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
February 25, 2010

Pros:

-Kills bacteria
-Easy to use topical

Cons:

-Did not do anything for the small bumps I had I my skin and they spreaded like wildfire
-Broke out a little
-Ictchiness

I have used this for a few months. Doctor kept throwing this at me since it was the only thing covered in my insurance. Finally got him 2 and 1/2 months about to put me ona retin-a. But, overall my experience with Clindamycin hasn't been the best, but I am sure most or atleast some of you will find benefit from it's bacteria killing abilities. For me, maybe the gel couldn't squeeze under the skin and kill the bacteria in it. Who knows.
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December 11, 2010

Pros:

Keeps skin nice and clear
Light weight
Good for sensitive skin

Cons:

None so far

I've been using this for the past 5 months and my skin is really clear. I actually you this in conjuction to Clinique Acne moisturizer. I do use benzoyl peroxide when needed, but I've rarely had to since I started using this. But because my skin gets dry I've been using 100% pertrolleum jelly on my face when in the shower. I lather it on then rinse it off. I only do this once a week and it has helped keep my skin really nice and soft. I hope this does the same for you as it did for me.
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April 10, 2010

Pros:

1. Large tube
2. Clears pimples in about a weeks time.
3. Doesnt sting for me.
4. Not much of a smell.
5. Doesn't stain like B.P.

Cons:

1. Possible bacteria resistance can occur.
2. Can be drying - will make skin flake

I believe I have hormonal acne. 28 y.o. male. I use this as a spot treatment only - as ordered by my doctor. Do not apply everywhere. I apply it after my shower which consists of a shave and face wash with Cetaphil Genle Skin Cleanser at night time. Just apply a thin film over the affected area. I rub it in with a q-tip (personal preference). Its been working great for the past week as I have been avoiding processed sugars and also taking a multivitamin with said routine. $5 with insurance.
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April 17, 2011

Pros:

Clears up acne
Stops it from starting

I have been using this product on and off for years. I find it to be effective without being drying. I've recommended it to multiple people and they have all been very pleased with the results.
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November 6, 2010

Pros:

Works...at first.

Cons:

The Clindamycin pledgets (pads) STINK to the point where I'll actually gag.

I used these for a year. They worked, at first, but then my acne came back. In all, they cleared up my face about 50% during the best time of my treatment. Now, I'm not quite back to square one...but I'm close. I'm giving us because of the horrible smell & the fact that I tend to waste about 20 pledgets because by the time I get to the bottom of the container, they're all dried out. Also, I've skipped so many random days without using them -- simply from being absent-minded -- and I think I've grown resistant to the antibiotic because of this. All in all, they're worth a try...but not if you need to pay for than about $15/mo for them. If I could go back in time, I'd ask my doctor for a cream version of the clindamycin instead.
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February 27, 2011

Pros:

Clear, dries quickly
Easy to apply
Hardly a smell to it at all
Does not affect make-up application

Cons:

None

After putting this on my "no" list for my Derm due to the reviews on here, he prescribed it anyway. I'm supposed to be using it all over my face in the morning but have chosen to spot treat with it instead and it's working great! Clindamycin phosphate 1% lotion (but it's a clear liquid with a blotting applicator so not really lotion) in the morning; Sodium Sulfacetamide lotion 10% at night and twice daily Doxycycline 50mg is starting to work on my larger "eruptions" and no new ones. I noticed today they're starting to shrink very quickly. Perhaps due to the spot application (which is basically the entire bottom half of my face) I have not noticed any oily/greasiness.
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March 4, 2010

Pros:

produces results very quickly. skin was nitocable clearer within the first few weeks.

Cons:

stings a little

i was prescribed this by my doctor. No, it does not clear out blakheads and unclog pore, but my doctoradvised me to use a face wash containing 2.0% salicylic acid. A useful tip that she gave me is to wet face and put on the face wash but leave it on for about 5 minutes to give it time to kick ing. After washing and drying gently, then use the clindamycin. This method helps to unclog the pores the allows for the medication to work better. The medication was aroun 10 dollars plus another 7 for the face wash. but its completely worth it!
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December 16, 2010

Pros:

Helped to stop the progression of my acne. It was getting worse and worse until I used this medicine. I am on my 2nd week of using the product and have moderate-severe acne, so it will be a while before I can say how well it has helped me. I am hoping for the best.

Cons:

Drying- my face feels like sandpaper and moisturizers don't do enough. But I can live with that considering it is fighting my acne.

I wanted to let everyone know that this medicine is expensive if A) you don't have insurance and B) you purchase the name brand. BUY GENERIC! Don't let a pharmacy tell you that there is no generic for this medicine. That happened to me, and I almost paid $210 for one tube of medicine. Luckily I called my doctor and he told me they certainly make a generic version.
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December 13, 2009

Pros:

Great, I love it!

Cons:

Strong smell (alcohol) and it gives you dry skin.

I paid nine dollarsfor three bottles of clindamycin. It is a great product. I did not have very bad acne but over the summer I got bad acne on my forehead but now i just get a couple a month. it is working very well, totally recommend it for any type of skin type.
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October 20, 2010

Pros:

-dries out pimples a little

Cons:

-made my skin oily
-didn't really clear up my skin that well
-did not clear my body at all

i was prescribed the clindamycin phosphate lotion and it really didn't help my acne at all. i would wake up in the morning with very oily skin and my skin stayed oily throughout the day. i was prescribed it for my body acne, but could use it on my face, and i found that it did not help that at all. i'm switching over to benzoyl peroxide 10%.
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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.

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.