Best Acne Cream

Choosing the best acne cream really all depends on what type of acne you have and how severe it is. Acne creams can be easily bought over-the-counter in drug stores, by prescription or over the internet.

Choosing the best acne cream for you can be a bit confusing, and it’s always advisable to seek the advice of your dermatologist or pharmacist.

One system which I can recommend which is particularly effective is the Zenmed Derma Cleanse System.

Here I will look at some of the more familiar over-the-counter and prescription acne creams as well as those that are only available over the internet. Hopefully, this will help you to make a choice.

Over-the-Counter Acne Creams

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most frequently used medications, available as a lotion or a gel. It is an ingredient that is found in popular products such as Clearasil, ProActiv, Neutrogena and Clean and Clear. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing bacteria, removing excess dead skin and preventing blackheads.

If you have non-inflamed acne and blackheads, then salicylic acid is often recommended. Available in lotions, creams and pads, salicylic acid helps to correct abnormal skin shedding, to get rid of dead skin cells and to keep pores clear. Unlike benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid does not have any effect on bacteria. Salicylic acid is an active ingredient in Oxy, Noxzema, Stridex and Dermalogica products.

Two ingredients that are frequently combined in over-the-counter-products are sulfur and resorcinol. Both resorcinol and sulfur help to remove the build up of dead skin cells and so to prevent blackheads. Common creams using a combination of sulfur and resorcinol are Clearasil medicated blemish cream, Rezamid lotion and Glytone flesh tinted acne treatment lotion.

There are many over-the-counter creams that use all natural ingredients available from your natural or health food store. Look for creams using tea tree oil, such as Nelsons Tea Tree Cream. Tea tree oil is best known for its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties which helps to lessen inflammation and to kill bacteria. You could also try using creams or lotions containing aloe vera. Aloe vera contains many healing properties that can help in reducing inflamed, red and flaky skin as well as healing scars. Aloe vera creams and lotions can be bought in any good natural or health food store.

Prescription Only Acne Creams

Topical antimicrobials are prescribed for more severe inflammatory acne. They work by killing off bacteria and reducing inflammation. One of the newest prescription only antimicrobials is azelaic acid. There has been a huge amount of research on the use of azelaic acid to treat acne and it was found to be significantly more effective than topical retinoids.

Other topical antimicrobial creams often prescribed to treat acne are Clindamycin and Erythromycin.

Topical retinoids are prescribed to treat mild to moderately severe acne. Retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A and work to unclog pores and prevent blackheads and whiteheads forming. Adapalene, Tazarotene and Tretionoin are all topical retinoids that are commonly prescribed.

Finally, topical Niacinamide cream is derived from niacin, a component of Vitamin B, and has been found to successfully treat moderate to severe inflammatory acne. There are claims that 4% niacinamide gel is more effective than other preparations such as Clindamycin.

Acne Creams Available Over The Internet

If you search for acne creams over the internet, you will be presented with a huge choice. Many of the companies claim that their creams will cure your acne and solve all your problems, but do they work? Many people do seem to find some relief by using acne creams made from mainly natural ingredients. However, it’s important to research these products as much as you can before buying to avoid costly mistakes. Look at the ingredients to see if they have properties that have been proven to help skin conditions. Examples of natural ingredients which have been shown to have such beneficial properties are tea tree oil, lavender oil, aloe vera and manuka honey.

In conclusion, when looking for the best acne cream to treat your symptoms, it would be worth consulting your dermatologist or pharmacist before making your decision.