Choosing The Right Acne Gel – Get The Facts
Several of todays popular acne cream treatments contain either retinoids or antimicrobials. 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. 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 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. Minor skin irritation and dryness may occur with use.
· Tretinoin was the first retinoid developed for topical use. It is a natural retinoid that gradually unclogs pores and helps them stay unplugged. 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.
The result – 82% of niacinamide patients showed improvement as compared to only 68% of clindamycin patients. Moreover, since Clindamycin is widely known to diminish bacterial resistance, niacinamide is even more preferred.
4% Niacinamide creams/gels are one of the best acne treatments available for moderate to inflammatory acne. Some of the advantages are the following.
· It is natural and safe to use for as long as you need it.
· It will not make your skin develop bacterial resistance unlike most antimicrobials.
· 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 niacinamide topical.
Free Acne eBook
If you’d like further information on treating acne in general, visit http://acne-free-info.com for a free acne ebook.
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