Calamine lotion for acne? Does it work?

What is Calamine lotion?

Calamine is actually a kind of talc powder (zinc oxide) mixed with water. Calamine, also known as calamine lotion, has been used as far back as 1500 BC to dry skin lesions and treat mild itchiness. It was commonly applied in the past over chickenpox, eczema, sunburn, poison ivy rash, or insect bites. Calamine is mixed with either zinc oxide (ZnO) with about 0.5% ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) or a zinc carbonate compound. Calamine lotion is white and dries on your skin like clay.

Is Calamine lotion expensive?

This lotion is extremely cheap, with a wholesale cost of about USD 0.25–3.85 per 100 mL.

Can products with calamine lotion cure my acne?

Zinc is known as a good supplement for people with skin diseases. Having said that, the zinc used in external preparations (creams, gels, and lotions) was not found to beneficial for the treatment of acne. Although preparations with zinc oxide and calamine lotion can help “dry out” a single pimple, it cannot prevent future acne pimples. Effective acne treatment needs to be applied over the whole face to treated and prevent lesions. Unfortunately, calamine has nothing to kill bacteria, reduce skin inflammation, or unclog skin pores. Thus, it is worthless for the treatment or prevention of acne lesions.

How to remove Calamine lotion from your skin?

After days of application, removing the substance from your skin can prove difficult. Here are some tips—bath or shower with warm water. Once you are out of the shower, use your mild acne cleanser to wash your face gently. If the calamine lotion stays is still there, you can use a soft cotton washcloth to wipe the lotion from your skin. Do not scrub the area. Apply light pressure and wipe in a downward motion over built-up calamine lotion.

What is the best way to calm down a single big pimple?

A better way to calm down a single big pimple is with pimple patches. Acting like a sponge, they will suck the pus and bacteria out of the pimples and reduce its size overnight. Studies have shown that using good acne pimples patches can make single large pimples hear much faster (2-3 days compared to 5-7 days).

To purchase MDacne's Master Pimples Patches, click here.

How do I get rid of a big pimple overnight?

To find the right acne treatments for your unique skin, take the free skin assessment by clicking here.