21 alternative uses for Sudocrem
Sudocrem can be used for more than just keeping your little one’s bum free from nappy rash. Mommy blogger Dani Silbermann shares some other great uses.
Apart from keeping your baby’s bum soft and dry, there are many uses for Sudocrem cream beyond the bum.
1. All-round healing cream thanks to zinc oxide
The joy of Sudocrem is its high zinc oxide content. That’s the magical antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that makes this cream an all-round healer. When zinc oxide is applied to a wound area, it provides the body with the extra zinc it needs to repair skin cells. Use it on rashy patches, cuts, grazes and, well, any skin irritations for that matter (great for those annoying grass rashes and for teething/drool chin rash).
2. Acne
Perhaps the most famed of all uses (even more so than as a bum cream) is its role in clearing acne, spots, blemishes, pimples and breakouts. Simply apply to the spot in question, and watch it magically reduce in redness and size.
3. Face mask
Yes. It’s true. Because Sudocrem is so thick and pasty, you can’t use it as a regular moisturiser. But you can use it once a week as an all-round face mask. This DIY beauty hack has even made its way into celebrity circles. After your regular bedtime cleansing, smear Sucocrem all over your face (you can try massage it in, but you won’t get very far). Then leave it to absorb overnight. It helps tighten pores and prevent the buildup of sebum, reducing the formation of blackheads and pimples. You will go to bed looking like Casper, but you will wake up looking fresher and smoother, with a more even complexion. Be sure to sleep on a towel. Do this once a week only.
4. Shaving rash/razor burn
This one is for the Dads.
5. Rough, cracked heels
Apply cream, put socks on, and allow to seep in overnight.
6. Wrinkles
Zinc is a natural astringent – that means it tightens the skin’s elastic fibre leading to a reduced appearance of wrinkles.
7. Insect bites and stings
Sudocrem contains a mild local anesthetic to ease discomfort.
8. To prevent and soothe chafing
Be it from cycling or because your thighs rub together in summer.
9. Sweat rashes
You know, those pesky under-the-boob ones.
10. Primer
Another DIY beauty trick. Apply a tiny (TINY) bit here and there as you would a regular primer, before applying makeup. It will provide your skin with a thin barrier so that your foundation/eye shadow can be applied without sinking into pores and creases. Once rubbed in, it isn’t greasy and doesn’t leave you looking shiny. It actually leaves a matte finish. Be careful not to slather it on too thickly though, or you may end up looking like a ghostly, pale, and chalky corpse.
11. Can be used to help treat eczema, psoriasis, molluscum, bedsores, chilblains, and warts
12. Dogs also get dry patches, itchy sores, and tail chaffing
Sudocrem is recommended by many a vet (but it can be difficult to clean so make sure that you rub it in really well and while it is not toxic, just keep an eye out that your dog doesn’t lick too much of it off).
13. Apply around your hairline when applying hair dye/colour, to prevent your skin from staining.
14. Sunburn, the ultimate after-sun treatment
Tip: Leave the tub in the fridge, and apply the cooled cream to really ease the burn.
15. Dry, callous knees, and elbows.
16. Piles, hemorrhoids, and painful bowel movements.
17. When ailed with colds and flu, apply under the nose to prevent dryness and chaffing from excessive wiping and blowing.
18. Itchy and inflamed scar tissue
This has soothed my still itchy (actual) emergency C-section cut.
19. Protect your manicured hands
When washing the dishes. Sudocrem’s water-repellent base creates a protective seal. Also great to protect your little one’s chin from the drool floodgates of teething. Just apply and the drool won’t cause a chin rash.
20. Bruises
To reduce appearance and swelling.
21. Emergency redness reduction
Whether you’ve just plucked your eyebrows minutes before needing to leave the house, or have woken up looking like Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer, Sudocrem will help.
