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 22, 2008

Pros:

very efficient for acne, skin starts glowing

Cons:

once you stop usage, acne may reoccur

i used this product for 2 years without missing it for a day and I could se the improvement on a daily basis. I used this product with Benzac AC which was meant to peel off the skin. My skin couldn't have been better and all thanks to Clingard. However, once I came to France I had to stop usage and from time to time I can see some tiny pimples appearing which was not the case when I was using it.
September 3, 2008

Pros:

This stuff reduced the amount of pimples slightly

Cons:

This made my skin very dried out and gave me frequent diarrhea.

I didn't like it
May 7, 2008

Pros:

DOESN'T IRRITATE MY SKIN, DOESN'T DRY ME OUT, IS PRETTY GENTLE, DOESN'T STAIN CLOTHING

Cons:

ISN'T THE MIRACLE PIMPLE SHRINKER, DOESNT' WORK AS FAST AS SOME OTHER SPOT TREATMENTS

I LIKE THIS PRODUCT FOR THE MOST PART. I HAVE REALLY IRRITABLE SKIN. THIS PRODUCT DOESN'T DRY ME OUT WAHT SO EVER. THE ACNE I HAVE WHEN I APPLY DOESN'T DISAPPEAR BUT IT DOES SHRINK DOWN ALITTLE. I WOULD GIVE THIS A TRY. IT IS A N ANTIBACTERIAL GEL. SO IF YOU HAVE ALOT OF BACTERIA THIS MIGHT HELP.
September 4, 2012

Pros:

none for me

Cons:

did not clear my acne
did nothing for my face

Everyone's skin is different and clindamycin just didnt work for mine :((
April 21, 2009

Pros:

Worked for the first two weeks

Cons:

Big pimples after two weeks

Hate this sh*t
November 25, 2008

Cons:

Doesn't do anything.

I went to the dermatologist recently because I started breaking out suddenly with very tiny bumps all over my face and neck. He claimed I had adult acne and put me on clindamycin. I have been using it for 9-days now and it's doing absolutely nothing. I don't know if this product is just slow or if it doesn't work but I'm getting very impatient. This products also makes my skin quite greasy/oily.
February 6, 2008

Pros:

A topical antibiotic, Evoclin worked very well for me for the first year and a half of my treatment. My acne completely cleared up on my face and back as it killed the P. acnes bacteria.

Cons:

However, I believe that my acne has become resistant to it. (antibiotic resistance anyone?) Studies have shown that the acne bacteria become resistant FASTER to a topical antibiotic rather than an oral one. Three months ago, it started getting worse.

PLEASE READ THIS: Evoclin is NOT the solution for a long-term acne treatment regimen. If you have occasional breakouts, I would recommend this product. If used sparingly, resistance to this drug will be staved off for quite some time. Do not use this product daily. Within a couple of months to two years, I guarantee you that this product will become ineffective as your acne bacteria will develop resistance. Don't believe me? Let me tell you how an antibiotic works. The clyndamycin in Evoclin works to block protein synthesis of the bacterium's cells and is bacteriostatic, which means it hampers their ability to grow and reproduce. Sounds good, right? Wrong. While it works to kill the bacteria that causes your acne, it cannot kill the bacteria that is already resistant to the antibiotic. When the susceptable bacteria are killed, the resistant bacteria multiply and become the predominant bacteria. It's Darwin's survival of the fittest- this resistance is irreversible; use sparingly!
August 27, 2007

Pros:

Kept acne under control to an extent, had way less whiteheads, didn't dry me out or sting, inexpensive. The "dabber" is very easy to use, and makes the application process quick.

Cons:

Redness and didn't clear acne, only really seemed to help whiteheads.

Didn't clear up my acne, but it did keep me clear of whiteheads (only had a few every once and awhile), didn't do anything for the larger pimples or red marks at all. I wouldn't use it again as it didn't clear my acne, but it's definitely worth trying.
August 14, 2007

Pros:

completely cleared up my acne in a few weeks

Cons:

After several months of clear skin, my acne came back and I've been struggling with it ever since then.

It's worth a try, but it may not be a permanent solution.
November 4, 2009

Pros:

I was using Dalacin T version, went on easy and didn't dry the skin.

Cons:

Makes your skin very shiny, had to stop using it in the morning.

Didn't make a massive difference to my acne. I suggested to my doctor that I stop using this treatment after 3 months, I've gone onto Duac once daily.

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.