Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.9
463 Reviews
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
68%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
A more dangerous way of using benzoyl peroxide that studies show works a bit better than benzoyl peroxide alone. However, when used properly, benzoyl peroxide on its own can completely clear the skin without the addition of antibiotics.
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Clindamycin / Benzoyl peroxide
Compare To Other Treatments
5
33.5%
4
39.1%
3
15.1%
2
8.2%
1
4.1%

Used Clindamycin / Benzoyl peroxide? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
October 26, 2013
Good temporary solution

Pros:

Works

Cons:

Burns, my cheek is very red, dry and stinging since last night

I have cystic acne on one cheek and I've been using this for about five days. Most of the inflammation is gone and only 3 pimples left out of 15, they were the biggest and I think they'll go away soon. However the derm never told me how much to apply and I think I apply too much, using overnight.
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December 25, 2012

Pros:

Works immediately

Cons:

Soooo expensive

After five days of use I saw drastic results. The only effective product I've ever used. I've had acne for almost ten years and this is the only time I've been without it.
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March 27, 2012

Pros:

-cheap with insurance
-easy to use
-get a lot of product for your money

Cons:

-VERY drying, but I have extremely sensitive skin
-Takes a long time to work
-Need to use daily rather than as a spot treatment
-Doesn't seem to work by itself

I started to get painful cystic acne my junior year of high school (around age 16). My dermatologist prescribed Acanya for me, and I wish he had given me something else. I have been using it for over a year, and it doesn't seem to work. I apply it every night before I go to bed, and it might have reduced the severity of my acne, but since I still get painful pimples that last for weeks, I don't really know if it helped. It dries my skin out and makes my face peel as if I had a terrible sunburn. I need to use a lot of moisturizer along with it, which kind of defeats the purpose of using a cream that dries out your acne. The good thing about it is that it is a gel, rather than a pill, so there are no big concerns that would go along with taking a strong prescription pill.
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February 29, 2012

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Made pimples last way longer than normal
Left dark red marks where pimples were

Normally I have pimples that last about a week and by then they are ready to be extracted and heal completely fine by the next week. However after this gel my pimples lasted wayyyyyy longer (4 weeks) instead of my normal 1 week. And not only that, it left DARK RED marks when the pimples were gone. This has never happened to my skin before. I will most definitely not be using this again! Thankfully I got this for free because of my medical plan.
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November 14, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne within days
Amazing

Cons:

Dries out face

I have had acne for 3 years and tried various things 2 days of this and my face was clear and i have used it for a year now its awesome
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December 18, 2010

Pros:

*slightly* more effective than 2.5% benzoyl peroxide alone.

Cons:

Can be drying - might need moisturizer

If your Rx plan covers the medicine it might be worth trying. However, if not, I had similar success with the benzoyl peroxide contained within the Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System.
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October 27, 2010

Pros:

- Works in just few days

Cons:

- Can't handle the infection under the skin

It's great if you have a lot of blackheads and surface acne. Helped with the redness too. The doctor I visited said it couldn't handle the infection under the skin, which resulted in many swollen pus pimples that were visible to the surface but weren't affected by clindoxyl. I tried it for four weeks and in the beginning it cleared many surface problems in just few days. In the long run it didn't clear everything. Let the search for my magic pill continue!
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September 24, 2009

Pros:

prevents acne
prevents acne
prevents acne

Cons:

no cons i can think of,
worked very well with me, be careful to store it within 2-8 degrees celcius, or cream expires

works fine if u use it the right way and give it a chance!
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August 4, 2009

Pros:

i've used it for almost a year and my acne doesn't really go away but gets smaller...

Cons:

bleaches clothes, expensive if u don't have health care, skin fells weird and may dry out. takes a LONG time to use

i have mixed feelings about using this product. i would recommend not using this in the day time if your going out because it makes your skin look weird and feel weird. also it will bleach your shirts and things like that. but i've used this for almost a year almost every night and at different parts of that time my acne was pretty much gone than i stopped using for one night and i had broke out again and now im trying to get it back under control.
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April 17, 2009

Pros:

Works really well at clearing up pimples!

Cons:

You cant wear it under make up

The bottom line is this product is really amazing. With me I put it on at night and wash it off in the morning. During the day I wear a moisturiser and make up (no pimple cream). It seems to work the best for me for clearing up pimples. I haven't come across any other cream product that works better. I don't pay anything for it because I have really good insurance
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.