Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Choosing an Effective Acne Gel


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, 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. 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. 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.

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.

The result – 82% of niacinamide patients showed improvement as compared to only 68% of clindamycin patients. Niacinamide is the preferred choice because it doesn't diminish bacterial resistance, as Clindamycin is widely known for.

Niacinamide (sometimes called Nicotinamide) in cream or gel form is one of the most effective acne treatments available. Some of the advantages are the following.

· 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 ideal if you have dry, sensitive skin and cannot tolerate retinoids well.

Additionally, a 4% Niacinamide cream (such as Acnessential brand) can be applied alongside retinoids and antibiotics, or on its own.

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

Free Ebook On Acne 

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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