How to use clindamycin and tretinoin together?

Table of Content:
Can you use clindamycin and tretinoin together | How to get a prescription? | What results can I expect? | How to use them together? | Side-effects | FAQ

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 can include tretinoin, clindamycin, or other customized acne treatments when appropriate.

Need effective acne treatment that doesn’t break the bank?

Consult a dermatologist

Can you use tretinoin and clindamycin together?

Yes, according to Dr. Chacon, board-certified dermatologist tretinoin and clindamycin can be used together for acne when prescribed by a dermatologist. There are two common ways to combine them: using separate tretinoin and clindamycin products applied consecutively as directed, or using a single prescription formula that contains both ingredients. Applying separate products one after the other may increase the risk of dryness, redness, peeling, or irritation, particularly when starting treatment. A combination formula can simplify your routine and ensure both ingredients are delivered together in the appropriate concentrations for your skin and acne needs.

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.

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 alone^{10 11} .

How to use tretinoin and clindamycin together?

Dr. Chacon recommends following your dermatologist’s instructions carefully and avoiding using tretinoin and clindamycin more frequently, in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Using too much will not clear acne faster and may increase dryness, redness, peeling, burning, or other skin irritation. It can take several weeks to notice an improvement, so consistency and patience are important.

As a general rule, Dr. Chacon says that a combined tretinoin and clindamycin gel should be applied once daily in the evening, typically using a pea-sized amount spread in a thin layer over the affected area. Avoid the eyes, lips, corners of the nose, and broken skin.

Because tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, sun protection is especially important during treatment. Dr. Chacon recommends applying broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every morning, including during winter, and reapplying as needed when exposed to the sun. The official prescribing information recommends daily sunscreen and limiting exposure to sunlight and other sources of UV light.

Clindamycin and tretinoin routine for proper use:

• Wash your hands before and after applying the medication.
• Gently cleanse your face with lukewarm water and a mild, non-abrasive cleanser. Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it.
• Apply a pea-sized amount in a thin layer over the entire affected area, not just individual pimples.
• Avoid applying the medication around the eyes, lips, corners of the nose, or on broken or irritated skin.
• Do not wash your face more than twice daily, as over-cleansing can dry and irritate your skin.
• Apply clindamycin and tretinoin once daily in the evening, unless your dermatologist advises otherwise.
• Avoid harsh scrubs, exfoliants, and other products that may cause excessive dryness or irritation.
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, as tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• If you experience severe or persistent redness, peeling, burning, or irritation, contact your dermatologist for advice.

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
• Colitis^{12 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. 

Lee el artículo en Español Clindamicina y tretinoína para el acné

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