It belongs to a class of medications referred to as lincomycin antibiotics and works by preventing acne-causing bacteria from multiplying on your skin. Common side effects of topical clindamycin are minor and include skin dryness, flaking, and irritation.

Murphy, P. B., Bistas, K. G., & Le, J. K. (2021).

Its often used to treat severe acne, including acne that hasnt improved with other medications.

If you normally use other skincare products, make sure to ask your healthcare provider before applying them to skin thats being treated with clindamycin. Topical clindamycin for acne is a safe and effective medication for most people. Maria del Russo. Tretinoin is one of the most well-studied acne treatments available.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA.

Before we get into the specifics of clindamycin, its important to cover the basics of what acne, or acne vulgaris, actually is, as well as how it can develop on your face and body.

This is why we recommend applying one layer of your moisturizer or toner to your skin before a topical antibiotic. Below weve included some tips from Dr. Ramirez to help you incorporate clindamycin into your daily skincare routine.

If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with large amounts of water. If you normally use other skincare products, make sure to ask your healthcare provider before applying them to skin thats being treated with clindamycin. Some common oral medications that can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, including certain antibiotics and blood pressure medications, might exacerbate any sun sensitivity resulting from tretinoin use. Do not smoke while applying clindamycin, as some clindamycin products may be flammable.

Apply your clindamycin formula and wait a few minutes for your skin to absorb the product fully. Its important to follow your healthcare providers instructions and implement every approach to treat acne, whether its the use of medication, lifestyle changes or both. It works by stopping acne-causing bacteria from growing and, to a lesser extent, by reducing the production of sebum. Its a delicate balance, as you want to hydrate your skin before applying stronger products, but you also dont want to prevent the antibiotic from absorbing fully. Stacy Chimento, MD, is a board-certified Dermatologist currently residing in Bay Harbor Islands, FL.

Clindamycin works to treat acne by reducing the number of harmful bacteria that cause mild to moderate breakouts.

acne clindamycin "Clindamycin is an antibiotic," says Karam. Another clindamycin warning is the potential for developing bacterial colitis, specifically C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD).

Using harsh materials can irritate your skin even more.

There are several different types of bacteria that can cause acne to become worseone of the most common is Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes).

"Anyone with a history of clostridium difficile colitis or inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis, should speak with their gastroenterologist prior to using any form of clindamycin. Other studies propose that a combination of benzoyl peroxide and topical clindamycin are more effective than either treatment alone (Zaenglein, 2018). Works well with: "It is also often combined with Retin-A as well as benzoyl peroxide," explains Karam. In: UpToDate.

to improve the skins inflammatory response to acne and infection.

Sheryll Donerson is a beauty writer and editor. Clindamycin. The three of those typically become a standard first-line treatment for most acne cases.".

We deliver your products straight to your door, if approved. She explains that inflammatory acne often refers to breakouts that are red bumps and pustules.

In its oral form, its a common treatment for bacteria infections of the skin, reproductive system, lungs and other organs.

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When theyre combined into an all-in-one formulation, they pack a punch.

This will help decrease irritation and dryness as well.

It also reduces the production of sebum to prevent clogged pores and the formation of acne. Retrieved on Oct. 27, 2021 from.

The best part of all? You can find clindamycin in many prescription acne creams and gels.

Make sure to avoid getting the medication close to or in your eyes, nose, mouth or areas with broken skin. Its a popular ingredient in acne creams, gels and lotions sold over the counter.

, we specialize in creating personalized treatment plans based on each patients unique needs and sensitivities.

Still, you should always check with your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing (DailyMed, 2021). ", How often can you use it: Once or twice daily.

Topical clindamycin works to reduce the number of bacteria that cause acne and has several anti-inflammatory benefits.

If you accidentally apply clindamycin to these areas, make sure to rinse them thoroughly using cool water.

Because of its anti-scarring and wrinkle-smoothing capabilities, tretinoin has some clear.

Most potential side effects of topical clindamycin are mild, but some can be irritating, persistent and uncomfortable. A dermatologist can make a close diagnosis of what's causing your acne.

If you have moderate to severe acne, your healthcare provider may suggest using clindamycin either on its own or in combination with other medications to manage your breakouts and clear your skin.

When you're dealing with acne and you've exhausted all of the at-home treatmentsthe glycolic acid serums, the salicylic acid toners, the mandelic acid peels, the soothing cica balmsand your acne is still not clearing up, it might be time to move on to the big guns.

(2021).

"Also, it's not clear why some people are responders and others are not, and why some people with the P. Acnes colonization on the skin never form acne while others do.".

Experts estimate that acne affects 4050 million people in the U.S. at any given time (AAD, n.d.). (2021). Lets take a closer look at some of the most common causes of an acne breakout. Bacteria on the skin can also get trapped inside your hair follicles and cause existing acne to become infected, leading to more severe breakouts. This means that the skin is able to prevent damage from spreading to nearby skin cells, recover from inflammation faster, and clear pores more efficiently.

Dealing with acne can be an immensely frustrating experience, especially when your acne is inflamed and infected due to certain forms of bacteria.

To better understand how clindamycin treats acne, lets take a look at how acne develops.

However, if you have inflamed, infected acne, clindamycin is a reliable, effective antibiotic thats perfect for bringing P. acnes and other types of bacteria under control.

HIMS, HERS, H, and HIMS & HERS are trademarks of Hims, Inc. https://www.americanskin.org/resource/acne.php, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609005.html, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682399.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519574/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19438817/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456883/, https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961619P0328X, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537220/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11236211/, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682437.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140902/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19143903/.

Not only does clindamycin improve the appearance of inflamed acne, but it has also been. "As with any topical ingredient, it can lead to irritation or dryness," says Garshick.

This is because topical antibiotics arent usually as effective on their own. Although lifestyle changes and good skin care habits arent a medication per se, they can make a big difference to the appearance of your skin and the severity of your acne. Some combination treatments currently available include: Topical clindamycin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. Your healthcare provider may recommend using these medications together if you have nodular acne, cystic acne or other severe acne that doesnt seem to respond to other treatments.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Clindamycin and tretinoin are often used together to treat acne. If youre prescribed clindamycin, make sure to use it exactly as instructed.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

Important: FOR MEDIA ONLY.

Its an easy medication to apply to your skin.

Over time, this results in excess oil and bacteria being pushed to the skins surface fasterleading to cleaner pores, less acne, and fewer dark spots. However, one of the most common side effects of using tretinoin is skin irritation and redness. Treatment and long term solution to control rosacea made with proven, prescription only ingredients.

If you want to get the most out of prescription treatments, avoid saturating your skin with other products beforehand. Take our free online skin consultation and start your journey to better skin today. "It's most commonly used in an oral form to treat various types of infections that can affect the body.

If you are considering trying clindamycin for your acne, read on to learn everything you need to know about clindamycin, from its uses to its side effects.

Its important to note that clindamycin is often prescribed with other acne treatments.

Clindamycin works pretty damn well, and there are decades of studies showing it. Get the scoop on all things beauty, wellness, and skincare.

Take our. Acne vulgaris. Although uncommon, clindamycin can cause more serious side effects.

Clindamycin is an effective medication that can reduce inflammation and clear up even the most stubborn acne breakouts.

Clindamycins anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the appearance of these side effects, while slowing down the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It also prevents acne-causing bacteria from multiplying and causing breakouts.

Apply a thin layer to the entire face.

Try our personalized prescription skincare from the comfort of your home. It becomes even more unpleasant when acne becomes inflamed and painful, often caused by certain kinds of bacteria. While some acne lesions stay small, others can become large, red and inflamed as certain bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), multiply inside the clogged hair follicles.

On top of that, bacteria that usually live on your skin (like C. acnes) can get into the clogged pores. While clindamycin is available as a generic medication, you can also find it under the brand names Cleocin T, Clindagel, Clinda-Derm, and Evoclin, among others (UpToDate, n.d.).

In its oral form, its a common treatment for infections of skin, lungs, reproductive system, blood and internal organs.

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Update, change or pause subscription at any time, All products use only dermatologist-trusted ingredients, CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This active ingredient accelerates the skins cell turnover process, meaning that it increases the rate at which impurities are removed and new cells are produced. Most insurance companies cover this medication, so check with your prescription plan before you go shopping. Nava MDs expert clinicians have chosen these acne-fighting ingredients for their ability to clear acne-prone skin and improve complexion. If you arent sure what to do or have questions about how to use clindamycin, its best to talk to your healthcare provider. After youve let the clindamycin absorb properly, apply your favorite serums. Dealing with acne can be an immensely frustrating experience, especially when your acne is infected and inflamed due to bacteria such as propionibacterium acnes.

Faghihi, G., Mokhtari, F., Fard, N., Motamedi, N., & Hosseini, S. (2017).

Experts Explain, The Science of Beauty: Here's What Accutane Does to Your Body, The Little-Known Ingredient Korean Women Use to Fight Acne, How to Get Rid of Forehead Acne (And Keep It From Coming Back).

When used with this oral retinoid, clindamycin helps improve the appearance of inflamed and infected acne. Below we go into detail about clindamycin, why its effective for treating acne, and how dermatologists recommend incorporating clindamycin into your skincare routine.

Like many other antibiotics, clindamycin is used to treat a range of different infections.

You should see a reduction of acne during that time, but if not, it might be time to reevaluate things with your physician.

Reduce wrinkles, improve pigmentation, skin texture and smoothness.

It also helps repair damage from acne lesions.

How long does clindamycin take to work for acne? Debunking Vitamin C For Acne: Does It Work? In: Sutaria AH, Masood S, Schlessinger J. When dead skin cells on the skins surface mix with sebum, it leads to the formation of blackheads and pimples.

But like all drugs, there are potential side effects at the application site, including (DailyMed, 2021): Abdominal upset or other gastrointestinal problems may arise with topical clindamycin formulations. Its fast-acting, easy to use and effective, making it a good option if youre prone to pustules, papules and other inflammatory acne lesions.

The researchers behind this study found that the combination clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel reduced the number of acne lesions and the severity of acne breakouts over 12 weeks. After that, yes, you can (and should) apply a gentle moisturizer over it. Although this substance is needed to protect and moisturize your skin, excessive amounts of sebum often cause clogged pores and acne to develop. Unlock Offer.

Benzoyl peroxide dries the skin slightly so that excess oil and dirt can be washed away.

Acanya, Benzaclin, and DuacThese are all combinations of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. The first is sebum a type of natural oil that your sebaceous glands produce to keep your skin lubricated and protected against damage from the environment and bacteria. As a topical medication, its primarily used to treat acne breakouts.

Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current.

When used in combination with other acne treatments, topical clindamycin may help clear up your inflammatory acne.

Topical antibiotics are usually used in the initial stages of a skincare routine, which can affect their chances to fully absorb. Retrieved on Oct. 28, 2021 from.

Dealing with acne (known medically as acne vulgaris) can be a frustrating experienceespecially if you feel like youve tried everything on the market.

press@forhers.com goes to a third party never send personal, medical, or health information to this address. If youre prescribed clindamycin, follow the instructions provided with your medication and apply it to areas of your skin that are affected by acne.

Studies back this up, too.

Clindamycin is only safe for use on your skin.

If you arent sure what to do or have questions about how to use clindamycin, its best to talk to your healthcare provider. Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid.

If youve dealt with acne, youve probably tried it allspecial scrubs, cleansers, creams, and lotions.

Topical clindamycin is both bacteriostatic and bactericidal.

Retrieved on Oct. 27, 2021 from, DailyMed. All good skincare routines start with cleansing. Like many other acne treatments, clindamycin for acne is often used alongside other medications to treat acne from multiple angles.

are formulated with proven prescription ingredients like tretinoin, niacinamide, and clindamycin. At Nava MD, our formulas have moisturizer included, but if youre using another clindamycin formulation youll want to moisturize now.

Sometimes, the bacteria that live on your skin can become trapped inside clogged hair follicles, causing the acne to become infected.

Most of the time, youll need to use clindamycin two times per day. This is because topical acne treatments can make the skin extra-sensitive and vulnerable to environmental damage. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience watery or bloody stools, diarrhea or stomach cramps after using clindamycin. An open line of communication also allows you to address problems or negative reactions that you may experience early on.

In short, clindamycin works very effectively, especially when its used in combination with other acne medications. Over time, sebum -- a type of oil thats produced by your sebaceous glands -- can build up inside the hair follicles, or pores, in your skin. This is why many forms of acne are treated with topical antibiotics like clindamycin. Using clindamycin for acne can also ease the pain and inflammation of infected acne caused by P. acnes.

Not only will this ensure that your skin stays hydrated, but it will also give any topical antibiotics the best possible chance of being absorbed. While this antibiotic is commonly prescribed for many different conditions, clindamycin for acne works best when the acne is harder-to-treat because theres a bacterial component.

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Topical clindamycin is typically administered in the form of a 1% gel or lotion. Make sure to avoid getting the medication close to or in your eyes, nose, mouth or areas with broken skin.

More severe forms of acne, such as papules, pustules and nodular or cystic acne lesions, tend to be larger, inflamed, difficult to remove and painful to the touch.

Start your free visit for ED treatment.

Although using clindamycin for acne is an effective way to manage breakouts and treat acne, it must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. Tretinoin is a topical retinoid and is one of the most proven acne and anti-aging treatments on the market.

Today, most clindamycin used is generic, meaning it costs much less than name-brand versions.

You can learn more about the best ways to control acne breakouts and maintain clearer skin in our guide to prescription acne medication.

In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral antibiotics to control and treat your acne.

And at Nava MD, we make it easy to get the best skincare advice from licensed medical professionals. Its easy to apply to the skin.

We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

Most potential side effects of topical clindamycin are mild, but some can be irritating, persistent and uncomfortable.

Treatment and long term solution to control acne made with proven, prescription ingredients.

Because of its anti-scarring and wrinkle-smoothing capabilities, tretinoin has some clear anti-aging benefits from too. Our Customized Acne Cream, which contains clindamycin, can be purchased after an online consultation with a licensed healthcare provider.

In a 2009 study, topical clindamycin and isotretinoin proved effective as a combined treatment for moderate acne. Clindamycin is one of the ingredients that Nava MD's dermatologists can use in our customer prescription acne formulations.

Its normal to want to get the most out of your topical antibiotics right away, says Dr. Lilliana Ramirez Garcia, a board-certified dermatologist and the Director of Skincare Success at Nava MD.

(n.d.) Clindamycin.

Avoid direct contact with your eyes and eyelids (under the eyes is ok).

Wash your hands after applying. This includes products like benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids. And at Nava MD, we make it easy to get the best skincare advice from licensed medical professionals.

The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Its important to tell your Ro Derm-affiliated provider all of the topical as well as oral medications you are currently using, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements, even if you think they are unrelated to the skin condition being treated.

When prescribed as an oral medication, tretinoin was associated with miscarriage and birth defects. 2022 Hims & Hers Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Finally, a more recent study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology concluded that clindamycin and tretinoin (a topical retinoid thats often prescribed to manage acne) produced continuous improvement in facial acne over the course of 12 weeks of treatment.

Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic.

Our acne treatments are formulated with proven prescription ingredients like tretinoin, niacinamide, and clindamycin. It's also very specifically used for skin infections because of its coverage of the typical bacteria that cover and affect the skin.

Topical clindamycin is a safe and effective medication for most people.

Over time this results in fewer acne breakouts, as well as healthier and smoother-looking skin.

Clindamycin can be used once or twice daily during your AM and PM routine.

Vitamin C is a common skincare ingredient for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin healing capabilities.

When you arent using clindamycin, store it in a secure location away from open flames. There is no evidence to suggest that the topical forms of clindamycin are unsafe. Not only do isotretinoin and clindamycin prevent future breakouts, but they also improve the complexion of people with severe, cystic acne. Clindamycin cream is typically used vaginally to treat bacterial vaginosis, a common cause of vaginal discharge.

This antibiotic comes in both oral (pill) and topical forms.

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Weve also listed several other treatments that you may wish to consider if youre prone to acne breakouts.

By preventing protein production, clindamycin slows down bacterial growth that causes acne to develop. In the section below, we go into more detail about a topical and an oral retinoid that are often prescribed with clindamycin and explain how they fight acne. Clindamycin and retinoids are often prescribed together to treat mild to moderate acne. Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that is often used alone or in combination with other treatments to control acne.

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At Nava MD, we specialize in creating personalized treatment plans based on each patients unique needs and sensitivities.

At Nava MD, we know that finding the right acne treatment for your skins needs and sensitivities can be challenging. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if this treatment is right for you.

When combined with other active ingredients, clindamycin kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and gets rid of painful acne more efficiently. However, its far from the only treatment thats available for acne.

Support inquiries will not be addressed. After an online consultation, our clinicians can prescribe the right products for your skins needs and sensitivitiesall from the comfort of your own home.

Several exfoliants -- substances that strip away dead skin cells -- are used to treat and manage acne breakouts.

"Not every type of acne will respond to this. How to Incorporate Clindamycin into Your Skincare Routine.

Receive a FREE online physician consultation + FREE priority shipping when you order now. It works by slowing down the growth of bacteria, or by preventing bacteria from multiplying altogether. Although sebum is essential for your skins health and wellbeing, excessive amounts of sebum can collect inside your hair follicles, causing them to become clogged. Potential side effects include: If any of these symptoms are severe or persistent, make sure that you contact your healthcare provider.

Proteins are one of the main nutrients that bacteria need to multiply. Some dermatologists may recommend a topical solution or foam formulation of clindamycin for your acne. (n.d.). Several factors play a role in acne breakouts.

Severe forms of inflamed acne can cause pain, discomfort and even take a toll on your self-confidence, self-image and quality of life.

Clindamycin may be an effective acne treatment, but because of growing antibiotic resistance, most dermatologists use it only in combination with other acne treatments, like topical retinoids and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide (Zaenglein, 2018). Topical clindamycin and niacinamide can also work together to reduce skin redness, swelling, and irritation before and after an acne breakout. Retrieved on Oct. 27, 2021 from.

Clindamycin phosphate lotion.

In a 2009 study, topical clindamycin and isotretinoin were found to be effective in treating moderate acne.Your healthcare provider may recommend using these medications together if you have severe, nodular acne or acne that doesnt respond to other treatments. On average, topical clindamycin costs from $20 to over $200, depending on the brand and the form you choose (GoodRx.com, n.d.). Research shows that clindamycin works well. Over time, you may start to notice fewer pimples, less severe acne breakouts and clearer skin, even in areas that used to be prone to acne.

Thats why we recommend talking to a professional who can help you understand your skin and its sensitivities. If you feel like youve tried every acne-fighting product on the market and are still not seeing any improvement, were here to help. Clindamycin is prescribed in two forms: an oral form that treats bacterial infections in the reproductive system and lungs, and a topical solution for treating mild to severe acne breakouts. Below, weve explained what clindamycin is, how it works as an acne treatment, the potential side effects you may experience while using it and more.

You'll need to use it for about three months to potentially see results, adds Karam. Overcoming acne is a team effort between you and your dermatologist.

To give you a better idea of where clindamycin fits into your skincare regimen, weve outlined a step-by-step routine below.

If youre prescribed clindamycin or a combination medication that contains clindamycin, make sure to use it exactly as instructed. Clindamycin is part of the lincomycin antibiotic family and prevents the growth of bacteria that cause acne to multiply on your skin. When you arent using clindamycin, store it in a secure location away from open flames. It treats acne by speeding up your bodys skin cell turnover process, which can reduce the amount of dead skin cells that build up on the surface of your skin and cause acne to develop. For example, one study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in 2009 looked at the effects of a two-ingredient acne gel clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide, a popular ingredient in over-the-counter acne products.