As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
If you grew up in the UK, you almost definitely had a grey pot of thick ointment kicking about the bathroom cabinet: a magic cream called Sudocrem that was hailed as the cure for just about anything. It could soothe eczema, relieve nappy rash, and best of all, get rid of acne — all for just £3. Why would you ever need other (potentially expensive) spot treatments if this little pot could do it all? Sadly, truth is: the supposed cure-all cream might not actually cure our spots after all.
Aesthetic doctor Dr Chandni Rajani tells POPSUGAR UK that while Sudocrem's effectiveness as an acne treatment has been debated, the popular over-the-counter cream isn't specifically formulated to target acne. "Sudocrem contains ingredients like zinc oxide, which can help reduce inflammation and absorb excess oil, but it may not be as effective as other acne treatments that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are specifically designed to target acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores," she says.
Sudocrem has been praised for its benefits in reducing redness and inflammation, and providing a protective barrier for the skin, as well as aiding a host of other skin issues, but there are a few potential dangers that Dr Rajani encourages you to consider before buying a tub for acne treatment. "Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the ingredients in Sudocrem," she says. "Additionally, using Sudocrem as a spot treatment for acne may not be as effective as using a targeted acne treatment."
But fear not, Diane Ackers, beauty expert for Doctors Cosmeceutical Skincare Formula, has shared some recommendations for alternative at-home acne treatment that could be more effective. She says to keep an eye out for skincare which contains actives such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, and turmeric lotion.
"Salicylic acid can help to dissolve a build-up of dead skin cells and keep pores clean from debris, niacinamide targets redness, flushing and inflammation in the skin is great for acne prone skin types, while turmeric lotion targets the inflammation response within acne prone skin types, helping to minimise the bacteria and breakouts, whilst working on the dark spots, pigmentation patches (both red and brown), and blemishes."