How To Choose an Effective Acne Gel

Several of todays popular 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. 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 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. Tretinoin is a natural retinoid which over time unclogs pores, and helps keep them unclogged. 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 made from the B vitamin niacin.

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 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.

Topical Niacinamide gels and creams are amongst the most effective acne treatments on the market. 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.

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 and acne.

Free Acne eBook 

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