Which Topical Acne Cream Is Best?
Some of the most popular acne cream products today contain either antimicrobials or retinoids. Antimicrobials inhibit or kill acne causing bacteria. Retinoids, which are made from vitamin A, stop the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and unclog the pores. Following are examples of these.
Topical Antimicrobials
· Clindamycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic. It reduces acne and lessens inflammation. Clinical tests have proven Clindamycin to be well tolerated and safe. However, it may cause side effects such as skin dryness or irritation. It decreases bacterial resistance caused by antibiotic use.
· Erythromycin has both antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory properties. Acne cream preparations that combine erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide have been proven to be very effective. Possible side effects are irritation and dryness of the area treated. It also decreases bacterial resistance caused by using antibiotics.
Topical Retinoids
· Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid that unclogs pores and has moderate to potent anti-inflammatory properties. Dryness and minor skin irritation are possible occurences with use.
· Tretinoin was the first retinoid developed for topical use. Tretinoin is a natural retinoid which over time unclogs pores, and helps keep them unclogged. Redness, itching, and burning, are some of the side effects observed in users.
Topical Niacinamide (also called Nicotinamide)
After Vitamin-A derived retinoids, the most recent revolutionary treatment for acne comes from a substance called niacinamide. It is derived from niacin, a component of the Vitamin B complex.
Niacinamide and acne treatment were the subject of a New York State University study, where 76 patients were studied for the acne healing effects of 4% niacinamide gel versus 1% clindamycin gel. The gels were applied two times a day for 8 weeks, on moderate to inflammatory acne.
RESULTS…68% of the Clindamycin patients improved, compared to 82% of Niacinamide treated patients. Niacinamide is the preferred choice because it doesn’t diminish bacterial resistance, as Clindamycin is widely known for.
4% Niacinamide creams/gels are one of the best acne treatments available for moderate to inflammatory acne. Some advantages are…
· It is safe and natural to keep using it for as long as necessary.
· Niacinamide won’t cause your skin to develop a bacterial resistance, which most antimicrobials do.
· It is ideal if you have dry, sensitive skin and cannot tolerate retinoids well.
Furthermore, 4% Niacinamide cream (such as Acnessential) can be used alone or alongside antibiotics and even retinoids.
Go visit acne-free-info.com for more information about topical niacinamide gel.
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