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. Below are some examples of these.
Topical Antimicrobials
· Clindamycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic. It reduces acne and lessens inflammation. Clindamycin has been proven to be safe and well tolerated. However, side effects such as irritation and skin dryness are possible. It decreases bacterial resistance caused by antibiotic use.
· Erythromycin has both antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory properties. Acne creams combining benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin have been proven to be quite effective. Side effects include dryness and irritation of the treated area. It can also decrease the bacterial resistance from antibiotic use.
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.
· 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. Burning, itching and redness are a few of the side effects that some users observe.
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.
In a New York University study, acne treatment and niacinamide was the subject, and 76 people were tested for the acne healing effects of 1% clindamycin gel compared to 4% Niacinamide 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. 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 advantages are...
· It is safe and natural to keep using it for as long as necessary.
· 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.
Additionally, a 4% Niacinamide cream (such as Acnessential brand) can be applied alongside retinoids and antibiotics, or on its own.
Go visit acne-free-info.com for more information about niacin cream for acne.
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If you'd like further information on treating acne in general, visit http://acne-free-info.com for a download of a free acne ebook.
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