Some of the most popular acne cream products today contain either antimicrobials or retinoids. Antimicrobials, as their name suggests, kill or inhibit the production of the bacteria that cause acne. On the other hand, retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, unclog pores and stop the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. Below are some examples of these.
Topical Antimicrobials
· Clindamycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic. Clindamycin lessens inflammation and reduces acne. Clindamycin has been proven to be safe and well tolerated. However, it may cause side effects such as skin dryness or irritation. It can decrease the bacterial resistance that often occurs when antibiotics are used.
· 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.
· The first retinoid produced for topical (applied to skin) use was Tretinoin. 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 made from the B vitamin niacin.
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 preparations were used on moderate to inflammatory acne, twice daily for eight weeks.
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.
Acnessential, a 4% Niacinamide cream, is one of the most effective acne cream products in the market today. Some advantages are…
· It is natural and safe to use for as long as you need it.
· Niacinamide won’t cause your skin to develop a bacterial resistance, which most antimicrobials do.
· It is perfect for those who have sensitive and/or dry skin and can’t tolerate retinoids very 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 acne cremes.
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