Why, with such a huge number of modern creams and methods for removing age spots, do women still look for some kind of magic ointment at the nearest pharmacy? And the answer is simple. For many years, women used such ointments to save themselves from various ailments, including skin diseases. So why, if these ointments help get rid of skin problems, not try to remove pigmentation with their help.

Let's look at the main pharmaceutical ointments that are used by women in an attempt to remove age spots and the results of their use.

1.1.Zinc ointment for age spots

There are 2 types of ointments with zinc - zinc ointment and salicylic-zinc ointment (paste).

The composition of salicylic-zinc paste includes 2 components - zinc oxide and salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid has whitening properties in this paste:

Has exfoliating properties

Stimulates the formation of new cells

Regulates skin oiliness

Zinc oxide does not have a pronounced whitening property, so the use of zinc ointment to whiten age spots is not effective.

Zinc oxide perfectly protects the skin from exposure to sunlight.

Zinc also perfectly dries the skin and protects against the appearance of acne and pimples.

So you can use zinc ointment for age spots only as a preventive measure against their appearance.

It must be taken into account that zinc and salicylic-zinc ointments are made on the basis of petroleum jelly. Since Vaseline forms a waterproof film on the skin and prevents it from breathing, long-term use of these ointments on the skin is not beneficial.

Apply these ointments spot-on, applying them with a cotton swab directly to the stains for no more than a couple of hours. Then remove the residue using a cotton pad.

1.2.Retinoic ointment for age spots

The main active ingredient in retinoic ointment is the biologically active form of vitamin A.

Anyone who has experienced age spots knows retinoic peeling. It perfectly removes pigmentation and freckles. According to the principle of action, retinoic ointment is a home alternative to home retinoic peeling.

Retinoic ointment is applied in a thin layer to age spots for 30-40 minutes. After the procedure, remove the remaining ointment with a paper napkin.

The course of procedures is daily, for 2-3 weeks.

If your skin peels while using retinoic ointment, do not pick off pieces of skin. This can lead to new age spots.

1.3.Clotrimazole for age spots

Often, along with conventional anti-pigmentation products, completely non-standard products are used to remove these unsightly spots, for example, Clotrimazole cream.

Clotrimazole cream is an antifungal agent. Clotrimazole is used to treat lichen, candidiasis, and other skin diseases caused by yeast-like fungi.

On the Internet you can find reviews from women about the effective use of this cream to get rid of age spots.

First of all, I would like to say that such drugs must be prescribed by an experienced doctor. And by applying Clotrimazole to age spots without consulting a doctor, you are self-medicating.

Clotrimazole cream will not get rid of age spots. It can only get rid of certain fungal diseases, which are similar in appearance to pigmentation.

1.4.Skinoren cream for age spots

Skinoren cream contains azelaic acid. The percentage of acid, depending on the manufacturer, varies from 15 to 20%.

Skinoren cream is intended for the treatment of acne, has antibacterial properties and prevents the appearance of inflammation and pimples. Using Skinoren cream, acne on the face is effectively treated.

Azelaic acid also has the ability to stop the formation of melanin in the skin.

Due to the content of azelaic acid in Skinoren cream, freckles and age spots can be quite successfully lightened. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of pigmentation using Skinoren cream.

1.5.Achromin cream for age spots

Very often in pharmacies I offer Achromin cream to get rid of age spots. It is known to many women from the reviews of mothers and grandmothers from Soviet times.

In Soviet times, this cream contained hydroquinone. This substance is a very effective remedy for removing even the most severe pigmentation. But for some time now, hydroquinone has been prohibited for use in cosmetics, so in the modern Achromin cream, licorice extract took the place of hydroquinone. Licorice extract is a good remedy for removing age spots, but is less effective than hydroquinone.

Therefore, it will not be possible to quickly get rid of age spots using Achromin cream.

After a month of using Achromin cream in the morning and evening, you can achieve lightening of pigmentation.

1.6.Gel Badyaga Forte for age spots

Gel Badyaga and Badyaga Forte are quite popular means for getting rid of pigmentation.

This gel contains badyagi powder. This gel is quite easy to use and helps many people get rid of age spots.

It's quite simple to use. Apply Badyaga gel to a cleansed face with massage movements. To work, the gel must be left on the skin for 15-20 minutes. After this time, you need to wash your face with cool water and apply a nourishing cream.

To avoid the appearance of new age spots, Badyaga gel can only be used in the autumn-winter period.

Radevit Active is produced in the form of an ointment containing fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E - in tubes of 10, 20, 35 g.

Active substances in 1 g of ointment –

• vitamin A (retinol palmitate) – 10 mg,
• vitamin D3 (colecaciferol) – 50 mg,
• vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) – 5 mg.

Excipients: butylated hydroxyanisole – 1 mg, butylated hydroxytoluene – 1 mg, emulsion wax – 80 mg, petroleum jelly – 50 mg, glycerin – 100 mg, ethyl alcohol 95% – 100 mg, purified water – up to 1 g.

Analysis of the composition - vitamin A is the only component here that can prevent photoaging of the skin, or even achieve a slight reduction in the depth of wrinkles. It must be said that vitamin A in Radevit is presented in the form of retinol palmitate, which is not pure true retinol, but only an ester of retinol.

When penetrating the skin, retinol palmitate will slowly transform first into pure retinol, then into retinaldehyde, and then into retinoic acid, which is the only effective form of vitamin A. It must be said that only retinoic acid (of all forms of vitamin A) - Skin cells have special receptors. And that any form of vitamin A must first be transformed into retinoic acid before it can act on the skin.

However, as a result of this conversion process, retinol palmitate loses up to 90% of its activity and effectiveness, and only a little pure retinol is formed from it, and even less retinoic acid.

Important: the concentration of vitamin A in Radevit ointment is 1%. For example, the recommended concentrations of true retinol in anti-wrinkle medicinal cosmetics should be from 0.5 to 1%. Most of the retinol palmitate when converted to pure retinol will be destroyed during the transformation process. This means that in order for retinol palmitate to have an effect comparable to the effect of 1% pure retinol, its concentration must be several orders of magnitude higher.

Another disadvantage of retinol palmitate compared to other forms of vitamin A (such as retinoic acid or pure retinol) is that retinol palmitate penetrates the skin to a shallower depth, affecting mainly only the epidermis. Those. it practically does not penetrate into the dermis, where fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin are concentrated.

The advantages of Radevit ointment - thus, retinol palmitate will work perfectly only in the epidermis, promoting the regeneration of its cells, its hydration, and also increasing the hydrophobic properties of the skin. The remaining vitamins included in Radevit are also able to act only on the surface layer of the skin, as they cannot penetrate deeper.

But, despite this, Radevit heals dry and irritated skin very well, and can act as an excellent protective cream for dry skin, improving its protective properties under adverse environmental conditions.

Making medicines was similar to cooking - the same techniques: grinding, soaking, boiling, drying. In this case, a variety of magical formulas, spells and rituals were used, the implementation of which should have accompanied the production and use of this or that medicine.

Liquid dosage forms were used in the form of solutions, mixtures, and decoctions for internal and external use.

Lanolin was obtained from sheep wool by performing a series of sequential steps - boiling, washing the mixture with sea water, filtering the product, and bleaching it in the sun.

Oils were extracted by squeezing from olives, almonds, nuts, and sesame fruits. Essential oils were extracted from flowers at normal or elevated temperatures by extraction with olive or nut oil. This is how, for example, the well-known rose oil was obtained.

Ancient Egyptian healing agents did not irritate the skin, were shelf stable, and in some cases had a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

The compositions and methods of preparing medicines (including ointments), given in the works of doctors of Ancient Greece, are very diverse. Along with brief information, there are detailed descriptions of the manufacturing technology of these products.

Some ancient Greek medicinal mixtures are difficult to attribute to any specific dosage form. It is characteristic that many widely used products - various oils and fats, honey, wine, juices of various medicinal plants - were “medicinal preparations” and at the same time liquid and viscous (ointment-like) agents, flavor and odor flavoring agents.

In the 1st century AD The ancient Roman physician Dioscorides Pedanius, in his essay “On Medicines,” described all the medicines of plant, animal and mineral origin known at that time, and grouped over 500 medicinal plants according to morphological characteristics. It was a breakthrough in pharmacy...

And in the 1st century. AD in Rome, encyclopedic works of Aulus Cornelius Celsus and Pliny the Elder appeared, containing information on medicine, incl. And about preparing medicines.

The greatest physician of Ancient Rome, Galen (130-200), summarized the ideas of ancient medicine in the form of a single doctrine, which had a great influence on the development of natural science until the 15th – 16th centuries.

The reason that prompted Pliny to begin compiling his work was the desire for independence “from the deceptions of doctors,” who often “sold the cheapest medicines for huge amounts of money.” In addition, “some doctors... ailments that could have been eliminated in a few days or even hours were prolonged for a long time in order to have longer income from patients who considered their situation difficult.”

The Hippocratic Oath says exactly this and it is pronounced by almost all doctors in the world when receiving a medical diploma), but medical practice in Ancient Rome sometimes contradicted these fundamental principles.

The Middle Ages (especially the 16th century) was the heyday of iatrochemistry, i.e. "medicinal chemistry". Its founder is considered to be the physician Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, who is better known as Paracelsus. This remarkable doctor and scientist put forward the idea of ​​​​joining chemistry to medicine, which he considered the greatest of sciences.

Paracelsus expressed the main task of chemistry in words that have become immortal: “I consider chemistry necessary, without it there can be no knowledge of medicine. A chemist must be able to extract from every thing something that benefits people. Chemistry has only one purpose: to prepare medicines that restore lost health to people.”

The technology for manufacturing dosage forms did not appear yesterday, it has existed for centuries... Not even centuries, but millennia...

Finely ground healing substances were added to the molten base, and the ointment was stirred until cooled. The juice of medicinal plants was injected into some ointments, and then the ointment was heated until the moisture boiled away.

Subsequently, doctors and pharmacists learned to make creams, then gels. So, my friends, about soft dosage forms...

Often, when choosing a drug for external use, we are faced with various forms of this medicine - cream, ointment, gel, lotion, liniment, suspension, emulsion, paste. What is the fundamental difference between them? Usually this question baffles us. In this material we will try to give a brief description of each dosage form and recommendations for their use. This will help you get the most out of the money you spend on your medicine.

The cream basically contains oils or water. Therefore, the cream is easily and quickly absorbed into the skin, but penetrates shallowly. The cream should be applied to the skin for “wet” lesions, that is, when there is any discharge on the surface. Usually, after just a few minutes of application, the cream does not leave any marks and does not stain clothes. Therefore, it is recommended to use the cream in the morning or afternoon. After application, you can wear any clothes and do your planned activities.

Ointment is a dosage form with a fatty base, which determines its main properties. The ointment has a more viscous concentration, is absorbed more slowly and lasts longer. Unlike cream, ointment penetrates deeper into the thickness of the skin. Typically, the ointment is used for “dry” diseases and for thickening (infiltration) of the skin.

Every person, regardless of gender, age or type of activity, uses skin and body care products. The most common forms of cosmetics and medicines are ointments and creams. Let's figure out how they differ from each other.

Characteristics of the cream

Cream is a purely cosmetic skin care product with a creamy consistency. Typically opaque in color

The cream is characterized by a light texture. It is quickly absorbed and does not leave a greasy residue, while providing a deep level of hydration in the lower layers of the epidermis. This happens due to the presence of water in the base.

When applied, the product does not create a film on the skin, as a result of which the epidermis constantly breathes. It also does not leave greasy stains, so you don’t have to worry about stained clothes. Most creams have a light, pleasant scent that leaves virtually no trail.

Creams are used as an additional skin care product, as they have the following properties:

• Relieve irritation
• Have a calming effect on the skin
• Moisturizes and nourishes the epidermis
• Activates intracellular processes
• Has a calming effect
• Heals skin damage - abrasions, bruises, scratches
• Anti-aging creams enhance collagen production
• Children's - moisturize and protect delicate skin

The highest quality creams are sold in glass jars. It is not advisable to purchase them in plastic containers, since some components contained in the composition may react with the tube material.

Characteristics of the ointment

An ointment is a medicinal form of a drug, created to affect the problem through the pores of the skin

All ointments are usually based on fatty components. There is practically no water in the base. The main components of the ointment are lanolin, silicone or fats of animal and plant origin (mink, badger, almond oil, sea buckthorn).

It follows that ointment bases are divided into several types:

• Lipophilic
• Hydrophilic
• Lipophilic-hydrophilic

The purpose of the ointment is to create a film on the surface of the skin and provide a greenhouse effect.

Thanks to fats, the components penetrate through the pores deep into the tissues and have a therapeutic effect:

Due to their oily consistency, ointments can leave marks on clothing, so it is better to use them at home. Some treatments require a compress or bandage. Ointment is an exclusively medicinal product that can only be purchased at a pharmacy.

All representatives of pharmacological groups exist in ointment form:

• Anesthetics
• Vitamins
• Antibiotics
• Antiseptics
• Hormones

The therapeutic effect of using the ointment depends on many factors:

• Storage conditions(temperature, humidity, etc.)
• Component Specifications, which are contained in the composition
• Concentration of active substances(with a higher percentage of active ingredients, the ointment works more effectively)
• Application method(for example, for warming, you can additionally apply a bandage or compress, which will enhance the greenhouse effect and the effect of the product)
• Application area(drug molecules penetrate into soft tissues much faster than into osteochondral tissues)
• Duration of use(it takes time for the components to seep through the pores of the skin and get into the painful area. That is, the ointment will not work the first time)
• Skin condition and degree of disease, for which ointment is used (for example, ointment for varicose veins can help at the initial stage of the appearance of vascular network, but if the variant is advanced, it will no longer help)

Hello everyone, today we will try to determine which dosage form is better, Clotrimazole ointment or cream. For those who do not yet know, we remind you that this medication is used for fungal skin diseases, as well as mucous membranes, in particular the oral cavity and genitals.

In this material we will consider in which specific case it is better to use ointment and in which cream. Because it is not correct to try to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of these dosage forms relative to each other. Correctly emphasizing their best sides, there will be recommendations for the use of a particular dosage form for its intended purpose.

Which is better: Clotrimazole ointment or cream for men

When prescribing Clotrimazole cream or ointment for men, the doctor takes into account the specifics of the patient’s disease. And for the appropriate diagnosis, he prescribes one or another dosage form of the drug. Regarding fungus in men. In this case, use it, as it is more effectively absorbed into the epidermis of the skin and eliminates fungal spores.

The same applies to various types of other skin infections such as lichen and mycoses. If a man is diagnosed with thrush, then the best option would be to use it. Since it is absorbed into the skin less quickly, which is not really necessary. For the most part, being present on the surface of the mucous membranes, blocking the growth and development of the fungal environment.

Clotrimazole ointment or cream: which is better for women

Again, it all depends on the specifics of the disease. When this formulation “what is best for women” is used, it means the treatment of thrush and vaginal candidiasis. In this case, it is 100% better to choose Clotrimazole cream. Since in this case, the mucous membranes are being treated, this form of medicine is best suited for this.

Clotrimazole ointment and cream: what is the difference

So, what is the difference between Clotrimazole ointment and Clotrimazole cream? In addition to the dosage form itself and minor discrepancies in the composition of the drugs, they differ in their physical properties.

In most cases, when treating foot fungus, an ointment is prescribed, since it is more greasy and eliminates peeling of the skin on the legs. In addition, it is perfectly absorbed into the skin and destroys the walls of fungal cell membranes at the cellular level.

The cream is presented to us in the form of an emulsion. And it is more suitable for treating mucous membranes, such as those on the genitals. The mucous membranes in the oral cavity with stomatitis are usually treated.

What is better cream or ointment Clotrimazole for fungus

Definitely for foot and skin fungus, it is better to use Clotrimazole ointment. Depending on the advanced stage of the disease, the duration of therapy will be from two to four weeks. To successfully treat fungus, you will need to wash the affected areas two to three times a day and dry with a towel. And then apply a thin layer of ointment, using circular movements, rubbing it into the skin.

Every person, regardless of gender, age or type of activity, uses skin and body care products. The most common forms of cosmetics and medicines are ointments and creams. Let's figure out how they differ from each other.

Characteristics of the cream

Cream is a purely cosmetic skin care product with a creamy consistency. Typically opaque in color

The cream is characterized by a light texture. It is quickly absorbed and does not leave a greasy residue, while providing a deep level of hydration in the lower layers of the epidermis. This happens due to the presence of water in the base.

When applied, the product does not create a film on the skin, as a result of which the epidermis constantly breathes. It also does not leave greasy stains, so you don’t have to worry about stained clothes. Most creams have a light, pleasant scent that leaves virtually no trail.

Creams are used as an additional skin care product, as they have the following properties:

• Relieve irritation
• Have a calming effect on the skin
• Moisturizes and nourishes the epidermis
• Activates intracellular processes
• Has a calming effect
• Heals skin damage - abrasions, bruises, scratches
• Anti-aging creams enhance collagen production
• Children's - moisturize and protect delicate skin

The highest quality creams are sold in glass jars. It is not advisable to purchase them in plastic containers, since some components contained in the composition may react with the tube material.

To quickly get rid of varicose veins, our readers recommend ZDOROV Gel. Varicose veins are the female “plague of the 21st century.” 57% of patients die within 10 years from blood clots and cancer! Life-threatening complications are: TROMBOPHLEBITIS (blood clots in the veins are present in 75-80% of varicose veins), TROPHIC ULCERS (tissue rotting) and of course ONCOLOGY! If you have varicose veins, you need to act urgently. In most cases, you can do without surgery and other severe interventions, on your own with the help of...

Characteristics of the ointment

An ointment is a medicinal form of a drug, created to affect the problem through the pores of the skin

All ointments are usually based on fatty components. There is practically no water in the base. The main components of the ointment are lanolin, silicone or fats of animal and plant origin (mink, badger, almond oil, sea buckthorn).

It follows that ointment bases are divided into several types:

• Lipophilic
• Hydrophilic
• Lipophilic-hydrophilic

The purpose of the ointment is to create a film on the surface of the skin and provide a greenhouse effect.

Thanks to fats, the components penetrate through the pores deep into the tissues and have a therapeutic effect:

Due to their oily consistency, ointments can leave marks on clothing, so it is better to use them at home. Some treatments require a compress or bandage. Ointment is an exclusively medicinal product that can only be purchased at a pharmacy.

All representatives of pharmacological groups exist in ointment form:

• Anesthetics
• Vitamins
• Antibiotics
• Antiseptics
• Hormones

The therapeutic effect of using the ointment depends on many factors:

• Storage conditions(temperature, humidity, etc.)
• Component Specifications, which are contained in the composition
• Concentration of active substances(with a higher percentage of active ingredients, the ointment works more effectively)
• Application method(for example, for warming, you can additionally apply a bandage or compress, which will enhance the greenhouse effect and the effect of the product)
• Application area(drug molecules penetrate into soft tissues much faster than into osteochondral tissues)
• Duration of use(it takes time for the components to seep through the pores of the skin and get into the painful area. That is, the ointment will not work the first time)
• Skin condition and degree of disease, for which ointment is used (for example, ointment for varicose veins can help at the initial stage of the appearance of vascular network, but if the variant is advanced, it will no longer help)

Similarities between ointment and cream

1. Ointment and cream are products for external use.
2. They can be used to heal skin lesions.
3. The active substances in these two forms may be the same, but the bases are always different.

Often, when choosing a drug for external use, we are faced with various forms of this medicine - cream, ointment, gel, lotion, liniment, suspension, emulsion, paste. What is the fundamental difference between them? Usually this question baffles us. In this material we will try to give a brief description of each dosage form and recommendations for their use. This will help you get the most out of the money you spend on your medicine.

Cream basically contains oils or water. Therefore, the cream is easily and quickly absorbed into the skin, but penetrates shallowly. The cream should be applied to the skin for “wet” lesions, that is, when there is any discharge on the surface. Usually, after just a few minutes of application, the cream does not leave any marks and does not stain clothes. Therefore, it is recommended to use the cream in the morning or afternoon. After application, you can wear any clothes and do your planned activities.

Ointment– a dosage form with a fatty base, which determines its main properties. The ointment has a more viscous concentration, is absorbed more slowly and lasts longer. Unlike cream, ointment penetrates deeper into the thickness of the skin. Typically, the ointment is used for “dry” diseases and for thickening (infiltration) of the skin. Ointments are applied under a bandage, which further increases the depth of penetration and duration of the therapeutic effect. The fatty base of the ointment is usually not completely absorbed into the skin and can stain clothes. Therefore, ointments are usually recommended to be applied at night. And while you sleep, the active component of the drug fulfills its therapeutic purpose.

Gel is a viscous dosage form. The properties of the gel are more similar to cream. The only difference is that the gel contains neither fats nor oils. The gel has a pH close to the pH of the skin, distributes evenly on the applied surface, is quickly absorbed, and does not clog pores (unlike ointment). Some medications in gel form have higher therapeutic activity than in the form of ointments or creams.

Lotion – liquid dosage form for external use in the form of an aqueous-alcohol solution. Often used to treat the scalp, since the lotion easily reaches the skin and does not settle on the hair in large quantities. Also, lotions are often equipped with spray nozzles, which makes it easier to apply the drug to the skin.

Liniment – a dosage form that is an intermediate link between cream and ointment. The composition of liniment includes fats and oils in varying proportions. Depending on the predominant component, liniment acquires the properties of an ointment or cream. A characteristic feature of liniment is that it begins to melt at body temperature.

Suspension – liquid form, which is one or more solid medicinal substances dissolved in a liquid (water, glycerin, liquid oil, etc.). Typically, such medications are absorbed at an average rate and may leave marks on the skin or clothing. Suspensions are used not only externally. They are also taken orally or injected.

Emulsion is a mixture of two liquid medicinal substances. One of them is the base (dispersed medium), the other is the dispersed phase. Typically, during storage, both substances separate in the bottle and form two layers. Therefore, the emulsion must be shaken and mixed before use. Typically, emulsions are quickly absorbed and leave no residue on the skin.

Pasta – This is an ointment of dense consistency, the content of powdery substances in which exceeds 20%. Therefore, it has the appearance of a paste and has a long-lasting effect on the skin. Usually has a drying effect.

Choose a medicine based on the nature of the disease you have and the characteristics of each dosage form. This way you will achieve the maximum effect of treatment in the shortest possible time.

What is better to choose – cream, gel or ointment? Similarities and differences

Please note the following products:

After fractures it is required bone tissue restoration. In order to speed up this process, Mumiyo cream was created. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, wound-healing, tissue-regenerating effects. Shilajit cream is effective against stretch marks. As an anti-cellulite massage cream, it provides quick visible results.

Gel with DHEA (Active Longevity BIA-Gel) normalizes hormonal balance, recommended for women and men to restore and maintain the natural hormonal balance in the body, to prolong youth. Regular use of gel with DHEA prevents obesity, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and prevents depression. BIA-gel moisturizes the skin and effectively eliminates age spots.

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Many medications come in a variety of forms; products with the same name come in the form of an ointment, cream or gel. All these varieties have their own characteristics and characteristics. Therefore, when purchasing any medicine, you need to know how the ointment differs from the cream and gel.

Ointment: description of form

Ointments were used as medicine in Ancient Egypt, China and Rome. They were made on the basis of lanolin, cow butter, extracts of medicinal plants: almonds, olives, sesame seeds, various flowers and herbs, and wax.

Modern ointments contain a medicinal preparation and a base, which is usually fats of natural or artificial origin, as well as petroleum products. Often, auxiliary components are added to help the ointment penetrate the skin better, such as nitroglycerin.

This drug is used for application to a variety of wounds, skin, and mucous membranes. To understand how ointment differs from cream, it is necessary to consider the features of the latter.

Characteristics of the cream

Historically, the cream got its name due to the fact that cream and wax were used for a long time. The modern soft form also consists of the main drug substance and a base, which is light, containing an emulsion and water. A distinctive feature of the cream is its ability to have a strong local effect, but it has virtually no systemic effect on the entire body. This is due to the fact that the mild form does not penetrate the bloodstream.

Considering the topic of how cream differs from ointment, it is necessary to point out that the former is quickly and completely absorbed into the epidermis and does not leave greasy marks on items of clothing. In addition, such a mild form is called not only medicines, but also cosmetics or confectionery products.

Gel, its features

Another form of soft medicine is a gel, the description of which will help you understand the difference between cream, gel and ointment. It is a type of ointment based on water, gelatin, cellulose and other substances with distributed healing components.

The gel is characterized by plasticity and elasticity; it is created by dissolving solid polymer particles and a neutralizing agent in small quantities in water. All components mix well, thicken and form a viscous soft form.

The structure of the gel is close to an ointment, but it does not clog pores, does not leave a greasy film, and evenly distributes the main substance. The topic of how ointment differs from cream and gel is very important for understanding the use of the latter. This soft dosage form is most effective for muscle and joint pain, osteochondrosis of the spine and neck, sprains, bruises, and salt deposits.

Gels are for external and internal use, ophthalmic, rectal and vaginal, and dental.

What to choose - cream or ointment? Comparison of soft dosage forms

When comparing cream and ointment, one cannot say that one form is better than the other; their differences lie in the base used, the effect, and penetrating ability. The table below clearly shows how the ointment differs from the cream.

From the table below you can clearly see the difference between a cream and an ointment, so when choosing a dosage form you need to focus on these features, understand what effect you need to achieve, which drug will be more convenient to use.

Thus, the appearance on the pharmaceutical market of various forms of the same drug is explained by the unique therapeutic effect of each, therefore, to obtain the best result, it is necessary to know their characteristics and properties.

The pharmaceutical industry produces thousands of drugs in a wide variety of forms: ointments, creams, gels and pastes - it’s not easy to understand all of this. What is the difference between cream and gel and what is better to buy, ointment or paste? Let's try to figure this out.

Cream and ointment

Any skin product consists of a base and an active substance. The difference between a cream and an ointment is precisely in the base, and the medicinal active substance is usually the same.

Here are the main differences between cream and ointment:

• The basis for ointments are various fat-like substances (lipids, waxes, petroleum jelly, lanolin), and any cream is an emulsion of water in oil or oil in water.
• The consistency of the ointment is much denser, it is much greasier than the cream.
• The ointment, unlike the cream, does not contain water at all.

The cream is much lighter and better absorbed by the skin

Differences in the physical properties of these agents determine their effect on the human body:

• The ointment forms a film on the surface of the skin, which has a greenhouse effect. Thanks to this, the active substances of the ointment enter the bloodstream and have a systemic effect on the body.
• The medicinal substance of the cream has only a local effect.
• The vast majority of ointments are medicinal products, and creams are cosmetic.

You can also add that creams are much lighter, so they are absorbed faster. You can buy the cream at any cosmetic store, but the ointment only at the pharmacy.

Gel and cream

The difference between cream and gel lies in the chemical composition of these products, which determines their properties:

• Gel is a substance that is 80% water, and cream is an emulsion of water and oil.
• The gels have a high viscosity and do not contain fats or oils at all, so they do not leave greasy marks on the skin or clothes.
• Cream is an opaque substance, while gels are highly transparent.
• Most gels, unlike creams, have a pH close to the pH of the skin.
• It is better to apply the cream to the skin in the evening; the gel can be used at any convenient time.

Water makes up up to 80% of the gel composition

Cream and emulsion

The main difference between cream and emulsion is their consistency. In essence, an emulsion is a regular cream that has a liquid consistency. This designation can be called not very correct, because any cream is an emulsion.

Most cosmetic and medicinal creams are an emulsion of water in oil, which is why they have such a thick and greasy structure. They penetrate the skin easily, but leave greasy marks on it. An emulsion is a solution of oil in water, which makes its texture light. It contains very few lipids, so it does not create the feeling of a greasy film on the skin.

Pomegranate emulsion for stretch marks

Fluid and cream

Fluid is a cosmetic product that differs from cream in its semi-liquid consistency and minimal amount of oils and fats.

Of the entire line of cosmetics, fluids have the lightest texture and contain the least amount of oils. The size of dispersed fluid particles is much smaller than in a regular cream.

The fluid contains substances that give this product a gel structure; fluids are an excellent way to moisturize the skin.

The fluids have the least amount of oils in the composition and have the lightest texture

Fluids are great for oily and combination skin, and cream is an ideal product for dry skin.

The polymers that make up the fluid remove excess sebaceous gland secretions from the skin, giving it a natural matte finish.

Serum and cream

The main difference between serum and cream is not the base, but the active component.

A regular cream contains a small amount of active substance, usually a few percent. The concentration of active substances in the serum is ten times higher than that of the cream. Typically these are vitamins (A, B and E), antioxidants, trace elements and various organic acids. Sometimes serums are also called concentrates.

Unlike cream, serums have a liquid consistency, which is lighter even than a fluid. These are emulsions created on a fat or water basis.

Moisturizing body serum against stretch marks

Serums are especially popular among middle-aged and older people. Typically these products are used to treat a specific skin problem. The serum is perfect for tightening the skin and rejuvenating it.

Serums contain special compounds that increase skin permeability, facilitating the penetration of the main active substances into it. They are also called “conductor substances”. Serums are often applied “under cream”.

Another difference between cream and serum is the cost of the latter. This product definitely cannot be called cheap.

Pastes and ointments

Paste differs from ointment in that it contains a large amount of powdery substances. Thanks to this, the pastes have a thicker consistency. The amount of powdery substances in the paste varies, but it is always not lower than 25% and not higher than 65%. A typical example of this product is the familiar toothpaste, which contains a large amount of powder, which helps to remove plaque more effectively.

Due to their paste composition, their effect is more intense and lasting. Pastes have drying and adsorbing properties, which make them possible to use as a remedy against inflammation.

Many popular drugs that exist today are available in different forms:

Bepanten – The drug is available in two forms: ointment and cream. Ointment and cream contain one active substance - dexpanthenol, in both forms its concentration is the same and amounts to 5%. The main difference is the consistency of these medicinal products: the cream is lighter, and the ointment has a thick consistency and has a more intense effect. The ointment contains 50 grams of almond oil and 250 mg of lanolin; these substances perfectly moisturize the skin. The ointment also contains beeswax.

Available in the form of ointment and cream, it is used for skin inflammation and allergies. The main active substance of both ointment and cream is betamethasone. The composition of various types of this remedy includes gentamicin, which is effective against bacterial infections, clotrimazole, which copes well with fungal infections, and salicylic acid. The cream is more suitable for oily skin, and the ointment is more suitable for dry skin. .

Akriderm - ointment for external use

Clotrimazole– used for fungal pathologies of the skin and has two forms: cream and ointment. The active substance is clotrimazole, both forms contain the same amount: 0.01 g per 1 g of product. The ointment is thicker and greasy, more suitable for dry skin; it is better to apply cream to wet areas. .

Triderm is a very popular drug that is used to treat inflammatory and fungal diseases. Available in the form of ointment and cream. The composition of the active substances in both forms of the drug is the same, only the base differs. The ointment penetrates deeper and faster, which is why it is used for severe forms of diseases. The cream contains alcohols, which are effective for weeping dermatitis, but they can cause allergies.

Any form of cosmetic and medicinal products has its own characteristics that must be used wisely. Before purchasing this or that product, think about whether it is suitable for your skin, whether a cream or emulsion will be effective in solving your particular problem?