Acne treatment Tips

Several of todays poular acne cream treatments contain either retinoids or antimicrobials. 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 can decrease the bacterial resistance that often occurs when antibiotics are used.

· 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. Dryness and minor skin irritation are possible occurences with use.

· The first retinoid produced for topical (applied to skin) use was Tretinoin. 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.

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.

Visit acne-free-info.com for more information about niacinamide cream for acne.

Free Ebook On Acne 

If you’d like further information on treating acne in general, visit http://acne-free-info.com for an ebook entitled Acne Free.