5 replies to this topic

[StevenX]

Hello all.

This is my first post but I have frequented these forums many times. I have a quick question. I have been prescribed Retin-A Micro as well as Clindamycin. I was wondering if it would be possible to put these two medications on at the same time. Would there be any negative side effects to this? I've been using Retin-A micro for about a month now. It was clearing up my skin fine, but now I think I'm getting into the initial breakout phase. I'm going to try and stick with it for another month, but geez! I would give almost anything to have clear skin. It's not only embarrasing, but it's also uncomfortable physically. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[Lutya]

I can't see that this would be a problem as I was just prescribed Ziana which is Retin-A and Clindamycin together in a combo gel.

[xauthenticx]

Ive been using the same thing for about a year now and I was told to put them at diff times of the day as in Clindamycin in the morning and Evoclin and night...

[Siouxsie]

I apply one after the other at night. In the morning I use BP like regular DKR. I moisturize well to keep my skin from drying out & flaking. So far, so good. I've had consistent results.
My derm told me to do this the first time I went also.

It may depend on the concentration of each topical you were prescribed; what percent of each? If they are relatively high, then you may not want to use them at the same time, as that may be too drying.

Call your derm's office & ask. If it's not working, it may not be strong enough or you may need to try something else. Retin-a can take a long time to make a difference, so try giving it 12 weeks at least.

[StevenX]

Siouxsie, thanks for your response.

I am using the 1% Clindamycin and the 0.1% Retin-A Micro (I believe that's the highest strength Retin-A available). I am seeing the Retin-A starting to take effect (I'm not really sure how effective the Clindamycin is. My derm prescribed the Retin-A ionly after I went back and complained that the Clindamycin was not doing a damn thing).

From the website, I can see that it will take up to 2 months to see results (for the Retin-A). I am already seeing some results, but I am willing to give it the full 8 wks. After that, if I don't see better improvement, I will have to go back to the derm. So far though, I am about 1 month in, and although my skin is very far from where I want it to be, I am noticing effects. The rate of improvement also seems to be increasing.

I am drying out some, but I don't mind. It is uncomfortable sometimes, but I want clear skin. I'm a junior in college and am starting to apply to investment banking internships again. My skin got really bad in the middle of this past summer, and it affected how well I did my last internship. I was embarrassed to meet new people at the firm, specially since I knew everyone would be looking great. It is no secret that these banks put a strong emphasis on professional looks, but that can sometimes be a proxy or a euphemism for better-than-average-looking. I'm no casanova, but I can fit that bill without this damn acne.

Oh, I am also on Doxycycline 100mg twice a day. (Now that I think about it, the derm really pumped up the power on me).

I am really glad these forums are available. I've only told two of my friends how self-conscious I feel about my acne, but I don't want or expect them to be a source of comfort for this (guy thing, I guess).

Talking about it with others that understand and are going through or have gone through the same problems is very encouraging.

[StevenX]

I need some %$&*^$& encouragement. This stuff is killing me. Acne is seriously ruining my life.