Acne.org Products
Topical Antibiotic
Efficacy
55%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
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.
Used Clindamycin? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
December 31, 2016
Working For Me
So I have mild acne--whiteheads on my forehead and on my chin, and also a few cysts here and there on my chin.
I had been using proactive for about 5 years, and it worked, but over the past few months or so the proactive just stopped working. I would get a new cyst weekly, and it would be so painful. I finally scheduled an appointment with the dermatologist and he prescribed clindamycin (the watery solution).
The first week I used it, I got a terrible breakout. It's as if all the acne that was "dormant" suddenly erupted, and my face was full of cysts and acne and it was the absolute worst it had ever been.
But then after about two weeks it started to get better.
Right now, my face is more or less completely clear, the spots are clearing up, I don't have any cysts, and I'm even noticing that my hyperpigmentation is getting better (maybe that's because of my vitamin E pills, I don't know).
So yeah, I've only been on clindamycin for about three weeks now but my face is finally back to normal for the time being.
As the dermatologist told me, "It will get worse before it gets better. Expect to see results in 2-3 months."
August 5, 2014
Made my acne the worst it has ever been
My dermatologist prescribed Clindamycin lotion for my upper back and shoulders to be applied twice daily. I continued this regimen for 3 weeks before giving up on it. Had it simply done nothing, I would have been patient and waited longer to see if there would be results. However, my initially mild acne became increasingly worse every.single.day. The acne increased in number of pustules, frequency with which new pustules emerged, and the location of the pustules. They are now covering my ENTIRE back and sides, my shoulders spreading to half of my upper arms, the front and back of my neck, and even a few on my stomach. They are small, and mostly on the surface, yet still painful because there are so many. Some are a bit bigger and deeper in the skin than what was usual for my acne. It has been five days since I stopped using the Clindamycin lotion. The acne, unfortunately, has not yet receded. I started using an over-the-counter lotion with salicylic acid, which I used to use regularly. I'm going to try shower gel with salicylic acid as well (another product I used to use regularly). I am hoping that the damage from this product can be undone. Although my experience with Clindamycin was awful, that is not to say that the product is awful. It will depend on your skin and your acne needs. However, it is helpful to know that this kind of negative effect CAN happen and if it happens to you, you might want to consider talking to your prescribing doctor about stopping the medication sooner rather than later.
December 11, 2013
The only thing that has worked for me
Cons:
expensive if your insurance doesn't cover it
slight medicinal smell
must be used consistently and follow instructions
I am a 40+ woman who has suffered from acne since mid 20's. This is the only thing that ever truly cleared my skin. Over the counter products have helped, but finally a dermatologist prescribed for me the clindamycin 1% LOTION. I used it for about a year. No redness or side effects, and over time it stopped my skin from breaking out. I followed my derms instructions of just putting a VERY light (hardly any) but even coat all over my entire face 2x a day. She said put it on right after washing the skin, let it sit for a few minutes, and then put anything else you want on (it can go under moisturizer, under makeup, even under other acne products) At first I still used my other products but over time as those ran out and my skin was looking good, I stopped using everything but this. Now that it has been a year and my skin has basically cleared, my derm wants me to try to go off of it. I have been off for two months. My skin looked great for several weeks after stopping it, but now I see very small blemishes starting to come back and I kind of "feel" that under the surface "oh no" feeling on my skin. So I am going to go back to her and ask her to start me on it again. I'm not sure why she wanted me to try go off of it? This product for me does exactly one thing but it does it well. It does not do anything for skin texture and it does not get rid of past scars or discoloration. But it does prevent future breakouts and so if you use it consistently and follow directions (don't use too much, and don't skip applications) it does clear the skin over time.
November 5, 2013
Product used: Clindets (Clindamycin (1%) Topical Antibiotic Wipes)
Amazing
Pros:
Doesn't dry out skin
Easy to use
Improves appearance of scars
Cons:
Strong rubbing alcohol smell
This is by far the best product I have ever used. Though you might be frightened by its strong smell, trust me; it's totally worth it. It's a small disposable alcohol wipe, medicated with clindamycin. I've used this product on, and off and every time I use it I just love it more and more. After cleansing, I would apply the wipe twice a day, once in the morning, and again before bed. Sits well under makeup, and does not make skin flaky. The wipe also exfoliates skin, and when you're done applying it, you'll even see the gunk that came off your skin (especially if you wear a lot of makeup -- helps to remove residue even after you wash your face). It might burn a little bit the first time you use it, but your skin adapts. I haven't broken out with this product, and I've noticed a huge improvement on reducing acne, and acne scars.
August 29, 2013
Helped me...for a few years
Pros:
Works Fast!
Fades Hyper-pigmentation left after acne
Prevents acne
Cons:
Bacteria Ressistance
Burning sensation at start of use
Expensive depending on your insurance
When i was about 11 or 12 years of age I had really bad acne in my T-zone at that point i had only tired proactive and the tea tree oil regime from The Body Shop which helped only a bit but did not get me clear. So when i went to my Dr she prescribed Clindamycin in the clindets form (which is like a wipe that gets rid of the bacteria that causes acne). I was around 13 or 14 when i started to use this prescription day and night with an over the counter Benzol Peroxide lotion. I swear it started working the first time i put it on, sure it did burn my eyes and my nose but i thought it was defiantly worth it cause I was clear within at least a month or two with maybe a couple pimples that would pop up when i forgot to apply it. Fortunately, due to this prescription i was clear throughout my whole high school years not having to wear makeup at all majority of the time which was a great feeling. But unfortunately, I got a bacteria resistance to this after 4 years of using it religiously and slowly my acne started to reappear but not as bad as it once had been (knock on wood). I do suggest trying this if you have the same kind of skin as mine : oily/ non-sensitive. But just remember this is NOT a cure! You're acne may come back after months or years of starting this.
January 4, 2013
Pros:
Started working on day 1! I have cystic acne... or I should say "had" cystic acne and some zits with puss on my face. The first time I applied this was at night and when I woke up in the morning, the zits had dramatically decreased. I have been on this medication a little over a month and my face is totally clear. I don't even feel any of the bumps underneath my face when I wash and that is a great feeling!!
Cons:
Smells like rubbing alcohol. I have to hold my breath when applying.
Dries out skin- My Dr. prescribed Lac Hydrin Five. Works wonders!
This is the best acne medication I have ever been on.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Pros:
clears skin
prevents future breakouts