EverGlow Bliss

Acne is a rather frustrating skin condition that may affect people of all ages, especially for teenagers. I myself have acne-prone skin and know how it looks and feels. I have been suffering from acne since my teenage years and even now being over 35 I have blemishes from time to time. However, over the years I’ve learned to deal with it properly and now I follow a specific skincare routine for problem skin. I’ve tried lots and lots of skincare products and keep trying. In my blog I am sharing my own experience with skincare products for acne-prone skin. One of the products I would like to review is Sudocrem, which helps me greatly as a fast relief when I’ve got a painful blemish. 

What Is Sudocrem?

Sudocrem is a well-known and affordable antiseptic healing cream in the UK. You can buy it in any pharmacy and in most supermarkets and you don’t need any prescription. It was developed in the 1930s as a treatment for eczema, diaper rash and minor burns and has since become very popular in the UK. 

What makes it effective? Active ingredients in Sudocrem: 

• Zinc Oxide is well known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to promote healing, prevent irritation and form a protective skin barrier. 
• Benzyl Alcohol has mild antiseptic and anesthetic properties and helps to relieve discomfort and pain. 
• Benzyl Benzoate and Benzyl Cinnamate with their antimicrobial properties help skin repair.
• Lanolin is a moisturizer which helps to keep the skin hydrated and is beneficial for dry or irritated areas.

The cream has white color, thick creamy texture and a light pleasant scent. The cream comes in various sizes which is very convenient – if you don’t need to use it often you don’t have to buy a big version. Another advantage is its cheap price and availability in online shops (including Amazon), pharmacies and supermarkets. 

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

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Does Sudocrem help with acne treatment? 

From my proper experience, I can say YES! Every time I get a new red pimple, I apply Sudocrem and it works magic! Believe it or not, if I applied it overnight directly on a pimple, by the morning the redness and pain will be reduced and sometimes the pimple is gone. In some cases one overnight application will be enough for the treatment but in some cases more applications are needed. It all depends on the severity of the case. This all is individual and may vary from person to person. 

What makes Sudocrem effective in acne treatment is its key ingredients listed above. Let’s go into more details: 

1. Zinc Oxide with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties is beneficial for acne treatment. Acne is characterized by inflammation and bacterial overgrowth in clogged pores. Zinc oxide helps by reducing inflammation, controlling sebum production and providing antibacterial protection. This ingredient can promote faster skin healing and even out skin tone, though this effect may take time and consistent application to become noticeable.
2. Benzyl Alcohol is considered a mild anesthetic, which provides pain relief for pimples. 
3. Lanolin provides hydration, which can soothe dry patches and help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. However, experts say lanolin can be comedogenic for some skin types, potentially leading to clogged pores and exacerbating acne. This makes its effect variable depending on the individual’s skin reaction.

How to use Sudocrem to Treat Acne: My tips

Let me share my own tips and tricks. I use it for spot treatment in emergency cases and have never used it for the entire face. This method minimizes the risk of clogging pores while targeting inflammation. I apply a thin layer of the cream directly on a pimple in the evening overnight. I do this because cream’s thick texture and white color make it quite visible on the skin. It also doesn’t absorb completely and remains on the skin. So if you apply it on a pimple on your face in the daytime – this will be visible for everybody! Then I use a small plaster to cover. In the morning I remove the plaster and wash my face as usual with my favourite face cleanser. I noticed this method works for me ideally. Sometimes just one overnight application is enough to calm an irritated acne. I use the cream to treat occasional acne not only on my face but body too.

Be aware, in some cases two or three applications are needed to completely get rid of a pimple. My skin didn’t show any side effects from using Sudocrem. However, before using it for the first time please do a patch test first – apply a small amount of cream to a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions.! If you notice increased breakouts or irritation, discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.

Limitations and Potential Drawbacks

While Sudocrem offers some benefits for acne-prone skin, remember it is not a miracle cure. There are several limitations and potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Not Formulated Specifically for Acne Sudocrem is primarily designed as an antiseptic cream for diaper rash and skin irritation. While its ingredients can benefit acne-prone skin, it lacks specialized acne-fighting agents like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids that directly target comedones, blackheads, and cysts.
2. Thick, Occlusive Formula The thick consistency of Sudocrem may not be suitable for oily or acne-prone skin types, as it could potentially clog pores and exacerbate acne in some individuals. Those with sensitive or combination skin might find it helpful, but for others, it may feel too heavy.
3. Lanolin Allergy Risk Lanolin can be irritating or allergenic for some people. If your skin reacts negatively to lanolin, Sudocrem may worsen your acne or lead to other skin issues.
4. Temporary Relief, Not a Long-Term Solution Sudocrem can provide short-term relief for inflammation and redness, but it is not a comprehensive treatment plan for acne. Long-term management typically requires a combination of active ingredients that address multiple causes of acne, including excess oil, bacteria, and clogged pores.

Final Thoughts: Is Sudocrem Worth Trying for Acne?

I am not a doctor prescribing treatments but I can suggest this cream is worth trying at least for spot treatment. Make sure you wash your hands and face/body before cream application!

While Sudocrem is not dedicated specifically for acne treatment, it does offer some benefits for managing occasional pimples, inflammation, and irritation. The soothing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of zinc oxide and benzyl alcohol make it a viable option for spot treatment or emergency use. Its effectiveness will depend on your unique skin type and the severity of your acne, making it one of many potential tools in your skincare toolkit.

Remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so finding the right combination of skincare products is often a process of trial and error. Please do patch tests and seek professional advice if you suffer from severe acne !