Clindamycin
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Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that helps slow or stop bacterial growth and also helps reduce skin inflammation.

It...

Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that helps slow or stop bacterial growth and also helps reduce skin inflammation.

It is normally applied twice a day.

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3.6
571
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5
27.5%
4
30.5%
3
19.3%
2
15.4%
1
7.4%

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August 23, 2013
Works Great minus resistance

Pros:

Cleared up skin perfectly
Has a nice texture

Cons:

Acne bacteria develops a resistance quickly

I used this gel for about 2 or 3 years. It took a few months to work at first, but it cleared my skin right up. However, it is VERY prone to bacterial resistance. The product slowly stopped working for me until it became completely useless. But just because it stopped working for me doesn't mean it will do that for everybody- it's worth a try if it's available to you.
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June 14, 2013
Helps!!!!

Pros:

Reduced Severity
Cheap
Lasts a long time

I've been on Clindamycin for over a year now. I use the roller one which looks like a bingo dabber. It lasts a very long time and has helped my hormonal acne tremendously. I also use a 10% benzo cream every few days. I have seen a dramatic reduction in my acne. For the people out there feeling helpless, I can sympathize. You will find what works best for you! Don't give up!
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September 7, 2011

Pros:

Does not dry or irritate skin
Lasts long time
Not too expensive

Cons:

Makes skin look shiny
Tastes horrible (gets on lips)
Doesn't clear all acne or prevent new pimples

This product helps control acne and bacteria but does not completely clear skin. It's good for people with moderate or light acne best.
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November 11, 2009

Pros:

My skin absolutely loves this stuff!!!! Been using it in the Am and using Retin-a in the Pm and it has done wonders for my acne!!!

Cons:

No cons that I have experienced yet

I put Clindamycin under my makeup in the morning and it gives my skin a nice healthy glow. My complection looks much more clear and pores look smaller.
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October 4, 2009

Pros:

Saw results in about a week, almost completely clears skin in about three to four weeks.
Goes on very smoothly, nice under makeup, does not sting or itch or burn, does not dry or irritate skin.

Cons:

Takes a while to dry.
If you use too much, it can dry out your skin (use only a thin film!).
Can cause colitis (haven't experienced thi myselfs but it scares me a bit).

This stuff saved my skin after trying differin. Differin broke me out so badly I could not handle the IB it gave me, so I quit and tried clindamycin. Clindamycin took care of the awful cysts differin left me with and has helped heal my skin as well as get rid of the pimples. The good thing about this is that it heals acne with no scabbing and helps with irritation of the skin. I am of mixed race so I am naturally tan and my skin scars easily. I use this in conjunction with 2% hydroquinone and my scars have faded faster than ever. If I get a new pimple, it heals quickly and does not leave a scar. Surprisingly, it also gets rid of cysts and seems to help with the swelling/inflammation that cysts can cause. I use clindamycin twice a day, a thin film. In the mornings I wait for it to dry (about ten minutes) and then top off with an SPF moisturizer and makeup if needed.
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February 17, 2009

Pros:

Several pros: 1) It's relatively cheap; 2) It doesn't burn, cause redness, or cause flakiness; 3) It works extremely well with consistent application; 4) It doesn't have to be partnered with other products -- use it by itself for max. effectiveness.

Cons:

A few hours after applying it in the morning, my face looks really greasy. So, I just make sure to take a morning trip to the bathroom where I wipe off the grease with some tissues.

This stuff is wonderful. I'm a 27 year old guy with extremely fair skin and mild but persistent acne that I have had since middle school. I have tried everything -- Retin-A, oral antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide (a variety of brands, including the regiment's), Differin, AHA, salicylic acid -- all of them. I have not tried isotretinoin because my acne is not severe enough to warrant it. Last year I tried a combo therapy of Retin-A at night, and Clindamycin in the morning. That worked reasonably well, but I still have occasional zits, which drove me nuts. I wanted to vanquish every single zit from my face. So about a week ago I started using Clindamycin by itself, with 3 applications daily -- morning, 4pm-ish, and before bed. It is working so well. My existing zits are fading, no new ones are forming, and my skin looks healthy and white again, not thinned and reddish as it was on Retin-A and AHA. I'll post an updated review in a few weeks, but so far, so good.
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June 24, 2017
Didn't work for me
I have been struggling with acne on my face, back and chest for around 5 years (12 to 17) and this product was the first thing my doctor prescribed. This gave me an IB that lasted for about 3 weeks and then my skin returned to what it had been before I started. Nevertheless, I continued use until I found that my skin had become super sensitive to pretty much everything. I started getting pimples everywhere - in places I had never had them before. I finally stopped clindamycin after 3 months when my skin just kept on getting worse and worse.
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April 30, 2016
Good but not great
Was on it for 9 months along with doxycycline and had somewhat clear skin for 4 months in-between.Works pretty well for cystic acne.
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March 14, 2015
ineffective
This did absolutely nothing for me after 2 months. I ended up having to switch to another antibiotic.
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February 4, 2015
Risky
i'm using the topical pads, which is similar to the topical gel. i've noticed, when used consistently it works amazing! nothing has ever cleared my skin before, and for the first time in a long time most of my pimples dried out (leaving the skin extremely dry). BUT- huge downside. i got lazy and stopped rubbing the pads on my chin and my jawline; and i broke out worse then ever before in those places. i never broke out like this, cystic terrible acne that hurts. now i'm terrified to go off these pads.
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website