March 18, 2025

Medically Reviewed by By Girish Desai, the Chief Pharmacist at Landys Chemist since 1982.

Written by Rhysa Phommachanh Head of Digital Marketing

Does Sudocrem Help Spots Overnight?

Although Sudocrem is not specifically formulated for acne treatment, its antiseptic and healing properties may help with spots and blemishes. Originally created in 1931 for nappy rash and eczema, Sudocrem is now widely used for various skin conditions, including acne, due to its soothing and healing properties. While not an acne-specific product, Sudocrem's active ingredients may reduce inflammation and promote healing in acne-prone skin. This blog explores how Sudocrem works for spots and whether it can help overnight.

What Is Sudocrem Used For?

Sudocrem is a topical cream known for treating skin irritations such as nappy rash, eczema, cuts, and minor burns. It contains ingredients like zinc oxide, benzyl alcohol, lanolin, and paraffin, which soothe, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Though not specifically formulated for acne, Sudocrem is often used to calm irritation, reduce redness, and soothe inflamed spots and blemishes, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin.

Does Sudocrem Get Rid of Spots Overnight?

Sudocrem may help reduce spots overnight by soothing inflammation and promoting healing. The cream’s zinc oxide content reduces redness and swelling, which can improve the appearance of spots by morning. However, it is unlikely to completely clear up acne overnight. While it works well for minor blemishes, more severe acne may require additional treatments, or dermatological skincare that targets acne-prone skin.

does sudocrem help with spots and acne

How Long Does Sudocrem Take to Work for Spots?

The time Sudocrem takes to work depends on the severity of the spot. For minor blemishes, improvement may be visible within a few hours or overnight. For persistent spots, it may take a few days of consistent use to see results. Sudocrem works best when applied regularly, especially at night when the skin is regenerating.

Sudocrem for Acne: Pros and Cons

Benefits of Sudocrem for Acne:

Reduces inflammation and redness: The zinc oxide in Sudocrem helps calm inflamed skin, reducing swelling and redness associated with acne.
Speeds up healing: By promoting skin regeneration, Sudocrem may help to accelerate the healing of acne lesions.
Antiseptic properties: Sudocrem contains benzyl alcohol, which has antiseptic properties that help protect acne-prone skin from infection, reducing the risk of further breakouts.

Negatives of Sudocrem for Acne:

Can be drying: Zinc oxide can absorb moisture, which may dry out already sensitive or dry skin.
Pore clogging: Sudocrem is not specifically labeled as non-comedogenic and is designed to be occlusive, creating a barrier on the skin. With ingredients like lanolin, which can clog pores, and its thick, paste-like texture, it may feel too heavy for acne-prone skin.
Not a long-term acne treatment: While effective for calming irritation, Sudocrem is not suited as a comprehensive solution for managing acne over the long term.

Conclusion

Sudocrem may help reduce spots overnight by soothing inflammation and promoting skin healing, but it’s not a long-term solution for acne management. It’s most effective for minor blemishes and inflammation, but persistent acne may require additional treatment. Always use Sudocrem as part of a broader skincare routine for the best results. If you’re looking for a sufficient acne treatment consider dermatological skincare, ingredients like Salicylic Acid, or overnight spot patches like the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+M 3H Spot Patches.

"Sudocrem is not a targeted acne treatment, but for small flare-ups or surface-level breakouts, it can be effective in soothing the skin and minimising redness. While there are more specialised skincare solutions for acne, Sudocrem's antiseptic and calming properties make it a good option for reducing inflammation in mild cases." – Rhysa Phommachanh, Skincare Specialist at Landys Chemist.

Sudocrem & Acne FAQ's

Can Sudocrem clear pimples?

Sudocrem may slightly reduce the size and redness of pimples, but it is not a permanent solution for acne.

Can you put Sudocrem on your face at night?

Yes, Sudocrem can be applied at morning or at night to reduce inflammation and soothe skin.

How long does it take for Sudocrem to work?

Results may be seen within hours or overnight for minor blemishes, but deeper spots may need targeted acne treatments.

When should you not use Sudocrem?

Avoid using it on large areas of broken skin or if you have hypersensitivity to its ingredients.

Does Sudocrem fade scars?

Sudocrem can help with healing, but it is not specifically designed for scar treatment. For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dark spots, we recommend Eucerin’s Anti-Pigment Spot Corrector or the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 serum.

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This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any supplements, treatments, or remedies. Ensure a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle before considering supplements. Supplements should not replace a balanced diet.