Clindamycin and tretinoin: Can you use them together?
Tretinoin and clindamycin are powerful acne fighting ingredients that complement each other. But can you use them together? Keep reading to find out!
Table of Content:
Clindamycin and tretinoin uses | Can I use them at the same time? | What results can I expect? | How to get a prescription? | How to use them together? | Side-effects | Brands
Our commitment to producing high-quality content:
The information presented in this article is based on scientific research and the professional advice of our Content Medical Reviewers, who are experts in the field of Dermatology. How we write our content →
If you’re considering clindamycin and tretinoin for acne treatment, you may be wondering whether this prescription combination is right for your skin. Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist, often prescribes clindamycin and tretinoin together because they target acne in different ways — helping address both active breakouts and the underlying causes of acne.
Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, while tretinoin is a retinoid that increases skin cell turnover and helps prevent clogged pores. Together, they may help improve inflammatory acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and post-acne skin texture more effectively than using a single medication alone.
In this guide, you’ll learn how clindamycin and tretinoin work together, the potential benefits and side effects of combining them, how long results may take, and how to safely incorporate both medications into your skincare routine.
Since acne treatment works differently for everyone, finding the right prescription approach often depends on your skin type, acne severity, and sensitivity. Through Miiskin, you can get an online consultation with licensed dermatologists and receive a personalized prescription skincare plan that may include tretinoin, clindamycin, or other customized acne treatments when appropriate.
Need a personalized tretinoin prescription?
Clindamycin and tretinoin gel uses
According to Dr. Chacon, one of the top rated dermatologists in Miami, the combination of clindamycin and tretinoin is mainly used for the treatment of acne vulgaris for a short period of time which can vary from a few weeks to a few months depending on the severity of your condition and your particular circumstances.
What results can I expect from using clindamycin and tretinoin?
Using a clindamycin and tretinoin gel can offer many beneficial results due to the complementary actions of the two agents:
Enhanced efficacy
Clinical studies show that a combined gel of tretinoin and clindamycin outperforms the individual treatments in addressing various stages of acne. This enhanced efficacy might result from the synergistic actions of these agents, targeting both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions4.
Reduced number of acne lesions
Studies show that users often see a considerable reduction in the number of both pimples (pustules) and blackheads/whiteheads (comedones)5.
Prevention of acne recurrence
With continued use, the combination can help prevent new acne from forming6.
Decreased inflammation
Tretinoin and clindamycin both reduce inflammation, therefore, this combination can effectively address both inflammatory acne (like pustules and cysts) and non-inflammatory acne (like blackheads and whiteheads)7 8 .
Improved skin texture
Tretinoin also promotes collagen synthesis, which can improve skin texture and potentially reduce the appearance of acne scars over time9.
Reduced bacteria resistance
Using two agents with different mechanisms may reduce the chance of bacteria becoming resistant to clindamycin compared to using clindamycin alone10 11 .
How can I get a prescription for a clindamycin and tretinoin gel?
Through Miiskin, you can request a customized formula that includes both clindamycin and tretinoin. Consultation price is $39 – $59. You will get a reply within 1 – 2 days. Simply request Foothills as your preferred pharmacy and when your prescription is issued, you can order your formula right on Miiskin. A clindamycin/tretinoin blend via Foothills is $48.99.
Need a personalized tretinoin prescription?
How to use my tretinoin and clindamycin formula?
Dr. Chacon recommends you follow the directions given by your dermatologist and avoid using it more frequently, in larger amounts, or for an extended period than prescribed by your doctor.
The overuse can lead to excessive dryness or skin irritation. You should remember that it might take several weeks to see noticeable improvements in your skin, but using more of the medicine will not speed up the results.
As a general rule, she says that the combination of tretinoin and clindamycin gel should be applied once daily during night time since tretinoin is photosensitive.
She also mentioned that you should also apply sunscreen with SPF 50+ every morning (even during winter) while using this product.
Directions for use:
- Ensure you wash your hands before and after applying the medicine.
- Prior to application, cleanse your face using lukewarm water and a gentle soap.
- After rinsing, pat your skin dry.
- Use a pea-sized amount to cover the affected area and gently massage until it is fully absorbed.
- Do not wash your face more than 2 times daily. Over-cleansing can dry out your skin and potentially exacerbate acne.
Potential side effects of using clindamycin and tretinoin together
- Dryness
- Peeling
- Irritation
- Redness
- Burning or stinging
- Itchiness
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Increased oiliness of the skin
- Colitis12 13
Skin purging is a temporary skin reaction to some ingredients as it takes time for your skin to get used to new products or medications added to your skin care regimen.
Clindamycin and tretinoin brands
The brand names of clindamycin and tretinoin gels are Veltin and Ziana. You may also request a customized formula that includes up to 5 ingredients that are suitable for your skin and buy it at an online compounding pharmacy.
The takeaway
The combination of tretinoin and clindamycin offers an effective solution for acne due to their synergistic effects. Tretinoin enhances skin cell renewal and prevents pore blockages, while clindamycin battles acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. Together, they tackle both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne more effectively than when used separately.
For best results, consistency in application and sun protection are essential. Always consult your dermatologist for tailored advice.
Lee el artículo en Español Clindamicina y tretinoína para el acné
Learn more about customized prescription skincare!
Compare formulas, ingredients, and prices before deciding.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519574
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20184207/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09546634.2020.1720579
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3396458/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029230
https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/CT099003179.PDF
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(16)30076-7/fulltext
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clindamycin-and-tretinoin-topical-application-route/side-effects/drg-20070320
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/050803s000lbl.pdf
Want a clindamycin/tretinoin prescription?