone 983 S (polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester), cutina CBS (mixture of mono-dicglyceridene, fatty alcohols, triglycerides and wax esters), cetearyloctanoate, propylene glycol, glycerol 85%, benzoic acid, purified water.

Treating acne with Skinoren

Skinoren cream is an antibacterial lotion that is used to treat acne (pimples and blackheads) by penetrating the skin and preventing growth of bacteria in the skin, unblocking oil ducts and preventing formation of new skin cells in pimples and blackheads.

Skinoren for androgenetic alopecia (hair loss)

Although Skinoren cream is primarily a treatment for acne and other skin conditions, the potential beneficial effect of the active ingredient azelaic acid in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, has been investigated by dermatologists and found to promote hair growth.

How does Skinoren prevent hair loss?

Skinoren cream is a treatment for acne and other skin conditions and has also been found to promote hair growth. Hair follicles are damaged by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a metabolite of the hormone testosterone and this causes hair loss. Azelaic acid has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, which is the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. This action prevents hair loss in conditions like androgenetic alopecia by promoting hair growth.

What are the side effects of Skinoren?

Skinoren cream is generally well tolerated but it is always possible that you may experience side effects such as, stinging, burning, itching, tingling, redness or drying of the skin, usually at the beginning of treatment and particularly if you have sensitive skin or suffer from eczema.

When should Skinoren not be used?

You should not use Skinoren cream if you:

• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast-feeding
• are allergic to Skinoren or any other component of Skinoren cream

How to use Skinoren

Skinoren cream can be applied to the affected area of the skin twice daily, morning and evening. Clean the skin with a mild soap or soap-free cleanser, rinse with water then apply a small amount with clean fingers and rub gently into the skin. Wash your hands well after use and avoid contact with your eyes or inside your nose and mouth. You should not cover the skin after using Skinoren cream, unless recommended by your doctor. Do not use large amounts or apply Skinoren cream more often than directed, as your acne will not clear up faster, instead you may increase the risk of side effects like skin irritation.

How long should you use Skinoren?

Continue to use Skinoren cream for the full course of treatment as directed by your doctor. You may see an improvement within four weeks, but your acne may take a several weeks or months to improve and clear. You can continue to use Skinoren for several months if required and you can also repeat the treatment if your acne returns.

Missed dose of Skinoren

If you miss a dose of Skinoren cream, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Skinoren be stored?

Store Skinoren cream at room temperature below 30°C and do not freeze.