Topical Antibiotic
Reviews
3.6
671 Reviews
Topical Antibiotic
Efficacy
55%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
Topical Antibiotic
Side Effects
Low
Topical Antibiotic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
One of the less effective treatments out there. It should never be used on its own or for longer than 3 months and may lead to resistant strains of bacteria. It may provide a slight improvement in mild acne in some people.
Topical Antibiotic
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
Compare To Other Treatments
5
27.7%
4
32.3%
3
18.9%
2
14.2%
1
6.9%

Used Clindamycin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 7, 2008

Pros:

So it totally helped the quality of my skin overall. breakouts are much less severe. generally doesnt affect how dry my skin is, or oily. very easy, and effective.

Cons:

EXPENSIVE. Also, it doesnt make acne completely disappear, just keeps it mild.

It is a great product, but i would use it with another product for more effective results (I use tazorac, they work well together!)
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October 12, 2007

Pros:

It'll clear you up

Cons:

BUT You will more than likely get C_DIFF

Your safer to not try this. Acne is better than C_DIFF
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July 29, 2007

Pros:

nothing good comes out of this.

Cons:

everything?

it doesnt work, ive been using it for about 4m onths now..... my skin is horrible, no improvement at all
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July 26, 2007

Pros:

Works great for me. didn't dry out skin, keeps me from getting large breakouts

Cons:

expensive if you don't have insurance

This has really helped to keep my face clear. I quickly clears up the few little spots I get. After being on Accutane for 8 months this is better to use since it doesn't dry me out as bad as the Accutane
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March 22, 2007

Pros:

Works well in terms of ridding the skin of milia-type bumps and larger cysts.

Cons:

Horrendous abdomninal pain and bloating meant that I had to stop using it after three months.

If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid.
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January 16, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my skin Quickly. Saw results in the first week. After 2 weeks, hardly ever a pimple on my face or back!

Cons:

Yeast infections that were hard to cure. I've never had yeast infections before taking this.

It worked great for me! I had no side effects other than the yeast infections. It didn't make me sunburn easily like the cycline products do, which was a blessing as I love gardening. The cycline products made me burn so badly! I would recommend this if you are a guy and can't get the infections or females who are not prone to them.
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January 7, 2007

Pros:

Helped my forehead; made my skin less oily; absorbs well into skin

Cons:

Didn't help my chin

I used Clindagel alone for 2 weeks and it fixed my forehead within days. Now I use it together with Differin, to try to fix the rest of my face too. I still have chin problems, but the rest of my facial skin looks smoother and more radiant. I have noticed some of the blackheads on my nose going away and the pores are getting smaller. I didn't think that would ever happen.
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November 27, 2006

Pros:

Great product!

Cons:

if you don't have insurance this is rediculously priced, but my insurance covered most of it and I paid like 30 bucks.

Great way to get rid of pimples and clean the skin. I have been using this daily for about a month now and it got rid of all my pimples,its awesome
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October 24, 2006

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

it made my acne look darker and more visable
it didn't help it at all

i ahte this product
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October 9, 2006

Pros:

Kills bacteria deep into pores. Clears up large pimples. Doesn't aggrevate skin too much.

Cons:

Takes a while to see visible improvement. Skin eventually becomes immune and med stops effecting it. Very tacky feel after application.

DO NOT use this every day. If you do your skin will eventually not be effected by med. Use it once every 2-3 days AT NIGHT. Clind. has a tendency to make your face appear red and oily and that sucks during the day. I would recommend this because even mild acne requires an antibiotic such as this as an aid in killing bacteria.
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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.