Top 9 Topical Medicinal Creams To Treat Pimples
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Acne is the worst. You don’t know when a breakout is going to hit the surface, but it almost always happens right before you have an important social event coming up. The factors leading to this skin nuisance are many, and they may be both internal and external. Most of the time, oily skin seems to be the culprit. When excess sebum (the skin’s natural oil) is produced on your skin, it clogs your pores and causes acne. Environmental pollution can also be equally responsible.
This is when the hundreds of anti-pimple products available on the market seem like your saving grace. But from so many options to choose from, picking the right one appears to be next to impossible.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the top 9 topical treatments for acne.
In This Article
Top 9 Medicinal Creams to Treat Pimples of 2024
1. Glyco 6 Glycolic Acid Cream
Glyco-6 contains 6% of glycolic acid, the ingredient present in glycolic peels that are prescribed by dermatologists for skin lightening and scar reduction. It is one of the few products in India that contain this ingredient. While the concentration of glycolic acid is small, it is enough to even out your skin tone and reduce the visibility of scars when used over a few weeks. The cream helps exfoliate the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and speeds up the scar fading process. It also helps prevent future breakouts.
2. Avene Triacneal
Avene Triacneal treatment is an ideal alternative to Retino-A as it contains retinaldehyde, as well as glycolic acid. The retinaldehyde in its formula equips the product with anti-aging benefits as it treats acne and prevents future breakouts. Unlike Retino-A, this is not a prescription drug and can be purchased from your local drugstore as well as online stores. It effectively evens out your complexion by helping in the fading of scars and reducing the appearance of dark spots.
3. Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment
Neutrogena’s On-The-Spot Acne Treatment is a benzoyl peroxide gel-cream that promises fast results. The use of this product can control breakouts and show vast improvement in redness within two days. While some benzoyl peroxide treatments can dry out and irritate your skin, this one is mild on the skin. The On-The-Spot Treatment is perfectly suitable for women with oily and sensitive skin. It is easily absorbed, and so can be applied at night as well as during daytime.
4. Brinton Obril Cream for Spotless Brilliance
Brinton Obril Cream for Spotless Brilliance treats acne blemishes, age and dark spots, pimple spots, and hyperpigmentation. This dermatologically tested cream accelerates the skin’s healing process that gives spotless and even-toned skin. It is a skin repairing cream enriched with antioxidant-rich ingredients that blur the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and dark circles. It also protects the skin from free radical damage, making your skin look younger.
5. Himalaya Herbals Acne-N-Pimple Cream
This mild cream helps dry out pimples, speeding up the healing process. The cream has a thick consistency and is ideal for night-time use. It also reduces and controls redness. The formula comprises natural ingredients and is safe for all skin types. This cream is gentle and perfect for everyday use. While the cream might not work miracles for acne-prone skin, it is great for treating mild breakouts.
[ Read – Himalaya Acne N Pimple Cream Review ]
6. Vicco Turmeric WSO Skin Cream
The Vicco Turmeric WSO Skin Cream is an anti-pimple remedy that hit the market a long time ago. The formula is 100% natural with ayurvedic ingredients. 16% of the product is made of turmeric, an age-old effective treatment for chronic pimples and acne. The cream is also adept at removing acne scars while giving you clear skin.
[ Try – Vicco Turmeric Skin Cream ]
7. Nomarks Acne Pimple Cream
Nomarks cream contains lemon, licorice, clove, and other natural ingredients that effectively control acne while being gentle on your skin. The cream has a thick consistency that takes a bit of massaging to be absorbed by the skin. However, it is not greasy and can be used by women with oily skin as well. The presence of camphor in this product has a cooling effect on your skin while it heals pimples and speeds up scar fading.
8. Oriflame Pure Skin Spot SOS Gel
Oriflame’s Pure Skin Spot SOS Deep Action Gel claims to target and start the healing process of pimples within 8 hours. The transparent gel is topically applied onto the affected areas, once the gel dries it easily peels off. It also reduces dark spots when it is used over a couple of weeks and the product keeps a breakout from spreading.
9. Jovees Ayurveda Neem & Long Pepper Anti Acne And Pimple Cream
Here’s another herbal product available in the India market that treats acne. Jovees’ Anti Acne And Pimple Cream contains long pepper, neem, red sandalwood, and other herbal extracts that control and clear a breakout and prevent future episodes. Since the cream has a thick consistency, it is more suited for women with dry skin.
[ Also Try – Acteen Face Wash ]
Let’s look at a few essential points to consider before buying topical creams to treat acne.
Things To Consider When Buying An Anti-Pimple Cream
- Skin Type
Acne can occur on all types of skin – oily, combination, and dry. Therefore, it is imperative to choose the product wisely as per your skin type.
- Active Ingredients
The effectiveness of an anti-pimple cream depends on its ingredients. A cream that contains salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide offers impressive benefits to pimple-prone skin. These ingredients also help in removing blackheads and keeping your skin clear.
Some other effective ingredients are:
Alpha hydroxy acid
Sulfates
Retinol
Tea tree oil
Glycolic acid
• Ingredient Strength
Pimple treatment creams contain concentrated ingredients, and it is vital to know their strength or concentration to avoid allergic reactions and irritation.
- Salicylic Acid: It comes in 0.5 to 2% concentration. Creams with 2% salicylic acid are considered the best. However, it may cause irritation or redness on sensitive skin.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Its concentration varies from 2.5 to 10%. But it does not mean that the product with a higher concentration will offer the best effects. A high percentage of benzoyl peroxide can irritate the skin. Therefore, start with a low concentration and increase it gradually if it suits you.
We all know that acne sucks, but dealing with it can be made much easier with the use of these products. Try these topical medicinal creams to treat for pimples and flaunt acne-free skin every day.
*Prices may vary
*Subject to Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with using topical creams for pimples?
Yes, topical creams are generally safe for application. However, when used incorrectly, they may cause skin irritation, sensitivity to sunlight, and dryness and peeling. You may do a patch test before using topical creams. If they still irritate your skin, stop using them immediately and consult your dermatologist.
How long does it typically take for a topical cream to show results in reducing pimples?
Typically, a topical cream may take around 4 to 6 weeks to show visible results. However, these results vary from person to person and may depend on the severity of your condition.
What should be the proper application technique for using topical creams to treat pimples?
You may apply topical creams on a clean and dry face. Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen to keep your skin nourished and protected from the sun.
Can topical creams effectively treat severe cases of acne?
No, topical creams may only treat mild to moderate acne cases. If you have severe and widespread breakouts, consult your dermatologist before using topical creams.
How do topical creams for pimples interact with makeup or other skincare products?
Topical pimple creams contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids, which may interact with the heavy oils and comedogenic ingredients in makeup products. This may clog your pores and interfere with the action of acne treatments. Other skincare products may contain ingredients like vitamin C that do not go well with these ingredients in topical creams and may cause irritation. Therefore, avoid using these creams and opt for an oil-free and skin-soothing moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning.
Dr. Zein Obagi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with more than three decades of experience. He has pioneered advanced skin care solutions and is ranked among the world’s top experts on chemical peels and treatment of conditions specific to skin of color. Dr. Obagi earned his MD degree from The United States Naval Postgraduate School.Dr. Zein Obagi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with more than three decades of experience. He has pioneered advanced skin care solutions and is ranked among the world’s top experts on chemical peels and treatment of conditions specific to skin of color. Dr. Obagi earned his MD degree from The United States Naval Postgraduate School.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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