After moving to Spain, I’m not sure if it was the change in climate or eating too much jamón, but my face started breaking out like crazy, especially with those red, swollen whiteheads that made me want to hide. I tried countless skincare products to no avail. Finally, I went to see a family doctor who prescribed some creams, and the results were immediate. Today, I’m sharing my hard-fought battle with acne and a few personally tested, effective creams, hoping to help others struggling with the same problem.
My Acne-Fighting Arsenal
1. Epiduo
This is my holy grail! It was the first thing my family doctor recommended. Its main ingredients are 0.1% Adapalene + 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide. Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid that helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation, while Benzoyl Peroxide is a powerful antibacterial agent that targets acne-causing bacteria. This powerful combination works wonders on red, inflamed pimples and pustules.
My Experience: You need to build up a tolerance when you first start using it! I didn’t know this at first and applied it all over my face. The next day, my skin was red, dry, and peeling—I almost thought I’d ruined my face. I learned my lesson and started by applying it as a spot treatment every other day. After a week, once my skin adapted, I gradually increased the application area. The results are undeniable. A new pimple that pops up can be reduced significantly overnight with just one application. It’s now a staple in my medicine cabinet.
2. Finacea Gel
If Epiduo is the heavy hitter, then Finacea Gel is its gentle counterpart. Its main ingredient is 15% Azelaic Acid. Azelaic acid is a versatile ingredient; it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and also inhibits melanin production, making it effective not only for acne but also for post-acne marks! It’s very gentle, can be used during the day without worrying about photosensitivity, and can even be used by pregnant women under a doctor’s guidance.
My Experience: The texture is a white gel. You might feel a slight itch upon application, which is common for products like these Spanish acne treatments, but it vanishes quickly. I typically use Finacea in the morning and Epiduo at night. Using them together not only cleared my acne faster, but the new red marks also faded remarkably quickly. I recommend it for those with sensitive skin or milder acne who are primarily focused on fading marks.
Cream Comparison & How to Buy
Here’s a simple summary of these two creams to help you choose based on your situation.
| Cream Name | Key Ingredients | Best For | Pros | Precautions |
|---|
| Epiduo | Adapalene + Benzoyl Peroxide | Moderate to severe inflammatory acne | Potent and fast-acting | High irritation, requires building tolerance, nighttime use only |
| Finacea Gel | 15% Azelaic Acid | Mild to moderate acne, post-acne marks | Gentle, brightens and fades marks, can be used daytime | May cause initial itching in some users |
How to Buy? Both of these are prescription medications (medicamentos con receta), so you’ll need a prescription from a family doctor (médico de cabecera) or a dermatologist. Just describe your acne situation to the doctor, and they will prescribe it if they deem it appropriate. You can take the prescription to any pharmacy (Farmacia) to purchase it. Don’t try to buy them from unverified online sources—safety first! I hope everyone wins their battle against acne and achieves smooth, clear skin!
