Acne is a very common skin condition that affects people of all ages and skin types. Although there is a variety of over-the-counter prescription treatments available, finding the best acne cream can be a great challenge.
There are a number of acne creams available in the market, but not all of them are created equal. I have compiled a list of the best acne creams in Pakistan that have been tried and tested by users and experts and have proven to be the best in treating and preventing acne.
Whether you are looking for a high-end product or a budget-friendly one, there is something for everyone on this list.
How to Choose the Best Acne Cream for You?
Before we dive into the list of creams, it is important to know the factors that are needed to be understood before deciding the best acne cream. Treatment plan ranges from person to person and there are distinct types of acne and different types of skin. First of all, a skin specialist determines what kind of acne is present on your face. It could be:
Mild: Non-inflammatory acne seen in the form of blackheads and whiteheads are features of this comedonal acne
Moderate: Pustules and papules are features of inflammatory acne
Severe: Cysts and nodules including inflammatory acne are considered severe forms of acne
After this, the best creams for acne in Pakistan are recommended.
5 Best Acne Creams in Pakistan
Here is a list of the best creams for acne in Pakistan.
Differin Gel
The Differin Gel contains 0.1% adapalene which is a primary anti-acne component that was previously only available by prescription. This retinoid being restricted to only prescription in the past is now sold as an over-the-counter drug.
Differin Gel is helpful as it contains vitamin A which helps regulate cell turnover, create a healthy environment for the skin, and make it go through the right process.
The regulation of cell turnover works by keeping away the pores from clogging and targets acne before it even starts. A lot of people think that Differin Gel only works as a spot treatment but the truth is that it is one of the best acne creams in Pakistan that stops acne from forming, resulting in improved skin texture and tone.
Dr. Mahvish Aftab Khan – a renowned dermatologist and cosmetologist practicing in Islamabad recommend using Differin Gel.
Price: Rs. 4000 – Rs. 4200
Type of acne: All types
Product type: Topical gel
Cons: Can irritate skin and cause redness
Tazorac
Tazorac cream is prescribed depending on the severity of the acne. It contains an active ingredient called tazarotene. It is a retinoid that is usually prescribed at 0.1 percent strength for acne.
It works by slowing skin cell overgrowth and prevents a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. It is also great for reducing skin inflammation and reduces the number of inflammatory lesions.
Being a retinoid, it is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. Being one of the best acne creams in Pakistan usually is prescribed for mild acne but can be used for some severe acne cases such as cystic acne or acne on other parts of the body.
For best results, it is important to wear sunscreen after applying the Tazorac. Another thing to keep here in mind is that these products can be used in the skincare routine for men also.
Price: Rs. 270 – 300
Type of acne: Moderate inflammatory acne and non-inflammatory acne
Product type: Gel or topical cream
Cons: Makes skin sensitive to cold temperatures
You can also check out the best whitening creams.
INNBeauty Project Pimple Paste
INNBeauty Project Pimple Paste is a pimple paste also known as one of the best creams for acne in Pakistan that is sulfur-based and is available without prescription and over-the-counter.
Sulfur-based products reduce skin inflammation due to their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Being on the list of best acne creams in Pakistan, this paste contains active ingredients that are great at stopping breakouts, including azelaic acid, sulfur, and tea tree, unlike toothpaste which contains harsh ingredients.
Also, it contains witch hazel which is frequently found in homemade acne cures. Apply it as a spot treatment overnight, then rinse it out in the morning. It is not recommended to use this paste as an all-over treatment, but you can use it in a thin layer.
Price: Rs. 3500 – 4000
Type of acne: Inflammatory acne
Product type: Spot treatment gel
Cons: Contains lesser product
You can also use this for fungal acne, but it is best to ask your doctor before doing that.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a prescription-strength topical cream or gel. Just like a retinoid, tretinoin is derived from vitamin A. Tretinoin is one of the best acne creams in Pakistan, and works by speeding up the life cycle of skin cells. It makes the cell divide and dies faster so that new skin cells can come to the surface.
It is not only beneficial in treating acne but also works great in improving wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Tretinoin helps in softening the clog and pushes it to the surface while exfoliating. It also works great in stopping the pores from clogging again once they have been cleared out.
This can only be used after being recommended by a dermatologist. So, make sure to visit a renowned doctor before you start the use this one of the best acne creams in Pakistan.
Price: Rs. 180 – 500
Type of acne: Non-inflammatory acne
Product type: Topical cream or gel
Cons: Can cause slight peeling
Altreno
It is greatly used in curing comedonal acne. Altreno being a high-end option contains tretinoin which is a retinoid that is commonly prescribed to treat acne. Unlike the other tretinoin and retinoids, it is present in the form of lotion instead of a cream or gel.
It targets breakouts by moisturizing the skin. These topical retinoids are a foundational treatment for acne. They work in the form of pipe cleaners by keeping your pores open. Retinoids are the best acne creams in Pakistan and prevent the cells from sticking together and blocking the pores while trapping oil within them.
These also help a lot in enhancing cell turnover to even the skin texture and skin tone.
Price: Rs. 5,000 – 10,000
Type of acne: Non-inflammatory acne
Product type: Topical lotion
Cons: Can cause skin irritation
When to Visit a Doctor
Some people try over-the-counter medicine and this is what works for them, but this is not the right approach for everyone. All the above best acne creams in Pakistan are good for mild to moderate acne. If your acne is worse then you must visit the best dermatologist by visiting Evercare Hospital by booking an appointment through Healthwire.