Instead of using Sudocrem as a spot treatment, there are plenty of other great (and affordable treatments) that are as easy to get your hands on. Dr. Laftah recommends using leave-on spot treatments containing a high concentration of benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both of which are effective at reducing acute inflammation in acne, she explained. Alternatively, you can also use pimple patches to dry out spots (please never use toothpaste to dry out your spots!) Spot patches are essentially "hydrocolloid dressings that draw out pus from lesions and assist with healing," Dr. Laftah explained. In terms of the functionality, salicylic works to prevent the development of future breakouts by unclogging our pores. Succinic acid on the other hand, directly kills the acne-causing bacteria. Is succinic acid safe to use every day?

In the buying guide that follows, we take advice from a pharmacist regarding the best OTC treatments for acne, depending on skin type. Then, further down, you’ll find our recommendations of the best acne treatments available. REN Clean Skincare Clearcalm Non-Drying Spot Treatment: The best acne treatment for dry, sensitive skinCAN I USE IT EVEN IF I DON’T HAVE ACTIVE BREAK OUTS? We’d recommend only using this product if you wish to treat spots and breakouts that are currently present on your skin. Succinic acid is a naturally-occurring acid which can be found in plants (sugarcane, rhubarb and broccoli) and animal tissue (including the human body). Though it’s only become a beauty buzzword as of late, succinic acid has been around for decades, often found in K-beauty products which have a focus on keeping the skin nourished and moisturised. What does succinic acid do for the skin? Niacinamide, aka nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. Applied to the skin in an acne treatment, it does a great job of balancing oil production and calming breakouts. In some people it has a brightening effect, too, helping to even out a patchy skin tone. Another benefit of succinic acid is that it can act as an antimicrobial agent, meaning it can help to control bacteria on the skin that can lead to acne and breakouts. What skincare conditions does it treat? Unlike retinol, AHAs vitamin C, this gentle ingredient doesn't have any skincare foes. But that doesn't mean you can liberally apply every ingredient under the sun. 'Whilst it is a gentle treatment, it is still advisable not to combine it alongside other strong actives in the same routine but rather to use it alongside ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin’s barrier,' Dr Fab urges.

Although the ingredients sound promising as an acne treatment, Dr. Laftah explained that there is a misconception that antiseptic ingredients will help to reduce bacteria and inflammation associated with acne, which isn't always the case. The reason the cream works so well as a nappy rash cream is because of the soothing skin barrier repair ingredient of lanolin, which can unfortunately be highly comedogenic (meaning it can clog pores) for those with acne. Clear blemishes fast, reduce inflammation, and prevent clogged pores with our non-drying, gentle, and targeted treatment. With a cream formula, it is easily layered under makeup without drying or flaking. Expect skin to appear less oily, with existing breakouts drying up and fewer new ones forming. It's rare to find a product that only contains succinic acid, so other benefits will depend on the other active ingredients within each individual product. No, not exactly. While both are considered to be effective anti-acne ingredients, succinic acid is a lot milder than salicylic acid.

Banish blemishes, blitz blackheads and prevent new breakouts with our pick of the best acne treatments

I currently have an arsenal of acne-fighting products including a Salicylic Acid Cleanser, a BHA Liquid Exfoliant, a BHA Masque and pimple patches. I alternate these products depending on the severity of my breakouts. If my skin is purging, I reach out for heavy-duty products. But if I just wake up with a big zit on my forehead, I gravitate towards a pimple patch or a spot treatment. It’s important to have a variety of products so that they can be used appropriately. Performance

Though succinic acid is best known for its ability to control sebum (oil) production, it's also an excellent hydrator. That's because its structure is similar to that of our skin's own lipids (or fats). It's gentle on the skin SHOULD I USE THIS BEFORE OR AFTER MY OTHER SKINCARE PRODUCTS?You can apply Succinic Acid directly to areas of concern up to 3x a day both over and under make-up. Allow 5 minutes to dry before following with the rest of your routine/make up. Was that acne-fighting and sensitive skin-friendly all in the one sentence? Correct. This naturally occurring acid will effectively work to minimise and manage breakouts, without triggering irritation or drying out your skin. READ NEXT: Cover up blemishes easily with the best concealers The best acne treatments to buy now 1. The Inkey List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment 15ml: The best all-round acne treatmentLike many skincare ingredients, succinic acid can have some negative side effects if used in high concentrations or used too frequently. However, this will largely depend on the other ingredients in the skincare product. With that in mind, here are GLAMOUR's tried and tested favourite products containing succinic acid... Dr Shotter also advises using it in the serum stage of your routine (after your cleanser) as it’s a small molecule and won’t penetrate through heavy creams. The “very high concentration of free acids” does sound scary, but it works to battle breakouts. Most people shouldn’t suffer any ill effects, but as with all acne treatments, it’s worth testing the product on a small area of your skin before you get carried away. In addition, be absolutely sure to wear sunscreen for a week after your peel, because AHAs make your skin much more susceptible to sunburn. If you would like to use other skincare or makeup on top, leave the formula to dry for 5 minutes before applying. This treatment from skincare superstar Paula Begoun manages to blur and clear pores at the same time. The light, hydrating gel-like formula has the instant softening effects of a pore-minimising serum, but behind the scenes, its combination of azelaic and salicylic acid exfoliates both the top and deeper layers of your skin, clearing out the gunk that causes spots.

TheInkey List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment is a targetedtreatment which can be applied both morning and night, with a non-drying formula thanks to hyaluronic acid. IS THIS PRODUCT VEGAN?Yes! This product contains no animal derivatives and is now certified by The Vegan Society. When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here. Benzoyl peroxide is a highly renowned ingredient that is effective in treating many cases of acne,” says Abdeh. “It works to remove excess oil from the skin, as well as remove dead skin cells, which can unclog pores. Furthermore, benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that cause acne, helping to clear existing spots and prevent future ones from appearing.” Abdeh sounds a note of caution, however. “You may experience stinging, redness or burning while using products that contain this ingredient; it can also dry out the skin, so using a moisturiser is often beneficial.”Think of it less as an exfoliating acid, and more in the same ‘acid’ camp as hyaluronic acid, says Dr Kemi Fabusiwa. In short, it's the kind of acid that cleans your pores, soothes skin and adds hydration, making it an excellent choice if you have oily skin. My skin is sensitive, and very dry as a whole. However, I do get hormonal breakouts on my chin. My skin used to be a lot worse a few years ago, but it has improved dramatically after cutting out dairy from my diet. Salicylic acid based blemish treatments work well for me, and I tend to gravitate towards them as I know they’re effective for me, however The Inkey List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment has been disappointing. As an emollient cream (thanks to its inclusion of lanolin), Sudocrem primarily helps to soften the skin, but it's got a handful of other ingredients that have their uses, too. Other ingredients that make up Sudocrem are: zinc oxide (an astringent), benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate (known for healing properties), and benzyl alcohol (acting as an antibacterial). "Whilst there is some limited evidence that oral zinc supplements may help reduce acne inflammation, unfortunately Sudocrem — which contains a small percentage of zinc oxide in a cream formula — will not help treat acne," said Dr. Laftah. Succinic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in sugar cane and also in amber,' explains aesthetic doctor and skin expert, Dr Sophie Shotter. 'It has been harnessed by the skincare industry and synthetic versions are now more readily available.’ she continues. That would be thanks to biotechnology (the process of biology and chemistry) which reinvents synthetic ingredients–like succinic acid–in a lab. Do seek advice from your GP if you have moderate to severe acne and over-the-counter products haven't worked. If acne is making you depressed or anxious, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.