Several of todays popular acne cream treatments contain either retinoids or antimicrobials. Antimicrobials inhibit or kill acne causing bacteria. 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. Clindamycin lessens inflammation and reduces acne. Clinical tests have proven Clindamycin to be well tolerated and safe. However, it may cause side effects such as skin dryness or irritation. It decreases bacterial resistance caused by antibiotic use.
· 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 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.
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. 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 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 niacin for acne.
Free Ebook On Acne
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.
