Clindamycin is an antibiotic drug that can kill certain types of bacteria. The topical forms of this medication can kill or prevent acne-causing bacteria from growing on your skin. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. This can help reduce swelling and redness or skin discoloration caused by acne.
Doctors usually prescribe topical forms of clindamycin to treat mild to moderate acne. However, they generally don’t prescribe clindamycin as your only acne treatment. They typically combine it with one or more other acne medications.
Clindamycin is only available as a prescription. You can’t buy this medication over the counter (OTC).
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How is clindamycin used for acne?
Using clindamycin on its own isn’t effective at getting rid of acne. That’s why you’ll need to use it in combination with other acne medications. Doctors most often recommend using it with benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid.
According to medical experts, using clindamycin together with benzoyl peroxide also helps reduce the risk of developing bacterial resistance. This happens when bacteria build up resistance to antibacterial drugs, which are no longer effective at killing the bacteria.
For treating acne, topical clindamycin comes in different forms, such as:
- gel
- foam
- lotion
- solution
- medicated swabs (pledgets)
You usually apply the foam once per day. The lotion, solution, swabs, and most of the gel brands are applied twice per day.
Steps to using clindamycin on your skin
Your prescription of clindamycin will come with instructions on how to use it. Make sure you read the directions carefully before applying the medication to your skin.
Also, follow these steps to make sure you’re getting the most from your medication:
- Wash the affected area well with warm water and a doctor-recommended soap or cleanser. Rinse and pat the area dry.
- Apply a thin film of clindamycin to the entire area. Don’t just dab it onto the pimples. Applying the medication to a broader area can help prevent new pimples from breaking out.
- Be consistent. Use it at the same time each day. If you need to apply clindamycin twice per day, try to space your evening and morning applications 12 hours apart.
- If you want to apply moisturizer to your skin, do it after you’ve applied clindamycin.
- Don’t stop using clindamycin if you notice that your acne is getting better. It’s important to complete the full course to make sure all bacteria are killed.
How long should you use clindamycin for acne?
Doctors usually prescribe topical clindamycin as a short-term treatment. You will typically use it for several weeks in combination with other medications, such as benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid. Depending on the type of acne you have, you may use all three acne treatments at the same time.
Once your course of clindamycin has ended, your doctor may recommend that you continue using benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid. Or, they may suggest a different treatment.
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Get free cardIs clindamycin effective?
Using topical clindamycin in combination with other treatments has been shown to be effective at treating acne.
According to a 2024 review, using clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide was more effective at reducing acne lesions than using either medication on its own.
A 2019 study also found that using clindamycin along with a retinoid (tretinoin) for 12 weeks reduced acne lesions with minimal side effects.
Summary
Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that treats and prevents mild to moderate acne. It’s often used in combination with benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid.
Depending on the form your doctor prescribes, you’ll either apply it to the affected area once or twice per day. It’s important that you use it every day around the same time. Also, make sure that you complete the course of treatment even if your acne improves.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about clindamycin or other medications that help treat or prevent acne.