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How Do I Choose the Best Face Cream for Pimples?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

There are a number of factors you should consider when choosing a face cream for pimples. When considering the wide variety of creams available, make sure to look for one that contains ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are known to help clear and prevent breakouts. Try to find one with a formula designed for the degree of acne you suffer from; if your acne is very severe, you may want to speak to a dermatologist about a prescription-strength cream. If your skin gets dry easily, you may want to consider a cream that also contains moisturizing components, as the chemicals used to fight pimples can often dry out the surrounding area. Most importantly, find a cream that is effective for you, even if you need to sample several products before settling on one.

With so many types of face cream for pimples to choose from, it is important to consider what ingredients they include when you are looking for one. Some of the best medications, that are readily available over the counter in many creams, are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. Certain natural ingredients like witch hazel, tea tree oil, and green tea may also be included, as they are known to help fight acne. Look for a cream that contains one or several of these in its formula.

Face creams are designed to counter specific levels of acne.
Face creams are designed to counter specific levels of acne.

Another factor to consider when choosing a face cream for pimples is how severe your acne is. Different creams are formulated with mild, moderate, and severe acne in mind, and will work best for you if you have the type they are designed for. For severe acne, it may be best to speak to a doctor, as a prescription medication may be necessary.

Dryness can be a problem when using a face cream for pimples. Some products contain ingredients like aloe vera or oil-free moisturizers to help soothe skin, so consider one of these if you are prone to overdrying. You may also just need to adjust the amount of cream or the frequency that you are using it.

A doctor can recommend the best cream for pimples.
A doctor can recommend the best cream for pimples.

The most important thing when choosing a face cream for pimples is finding one that works. Your skin is unique, and what works for someone else may not work for you. It may also take some time for a treatment to start working, so you will need to be consistent and patient. Give a cream a chance to work, but do not be afraid to try a different one if it does not.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

As long as a face cream doesn't contain oils or other comedogenic ingredients, it should be fine for acne prone skin.

People with acne should not use creams with ingredients that clog pores. These ingredients are called comedogenic and they lead to pimples.

Glycerin is a good, non-comedogenic ingredient. I use a face cream that mainly has glycerin in it. It keeps my skin hydrated but doesn't aggravate my acne.

ddljohn

@fBoyle-- Have you ever tried zinc oxide cream?

Zinc oxide is a common ingredient found in baby rash creams. It's effective against acne and irritation. It's not something that you would want to use daily, but it's great for emergency situations. You can use it overnight or as a spot treatment to dry pimples. It will also reduce your skin's oil production, so it can prevent new breakouts.

I don't know if there are actual face creams with zinc oxide. I personally use a simple, multipurpose zinc oxide cream from the pharmacy.

fBoyle

I don't have breakouts every day, but when it happens, my face is covered in painful pimples. Is there a face cream I can use during these times, to dry up pimples and relieve irritation quickly?

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    • Face creams are designed to counter specific levels of acne.
      By: picsfive
      Face creams are designed to counter specific levels of acne.
    • A doctor can recommend the best cream for pimples.
      By: Picture-Factory
      A doctor can recommend the best cream for pimples.
    • Acne treatments may contain witch hazel.
      By: dianamower
      Acne treatments may contain witch hazel.
    • Toothpaste can be effective at removing pimples.
      By: miya227
      Toothpaste can be effective at removing pimples.