Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical and Burning: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2014

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I was prescribed this cream by my doctor, and it's brilliant! I've seen a lot of comments saying that it burns and it made people's faces itchy, but not everyone has the same skin. Our skin will react in different ways. But I have to say, after the 1st time of using it, the blackheads on my nose got smaller. I would highly recommend this cream. However, it does leave my skin a bit dry and flaky, but on the instruction sheet, it says you can use a perfume-free moisturizer or stop using it for a couple of days."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2014

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I have had pretty bad skin for about four years now; usually just large whiteheads in my T-zone in particular, but they seem to scar awfully, and it was really starting to affect my confidence. I had tried everything, and nothing seemed to work, but then I went to my doctor, and he prescribed me Duac. I have never been so thankful! In around three months of use, my skin has almost completely cleared up, and my scars have faded so much! I have experienced no itchiness or burning on application; I'm not sure if this is because I moisturize before I put the product on, but I would recommend doing so."

• Acn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2014

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "Great product, but the side effects are awful! I've been using Duac for a week now, and literally all of my blackheads have disappeared. It's amazing! My spots have also shrunk in size a lot and have almost healed, and my scars are fading too. The only trouble I have had with Duac is that when I first put it on, it dried my skin out a lot and made it extremely flaky. Then, when I continued to use it, applying it on most of the area of my face, I woke up the next morning and both of my cheeks were burning, bright red, and really itchy. I stopped using it for a couple of days until the redness had gone and then applied a smaller amount, but still, the burning and itchy sensation has returned."

• Mel...
• February 9, 2014

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "What an amazing product. I have struggled with acne for about 10 years (now 22). My entire T-zone has always had blackheads, which (although not good for the skin) I have been extracting almost every second day. It has made me extremely frustrated that no matter how much money I spend on keeping my skin healthy, it was always a temporary fix. I wanted an alternative to the pill as I was terrified of the side effects it came with. The doctor gave me Duac. I have been using this product every night (after I moisturize), and I am now on my fifth day - ALL OF MY BLACKHEADS ARE GONE. Don't ask me how! I have not had any peeling, dryness, redness, or burning. There is only a small tingling sensation when applied. This is a lifesaver of a product."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2016

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I was given Duac and told my skin would be slightly dry, red, patchy, etc. The first few days - no effect. After day 3, my face went bright red, extremely dry and sore, with an intense burning and tingling sensation. After stopping for a few days and having to sleep with Vaseline on my face, I finally got back to my spotty normal skin, no dry patches, redness, etc. After a few days off Duac, I decided to try it again. I used it religiously every night before bed, and NO reactions! No dryness, redness, or burning! It has been 2 months of using Duac every night, and all of my spots have gone down and stayed away! Still no dryness, redness, or burning again. My advice: STICK AT IT. Maybe a few days rest here and there, but stick at it."

• NCL...
• March 16, 2017

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I have struggled with moderate to severe acne since high school (now 24) and have tried just about every product on the market, including two rounds of Accutane. Last week, I saw my derm, and she put me on Onexton, as well as Retin-A. After less than a week of being on this combination, my skin looks better than it has in months, and I'm certain it is primarily due to Onexton. Fair warning: the first few days of this medication are very, very rough. I looked like a burn victim, and my entire face was peeling, red, and burning. However, by about day 4 or 5, it had appeared as though I had gotten a chemical peel, and my skin was glowing! I'm so, so happy with this medication and have been recommending it to everyone I know."

• Pan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "If I could, I would give Duac a zero rating. Do not use if you have sensitive skin!! I only applied it twice on my acne, and it completely burned my skin. I had an extremely painful red rash on my face for 3 days. Now, on the 5th day after using it, my skin is extremely dry and scaly to the point I can't open my mouth properly or laugh because I'm scared it's gonna split and get infected. It is the worst experience ever. In agony with my face for 5 days. Hoping it will get better soon."

• luv...
• July 6, 2014

For Acne "I used clindamycin phosphate benzoyl peroxide gel 1%-5%. In the first few weeks, I experienced redness and scaly-like skin, it also burned. But in time, it cleared up, and now my skin is back to normal."

• Pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2019

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I started using Duac gel about a week ago. On the good side, I have actually seen some improvements on my forehead, however, I had to stop using it as it has really badly irritated my skin. It’s red, blotchy, dry, flaky, itchy, burning, and rough. At first, this started on my chin but has now spread all over my face and is extremely uncomfortable."

• Hin...
• October 12, 2010

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "LOVE this. Nothing has ever worked on my face. I have been using it for 5 days (mornings only), and people have already commented that my skin looks so good. I have no burning, no redness, no flaking, etc. (and I have extremely sensitive skin). I am so excited. I put a very thin layer on in the morning and then apply my make-up over top. It does not leave a film/residue on my skin, and my makeup goes on flawlessly. Pro's: WORKS GREAT! Cons: Prescription only - Small jar."

• Hei...
• May 12, 2019

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I have used Duac for my acne constantly for 7 years and found it to be brilliant. I suffer with cystic acne and found that this kept breakouts to a minimum. I did suffer with the dryness and burning others mentioned, but my skin quickly got used to this, and I enjoyed virtually blemish-free skin. However, at the start of this year, I kept getting thick, scaly, dried skin down the sides of my face, which would itch and burn. Then I developed the worst acne I have ever had on my cheeks. After doing lots of research, I realized that I have developed a tolerance to the clindamycin ingredient in Duac, my skin has become resistant to antibiotics. I also have very oily skin on the sides of my face, this I have also never experienced, and a very large shiny patch on the left side too. In all honesty, I am surprised that I was allowed to use it for so long. I never did ask how long can I use Duac, but they should have stopped giving it to me. I will give my skin a break for a couple of weeks and then try Epiduo. Has anyone else experienced this?"

• Mid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2019

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I used Duac for 3 nights, and although my acne has greatly reduced, I have huge red patches that feel like burns on my face. I only applied it to the spots, but the soreness and redness have spread out. My skin is too sensitive to even dry my face with a towel. I have been advised to moisturize as much as possible, which I have been doing for the last 3 days, but have seen little improvement - fingers crossed!"

• Sia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2018

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I have previously done a review on this before, saying how good it was, which I still think it is. However, I’m not sure if the advantages cancel out the negatives of having a lot of redness often in blotches, the burning sensation, and itchiness. This gel really does do the job of clearing the skin, which is amazing, but you do have to put up with the side effects."

• Chl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2015

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "At first, I hated this cream. I suffered from really bad redness (people thought I was sunburned). Then came the peeling face and irritation, burning feeling, it was awful. However, after using it frequently now for a few months, the effects have all disappeared, and now applying this cream is just a part of my bedtime routine. However, I would recommend starting the treatment when you have free time off work or school, whatever, because the first few days you can have irritated skin, redness, and it's not exactly pretty. Overall, I have grown to love this cream, as I've already noticed my acne clearing, which has given me the confidence to go without makeup because I think that just makes my acne worse. I highly recommend a good moisturizer."

• Jen...
• March 9, 2010

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I tried this gel after suffering from severe acne once a month (after stopping birth control). I'm 28 years old, have always had a few pimples at a time, but never anything like what I experienced after stopping birth control! I used the gel, and the first day was terrible. My whole skin burned and peeled, and I stopped using Acanya after that for about 3 weeks. I then researched the gel and was informed that I shouldn't have put it all over my face, especially in sensitive areas. So I tried using it again, only on my forehead and jawline. I have literally not had one acne breakout since I have started up again, and it has been about 7 months! One pimple once in a while, but that's it! Amazing! No more burning as well!"

• Dan...
• September 8, 2016

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I've been on this for a week and a half, and it's working fine, I guess. Too early to tell. However, it really burns my skin. I guess I have sensitive skin. Idk, but it burns a lot, and it's really irritating. I use this with Retin-A, so idk if together they burn, but it burns a lot."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I have used Duac for 2 months. I have previously used Epiduo and experienced bad burning, but that was not the case for Duac! The drug had minimal effect for the first month, but it is now noticeably clearing my acne. Side effects were very minimal, and I am now less depressed and have fewer pimples. I do still have a few pimples. However, I am very pleased with the results so far."

• Lac...
• January 13, 2014

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I have been using it for about 2 weeks now. It works a little, but it takes a long time. I have noticed my acne scars going away. However, it makes my face red, and it burns really bad! So much that most of the time, I'll go and wash it off with freezing cold water."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2012

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I started using Acanya because I saw online that it worked well with Atralin (which is basically vitamin A for your face and helps skin regenerate itself). I have had breakouts since I was 10 years old and am now 25 and still have acne. I used Accutane, and it got rid of my acne for about a year, and it's just now getting bad again. I went into my dermatologist, and they prescribed the Acanya, Atralin, and Spirolactone (oral meds). It's been a month since my awful breakout, and my skin is significantly better. The Acanya was awful the first few days, I have very sensitive skin, and it burned it badly around my mouth. After about a week, it evened out, though, and my skin stopped peeling, and I'm having the best results with this combination."

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2019

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "In my 40s, I have always had a breakout now and then, particularly along my jawline and upper back, nothing major - a few long-lasting under-the-skin bumps. Been using Duac 3% for 3 weeks. Amazed at how clear my skin is, but wow, after 9 days of using the cream, my skin flared up, red, itchy, burning sensation. I may have been applying too much cream! Stopped using it to allow my skin to settle. After 4 days, I restarted with a very thinly applied layer, a tiny amount. My skin still itches after application, but I am determined to ride it through to see the results. Applied it along my jawline at night and woke up with severe itchiness - I am not sure if I am allergic or if this is normal until the skin gets used to it, so I will persevere as aesthetically I am happy, but the aftereffects normally come on during the night, which means lack of sleep, not so great. Is it normal to itch so badly with this cream?"

• Mad...
• February 9, 2014

For Acne "I've been using this product for about 6 weeks on and off. It doesn't burn, and in fact, it took redness away and turned pimples into a minuscule size within 24-48 hours. I put it on in the morning, and that's it. My skin is soft as always and hasn't dried out, maybe I'm using something different. Mine says clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel, 1%/5%."

• msn...
• May 24, 2009

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I've been using this for almost 2 months now, and it helped clear my face. It also regulates the skin's sebum production, hence reducing oiliness. Side effects are peeling, redness, increased sun sensitivity, burning, and itching. I recommend to first-time users to put a very small amount on parts affected. Patience is the key. For a week or two, your face will really adjust to it, but it works. My face even has a pinkish glow to it now, and I feel more confident."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2009

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I used to use this cream before and never got any side effects, so I came back on it, and guess what? Got all the side effects possible. It is red and burning. Only came off for a few months. Anyone using this cream for the first time, please do a skin test on your arm because putting it straight on your skin and having a reaction to it is really painful."

• Ham...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2018

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I used this cream for 3 nights, and for the past 72 hours, my face has been red, extremely dry, very tight, and I’ve had a painful burning sensation, and my face can’t seem to cool down whatsoever. For the dryness, I tried a very small amount of moisturizer on an area of my face, and it just burned and stung more :("

• sun...
• January 2, 2015

Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical for Acne "I had lots of comedones and just plain old acne. The creams my doctor prescribed were no longer working, and I went to the dermatologist. He prescribed Duac in the morning and Retin-A 0.1% at night. He told me Duac kills current breakouts and prevents them. Within three days, my acne was already drying up and going away. My face was pretty dry and burned for the first week, so it took a while to get used to the medicine. It's been about two months now, and my skin is pimple-free, and now my acne scars/redness are still fading. I'm very happy with this medicine, although it is quite pricey ($70 with insurance for me). The dermatologist also recommended the VaniCream gentle cleansing bar to wash my face with, and it's great and gentle!"