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
October 30, 2008

Pros:

prevented new acne from getting on my face.

Cons:

helped take away way pimples SLOWWWWWWWWWWLLLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. a VERY LONG TIME.

my dermatoligist prescribed this to me, its not that great. only for people with barley any acne. useless for people with TONS of acne. ive used this for about 3 months now, and 1/4 of the acne i started with before using this product were still there.
August 18, 2008

Pros:

it works--loved the foam

Cons:

side effects--cramping, diahrea

I used this in total for a bit over 1 year--about 7 or 8 months in i got really bad cramps and bad diahrea which I didn't realize was caused by the evoclin til after i discontinued use and the cramps stopped. Unfortunately, the diahrea didn't, and I STILL (after 2 years), have problems which I believe were caused by this medication. I Would still be using it if it weren't for the terrible side effects that I feel like temporarily or permanently screwed up my innards :) lovely. good luck.
March 19, 2008

Pros:

Prior to using Evoclin foam, I had used more than half a dozen topicals with only marginal results. I was very skeptical when the derm prescribed me this medicine but I was wrong. This topical worked almost overnight for me abd has kept me clear.

Cons:

It stings a little if applied immediately after shaving, and it definitely costs a lot, $250 without insurance. I paid $65 after printing out the online rebate and the insurance got the rest.

Thia topical, though expensive, has worked extremely well for me. My skin broke out once a month on the areas I shave, and this product has completely cleared that area.
January 3, 2008

Pros:

There isn't really anything good about this product, seriously when i got it i thought wow im gona become a totaly different person but none of my pimples were gone.

Cons:

It's really expensive it dries ur face really hard, and it seriously burned. im not the kind of person has has allerigies or anything but it gave me rashes and left marks on my face cause it soo powerfull in a bad way.

I really don't recomend it......TRUST ME
November 1, 2007

Pros:

i love love love it! i had terrible scars on my forehead, and i went to the derm. she prescribed this and after one day, my scars started to fade. i can't wait to get back on it. i am using BP gel now, until i get insurance again, so i get this back

Cons:

you have to get a presciption for it. i can't wait to get my health insurance back.

it works. it helps with scars and it does not over dry . it controls pimples and it is amazing under make-up. try it. it helps with scars.
October 6, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up a few blemishes and scars.
Face looked clearer than before.
Didn't have any side effects. (I guess I have tough skin 'cause I used alchohol on my face before.)

Cons:

Wasn't very effective.
No other significant changes.

Clindamycin Topical Gel 1% made my skin a little bit more clear. It used to look polkadots of brown and gold but nothing else after a few days of using it. It didn't really prevent any future breakouts such as whiteheads or blackheads. I have moderate acne but many scars. ): Scars are still there but a few of my blemishes disappeared.
July 6, 2007

Pros:

Easy to apply, dries quickly, one can last a long time.

Cons:

Stings a bit if used in the morning after shaving.

I use evoclin in the mornings, along with Differin gel at night. This combination has been, bar none, the best I have ever used. I used to experience cystic acne, mainly along the jaw line and temples. I have been almost 100% acne free since I have started using evoclin. I agree with others - what works for one person may not work for another. But I swear by evoclin.
March 21, 2007

Pros:

Works great. Side effects are very minimal especially when compared with some others.

I use a product that is comprised of 5% Benzyl Peroxide and 1% Clindamycin. It's a gel and it works very well. I had moderate acne and it all disappeared within a month and stayed that way for over a year (I stopped using it after a while). The acne came back so then I tried it again and it still worked great. Highly recommended. I would suggest getting the gel that contains the peroxide as well. The gel stays on my face well at night to maximize its effectiveness.
February 27, 2007

Pros:

shortens the time length of a visible pimple

Cons:

drys out face REALLY bad

the clyndimycin works pretty well. I apply it on a pimple andthe next day it is gone. I also get the pimplesthat hurtreally bad under the skin so i apply it on the pimple and the next day the hurting is gone. It reduces the pimple but still leaves it red for a bit. My chin has been bumpy for forever now, nottoo bad anymore but it used to break out about twice a week!!
January 21, 2012

Pros:

-Moisturizes the skin
-Leaves the skin looking healthy
-Prevents future breakouts

Cons:

-Too watery

I think this product is great when used with a benzoyl peroxide wash. It often makes the skin feel oily and itchy. Rather than that, it keeps the skin very moisturized and prevents it from flaking up and dry. Only use if prescribed.

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.