Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is used with other acne medications to treat the condition.

The oral form of clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat mild to moderate acne.

It is more commonly used as a topical treatment, though.

Young woman in bathroom applying face cream - stock photo

Westend 61 / Getty Imags

This article looks at topical clindamycin as an acne treatment.

It also covers how to use it and what the side effects are.

Topical antibiotics like clindamycin work by reducing the number of bacteria that cause acne.

Woman applying face cream

Ghislain and Marie David de Lossy / Getty Images

The medication also has anti-inflammatory effects that help pimples become less red and swollen.

One of the main causes of acne is the bacteriaPropionibacteria acnes.

Lowering the amount of this bacteria on the skin can help prevent breakouts.

Topical clindamycin can be used to treat very inflamed forms ofsevere acne, including cystic and nodular acne.

It can also be used on inflamed pimples that are hard to treat but not severe.

Clindamycin can be used to treat inflammatory acne in teens and adults.

This key in of acne does not cause inflammation.

How Long Will It Take Clindamycin to Work?

They work slowly compared to other topical acne treatments.

Its more effective to use topical clindamycin with another acne treatment.

Using two acne medications may also help prevent antibiotic-resistant bacteria from developing.

The form you get may also depend on the brand you’re prescribed.

Different forms of clindamycin acne treatment have their own instructions for use.

Most are applied once or twice a day.

check that you keep it in a safe place in your home thats away from kids and pets.

The side effects of topical clindamycin are not usually serious.

You may also have mild skin irritation.

It works by reducing acne-causing bacteria.

Topical clindamycin works best when its combined with other acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide.

Clindamycin is available under different brand names and as a combination medication.

It comes in different forms such as lotions, gels, and foams.

Topical clindamycin can be very effective but its not the right acne treatment for everyone.

If it doesnt clear up your skin, ask your provider about other acne treatment options.

2024;90(5):1006.e1-1006.e30.

2015;14(6):567-72.