Acne creams

Problem skin is an unpleasant moment at any age. Often, owners of oily and sensitive skin desperately try more and more new ways to improve the condition of the skin. Many buy a special cream for acne for this purpose. However, there are quite a lot of cosmetic and pharmacy creams: how not to get lost in the variety of products and choose the most suitable one? Perhaps our article will help you make the right choice.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Indications for use of acne cream

As a rule, special creams are designed to get rid of more than just acne. They are used:

• with atopic dermatitis;
• for seborrheic dermatitis;
• for itchy skin;
• for dermaphytosis;
• for acne;
• to relieve skin irritation;
• for acne, boils;
• after insect bites;
• with dyskeratosis, ichthyosis;
• for bothersome calluses.

The effect of the cream always depends on its components. Thus, the presence of antibiotics in the cream allows the drug to be used in the treatment of bacterial rashes. And the presence of an antiviral component makes it possible to use the cream in the treatment of herpetic rashes. Separately, it should be said about hormonal ointments: such drugs help with teenage acne quite quickly, but they cannot be used for a long time, since the skin may become accustomed to it. After this, it will be very difficult to get rid of acne.

Read also:

• Antibiotics for acne
• Acne pills

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Acne creams work on the skin depending on the main active ingredients.

Herbal products usually have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Such creams are well accepted by the skin, have no side effects and do not pose a danger to nearby healthy tissues. The pharmacokinetics of herbal topical products has not been studied.

Hormonal ointments have good absorption and perform several functions simultaneously:

• affect the hormonal balance in the layers of the skin;
• constrict blood vessels, reducing exudation and eliminating inflammation.

Antibiotic ointments have a different antimicrobial spectrum of action and have a destructive effect on bacterial cells, thereby eliminating inflammation inside the pimple.

Most creams do not have a systemic effect, so their kinetic properties have not been studied.

Acne Cream Names

We have highlighted the most common and effective acne creams in a convenient table, which will help anyone to choose the right product quickly and correctly. It is highly advisable to consult a dermatologist, because only he can accurately determine the nature and character of the rash. Almost always, acne is not just a skin defect, but the body's reaction to some kind of malfunction, be it an infection or hormonal disorder. Therefore, before buying an acne cream, you should clarify the reason for their appearance with a medical specialist.

Name of the drug	Active ingredient	The main purpose of the drug	Directions for use
Zinnovite	Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, zinc pyrithione	A plant-based product with anti-inflammatory, antifungal and moisturizing effects. Eliminates itching, redness, and stabilizes the surface microflora of the skin.	Treat the problem area twice a day: in the morning and at night. Duration of use: up to 2 weeks.
Carrot cream (Nevskaya Cosmetics)	Olive oil, carrot extract, tocopherol	Nourishes, softens, eliminates flaking. Slows down the course of ageing processes inside the skin.	Use in the morning (can be used under makeup) and at night.
Tretinoin	Tretinoin	Reduces pigment production in dermatocytes, which helps eliminate blackheads and whiteheads that precede the development of acne.	The cream is spread evenly on cleansed and dried skin, once or twice a day for about 6 hours, after which the preparation should be washed off with water. Duration of treatment is 1-2 months. For excessively dry skin, the duration of application is reduced to half an hour.
Cream Pure Line Ideal Skin for Acne	Zinc, tea tree extract	Excellent cream for acne scars. Eliminates inflammation, prevents acne and its scars, stabilizes sebum production.	Apply in the morning and at night, on clean skin, can be used under makeup.
Acne Foundation	Water based (not oil based), absorbents, sulfur, zinc, retinol, B vitamins	Conceals pimples while calming inflammation.	Apply carefully to the pimple, blotting with a sponge, without applying powder.
Propeller cream	Azeloglycine, Ivan-tea extract, tocopherol, olibanum resin	Prevents bacterial activity, relieves inflammation, heals, soothes and moisturizes the skin.	Apply to the problem area separately from other acne treatments.
Dalacin	Clindamycin (phosphate)	Inhibits the vital activity of microbial cells. Used in gynecology.	Apply at night. The course of therapy is 4-7 days in a row.
Differin	Adapalene is a retinoid metabolite	It has an anti-inflammatory effect	Spread evenly in a thin layer on clean, dry skin once a day. Duration of treatment is 3 months.
Baziron AC	Benzene peroxide	Dries, exfoliates necrotic layers of skin, suppresses sebum production, eliminates inflammation and redness.	Apply to pimples, on clean skin, twice a day (morning and evening).
Zinerit	Erythromycin, zinc acetate	Eliminates inflammation, gets rid of comedones, inhibits the activity of microbes.	Apply a thin layer twice a day for 10-12 weeks.
Panthenol Cream	Dexpanthenol	Restores the skin, enhances local metabolism, promotes the formation of new cellular structures.	Lubricate the problem area as needed.
Boro Cream	Herbal multicomponent preparation	Tones, nourishes the skin, moisturizes, destroys harmful microbes.	Apply to problem areas. Not intended for continuous or long-term use.
SOS cream (stop rosacea)	Vitamin complex, shea butter, panthenol	Soothes the skin, eliminates redness and itching, restores microcirculation in inflamed tissues.	Apply to problem skin as needed.
Garnier Clear Skin Cream	Salicylic acid, zinc, white clay	Relieves irritation, cleanses pores, restores damaged skin and stabilizes moisture levels.	Use regularly for 2 weeks.
Vichy cream Normaderm Hyaluspot	Hyaluronic, salicylic, lipohydroxy acids	Protects skin, cleanses, preventing acne.	Using the applicator, apply to the skin in the area of inflammation.
Chinese Acne Cream Xin Fumanling	Herbal multicomponent preparation	Anti-demodectic agent	Use regularly for 3 months.
Skinoren	Azelaic acid	Eliminates sebum production disorders in the skin, destroys bacteria and stops the inflammatory process.	Rub gently twice a day. Duration of treatment is several months, but not less than 6 weeks.
Baby cream	Natural oils and vitamins	Relieves signs of inflammation and irritation, soothes and moisturizes the skin.	Use as needed.
Azeloin	Azeloglycine, Ivan-tea extract, tocopherol, olibanum resin	Prevents bacterial activity, relieves inflammation, heals, soothes and moisturizes the skin.	Apply to the problem area separately from other acne treatments.
Azelik - cream for acne and blackheads	Azelaic acid	Reduces the production of fatty acids, destroys pathogenic microorganisms, blocks the formation of comedones and pigment spots.	Apply to dry and cleansed skin twice a day for several months. The effect is noticeable after 1 month of use.
Metrogil	Metronidazole	Has anti-acne and antioxidant activity. Prevents tissue damage.	Lubricate the skin twice a day. Duration of treatment is from 3 to 9 weeks.
Clearwin	Multicomponent Ayurvedic preparation based on Indian herbs	Improves microcirculation, increases tissue elasticity, reduces swelling, helps with age spots and acne.	Apply to clean skin twice daily for at least 4-6 weeks.
Eplan	Lanthanum salt and polyhydroxy compounds	Heals wounds, restores, kills bacteria, eliminates pain, protects and softens the skin.	Use regularly until healthy skin is completely restored (approximately 1-4 weeks).
Clearasil	Allantoin, aloe, salicylic acid, cocoglycoside, glycerin	It has antibacterial properties, cleanses pores, removes excess oil, and makes the skin matte.	Keep on the problem area for one minute and rinse with warm water.
Rozamet	Metronidazole	Has anti-acne and antioxidant activity. Prevents tissue damage.	Lubricate the skin twice a day. Duration of treatment is from 3 weeks to 4 months.
Nivea Mattifying Cream	Seaweed, Hydra IQ	Moisturizes and protects the skin, eliminates oily shine.	Use every morning after washing.
Instaskin	Azelaic acid, chamomile and rosemary extract, panthenol	It acts on the internal causes of acne and restores the health of the skin.	Apply carefully to cleansed skin, then rinse with water.
Salicylic cream	Salicylic acid	It has an antiseptic and distracting effect, inhibits the secretion of skin glands.	Used for compresses and bandages. Duration of treatment is 1-3 weeks.
Fucidin	Fusidic acid anhydrous	It has a pronounced antibacterial effect.	Apply to the affected skin three times a day. Duration of treatment is 10 days.
Solaris Dr. Nona	Dead Sea water, biological mineral-organic complex, vitamins, plant base	Dissolves scars, smoothes out skin irregularities. Helps to heal wounds and inflammatory elements (pimples) faster.	Apply an even layer 1 to 3 times a day.
Georgian face cream	Natural plant base	Eliminates acne, breakouts and hyperpigmentation.	Use under makeup and on its own at night.
Bb cream	Titanium dioxide, silicone, plant extracts, iron oxides	Protects, cleanses and brightens the skin.	Use instead of regular cream as needed.
Cream 911 Ugrisept	Plant extracts, zinc oxide, allantoin, tocopherol	Eliminates acne, soothes irritated and inflamed skin, restores healthy skin in adolescence.	Used as needed.
Avene cream Sicalfat	Thermal water, triglyceride, mineral oil, glycerin, etc.	Restores and heals damaged skin, destroys bacteria, eliminates discomfort.	Lubricate problem areas, pimples and irritated or damaged skin.
Akriderm	Betamethasone dipropionate	Hormonal cream, eliminates inflammation, itching and constricts superficial vessels.	Apply as a thin layer to problem areas 1-3 times a day. Duration of treatment is no more than 3 weeks.
Bioderma Cicabio	Complex Antalgicin, copper, zinc, hyaluronic acid	Relieves irritation, cracks, and inflamed pimples.	Apply a fairly thick layer to cleansed skin, twice a day, until the damaged area is completely restored.
Korean Acne Cream Aloe Fresh Moist	Tocopherol, Ascorbic acid, B vitamins	Restores skin cells, saturates with oxygen, regulates the sebaceous glands.	Use as a regular day or night cream.
Indian Acne Cream Himalaya	Aloe, ginger, almond, madder	Treats acne, dries and soothes the skin.	Apply twice a day to cleansed skin in problem areas.
Retinol A Cream	Aloe, glycerin, shea butter, vitamins, extracts, oils	Narrows pores, improves skin tone, eliminates minor irregularities and pimples.	Apply once a day, or every other day.
Cream Rescuer	Natural plant and natural ingredients	Restores the protective properties of the skin, stimulates recovery, accelerates healing.	Use repeatedly, as needed, until the skin is completely restored.
Cream Yam	Salicylic acid, zinc oxide, sulfur, tar, kaolin, etc.	It has anti-mite and antibacterial activity and accelerates tissue healing.	The problem area is treated 1-2 times a day for 10 days.
Klenzit	Adapalene	Normalizes skin renewal processes and suppresses the occurrence of new pimples.	Apply once a day at night, avoiding contact with eyes and mouth. Duration of therapy is 3 months.
Creme la Cree	Plant extracts and oils	Eliminates pain and itching associated with acne. Restores skin and stimulates rapid healing.	Apply a thin layer twice a day.
Aloe Vera Cream Lekar	Oregano, panthenol, plant extracts	Improves the appearance of chapped and irritated skin, relieves redness and eliminates dryness.	Use 2-3 times a day and massage until completely absorbed.
Metronidazole	Metronidazole	It has an anti-acne effect and regenerates tissue in areas of inflammation.	Use on cleansed skin 2 times a day for 1-2 months.
Libriderm	Camelina oil, sensiderm, etc.	Moisturizes, improves local blood circulation. Accelerates the absorption of acne.	Treat the skin several times a day, as needed.
Cream with sulfur and yeast	Effective Anti-Acne formula (yeast complex, sulfur, vitamins)	It has antimicrobial activity, coordinates the function of the sebaceous glands, and moisturizes.	Use on cleansed skin twice daily.
Tic Tac Cream	Plant extracts, vitamins, oils, lanolin, beeswax	Eliminates irritation, itching, helps with chapped and dehydrated skin.	Use throughout the day as needed.
Pimafucin	Natamycin	Antifungal drug	The cream is distributed over the affected skin surface 1-2 times a day.
Floresan	Complex mineral-organic composition	Dries up pimples, lightens redness, eliminates swelling and pain. Prevents recurrence of pimples.	Apply directly to pimples in the morning and evening. Remove with a cotton pad after half an hour.
Handels Garden	Pomegranate extract	Heals wounds, regulates sebum secretion.	Rub into problem areas of the skin.
Drapolein	Benzalkonium chloride	Antiseptic and disinfectant drug.	Apply to damaged skin or to healthy areas to prevent inflammation.
Celandine cream Miracle basket	Extracts of celandine, succession, calendula	Neutralizes bacteria, prevents the formation of acne, stabilizes sebaceous gland secretion and water balance.	Use up to 2 times a day. Suitable for long-term use.
Effezel	Adapalene, benzoyl peroxide	Eliminates swelling and redness, suppresses the development of existing pimples and prevents their appearance.	Apply no more than once a day, after checking for allergies to the drug.
Cream Aevit	Vitamins A and E, plant components	Tones and refreshes the skin, slows down the aging process.	Use once a day for 1-2 months.
Elokom	Mometasone furoate	Eliminates inflammation and itching, reduces swelling.	Apply once a day to the affected areas of the skin.
Quatlan	Glycerin, glycolan, ethyl carbitol	A drug for the treatment of acne.	Apply to acne-prone areas as needed.
Soap cream	Soap, camphor and ammonia, glycerin, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide	Cleanses the skin, prevents acne.	Used instead of soap for washing.
Nivea Acne Cream Gel	Cyclomethicone and other auxiliary components	Removes acne, prevents their appearance, moisturizes the skin.	Apply to cleansed face, except for the area around the eyes.
Isis Pharma Glycolic Acid Cream	Glycolic acid	Prevents the appearance of acne and age spots, improves the condition of facial skin.	Apply for 6-7 minutes and rinse with water.
Skin cap	Zinc pyrithione	Eliminates bacteria and fungi, eliminates inflammation.	Apply a thin layer to the affected skin twice a day. Duration of therapy is approximately 1 month.
Triderm cream	Betamethasone dipropionate, clotrimazole, gentamicin	Eliminates inflammation, itching, tissue swelling. Has antimicrobial and antifungal activity.	Spread over the surface of the skin in the morning and at night for at least 3-4 weeks.
Cream Zorka	Veterinary drug on a plant basis	Eliminates inflammation, tones, rejuvenates, treats psoriasis, heals minor wounds.	Use during the day and at night. Suitable for long-term use.

A pharmacist at a drugstore may offer a targeted acne cream for the face:

• A therapeutic and prophylactic cream for acne on the face is classified as a medicine. Usually, such a drug eliminates not only acne, but also the cause of its appearance - for example, excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands, demodicosis, etc. Such creams usually contain antibiotics, glycolic acid or other antiseptics and nutrients. Cosmetics with therapeutic and prophylactic action are produced by such well-known companies as Bioderma, Vichy, Lierac, etc.
• Moisturizing cream for acne is usually used in cases where their appearance is caused by increased dryness and sensitivity of the skin. This may be due to adverse weather conditions (strong wind, frost, sun), or a vitamin deficiency in the body. In order for the moisturizing cream to be effective, it must contain certain components, such as tocopherol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, zinc. Examples of moisturizing creams for acne:
  • Avene Clean;
  • Exfoliant;
  • La Roche Posay.
• Antibiotic acne cream is usually very effective. However, such cosmetics cannot be used frequently and for a long time, as the effect of "addiction" will occur, and next time a stronger drug will be needed to eliminate acne. From the category of antibiotic creams, the following products deserve special attention:
  • Differin – copes with even the most difficult rash, but improvement becomes noticeable only after a week of regular use. The cream should be applied pointwise, using a cotton swab;
  • Clindovit (active ingredient – clindamycin) – used 2-3 times a day for 2 months. At the end of the treatment, the skin becomes clear, oiliness decreases, pores are cleaned.

Oral antibiotic therapy is also used to get rid of acne. Thus, among dermatologists, the antibiotic Doxycycline is popularly prescribed - it is usually taken for 7-10 days, 50-100 mg twice a day, combined with drugs for dysbacteriosis (for example, lactovit or lactomun) and washed down with plenty of liquid.

• Hormonal acne cream most often acts almost immediately after application. However, such a product should be used very carefully, as there may be undesirable consequences in the form of skin "addiction", hormonal imbalance and local metabolic processes, which will further worsen the situation. The most well-known hormonal creams are Akriderm, Flucinar, Hydrocortisone ointment, etc.

You can also make your own acne cream:

• Homemade acne cream.

Mix 1 tbsp. glycerin, 1 tsp. vegetable oil, 1 tsp. propolis tincture, 1 tsp. honey, and the contents of three capsules of Aevit. Apply the mixture evenly to the face and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with water and wipe the skin with chamomile infusion. Use once a day for 10 days.

• Cream mask for acne on the face.

Mix 5 ml of aloe or kalanchoe juice with the same amount of honey, add half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to pre-cleaned skin for 15 minutes, then wash off with herbal infusion. Repeat the procedure every other day until the skin condition has improved steadily.

• Badiaga cream.

To prepare an acne remedy, dilute badyagi powder in a small amount of linseed oil, adding hydrogen peroxide. Apply the thick mixture to problem areas, avoiding the area around the eyes and lips. After 15 minutes, wash off the mixture with warm water. Repeat the procedure no more than twice a week.

• Anti-acne cream from Malysheva.

Mix 2 tbsp. carrot juice, egg yolk and 1 tbsp. mashed potatoes. Apply to the problem area, rinse with warm water and gently blot with a towel. Repeat several times a week (if there is no allergy).

How to use acne creams

Each cosmetic product has its own specific subtleties of use. As general rules for using creams, the following can be highlighted:

• Before you start using the chosen product, it is important to test it for allergies by applying a small amount of cream to the inside of the elbow;
• Usually the cream is applied directly to the area covered with acne, without affecting healthy areas;
• frequency of application of creams – 2 times a day, until the skin is completely healed.

Before using any cream, you should carefully read the instructions.

Using Acne Creams During Pregnancy

When choosing an acne cream during pregnancy, it is better to choose proven cosmetics to which there is definitely no allergy. The list of approved drugs does not include hormonal ointments and creams with antibiotics.

Additional criteria when choosing a cream are:

• absence of a distinct odor (as is known, during pregnancy women are quite sensitive to new aromas);
• soft hypoallergenic base.

If you have the slightest doubt about choosing a cream, it is better to consult a doctor.

Contraindications for use

Those who are prone to allergies to some components of cosmetics should choose creams with caution.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Side effects of acne creams

Acne creams may in some cases cause the following side effects:

• allergic reactions;
• dry skin;
• redness and flaking of the skin.

If such side effects occur, use of the cream should be discontinued.

Overdose

Overdosing on regular acne creams is unlikely. Sometimes side effects may increase.

Overdosing on hormonal or antibacterial ointments can cause a “habituation” effect, when the skin stops responding to treatment and acne appears again.

To avoid overdose, use exactly the amount of cream recommended by the manufacturer.

Interactions with other drugs

It is not advisable to use several acne creams at the same time. This can lead to dryness, flaking, redness and pigmentation of the skin.

Storage conditions

Creams are stored in dry places, with a temperature from +15°C to +24°C. Shelf life is from 2 to 3 years: the production date must be indicated on the packaging with the preparation.

Effective acne cream: which one to choose?

The effect of the cream depends on several factors:

• the initial condition of the skin (the presence of abscesses, inflammatory elements, their number and degree of neglect);
• the activity of the active ingredient in the product, its purpose;
• regularity and correct application of the cream;
• cause of acne.

If you can characterize all the listed factors, then choosing the right cream for you will not be difficult. Otherwise, it is better to consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist: the professional opinion of specialists will help you not to make a mistake in choosing a cosmetic product.

It should not be forgotten that cream is far from the main way to fight for healthy and clear skin. How to get rid of acne without creams? It is enough to follow these simple recommendations:

• eat right, regularly consume fruits and vegetables;
• forget about fast food, processed foods, fatty, spicy and fried foods;
• drink enough clean water;
• walk in the fresh air;
• wash and shower regularly;
• periodically take tests and monitor the hormonal levels in the body.

Acne cream, plus careful and competent care of problem areas will help restore beauty and health to your skin. Take care of yourself, don't go to bed without removing your makeup, and acne will disappear from your face forever.

[ 7 ]