Designed to help soothe and heal your baby’s nappy rash, Sudocrem applied to your face as a spot treatment or all-over face mask, known as Face Basting, has taken off on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
But is it really a miracle-in-a-tub paste that will solve all your skins woes from your face to your child’s bot bot? Or just another futile skincare hack that promises the world but is a short-lived quick fix (if that?).
Remember you should always be wary of any skincare trend that sounds too good to be true. But let’s dive into it.
Sudocrem Key Ingredients
- Zinc Oxide: Has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect and soothe the skin.
- Benzyl Alcohol: Provides local anaesthetic properties to reduce discomfort.
- Benzyl Cinnamate: Has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Lanolin: Helps to moisturizs and protect the skin.
- Zinc Oxide: is the hero ingredient in Sudocrem which lowers skin inflammation, improves wound healing, and keeps moisture locked into dry skin.
However, Sudocrem is also packed filled with thick and rich occlusive ingredients like lanolin, liquid paraffin, synthetic beeswax, as well as lavender fragrance.
So, using this as an all-over mask, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin is waving a huge red flag for us at the AMPERNA® office. But let us keep looking into it.
@ampernaskin What are your thoughts on Sudocrem? Drop them below 👇🏼 #sudocrem #skincare #skintok ♬ original sound - Amperna® Skincare
Sudocrem and Treating Acne
While Sudocrem is non-comedogenic, its thick consistency might not be suitable for all skin types, particularly oily or very acne-prone skin.
While Lanolin, Liquid Paraffin and Beeswax (all ingredients found in Sudocrem) have moisturising properties, its use on acne-prone skin is problematic.
Lanolin, Liquid Paraffin and Beeswax have the potential to become comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. This can exacerbate acne, particularly in people who are already prone to breakouts. Lanolin, Liquid Paraffin and Beeswax can also trap oils, bacteria, and other impurities on the skins surface.
Although Sudocrem may have some benefits of spot treating a blemish it is definitely not a comprehensive skincare solution at treating the root cause of acne.
We all know helping treat acne is a journey and there are more specifically designed skincare products that will target and nourish your skin. Alternative ingredients to consider for helping treat your acne include hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and squalane.
Sudocrem and Treating Perioral Dermatitis
While Sudocrem may temporarily help soothe symptoms of perioral dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and protective properties, it does not address the underlining cause of PD and could potentially worsen and prolong the condition due to its thick, occlusive nature.
Ingredients like lanolin are generally not advisable for treating perioral dermatitis due to its potential to irritate and worsen and/ exacerbate the condition.
Lavender fragrance, found in Sudocrem can be irritating to sensitive skin. This irritation can exacerbate perioral dermatitis, leading to increased redness, inflammation, and discomfort. Over time, repeated exposure to lavender fragrance can lead to sensitisation, where the skin becomes more reactive and prone to irritation. For individuals with perioral dermatitis, this can result in more frequent and severe flare-ups.
People who suffer with perioral dermatitis often have heightened sensitivity to fragrances in general, and lavender is no exception. Even natural fragrances can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Alternative ingredients that help treat perioral dermatitis include niacinamide, liquorice root extract, colloidal oatmeal, and topical probiotics.
@ampernaskin Are you currently using sudocrem for your skin? #sudocrem #skincaretrends #skinbarrier #sudocremface ♬ original sound - Amperna® Skincare
Conclusion - Use Sudocrem for what it is intended for
Sudocrem is primarily a barrier cream and is used for its soothing properties in treating minor skin irritations and nappy rash. Sudocrem is not specifically formulated as a treatment for acne, perioral dermatitis, or for maintaining clear skin.
For ongoing sensitive skin issues or to improve skin clarity, you would want to consider skincare products specifically designed for your concern and lifestyle advice on how to pinpoint the root cause.
Sudocrem was not designed to be used as an all-over face mask or as a primer underneath makeup. Again, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to products specifically designed for these skincare steps.
For a face mask, it is recommended to use products specifically designed for that purpose, such as hydrating masks for moisture, or exfoliating masks with ingredients like AHAs or BHAs for gentle exfoliation. These products are formulated to address various skin concerns while being safe and effective for use on the face.
Primers are designed to smooth the skin's texture, minimise pores, and help makeup last longer. They often have a lightweight, non-greasy formula that works well with makeup. If you are looking for a good primer, you might want to consider options specifically formulated for that purpose.
Sometimes it is best to scroll through viral skincare trends on social media with pinch of zinc oxide salt. 😊
