11 super useful uses for Sudocrem: From fading spots to fixing fake tan
With its grey packaging and cheap as chips price point, Sudocrem doesn’t exactly scream 'cult beauty buy.' But while this no-frills baby bum cream might not look luxurious, it has a myriad of uses that make it worth its weight in gold.
The pot of water-proof paste is not only brimming with antibacterial properties but it also contains a mild anaesthetic, meaning it's able to instantly soothe sore skin.
Parents will no doubt wax lyrical about its benefits, but if you don’t have little ones hanging around then it’s still worth seeking out Sudocrem. From dialling down acne to dealing with fine lines and soothing sunburn, the cream's uses are boundless. Here are all the ways you can use the pot of Sudocrem you have knocking about.
Best of all, the brand have released a portable pocket version, meaning you no longer have to cart the whole tub around.
My Little Sudocrem Skin Care Cream 22g
But first: How does Sudocrem work?
Sudocrem is antibacterial and antifungal, (meaning it's perfect for stopping infections from spreading) and it contains a very mild anaesthetic (in the form of benzyl alcohol), which helps to take the pain away from your ailment.
Is Sudocrem an antiseptic cream?
Yes. It's made up of protective, waxy emollients that are water-resistant, meaning it can hydrate the area without letting excess moisture in, which could harbour germs or infection. Essentially, it's a cheap and cheerful little miracle worker, with a whole host of uses.
Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream - 400g
Uses for Sudocrem: From acne to insect bites
Nappy rash
Grazes
Minor burns
Eczema
Sunburn
Chilblains
Surface wounds
Acne
Bed sores
Insect bites
Can Sudocrem be used on nappy rash?
Yes, it can. If your baby has a case of nappy rash, then you can use Sudocrem to soothe and protect their skin. Because it's made up of protective, waxy emollients that are water resistant, it can hydrate and treat the area without letting too much moisture in, which can be a breeding ground for bad bacteria.
Can Sudocrem be used on the face?
It can indeed, it's brilliant for spots, sunburn and insect bites.
Does Sudocrem help spots?
The short answer? Yes. The ingredients in Sudocrem, namely Benzyl alcohol, which has antiseptic properties, and zinc oxide can do a great job at calming down inflammation caused by spots and reducing redness.
When should you use Sudocrem on spots?
For spots, it is considered best to leave Sudocrem on overnight. Make sure you use clean hands to apply Sudocrem onto your face.
Can you put Sudocrem on an open wound?
Common sense needs to prevail here. If you have a big gash or deep cut then you're best off seeing your GP. However, Sudocrem can work brilliantly on minor cuts, grazes and burns.
This is because it helps to heal wounds by forming a protective layer over the area to reduce the risk of infection. Don't forget about that all important mild local anaesthetic to soothe, too.
What not to use Sudocrem on?
If you have very sensitive skin or deal with skin issues such as rosacea, then you may find that the benzyl alcohol in Sudocrem can cause irritation, making dryness and redness worse.
Should you rub Sudocrem in?
The best way to use Sudocrem is to apply a small amount and in a thin layer. You can massage in small circular movements until it has disappeared leaving a clear film. If the affected area isn't fully covered you can apply a little more. With Sudocrem, it's really important to remember a little really does go a long way.
Is Sudocrem good for acne?
Sudocrem is thought to be effective in the treatment of acne spots because of the zinc oxide and benzyl alcohol that's found in the formula. Zinc is an important nutrient your body needs to fight infection and inflammation.
'For people that have still have to wear a facemask, such as nurses, doctors or those who are immunosuppressed, then it's quite likely that they may experience contact irritation, causing redness or a localised rash. It’s important to stay on top of this and soothe the skin quickly, a treatment like Sudocrem will help treat the affected areas quickly,' says Dr Toni Philips, Group Clinical Director at Destination Skin.
Is Sudocrem effective on wrinkles?
Yes, it’s possible that Sudocrem can be used to treat signs of ageing, such as wrinkles. A 2009 studyTrusted Source revealed that the zinc oxide found in Sudocrem stimulates the production of elastin in the skin, which help gives skin its bounce.
However, there are lots of other skincare ingredients that are backed up by a wealth of scientific evidence which will be much more effective than Sudocrem at treating wrinkles.
What else can Sudocrem be used for?
Here are the 11 best ways to harness the power of Sudocrem, from acne to dealing with insect bites.
1.How to use sudocrem for spots
'Is Sudocrem good for your face?' is a common question skin experts are often asked.
In a survey from acne.org, 93% of people who used Sudocrem to help relieve their acne symptoms said it was effective, with one user saying: 'It really helps to calm any breakouts you may have and reduces the amount of time it takes for spots to heal.
'I've also noticed I get less hyperpigmentation left over after breakouts when I use this and I think it’s because the spots are less inflamed and sore.'
According to experts, this is thanks to the Benzyl alcohol, which has antiseptic properties and also acts as a local anaesthesia, reducing pain and discomfort associated with irritated, inflamed skin.
Who knew that nappy rash cream could be hailed as one of the best acne treatments? Not us.
2. How to use Sudocrem to stop chafing
If you're a runner or cyclist, then ‘chafing’ is already part of your vocabulary. But what you might not know, is that Sudocrem is the perfect cure. Just apply a thin layer of Sudocrem to the inside of your thighs and let it work its magic.
3. How to use Sudocrem for sunburn
As well as helping with prickly heat Sudocrem is an excellent way to take the soreness out of sunburn.
Gently apply a layer to the area, like you would a face mask, and then let it sink in slowly.
4. How to use Sudocrem to stop fake tan from clinging
You might be thinking, how does Sudocrem work in stopping dodgy fake tan? Well, it’s a barrier cream, so naturally, it creates a barrier.
Apply it to the palms of your arms and bottom of your feet before smoothing on fake tan, to avoid orange hands and massage it into your hairline, so you don’t end up with a tango halo. No-one needs to know your glow came out of a bottle.
5. How to use Sudocrem to soothe dry skin
Sudocrem uses go beyond dealing with spots —it also acts as one of the best face moisturisers around.
The mix of three clever ingredients is what makes this cream so phenomenally effective against dry skin: Anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin, which is an emollient, works to soothe and soften skin, while zinc oxide reduces the loss of fluid and water-repellent paraffin and other waxes create a protective seal.
6. How to use Sudocrem to stop insect bites from hurting
As the brand explains, 'it helps to heal wounds by forming a protective layer over the vulnerable area, reducing the risk of infection, and also contains a mild local anaesthetic to soothe discomfort.'
Don't head off for wild swimming without packing a pot.
7. How to use Sudocrem to help heal minor cuts and burns
Maybe you've taken up climbing and your hands have taken a battering or you've burnt yourself on the oven, again. Try using Sudocrem to soothe your sores.
Benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate, known for their healing properties, have been extracted from Peru Balsam plant in the form of resin and added to this pot of cream. The result? Less angry wounds and less wincing—one of the more traditional Sudocrem uses.
8. How to use Sudocrem to cure cracked heels
Dry feet? Cancel your pedicure and simply work a thick layer of Sudocrem into your heels before bed. Overnight, the zinc oxide will go to work while your skin cells are in their regenerative mode and what you’ll wake up with is smoother, softer feet.
9. How to use Sudocrem to ease itching
Sudocrem is excellent at offering temporary relief for skin rashes and viral infections that cause spots on the skin, like molluscum.
10. How to use Sudocrem to help reduce scars and stretchmarks
As well as helping with the healing of spots, Sudocrem can aid the reduction of stretch marks and scars.
11. How to use Sudocrem to ease molluscum
One for the parents as molluscum is a viral infection that’s common amongst children. Signs include firm, raised bumps on the skin that become very itchy.
While the NHS advises anyone looking to treat molluscum that it will clear up without any assistance, Sudocrem does offer some relief from the itchiness, so it's worth layering on for those who are on receiving end.
Related Content
Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Sign up to the WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER
You Might Also Like
