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
January 13, 2008

Pros:

cleared up forehead

Cons:

nothing dramatic

i started using it on my forehead for about 2 weeks. almost all of the scarring and pimples i had were gone...but it didnt do much for the rest of my face. maybe i should use more than 1 pad?
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January 2, 2008

Pros:

Works very well when you first start using it.

Cons:

After using the product for awhile, it no longer seems to be effective.

Great product. Used it off and on for years, and noticed that it is taking longer and longer to get rid of pimples and it is not doing very much to prevent them. I need a change, I think.
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September 17, 2007

Pros:

i see no problem with them really they worked very well for me.

Cons:

after i stopped useing them because perscription was used by everyone apperently my skin broke up bad!

there good but u always have to use them i guess
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August 27, 2007

Pros:

Works well on sensitive skin. Easy to wear under lotions and makeup. Doesn't make skin overly sensitive to sun.

Cons:

Doesn't treat clogged pores or blackheads. Doesn't prevent future breakouts.

This is a great supplement to any acne treatment plan, but I wouldn't recommend it as your only line of defense. It's great for daytime use under lotion or makeup, as it kills bacteria and slightly reduces oil production. It's also wonderful for sensitive skin. I switched to clindamycin solution (I also recommend cleocin gel) for my face after years of using Tazorac cream, and my skin cleared immediately and stopped flaking.
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July 13, 2007
You won't really notice a difference. Especially considering I haven't seen very many people who use it by themself. I just started using Doxycycling and TRetinoin with it and we will see how it goes. I only have moderate acne so it isn't too bad. I am actually not quite sure what the Clindamycin is supposed to do. I am assuming it is some kind of lotion since it is in a gel form. Ask your doctor.
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July 12, 2007

Pros:

Great partner in three front war

Cons:

None, but a bit worried about developing immunity.

I got tired of trying every over-the-counter gizmo and goop out there. I spent nearly 1K and it was all a waste. I was prescribed this medication and am using it in conjunction with Differin. I had no "purging" thanks to the Clindamycin. I don't either medicine would work well all alone. Acne is a three front war: Cleanse, exfoliate, and kill bacteria. I exfoliate with Differin, and kill bacteria with Clindagel and use only a very gentle AHA cleanser (from Frownies). I can now use sunscreen without breaking out -- and I really need it since using Differin. Anyone dissatisfied with their results should ask their doctor about adding an exfoliant to their treatment. If an immunity to the clindamycin develops, I believe there are other prescription bacteria killers (such as Klaron) which could take its place.
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July 3, 2007

Pros:

Dries quickly, works incredibly well. Gets rid of big pimples on my scalp and around my mouth, as well as on my back.

Cons:

Mostly the price. Also, it prevents inflammation, but not pore clogging, so I found that I had some small blackheads, which I had never had before.

Absolutely the best and only solution that worked for me.
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April 13, 2007

Pros:

I use Clindamycin medicated pads (they look like "Stridex" pads) once a day after my shower and it keeps my severe acne to almost 0.

Cons:

At first it made me sensitive to the sun. I did get a mild rash when I would be out too long. Then the rash stopped. I recommend not using the product when you know you are going to be in the sun all day (like when I SCUBA dive).

I have used this product for 2 years and it has worked great for me. My insurance covers it with a low co-pay. There are no creams and I did not have an upsurge of acne when I began using it (like I did with Retin-A). Try the medicated pad form of Clindamycin I am very happy.
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March 24, 2007

Pros:

Seems to work for very small pimples.

Cons:

after a few months it stopped working

I don't recommend it if you develop big cists.
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February 28, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use, packaged is pre measured. helps clear acne up fast

Cons:

Pricey

I have been suffering from acne from the age of 12 (now 22). I had mild acne up until a year ago when my face broke out severly. I tried everything from Proactive (horrible), to every kind of product and everything made it worse. I finally went to the derm in December and he persribed me this (Cleocin Pledgelet Pads) along with Bactrim (an oral antibiotic to be taken morning and night) and Differin. The three together have made my face so clear. Yes, I have an occasional pimple here or there, but NOTHING like before. I also wash my face with the Glytone fash wash morning and night. Every time I feel a pimple coming on, I just go through my regimen and the next day I'm good to go! I would highly recommend this product to someone who thinks NOTHING will work!
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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.