Thanks to U.K.-based beauty blogger Farah Dhukai, the claims that diaper rash cream can treat acne are being heard around the world. In her Instagram video (below) that recently went viral, Dhukai applies Weleda Calendula Baby Diaper Rash Cream to her blemishes as a spot-treatment and also all over her face like a mask. It’s definitely a strange choice, but in the world of beauty, anything is possible.
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So is it all just crazy hype or does it really work? Montclair, NJ, dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, says diaper cream can be anti-inflammatory, so it can help a bit with the inflammation of acne. However, because it is not formulated for that, it can be irritating to some skin types.”
Many of these creams are in fact formulated with zinc oxide (also a key ingredient in many sunscreens), which Dhukai refers to as an “acne killer” in her caption, but Dr. Downie says these types of cream can also aggravate skin, as well as block pores or make people break out more because of greasy ingredients found within them.
“In my opinion, the most effective topical products for acne treatment include Aczone, Tazorac, Finacea and Epiduo, all of which require a prescription,” says Dr. Downie. “Effective oral medications include Doryx and Acticlate. Additionally, there are wonderful scrubs like SkinMedica GlyPro Exfoliating Facial Cleanser ($52) that help clear up the skin.”
