Some of the most popular acne cream products today contain either antimicrobials or retinoids. Antimicrobials, as their name suggests, kill or inhibit the production of the bacteria that cause acne. Retinoids, which are made from vitamin A, stop the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and unclog the pores. 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, side effects such as irritation and skin dryness are possible. It decreases bacterial resistance caused by antibiotic use.

· Erythromycin has both antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory properties. Acne creams combining benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin have been proven to be quite 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. Burning, itching and redness are a few of the side effects that some users observe.

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.

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.
· It will not make your skin develop bacterial resistance unlike most antimicrobials.
· 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.

Go visit acne-free-info.com for more information about niacin cream.

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