Up to 50 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, have acne every year. Even in Pakistan, acne is the most prevalent skin problem, but many people are still unsure of the ideal acne treatment for their skin.
Prescription drugs, such as topical and oral options, and over-the-counter (OTC) skincare items are two ways to treat acne. We sought the advice of board-certified dermatologists to help us reduce the lengthy list of possibilities.
While their initial suggestion is typically to contact a dermatologist, some moderate acne types can be managed with straightforward OTC treatments. Prescription-strength medications and a dermatologist’s guidance may be required to treat moderate to severe acne.
Continue reading to find out what causes acne and the recommended professional best acne cream in Pakistan for the various types of acne.
What are the Reasons for Acne?
Acne is typically brought on by clogged pores that develop when a concoction of sebum, germs, and dead skin cells becomes lodged in a hair follicle.
A hair follicle, which consists of an oil gland and a hair, is opened by each pore on the skin’s surface. Sebum is secreted when the oil gland is operating normally and moves up the hair before exiting the pore.
Sebum travels to the skin and performs its function of lubricating the skin there. Acne could appear if this procedure goes wrong in any way.
This process may be hampered by the oil gland producing too much sebum, by the deposition of dead skin cells, or by the development of microorganisms.
How do you choose the right acne cream treatment for you?
The best course of action for you will depend on the type and severity of your acne.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s clinical associate professor of dermatology and board-certified dermatologist Julie C. Harper says that the best way to determine the optimal acne treatment plan is to consult a dermatologist.
Treatment plans range from person to person and there are numerous distinct types of acne. Your skin will be extensively examined by a skin specialist to determine whether of many lesions kinds is present:
- Mild; Whiteheads and blackheads are features of this comedonal acne, often known as non-inflammatory acne.
- Moderate; Papules and pustules are features of inflammatory acne.
- Severe; Inflammatory acne has nodules and cysts.
Detail about 7 Best Acne Creams in Pakistan
Here is the list of the top-rated acne creams in Pakistan.
1. Tazorac
Depending on the severity of the acne, Tazorac gel or cream may be used. The active component of Tazorac is tazarotene.
It is a retinoid that is typically recommended for acne at a concentration of 0.1%. For minor to moderate facial breakouts, Tazorac gel is advised.
For some severe types of acne, such as cystic acne or acne on other parts of the body, Tazorac cream may be recommended. Pregnancy should not be the time to utilise it.
Additionally, when taking this product, be sure to wear sunscreen frequently because it can sometimes cause some sensitivity to light and sunlight.
- Price: 270-300 rupees
- Used as: topical cream or gel
- Type of acne: noninflammatory acne and moderate inflammatory acne
- Pros: safe for certain
- Cons: may make skin more sensitive to cold temperatures
2. INNBeauty Project Pimple Paste
Zeichner endorses this acne spot therapy and underlines the value of sulphur in acne treatments. “Sulfur-based products are available without a prescription and over-the-counter.
They help reduce skin inflammation because of their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities, he claims.
This paste has active components known to stop breakouts, including sulphur, azelaic acid, and tea tree oil, as opposed to toothpaste, which can contain ingredients that are too abrasive for the skin.
Additionally, it contains witch hazel, which is frequently found in homemade acne cures.
Apply as a spot treatment overnight, then rinse out in the morning. It’s not recommended to use this paste as an all-over treatment, but you can use it in a thin layer.
- Price: 3500-4000 rupees
- Used as: spot treatment gel
- Type of acne: inflammatory acne
- Pros: made with clean and gentle ingredients
- Cons: contains a small amount of product
Also read: Uses of Tretinoin cream
3. Differin Gel
Differin contains 0.1% adapalene, the primary anti-acne component that was previously exclusively available by prescription. This prescription-only retinoid is now sold over the counter.
Differin Gel may be helpful for many people with acne because it is readily accessible, reasonably priced, and appropriate for all forms of acne.
Dina Strachan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and assistant clinical professor at New York University, recommends Differin Gel.
Retinoids work to unplug the hair follicle where acne begins in order to treat acne. According to Strachan, they also aid in exfoliation, which can help with blemishes or hyperpigmentation caused by acne lesions.
- Price: 4000-4200 rupees
- Used as: topical gel
- Type of acne: all
- Pros: suitable for all types of acne
- Cons: may cause redness
4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser
Without a salicylic acid face wash for acne, a list of the top acne treatments would be incomplete. This Neutrogena cleanser contains salicylic acid, which Strachan suggests using if you have acne.
Salicylic acid is lipophilic, which means it enjoys fat, drawing it to the greasy hair follicle where acne first appears, claims Strachan. Like retinoids, it exfoliates, calms inflammation, and unplugs the hair follicle. All forms of acne can benefit from salicylic acid treatment.
Salicylic acid is a recommended over-the-counter medication for acne treatment and prevention because it removes the dead skin cells in clogged pores.
- Price: 2500- 2700 rupees
- Used as: cleanser
- Type of acne: noninflammatory acne
- Pros: helps prevent future breakouts
- Cons: may be too drying for dry skin
5. Yes To Tomatoes Charcoal Facial Cleanser
Blackheads and whiteheads may be cleared up by using only over-the-counter skin care products, such as this Yes To Tomatoes cleanser.
Kim recommends this cleanser despite the fact that there are many available for people with acne-prone skin because;
“It combines three beneficial ingredients: salicylic acid to help decongest whiteheads and blackheads, tomato extract to deliver antioxidants, and charcoal to naturally detoxify impurities and deep clean your skin.”
- Price: 4500-4700 rupees
- Used as: cleanser
- Type of acne: noninflammatory acne
- Pros: contains alcohol and fragrance, which may cause sensitivity
- Cons: may not be effective for moderate to severe acne types
6. Spironolactone
Other oral drugs, in addition to birth control pills and antibiotics, may help with acne. Spironolactone can be used to treat acne scar in addition to high blood pressure and heart failure.
According to Brooke Grant Jeffy, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Arizona, “Spironolactone is an oral medication that can treat all types of acne, but is usually utilized for more inflammatory acne or acne that is hormonal in origin in women.
The production of sebum by the skin’s oil glands is increased by androgen-type hormones like testosterone, according to Jeffy.
- Price: 300-400 rupees
- Used as: oral pills
- Type of acne: inflammatory acne
- Pros: decreases sebum production
- Cons: may not be safe for use during pregnancy or by people assigned male at birth
7. Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
For all acne sufferers, Evans typically advises some kind of topical medication or skin care, including skincare items containing salicylic acid, which treats the inflammatory aspect of acne.
She endorses Paula’s Choice’s award-winning BHA exfoliant for comedonal acne, including whiteheads and blackheads. It is devoid of alcohol, fragrances, and essential oils.
This exfoliant, which removes built-up layers of skin, uses salicylic acid, which is typically found in cleansers, but it is a leave-on treatment. It can be applied with a cotton pad or fingers and has a light texture that is made to absorb rapidly.
- Price: 3600-4000 rupees
- Used as: exfoliant
- Type of acne: noninflammatory acne
- Pros: absorbs quickly, can be used on the body
- Cons: may increase photosensitivity
Consult with a Dermatologist through Marham
Before visiting a doctor, some people try OTC acne treatments at home. For mild to moderate cases, this might be sufficient, but it’s typically not the ideal solution for severe and cystic acne.
The best strategy to treat any sort of acne is to visit a dermatologist straight away. This can lessen the chance of scarring and lessen irritation from employing too many active chemicals.
It could be time to talk to a doctor if, after taking OTC products for 1 to 2 months, you haven’t noticed any improvements.
Even though you might not need to consult the best skin specialist through Marham at the first sighting of a whitehead, you should think about doing so as soon as you start to experience symptoms of inflammatory and cystic acne.
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FAQ’s
What clears acne scars fast?
In particular, laser treatments are strong enough to reduce old scar tissue and boost the synthesis of natural collagen to improve the texture of the skin’s appearance. Examples of effective treatments for acne scars include CO2 fractional lasers and Pico lasers.
Does vitamin C help acne marks?
Anti-inflammatory qualities in vitamin C assist to lessen acne-related redness and swelling. When you apply the vitamin topically, the effects are more noticeable. Consequently, it aids in enhancing the appearance of acne wounds. It might aid in lowering hyperpigmentation.
Can acne scars be 100% removed?
The way radio frequency works is by heating the skin’s tissue, which aids in skin remodelling. Your acne scars may improve by 60–70% thanks to laser treatment. There is no such thing as a 100% improvement, though. No matter what kind of treatment you do, the scar cannot be entirely removed.