Is facial acne making your life miserable? Are you tired of missing out on social events due to acne-prone skin? Well, oladoc.com is here to make your life easier. Acne can make you feel conscious about your appearance and getting the right treatment for it is essential. While a skin specialist may be able to advise you better about a permanent treatment, some over-the-counter products can help reduce acne and make your skin clear.
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What Is Acne?
Acne can happen to anyone and is usual in both men and women. It is usually not painful but can cause pain when it becomes inflamed. It is not harmful to your health but it can harm your self-esteem and confidence. Acne occurs when oil, dirt, or bacteria block your pores. If it happens frequently, it is called acne. On the other hand, if you do not get it often it is categorized as pimples.
5 Best Acne Creams in Pakistan
1. Tazorac Cream
Tazorac cream is a retinoid with the active ingredient, Tazarotene. It is applied topically and is effective for treating psoriasis, hypo, and hyperpigmentation. It is available under the name ‘Tazret cream/gel’ in Pakistan and has a 0.1% concentration, which is its recommended strength for topical use. It is prescribed according to the severity of your acne.
Tazorac cream prevents the buildup of dead skin cells and slows the overgrowth of skin cells to reduce acne. A doctor may prescribe it if you have mild or cystic acne. You should apply sunscreen after applying this cream. Avoid using this cream if you are pregnant.
Warnings:
- Children below the age of 12 should not use it
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use this cream
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight as it can damage your skin
- It may interact with other medicines so consult a doctor before use
2. Tretinoin Cream
Tretinoin is one of the best acne creams in Pakistan, available under the name ‘Skin A cream’. It is available as gel or cream derived from Vitamin A and you can apply it topically. It increases new cell regeneration by removing damaged cells quickly, accelerating the life cycle of the skin cells.
It is an effective treatment for acne as it unclogs your pores and provides better results for exfoliation by easily removing dead skin. It also prevents the pores from clogging, in addition to clearing fine lines and facial wrinkles. It is a prescription-based medicine and you may need to consult a doctor before using it.
Warnings:
- Discontinue using it if you are allergic to any of these ingredients or have a reaction
- It is not recommended for use by pregnant women
- Keep it away from your eyes, mouth, and certain angles of your nose
3. Differin Gel
This retinoid gel available in tube and pump form can treat your acne with its active ingredient, adapalene. Previously prescription-based, differin gel is now accessible for you without a prescription. It is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it the perfect formulation for clearing acne breakouts and clearing the skin of blemishes, whiteheads, clogged pores, and blackheads. It is the first cream with an active ingredient for acne treatment available without a prescription and is one of the Best Acne Creams in Pakistan.
However, it is pricier than other alternatives and not everyone may be able to afford it. It also improves skin tone and texture of your skin. You can use it daily, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Apply it after cleansing your skin and follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Applying sunscreen is vital as your skin may become more sensitive due to its use.
Warnings:
- Avoid waxing, depilatories, and laser in the affected areas
- Do not use it if you are pregnant
- Consult a doctor if you experience any unusual side effects
- Do not use harsh or irritating products in the areas where you apply the product
4. Azelaic Cream
This cream is another anti-acne topical medication that is available under the name ‘Skinoren Cream’ in Pakistan. You need a prescription to buy this medication as the skin doctor may guide you better considering the severity of the acne.
It is a dermatologist-approved acne treatment that can reduce or treat acne and pimples. Moreover, it may reduce acne scars and reduce hyperpigmentation. It also tightens your pores and is especially useful if you have oily skin. It is usually prescribed for everyday use for effective results. It is best to use this medication under a doctor’s supervision.
Warnings:
- Expect skin irritation or peeling while using this product
- Stop using it if you experience allergic reactions
- Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
5. Dapsone Gel
Dapsone gel is a form of antibiotic used to treat acne in people of all ages. It slows bacteria growth and reduces inflammatory acne. It also promotes the healing of acne scars and can be helpful in clearing your skin. Furthermore, it lowers the severity and frequency of acne scars. You can apply it on your skin topically and the prescribing doctor may guide you regarding its dosage for your skin.
Warnings:
- Wash your hands after using this medicine
- Do not apply inside your mouth or nose
- Do not apply on the groin or vaginal area
- Keep it away from eyes
- Avoid using it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Symptoms And Types Of Acne
Acne has many forms, from mild to severe. It is vital to identify the type of acne you have and what you can do about it. Some common types of acne are:
1. Comedones:
Comedones are a basic type of acne. Whiteheads and blackheads are known as comedones. Whiteheads are closed pores that are blocked from dead skin cells or oil. It appears as a small bump on your skin. Blackheads are open comedones, which remain open even though it’s clogged. This is a non-inflammatory type of acne and can go away with a good skincare routine.
2. Pustules
Pustules are a type of inflammatory acne often known as pimples. They are formed due to the accumulation of pus in your skin, which gives it a visible white center. They may appear red around the center and such lesions can be painful if they get worse.
3. Papules
Papules are cone-shaped bumps that may pop out of the skin. They are usually smaller in size and can change color and texture. They do not contain pus but are noticeable on your skin. They can cause pain and irritation.
4. Nodules
Nodules are lumps that can form on your skin and are at least one centimeter in size. They are abnormal growths of skin tissue. Nodules are usually hard and can be painful. They can also indicate an underlying disease.
5. Cysts
Cysts commonly referred to as cystic acne, it is filled with pus and are usually deeper in the skin. It can be painful and may require treatment from a specialist.
You may experience a mix of the above acne. These acne types can result in hormonal acne, nodular acne, Cystic Acne, and hormonal acne. Acne treatment depends on the cause and severity of the acne. Using acne creams can reduce acne and improve your skin quality.
How To Choose The Best Acne Cream For Your Skin
There are many types and forms of acne and some may be more severe than others. A dermatologist may suggest the right course of treatment depending on the acne cause and severity of your condition. The above creams may resolve your acne, but in some conditions, dual-component creams are prescribed.
A skin specialist may assess your skin condition, acne type, and medical history, and provide a treatment that suits your skin. If the treatment is not working well for you, consult your doctor again and let them know about any adverse effects. The result of the acne cream may differ from person to person and you should follow the doctor’s orders to get the required results.
Conclusion
Acne is a common issue that many Pakistanis face, regardless of gender. It is not only painful, but it can also impact your appearance and make you feel self-conscious and underconfident. Comedones, whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples are all forms of acne.
Getting rid of acne can be tough, especially if you have oily and acne-prone skin. You should consult a doctor for permanent and effective treatment of acne as they may be able to provide accurate treatment. While there is a specific medication for acne, you can also use OTC meds to reduce pain and inflammation that results from acne, especially inflammatory acne.
Many products are available in the Pakistani market that target acne by its active ingredients. Some of the prescription creams to treat acne include Tazorac, tretinoin, azelaic, and daspone. They are available in gel or cream forms and are suitable to reduce or remove acne, among other benefits for the skin. You can also use differin gel, which is easily available over-the-counter but you should talk to your doctor if you face any adverse effects.
While most of these medicines are generally safe, they need to be taken under medical supervision. You should consult a doctor before using these creams if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
