Dry skin, scratches and abrasions, redness and irritation - these symptoms appear to each of us from time to time. When choosing drugs for their treatment, you can encounter problems: some drugs dry out even more, others fight inflammation, but are not suitable for long-term use.
Bepanten guarantees quick and safe elimination of all unpleasant manifestations. The drug is available in several dosage forms, and everyone can choose the ideal one for themselves.
Briefly about the drug
This is a German pharmaceutical product that appeared on the market back in the 19th century. Bepanten combines a number of medical products, the most common being cream.
Bepanten cream is a medicine that has pronounced healing and restorative properties. The main active ingredient in the composition is dexpanthenol - a B vitamin. It activates metabolic processes in the cells of the dermis and mucous membranes, promotes the production of collagen, and also increases the natural regenerative functions of cells. Other components provide an antibacterial effect, moisturize and nourish the skin.
Release form bepanthen cream
In other words, the cream activates the metabolism of skin cells, moisturizes them, which leads to a refreshing result on the face. Cosmetic procedures are only one aspect of using the product. The spectrum of effects of Bepanten drugs is quite wide.
Varieties of panthenol
A huge variety of drugs based on dexpanthenol have been produced. It is added to hand creams, lubricants, hygienic lipsticks and baby diaper rash creams.
I will give analogues of medicines: D Panthenol, Bepanten, Panthenol-Ratiopharm, Dexpanthenol and others.
It is produced in different forms:
- Cream and ointment. These drugs usually contain 5% of the active substance. Ointments are made on a fat basis, and creams are made on an emulsion basis. That is why the latter are used on open areas of the body. But ointments have a more pronounced softening effect.
- Spray. This is the easiest option to use. When applying the drug, you do not have to make unnecessary contact with your hands on the affected surface of the wound. The composition contained inside the can forms foam when sprayed. This substance, light in texture, penetrates deeply into the skin.
The price of these drugs usually depends on the dosage form and brand. Ointments and creams are considered the cheapest: the price varies from 120 to 200 rubles. The spray will cost a little more than 180-300 rubles.
Indications for use
The ointment has a complex composition of predominantly natural ingredients, among which there are no hormonal substances. Due to this, Bepanten becomes an almost universal and harmless drug. It is prescribed by doctors of various profiles in the following cases:
- dry thin skin, peeling, microcracks;
- irritation due to allergies, dermatological diseases;
- shallow cuts and abrasions on the skin;
- acne scars;
- diaper rash, urticaria and other irritations in infants;
- cracked nipples in women during breastfeeding;
- burns of various types, including sunburn;
- bedsores;
- smoothing stretch marks;
- insect bites, etc.
Ointment helps smooth out cracked nipples
Burns and minor facial injuries: is the cream effective?
The cream that this article is devoted to is effective as a healing agent. Therefore, if burns (including from the sun), wounds and scratches appear on the face, then this is exactly the creamy drug that doctors prescribe more often than others.
To return the skin to its original condition, Bepanten should be applied 2-3 times a day until complete recovery occurs. As soon as the substance comes into contact with the epidermis, its active components are activated, preventing the progression of inflammatory processes and swelling. In addition, the cream relieves burning and pain, while soothing the skin.
If scratches or wounds appear on the face, Bepanten should be used immediately, as it acts as a disinfectant that reduces the risk of infections.
Compound
Dexpanthenol, or provitamin B5, is the main component of Bepanten, providing its restorative abilities. Having penetrated the skin cells, it becomes pantothenic acid, which acts from the inside.
In addition to dexpanthenol, the ointment includes additional ingredients, including:
- lanolin – antibacterial effect, moisturizes the skin and prevents moisture loss;
- almond oil is a powerful antioxidant, refreshes the skin, slows down its aging;
- stearyl and cetyl alcohols are an emulsifier and thickener that soften dermal cells, making them more elastic.
The remaining components of the composition make the consistency of the ointment the correct structure and viscosity.
How does Bepanten work?
Dexpanthenol, on the basis of which the drug works, is provitamin B5. This substance easily enters the skin, where it is transformed into pantothenic acid.
In turn, thanks to pantothenic acid, skin healing processes occur, cellular metabolism is normalized, and collagen fibers are strengthened. Due to these effects, the cream and other forms of the drug promote active hydration and regeneration of the skin.
Dexpanthenol is a substance related to skin cells, so Bepanten can be used on any area of the skin. In addition, the product can be used by children from birth.
Line of drugs Bepanten
Initially, German factories produced only an ointment, which was used exclusively by doctors to treat skin diseases. Over time, the range expanded and a cream, lotion, and a special series of facial skin care products appeared.
- Ointment. It is in demand among young mothers, copes well with infant diaper dermatitis, and quickly heals cracked nipples. Dermatologists also advise using the ointment as a moisturizer for dry skin with flaking, chapping, cracks, as well as burns, abrasions and other damage.
- Cream. It has a softer consistency and better absorption compared to ointment, and does not leave a greasy residue. Widely used for cosmetic purposes. Promotes deep hydration and nutrition of the dermis, triggers cell regenerative processes, therefore it is used to combat wrinkles and other consequences of natural aging.
- Antiseptic cream Bepanten Plus. It contains an additional component - chlorhexidine, which has a disinfecting effect and also promotes rapid healing of damaged dermis. It helps well with burns, soothes pain. Suitable for wounds, cuts, for the treatment of boils, etc.
- Spray. Convenient for spraying on areas with burns or abrasions, reduces pain, prevents the spread of inflammation to adjacent areas of the skin, and is quickly absorbed.
- Bepanten Derma series. These are specially developed cosmetic preparations to improve the condition of dry skin. This includes nourishing and moisturizing lotions, restorative lip balm, hand balm, and foot cream.
Experts promised to consider creating a special cosmetic product for the face that would prevent early skin aging and wrinkles. Until this product appears, women use the existing products in the line, adding them to a variety of face masks.
Recommendations for use
Bepanten is a drug that is sold in pharmacies (without a prescription). Therefore, it has a clear range of indications for use:
- skin care for babies up to one year old. It is used as a treatment for diaper dermatitis and diaper rash. However, doctors recommend that mothers use the product as a preventive measure for these dermatological problems;
- elimination of irritations on any area of the skin, regardless of the cause. These could be sunburn, chemical burns, abrasions, and other factors;
- treatment and prevention of cracks, irritations, peeling, wounds on the nipples during breastfeeding;
- restoration of the integrity of the skin (wounds, abrasions, scratches, cuts, cracks). If these are minor, recent problems, the product is applied immediately. If the damage is deep, occupying a large area - only at the final stage, after using other specific medications;
- if there is a risk of infection entering minor wounds and other damage to the skin, use Bepanten Plus lotion and cream, which contain chlorhexidine hydrochloride;
- in the complex treatment of chronic skin problems: erosion, cracks, ulcers;
- in the presence of excessive dryness, peeling, cracking of epidermal tissues;
- treatment of acne, inflamed and ruptured.
Cosmetologists recommend using Bepanten cream after traumatic procedures (cleaning, deep peeling, etc.) to quickly restore the epidermis.
Apply a thin layer of ointment or cream to the area of irritated skin twice a day. If it is local damage (pimple, burn), you can make applications (pointwise). It is better to use the ointment at night, as it has a denser consistency and a higher concentration of active substances. Cream is better during the day. It does not leave a sticky film and is quickly absorbed.
Cosmetologist about Bepanten plus cream:
Both for therapeutic and preventive purposes, large areas are covered with cream. It moisturizes the skin well and restores the top layer. You can use the product for as long as you like until the desired result is achieved. There is no habituation.
However, treatment with chlorhexidine (lotion, Bepanten plus cream) is carried out over a course of 10 days with a break of at least a week. With longer use, the antibacterial properties decrease, as the microbial flora loses sensitivity to the active component.
Truths and misconceptions about Bepanten products
Despite the widespread use of German brand drugs and their practically harmless composition, we must not forget that this is a medical drug, and it must be used carefully and in consultation with a specialist.
Smoothing facial wrinkles
Sometimes buyers purchase a product knowing about its positive effect, and use it thoughtlessly where it is not entirely effective or may even aggravate the situation. Let's consider the most common areas where treatment with Bepanten is possible, and the ratio of expected and obtained results.
Wrinkles on the face
After about 30 years, the repair mechanisms in skin cells slow down and collagen production decreases. The skin becomes less elastic, dry, thin, and wrinkles appear. The appearance of wrinkles can be caused not only by age, but also by external factors: active sun rays, wind, bad habits, unbalanced diet, insufficient water consumption, stress, fatigue, etc.
The use of Bepanten for wrinkles is practiced among many cosmetologists. Numerous reviews indicate a positive effect from use. Different forms of release of the product help to moisturize the skin, restore its freshness and velvety, and even help smooth out wrinkles.
Creams and lotions are most often used for these purposes, applying them 1-2 times a day to cleansed facial skin.
It is worth noting that this is not a cosmetic product, and it is not aimed specifically at smoothing facial wrinkles. And while light wrinkles may disappear due to hydration, this remedy is ineffective for deep age-related wrinkles.
Smoothing wrinkles around the eyes
The area around the eyes should be treated with particular care. Although Bepanten preparations do not prohibit any areas of application, nevertheless, some reviews indicate adverse reactions in the eye area. Apply the cream in a very thin layer only after testing on a small area.
It is also important to consider your skin type when choosing a product. For example, a viscous, oily ointment is not suitable for oily skin and can make the situation even worse by clogging the pores.
Panthenol in cosmetology
Reviews from cosmetologists about panthenol as a restorative agent are quite good. This drug is usually used for complex rehabilitation after peeling, tattooing and hair removal.
In this case, it is simply a magic wand that helps restore the skin. But for some reason cosmetologists do not know about the use of panthenol to combat wrinkles.
Before using panthenol for facial care, be aware that this drug contains auxiliary components:
- liquid paraffin;
- petrolatum;
- anhydrous lanolin.
If you have dry skin, then everything is fine. You can safely use this facial product a couple of times a week. This product is perfect for nourishing dry skin. It is especially good for flaky skin in the autumn-winter period. By the way, according to reviews, it was the owners of dry skin who sang the praises of panthenol. It is this that creates a protective barrier and perfectly maintains the necessary level of moisture in the skin.
And if you have normal or oily skin, clogged pores and “luxurious” acne are guaranteed. It is a bit heavy due to the auxiliary components. Do you want to look like kitten Musty, covered in pimples?
Pimples and acne
There is an opinion that Bepanten treats acne and helps get rid of acne. There is some truth in this, but the therapeutic effect for this problem should not be exaggerated.
Bepanten products help cope with minor rashes and single pimples when applied to the spot, especially if combined with other medicinal products. The line contains very little alcohol, so it does not dry out the skin like other similar products.
Helps with sebaceous glands on the face
The big advantage of these drugs is their double action: they help heal problem areas and immediately smooth out pits and scars, which often leave behind problems with the sebaceous glands on the face.
It is worth considering that hormonal acne rashes in adolescence cannot be treated with Bepanthen alone. This requires a more serious integrated approach, and always under the supervision of a dermatologist. The same applies to advanced stages of acne. German brand ointments and creams can clog pores, causing inflammation. Therefore, it is better to choose other drugs specially designed for such problems.
Those with oily skin should use Bepanten ointments and creams with caution, so as not to further aggravate the situation; for a safe effect, consult a dermatologist.
Dry skin and flaking
Dryness of the upper layers of the dermis can appear for various reasons: negative external factors, lack of drinking, nutrition, bad habits, etc. The natural components of the Bepanten series really have a beneficial effect on dry skin:
- moisturize the epithelium and help retain moisture in the cells;
- promote rapid exfoliation of keratinized scales;
- improve metabolic processes at the cellular level, which activates the growth of new cells.
Long-term use can lead to the opposite result - peeling, since the process of cell renewal under the influence of the cream can occur too quickly.
Helps with dry skin on hands
Applying the product twice a day, it should be used for no more than 2-3 weeks, then you should take a break and evaluate the condition of the skin.
Manifestation of allergies on the face
Bepanten is an assistant in eliminating allergic rashes, but not the main medicine. It does not act on the causes of redness, but only eliminates the consequences: itching, irritation, peeling.
To treat allergies, it is necessary to use special drugs of a certain direction that act on the mechanism of the allergic reaction. Also avoid contact with allergens. Bepanten is used only as an adjuvant to eliminate the consequences.
Beginner mistakes
Bepanten is very popular among nursing mothers. Firstly, the product effectively copes with diaper dermatitis in newborns. Secondly, this same remedy quickly heals cracked nipples, which are often encountered by young women who are breastfeeding.
Fearing that during breastfeeding the baby will “eat” part of Bepanten, women carefully wash off the ointment with soap before each feeding. And there are usually several such applications per day. This leads to even more irritation and the healing process is delayed.
The packaging states that the composition is absolutely harmless to the baby, so there is no need to wash it off the breast. Numerous reviews confirm the safety of this use for children.
It is also worth warning those who purchase Bepanten to combat acne. Most often, this is an external manifestation of some kind of internal disease, it may be associated with disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, hormonal imbalances, problems with the genitourinary system, etc. First, you need to find out the cause of the rash, treat it, and then remove the consequences, including , and with the help of drugs Bepanten.
Cream "Bepanten": what is it for?
This product is in good demand, despite its cost. Its main purpose is healing and disinfection. Moreover, the cream copes with these tasks perfectly. Most often it is used to eliminate diaper rash in infants, as well as nursing mothers whose nipple skin cracks from feeding the baby.
"Bepanten" is a medicinal, but not a hormonal drug. The main indications for its use are: diaper rash in newborns, burns, wounds, cracks and skin irritations. But, as practice and customer reviews show, the cream is very effective and completely safe for the face, and it can become a means for daily care and protection of the dermis, which can be used in conjunction with other cosmetics.
Contraindications and consequences
According to the instructions, Bepanten is quite safe and harmless, there are no contraindications, and is even suitable for infants and pregnant women. It can be combined with other drugs without fear of adverse reactions.
The process of applying cream to hands
Undesirable consequences can only appear if you have an individual intolerance to certain ingredients, but this happens quite rarely. To check the reaction, apply a little product to the skin of your hand and evaluate its condition for half an hour.
Too frequent or prolonged use of Bepanten can lead to oversaturation with vitamin B, which is just as undesirable as its deficiency.
