Skinoren 20% Cream (Azelaic Acid): Uses for Acne & Pigmentation, How to Apply & Price
Skinoren 20% Cream is an azelaic acid cream used to treat mild to moderate acne and to fade dark spots such as melasma and post-acne marks. It works by clearing blocked pores, killing acne-causing bacteria and calming redness, and it is gentle enough for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
If you have been searching for Skinoren, you have probably seen it recommended for everything from breakouts to stubborn pigmentation. This guide covers what it actually does, how to apply it properly, how long it takes to work, the side effects to expect and how to make sure the tube you buy is genuine.
Skinoren at a glance
- Active ingredient: Azelaic acid 20%
- Used for: Acne (blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps) and hyperpigmentation such as melasma and dark marks
- How often: Twice a day, morning and night
- Results: Usually visible after about 4 weeks for acne; pigmentation can take 2 to 3 months
- Common side effects: Mild burning, itching or stinging in the first weeks, which usually settles
- Where to buy: Licensed pharmacies, including DoctorOnCall
What is Skinoren and how does azelaic acid work?
Skinoren is a topical cream containing 20% azelaic acid, a naturally occurring acid also found in grains such as wheat and barley. It is made by LEO Pharma and is one of the most widely prescribed azelaic acid products worldwide.
Azelaic acid tackles skin problems in four ways:
- Antibacterial: It reduces Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria that drive inflamed acne. Unlike antibiotics, bacteria are not known to develop resistance to it.
- Unclogs pores: It normalises how skin cells shed inside the follicle, which helps prevent blackheads and whiteheads (comedones).
- Anti-inflammatory: It calms the redness and swelling around pimples.
- Evens skin tone: It slows down overactive pigment cells (melanocytes) by blocking tyrosinase, the enzyme that makes melanin. It mostly targets cells that are overproducing pigment, so normal skin is largely unaffected.
Can Skinoren reduce inflammation?
Yes. Azelaic acid has proven anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it helps with red, swollen pimples and why azelaic acid is also used for rosacea. Note that for rosacea, a lower-strength 15% gel is typically used rather than the 20% cream, so speak to a doctor before using Skinoren cream for facial redness.
What is Skinoren used for?
Skinoren for acne
Skinoren is licensed for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. It works on both non-inflamed acne (blackheads and whiteheads) and inflamed acne (red papules and pus-filled pustules). It is a good option if you:
- Have sensitive skin that reacts to benzoyl peroxide or retinoids
- Want a non-antibiotic treatment you can use long term
- Also have dark marks left behind by old pimples
For severe acne, nodules or cysts, Skinoren alone is usually not enough. A doctor may combine it with other treatments or prescribe oral medication.
Skinoren for pigmentation and dark spots
Because azelaic acid slows down overactive pigment cells, Skinoren is widely used for:
- Melasma: brown or grey-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): the dark marks left after acne, insect bites or skin irritation
- Uneven skin tone caused by sun damage
In studies, azelaic acid 20% has performed comparably to hydroquinone 4% for melasma, with fewer concerns about long-term use. It is a popular choice for darker and Asian skin types, which are more prone to pigmentation. Licensed uses vary by country, so pigmentation use may be on a doctor’s advice.
Skinoren does not lighten normal skin and will not bleach your natural skin tone.
How to apply Skinoren cream
Apply Skinoren twice a day, morning and evening, unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you otherwise.
- Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat completely dry.
- Measure: Squeeze out about 2.5 cm of cream (roughly a pea-to-fingertip amount) for the whole face.
- Apply: Dot it over the affected area and rub in gently until absorbed. Treat the whole area, not just individual spots.
- Avoid sensitive areas: Keep it away from your eyes, mouth and the inside of your nose. If it gets in your eyes, rinse with plenty of water.
- Wash your hands after applying.
- Morning only: add sunscreen. Finish with SPF 30 or higher, especially if you are treating pigmentation.
Tip for sensitive skin: If the stinging is uncomfortable at first, start once a day at night for the first week or two, then increase to twice daily as your skin adjusts.
Skinoren is not suitable for children under 12 unless a doctor advises it.
How long does Skinoren take to work?
Skinoren works gradually. Most people see acne improve after about 4 weeks, with the best results after several months of consistent use.
| Concern | First signs of improvement | Fuller results |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | About 4 weeks | 3 to 4 months |
| Dark marks after acne (PIH) | 4 to 8 weeks | 3 to 6 months |
| Melasma | 1 to 3 months | 3 to 6 months or longer |
Do not stop early just because you see no change in the first two weeks. If your skin shows no improvement after about 3 months, see a doctor to review your treatment.
Melasma can return after you stop, especially with sun exposure, so daily sunscreen is key to keeping results.
Skinoren side effects
Most side effects are mild, happen where the cream is applied and settle within the first few weeks.
Very common or common:
- Burning, stinging or tingling
- Itching
- Redness, dryness or peeling
- Mild skin irritation
Less common or rare:
- Contact dermatitis or rash
- Lightening of skin where applied, especially in darker skin (tell your doctor if you notice this)
- Worsening of asthma symptoms, reported rarely
- Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face or lips
Stop using Skinoren and get medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, or if irritation is severe and does not settle.
Precautions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Very little azelaic acid is absorbed into the body, and it is often considered one of the safer acne options in pregnancy. Still, check with your doctor before use. If breastfeeding, avoid applying it to the chest.
- Asthma: Tell your doctor if you have asthma.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or occlusive dressings.
- Do not apply to broken, sunburned or eczema-affected skin.
Can you use Skinoren with other skincare?
Yes, but introduce one active at a time and watch for irritation.
| Product | Use with Skinoren? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle cleanser, moisturiser | Yes | Moisturiser after Skinoren has absorbed |
| Sunscreen | Yes, essential | Every morning after Skinoren |
| Niacinamide | Usually well tolerated | Can be layered |
| Retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin) | With caution | Alternate nights, or as your doctor advises |
| Benzoyl peroxide | With caution | Different times of day to limit dryness |
| AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, salicylic acid) | With caution | Avoid on the same night when starting out |
| Vitamin C | Usually fine | Morning vitamin C, Skinoren at night if stinging |
If you are already on prescription acne treatment, ask your doctor before adding Skinoren.
Skinoren price in Malaysia
Skinoren 20% Cream (30 g) is available at DoctorOnCall for RM 58.14 [insert current product page price], with delivery across Malaysia. Prices at other outlets vary, and listings that are far cheaper than licensed pharmacies are a common sign of unofficial or counterfeit stock.
How to spot fake Skinoren
Counterfeit and grey-market skincare is common on marketplaces. Fake or poorly stored products may contain the wrong strength, no active ingredient at all, or contaminants that can irritate your skin. Check for these warning signs:
- Sloppy wording: Spelling mistakes or hype words in the listing such as “100% offical”, “hot” or “original guaranteed”
- Price too good to be true: Much cheaper than licensed pharmacies
- Packaging issues: Blurry printing, missing batch number or expiry date, or no tamper seal
- Missing registration: No Malaysian product registration details or no patient information leaflet in the box
- Wrong texture or smell: The genuine cream is white and smooth; grainy, discoloured or oddly scented cream is a red flag
- Unverified sellers: Personal accounts or shops with no pharmacy licence
The safest option is to buy from a licensed pharmacy. Every Skinoren order on DoctorOnCall is supplied by a licensed pharmacy and can be checked by a pharmacist before dispatch.
Frequently asked questions
Can Skinoren reduce inflammation?
Yes. Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, so it calms red, swollen pimples as well as clearing pores.
Can I use Skinoren every day?
Yes. It is designed for twice-daily use over several months. Start once daily if your skin is sensitive.
Does Skinoren lighten skin?
It fades dark spots and patches by targeting overactive pigment cells, but it does not bleach normal skin.
Is Skinoren safe during pregnancy?
Very little is absorbed through the skin and it is often considered a safer option, but always check with your doctor first.
Can I use Skinoren under makeup?
Yes. Let it absorb fully, apply sunscreen, then makeup.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply your next dose at the usual time. Do not use extra cream to make up for it.
Is Skinoren the same as azelaic acid serums?
Skinoren contains 20% azelaic acid in a pharmaceutical cream. Many cosmetic serums contain 10% or less, so they are generally milder.
Does the Skinoren burning sensation go away?
Usually yes, within the first 2 to 4 weeks. If it is severe or persists, stop and speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
