Trying to get rid of acne, people are ready to go to any lengths. Rubbing with lotions, masks, using medicinal preparations and cosmetic products…. One of the undeservedly forgotten, but very effective remedies is children's acne cream. What is its effect on the affected skin?
In fact, the developers of this cream hardly imagined that the new product would become so popular. Many people use it as a skin protectant during the cold season, when treating sunburn. But most people use it to treat inflammatory skin reactions.
Does baby cream help with acne?
It is difficult to find a definite answer to this question. It all depends on the skin type, the presence of individual intolerance to the incoming components and many other factors. However, despite all of the above, it can be argued that yes, indeed, baby cream helps. But it does not help against acne itself, but simply improves the condition of the skin, nourishes and moisturizes it. As a result, the protective properties increase, the skin becomes less vulnerable and, as a result, the number of acne is significantly reduced.
What components have a beneficial effect on the skin?
It is worth noting that all the ingredients included in this product are completely natural. Designed for use in children, the amount of preservatives present in any cosmetic product is kept to a minimum. There are also no dyes, flavors or other ingredients that can irritate the delicate skin of babies. The most useful components of the cream:
- Vitamins A and F. These components not only improve the protective properties of the epidermis. Vitamin A helps accelerate regeneration processes, and in combination with vitamin F smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles.
- Ceramides. They are one of the most important components of the cell membrane.
- Extracts of medicinal plants. Depending on the manufacturer, there may be a slight deviation in composition. Plantain, mulberry, ivy berry, elm, chamomile, calendula….
- Some manufacturers use only plant extracts instead of water. Thus significantly increasing the effectiveness of the drug.
What skin type can it be used for?
Reviews from patients using children's cream to treat acne are quite varied. Experts say that it can be used for all types. Hypoallergenicity, light consistency and the absence of preservatives and fragrances harmful to the skin certainly make it more suitable than many cosmetic products. For the dry type, the presence of vitamins and moisturizing components is most favorable, for the normal type it is the nutrition obtained as a result of application, and for the oily type, plant extracts that relieve inflammatory reactions become a significant factor. However, it is worth noting that the effect of using the cream will be noticeable only after 3-4 weeks of regular use. Since this is not a drug, but a cosmetic product, you will have to wait a little longer for a visible result.
Are there any contraindications?
Although the baby cream is designed for the delicate and thin skin of children, it may not be suitable for adults. Some patients noted increased oiliness of the skin, the formation of a “film” and the formation of acne. All this indicates individual intolerance to it as a remedy for acne. In this case, it is better to stop using the product.
Coming to terms can't be fought is a dilemma that everyone who suffers from acne has faced. We’ll tell you where to put the missing comma, and at the same time we’ll tell you how to deal with acne, and what actions are best avoided.
- Causes of acne
- What absolutely should not be done in the fight against acne
- Our tactics: how to defeat acne
- 7 skin care products for acne-prone skin
Causes of acne
If puberty is left behind, and the acne problem does not go away (or suddenly appears), the reasons can be very different.
- Diseases (endocrine system or gastrointestinal tract).
- Changes in hormonal levels, including those associated with the menstrual cycle and/or serious overload.
- Heredity.
- Poor nutrition.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle.
- Extreme weather conditions (heat or cold).
- Incorrect skin care.
What absolutely should not be done in the fight against acne
You probably already follow some of our recommendations, but it is better to listen to all the tips below.
Don't push
You cannot squeeze out pimples on your own - only a specialist will do this correctly in the appropriate conditions, but you can provoke even more severe inflammation and, as a result, post-acne.
Remember your age
If you are over 25 years old, then aggressive teenage acne and skin care products are no longer relevant. They are good for active regeneration and 100% healing ability, but after 25 they can already cause irritation and peeling. For the same reason, creams with a high content of retinol and azelaic acid are not suitable - they may not be suitable for adult oily skin.
Avoid drying your skin
Avoid cleansers with high alcohol content. Dry skin will cause new problems, but acne will not go away.
Exfoliate
Exfoliants effectively cleanse the skin of dead cells and sebum, and also stimulate regeneration. Just choose the most suitable option.
Be careful with cleansing
Washing the skin “to the point of squeaking” is a direct path to skin microtraumas, dehydration and worsening acne problems.
Don't forget about sun protection
If you do not want to add pigmentation, burns, early wrinkles and other premature age-related changes to existing skin problems, be sure to use products with SPF. The sun “dries out” acne and at first there are actually fewer of them, but, protecting itself from UV radiation, the skin begins to secrete more sebum and becomes even oilier.
Forget about warming ointments
In medical practice, local heating has not been used for a long time to accelerate the maturation of pimples - often this only expands the acne area, causing additional inflammation.
Using soap is a direct path to dryness and worsening acne problems. © iStock
Our tactics: how to defeat acne
The key prerequisites for beautiful skin are a healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition and hygiene. But competent care and effective cosmetics are no less important. So, how to take care of problem skin so as not to harm it?
- Twice a day, apply gentle but intense cleansing a product that contains antibacterial (tea tree oil, AHA acids, triclosan, piroctone, olamine) and moisturizing components, as well as keratolytics (hydroxy acids). They remove accumulations of dead cells that cause inflammation.
- Apply cleansing and tightening pores two to three times a week masks based on white clay, delicate scrubs with adramatic synthetic granules.
- Use twice a day (as day and evening care) moisturizing fluid creams.
Salon treatments also work well.
- Peels of different depths (for example, chemical or ultrasonic).
- Cleaning: laser, mechanical, vacuum, ultrasonic.
- Massage: hardware, with a special technique of massage movements (according to Jacquet).
- Masks based on different types of clay, algae, etc.
- Cryo-, ozone- and mesotherapy.
- PRP plasma therapy.
Neither salon procedures nor local remedies will eliminate the cause of acne. The problem cannot be solved without systemic competent care and, if prescribed by a doctor, special medications.
Use white clay-based cleansing and pore-tightening masks 2-3 times a week. © iStock
7 skin care products for acne-prone skin
Gel for deep skin cleansing Gel Pure Focus, Lancôme
Gently but intensely cleansing gel is suitable for oily skin - it controls sebum production, mattifies and makes the face velvety to the touch.
Micellar water Ultra range Effaclar, La Roche-Posay
A special combination of micelles, thermal water, glycerin and zinc, which has antibacterial properties, provides oily skin with delicate cleansing and the necessary care.
Exfoliating scrub against acne and blackheads “Clean Skin Active”, Garnier
It effectively cleanses (the vegetable charcoal in the composition is responsible for this), has an exfoliating effect (salicylic acid does this), restores (blueberry extract does this), fights acne and prevents its reappearance.
Fast-acting remedy against imperfections Normaderm Hyaluspot, Vichy
Concentrated lipohydroxy and salicylic acids in combination with hyaluronic acid plus a convenient applicator make the product indispensable in the fight against local imperfections on the face.
Cleansing mattifying mask Effaclar, La Roche-Posay
Thanks to two types of cleansing clay and thermal water with the antioxidant selenium, the mask removes even invisible impurities, tightens pores, and moisturizes the skin.
Serum for mature skin against imperfections Blemish & Age Defense, SkinCeuticals
It has an intensive effect: by controlling sebum production, it reduces imperfections and prevents the appearance of new ones. Glycolic acid in the formula gives a mild peeling effect.
Light moisturizer with mattifying effect Daily Moisture, SkinCeuticals
A fluid with sea extracts, cinnamon and ginger moisturizes, controls oily shine and reduces the appearance of pores.
Cream is a light cosmetic skin care product that is used to moisturize, tighten or nourish the epidermis. But if there are serious problems in the form of comedones or acne, then the creamy mass will not help. To treat such imperfections, a special ointment for acne on the face is used.
The most popular ointments for acne on the face
Ointment is a remedy for the treatment of superficial skin damage. It differs from cream in thickness and percentage of fats, active substances and some other components (thickeners, etc.). Due to the high density, almost all ointments can only be applied spot on. Otherwise, acne and acne problems may worsen.
There are also medicinal creams or liniments. They belong to cosmeceuticals, a branch of pharmacology that has similar goals to cosmetology. For example, this is a good cream for acne on the face and neck: Baziron, Skinoren, Ornidazole and others.
Vishnevsky ointment
Balsamic liniment created by surgeon Vishnevsky exclusively using natural ingredients. The composition includes tar, xeroform and castor oil. They have a strong antiseptic effect, promote tissue regeneration, and normalize the moisture balance in cells.
You can buy the product at any pharmacy; the drug is available without a prescription and the average price is up to $1. Despite its availability, Vishnevsky ointment for acne on the face can only be used after the recommendation of a specialist. Tar and castor oil have strong irritating properties and negatively affect ulcers and wen. In addition, they can provoke the accumulation of exudate in inflamed areas of the skin.
Zinc ointment
An effective ointment for acne and pimples on the face. It is a mixture of paraffin wax, mineral oil and zinc oxide powder. Due to zinc powder, it has a beneficial effect on the skin. Helps reduce inflammatory processes, dries out pimples and blackheads, and “pulls out” pus from wounds. Vaseline softens tissue, which helps prevent scarring.
This is one of the few drugs that is approved for use during pregnancy. Clinical studies have shown that there are no acute contraindications or side effects after using the zinc mixture. Although those with oily and acne-prone skin need to be careful. Paraffins clog pores and are addictive. The product can only be used spot-on.
Tetracycline ointment
The main active element of the product is tetracycline. It is a broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotic. Helps get rid of purulent pimples and comedones, subcutaneous lesions and other imperfections that arise under the influence of aggressive microorganisms.
The product is strictly prohibited for use during pregnancy. It should also be used with great caution in relation to children. Prescribed exclusively by specialists in the presence of acute inflammatory processes and diseases of the subcutaneous tissue.
Ichthyol ointment
Natural antiseptic. In terms of action, it is the closest analogue of Vishnevsky’s liniment. Ichthyol ointment is used to treat subcutaneous acne on the face, inflamed pores, and boils. The composition includes ichthammol and petroleum jelly.
Ichthammol or ichthyol are sulfonic acids of shale oil. They have an antiseptic effect and have an analgesic effect. The drug is prescribed for bacterial skin lesions, infectious diseases and purulent accumulations (boils). In the form of compresses it helps to treat subcutaneous acne. It is even used in neuralgia. There are no special instructions for use.
Ichthyol
Heparin ointment
A common anticoagulant. Healing heparin ointment is used for traces of acne and comedones, elimination of hematomas, treatment of hemorrhoids. The composition includes benzonicotinic acid, fats, heparoid.
Properties of heparin:
- Reducing the inflammatory process;
- Anesthesia;
- Antithrombotic effect.
An important feature of the drug is its incompatibility with tetracycline. Also, this ointment is not used during pregnancy and lactation.
Sinaflan
A very cheap substance for allergic reactions and various diseases that are accompanied by peeling and dryness of the epidermis. Contains propylene glycol, which is used to treat the allergic effects of chemotherapy, fungal diseases, rosacea and sunburn.
Sinaflan
Levomekol
This is the best acne ointment for teenagers. It is considered unique in its own way. There are no additional components in its composition. The product consists entirely of medicinal components: chloramphenicol and methyluracil. Tops the rating of antimicrobial drugs, used to accelerate tissue regeneration and draw out purulent accumulations from open wounds.
Levomekol ointment
Methyluracil is used externally and internally. To be effective, it must be applied to the skin in the form of compresses or combined with usual foods (as prescribed by a specialist).
Syntomycin ointment
Syntamycin liniment is an antibiotic ointment that is actively used to treat burns, insect bites, acne, and helps with scars and subcutaneous pimples. The composition includes synthomycin emulsion, castor oil, water and a special preservative.
This is an excellent and inexpensive pharmaceutical for treating problem skin in adolescence. Its difference from other similar products is that it can be used as a cream. Doctors have allowed the product to be applied to the entire face, rather than spot-on, which is very convenient when treating acne. Side effects include itching and hives.
Sulfuric
An affordable product that belongs to pharmacopoeial drugs. The classic composition includes animal fat (most often pork) and sulfur powder. Nowadays, the more common one is the so-called Kutumova formula. It uses Vaseline instead of fat. The drug is used to dry out inflamed acne, cold redness, treat skin parasites and fungal diseases.
The product can be used on all parts of the body, with the exception of the head (due to the dense fat base, it is quite difficult to wash out). Sulfur ointment can cure the most painful pimples in a week.
Zenerite
An effective cream for acne on the face, which contains erythromycin ointment and zinc powder. This is a combined action drug used in cosmetology, cosmeceuticals and medicine for the treatment of various skin diseases. It has a strong anti-acne effect, relieves inflammation and reduces redness.
It is characterized by a bacteriostatic effect on staphylococci, but is not recommended for disinfecting wounds and mucous membranes.
Useful properties of Zinerit ointment:
- Normalization of the sebaceous glands;
- Acne treatment;
- Quickly relieves swelling and eliminates skin pain in areas where pimples form.
Baziron
Baziron is a bacteriostatic gel based on benzoyl peroxide. There are different types of this drug, classified according to the concentration of the active substance. Like many other antibiotic ointments against acne on the face, Baziron AS provides a local anesthetic effect. In addition, the product has a pronounced exfoliating effect and quickly draws pus from the follicle.
The main disadvantage of the gel is the reduction in the amount of melanin in the skin, which affects its sensitivity to sunlight. In addition, it should not be used by children under 12 years of age.
Baneocin
Complex antibacterial agent. This ointment is on the list of the most popular drugs for acne and folliculitis on the face and body. It is actively used in dermatology to relieve inflammation and cure diseases caused by pathogens. In addition, it is used in obstetrics, pediatrics, and otolaryngology.
What can be treated with Baneocin:
- Mastitis, various diseases of the follicles during lactation;
- Acne, boils, burns. In some cases, doctors prescribe an ointment to disinfect open wounds;
- Subcutaneous pimples, boils, inflamed comedones;
- Like Bepanten, Baneocin is used for diaper dermatitis and diathesis.
- Hidradenitis. This is a common inflammation of the sebaceous glands.
Hormonal ointments
Corticosteroids are widely used in modern cosmetology. They help against acne, blackheads, comedones, acne, fungal infections and many other problems. It is important to understand that these are serious pharmaceuticals that can only be prescribed by a specialist.
The use of hormonal ointments for acne is advisable when such problems are caused by complex strains of microorganisms. Basically, such drugs are used to treat eczema, vitiligo, lichen, etc.
Hormonal agents:
- Elokom. The composition includes mometasone furoate;
- Advantan. Active substance – methylprednisolone aceponate;
- Triacutan. Concentrated cream containing betamethasone;
- Acyclovir. Contains 1 mg acyclovir.
- Clotrimazole. The cream is enriched with 1 mg of Clotrimazolum.
List of ointments for subcutaneous acne
It is subcutaneous acne that causes the most discomfort. The main disadvantage is the difficulty in treatment. It is almost impossible to get rid of subcutaneous tissue mechanically. The inflammatory process begins in the depths of the follicle, which is why it is impossible to squeeze out the pus. Special ointments are used to treat internal acne.
- Streptocide. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial drug. Destroys all streptococcal microorganisms. Quickly relieves inflammation and reduces pain, accelerates the process of pimple maturation. For the treatment of subcutaneous tissue, streptocide can even be used in tablet form. The capsule is crushed and applied as a compress to the affected area;
What ointments help with acne on the face and marks from them:
- Adapalene, Differin or retinoic ointment. The main property of this product is the ability to soften dead skin particles, preventing their transformation into keratinized tissue;
- Rescuer. Well-known ointment with softening and regenerating properties. Helps prevent the formation of scars and pits after acne and chickenpox, accelerates tissue healing, relieves swelling and relieves pain;
- Metrogyl gel. Complex cream-gel with antibacterial effect. It affects the DNA of aggressive microorganisms, thereby providing a rapid therapeutic effect. Softens tissues and accelerates their regeneration, helps treat keloid scars;
- Tetracycline ointment – reviews claim that this is not only an excellent product for acne on the face, but also a means of preventing scars. It prevents parts of the epidermis from hardening, which helps prevent the appearance of keloid tissue.
You need to understand that this is not a cream for problem skin a la Garnier or L'Oreal. These are serious medications with contraindications and side effects. Therefore, before using any of the described drugs, it is important to read the instructions and consult a specialist.
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- Adapalene, Differin or retinoic ointment. The main property of this product is the ability to soften dead skin particles, preventing their transformation into keratinized tissue;