Acne—nobody likes it, but anybody can get it. Acne happens when dead skin cells and the skin’s natural oil (sebum) mix together and clog pores. Add bacteria to the mix, then comes inflammation and acne is born. If you have acne, the good news is that there are many ways to treat it. One of those is by eliminating acne-causing bacteria using topical antibiotics like clindamycin.
Here we’ll explain what clindamycin is, its benefits and side effects, and what ingredients work well with it to combat acne.
What is clindamycin?
Clindamycin is a powerful antibiotic that’s particularly good at getting rid of Cutibacterium acnes—acne-causing bacteria that contribute to breakouts and skin inflammation. Inflammatory acne forms when acne-causing bacteria thrive in the excess sebum and dead skin cells. This creates an inflammatory reaction, which manifests as papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts on the skin’s surface.
What does clindamycin treat?
Topical clindamycin, in our acne cream,treats acne by penetrating into the pores where bacteria live. Clindamycin is both bacteriostatic and bactericidal, meaning it stops bacteria cells from multiplying and also kills bacteria.
How does it work? The antibacterial properties of clindamycin prevent protein synthesis. Proteins are necessary for bacteria growth; without them, the production line stops. As a bactericidal, it eliminates bacteria that have already formed.
Clindamycin for acne is used to treat all types of acne, including papules, pustules, and cysts, but it’s available by prescription only.
What are the benefits of clindamycin?
Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Even so, clindamycin is worth considering as an addition to your skincare regimen to treat acne.
Here are a few benefits of topical clindamycin for acne:
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Reduces acne-causing bacteria. Bacteria is one of the contributing factors to acne. Controlling bacteria growth and killing bacteria can reduce breakouts. Clindamycin is proven to be effective at preventing the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
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Provides anti-inflammatory effects. Clindamycin acts as an anti-inflammatory to help reduce redness and discomfort associated with breakouts.
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Decreases swelling. Clindamycin’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling associated with acne lesions.
What are the side effects of clindamycin?
For the most part, clindamycin is very well tolerated. However, some people may experience side effects—some of the more common ones are listed below. Talk to your medical or dermatology provider if side effects persist or worsen.
More common effects include:
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Dryness or peeling skin
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Redness and burning sensation
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Itchiness
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Oily skin
Other ingredients that work well with clindamycin
Using clindamycin on its own can lead to antibiotic resistance, which is why it’s often paired with other skincare ingredients. Some of the more popular combinations include:
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Tretinoin is one of the most popular acne medications available today. A derivative of vitamin A, this potent retinoid accelerates skin cell turnover and boosts collagen production. However, it has its own side effects, which may include redness and irritation.
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Benzoyl Peroxide is an over-the-counter topical that’s also effective at treating acne. When combined with clindamycin, the two work together to decrease the production of bacteria and purge them from the skin’s surface. Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin are effective long-term solutions to acne.
How to use clindamycin in your skincare routine
But these ingredients are just one part of your skincare routine. A good skincare regime includes cleansing, moisturizing, protecting, and treating. Start by washing your face using a gentle cleanser for your skin type. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. At night, follow cleansing with your treatment cream containing clindamycin and other active ingredients. Allow the treatment cream to fully absorb before applying a non comedogenic moisturizer. In the morning, skip the treatment cream. Instead, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher about 15 minutes before leaving the house.