Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical and Dryness: What Users Say

• smi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2014

For Acne "All I can say is wow! Fantastic product. I've had acne for about 20 years. I'm 34, and nothing worked for me. At my age and still spotty, it's very depressing. Then my doctor told me about Duac. I used it for about a week, and my face went a bit dry, so I gave it a couple of days and started again. Now my face is completely clear, and my scars have faded! If you have acne, then this is amazing! I've never been so happy with my skin, and I'm getting married soon, and over the moon that my face will be clear for that."

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2014

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."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2014

For Acne "Been suffering from mild to moderate acne for about a year. At 30 years old and having never really suffered as a teenager, I've found it quite distressing and upsetting. Ten days ago, I gave up on over-the-counter creams and went to the doctor. He prescribed me Duac 5%, and WOW is all I can say. This is a miracle product. After just 3 days, I saw a noticeable improvement in my skin and actually woke up every day excited to look in the mirror to see how much better it was! I'm now on day 10, and my skin is almost clear. Highly recommend this, only advice - invest in a good moisturizer. Can be quite drying but does exactly what you want it to and FAST."

• Han...
• April 16, 2017

For Acne "Using Duac once daily (10 mg + 50 mg gel) cream. At age 44, I started to get acne. Reading previous reviews, I was cautious about this cream, but the results are great. You have to use this sparingly - no matter how tempting it is to put loads on if your skin is bad. It took a week before my skin cleared up. In the evening, I spread a tiny amount on the T-zone area, and it's enough to keep spots away. If my skin starts looking red or dry, I will skip a night of not putting the cream on that area. Yes, my skin will look a little shiny the next day from the oils, but I don't get spots, and it allows my skin to recover. I would recommend you exfoliate once a week to remove dead, dry skin too. I will continue to use this cream until my skin calms down."

• Mel...
• February 9, 2014

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."

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2015

For Acne "I'm 15 and have been using this for just under a month. The first week it made my face really red, dry, and itchy, but I just used some moisturizer an hour after I put it on, or just put up with it. Now, after a few weeks, it does not burn or anything, pimples have cleared up so much! I have not even been consistent in using it as it is the holidays, but lately I have been and they are already clearing up! I have pimples all over my face, my forehead and temple have pretty much cleared, just waiting on the chin. Along with a good cleanser, this stuff is amazing!"

• cam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2016

For Acne "This stuff is amazing. I used it for 3 days and all my acne was completely gone. I went from 20 pimples to none in 3 days. The first day I used it morning and night the first night and found it was quite drying. I've found that one pump at night and just a moisturizer in the morning is perfect! This stuff is a miracle product! I recommend not using it all over your face after your skin clears up just as a spot treatment when needed."

• iam...
• March 13, 2017

For Acne "I had acne for 5 years, saw many doctors, and they all said nothing would help me and I would have acne for the rest of my life. I tried many creams, nothing worked. Then a dermatologist prescribed Duac, and after about 3 weeks, my skin was 100% clear. She told me to use a very thin layer at night and to use a heavy moisturizer in the morning to protect my skin. She also told me to stay out of the sun at the time as your skin becomes thinner and more sensitive. Yes, in the beginning, my skin was red and dry, but that goes away after a few days. That's how you know it's working. It's definitely worth a few days of irritated skin knowing you'll have perfect skin after. Duac saved my skin. I'm forever grateful!!"

• Iri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2014

For Acne "I always had clear skin. Then, when I turned 19, my skin broke out mostly all over my chin, so many tiny 'under skin' bumps and then big cystic red acne that wouldn't develop a head and took a long time to heal. After three months of my skin (chin) being completely destroyed with acne, my doctor prescribed Duac. Within a week, my skin was completely clear. I did have dryness, so I made sure I washed my face with a gentle soap and an exfoliating brush in the morning and moisturized, then I did the same at night before applying only a pea-sized amount of Duac to ONLY my chin, where most of my spots appeared! It works amazing, but I would ensure I moisturized A LOT with this product and only use the prescribed amount once a day."

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2018

For Acne "I was prescribed this medication on the NHS. I don't have really bad acne but wasn't happy with my skin. I'm 22 and I'd never had particularly bad skin, so it was a bit of a surprise when my skin started acting up. I really wanted to write a review as I'd read loads of the reviews on here and found them really helpful. During the first week of using this product, I found it super irritating, itchy, and my skin was so dry it felt like leather. All I can say is, please persevere if you're experiencing these symptoms. While it was so uncomfortable, I'm now 4 weeks in, experiencing none of these symptoms, and my skin is clear. I've got my confidence back!"

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

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."

• sus...
• May 20, 2017

For Acne "Honestly, when I set out to try this, I wasn't too sure what to expect. My skin was awful, and the horrid acne I had was so painful and built up that I couldn't properly cover it with makeup anymore. I went on a combination of Duac gel and an antibiotic two months ago. Today, I only have one spot. I began to notice a difference in my skin the day after I first applied it. My skin had dried out immensely, and the spots seemed to be going down. I was so happy. For the first three or so weeks of using Duac, my skin was a rollercoaster. At first, my face was getting so dry that by the morning, I was putting on a hefty layer of E45 cream under my makeup. Now, I don't use any. My skin no longer needs it. It's changed the oiliness of my skin."

• Alm...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2015

For Acne "After years of adult acne, my family doctor offered me this to save me extra expense with a dermatologist. The results were immediate, and acne is no longer something I stress about. It is very drying, so I mix it with my nighttime moisturizer, and in winter, I sometimes have to skip a night, but I can't say enough good things about it!"

• Ale...
• January 4, 2016

For Acne "I had mild acne until I went on Benzaclin. Usually, 4-5 pimples at any time. After using Benzaclin for a week, I can say my acne has completely cleared up! I apply a thin layer all over my face. It is very tempting to apply more to troublesome areas, but additional product will only cause dryness. I still have red marks from where the pimples were, but am sure that within a month or so they too will be gone!"

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

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."

• Cee...
• April 6, 2014

For Acne "Due to a switch to a generic brand of birth control by the pharmacist, my acne flared like a raging fire. I am almost 30, and it was painful and embarrassing. I have tried numerous topicals when I was younger, but this one is by far the best! I apply it to my face only at night. As recommended by my doctor, I mix my regular face cream with it to provide extra moisture! As a result, I have not had any of the mentioned face peeling/drying issues. I also spot treat my acne scars with Vitamin E cream, which makes them fade significantly quicker."

• Anonymous
• September 14, 2008

For Acne "Mild stinging definitely occurs, I felt like I had a sunburn the first few weeks of using this. Also, my face was super dry as a result of this medicine. On the bright side, though, I did see improvement within 2 weeks and that's what counts. So just get a thick moisturizer to reduce the stinging and the dryness and apply about 10 minutes after letting the Benzaclin soak in, then you'll be all set."

• Jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2015

For Acne "I got prescribed this a few months ago, and I saw a difference within a week or so UNTIL I noticed how dry and flaky my skin was getting. I couldn't bear it any longer as I was itching, itching, and itching. HOWEVER, I was back to my doctors and got prescribed the same stuff, only this time I am going to give it time and hope for the best results."

• Fin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 26, 2013

For Acne "When I used Benzaclin paired with a salicylic acid face wash and/or cream, my face would become dry, red, and the breakouts more severe. Murad was the worst offender, Clinique Acne Solutions also offered no relief. As a last resort, I bought a Mia face brush and used simple Cerave foaming face wash with it, along with spot treating with Benzaclin using a Q-tip. For the first time EVER, my face is 99% clear. Routine: a) wash face with Mia and Cerave Foaming Cleanser b) apply Benzaclin with Q-tip where needed c) wait 5 mins for it to soak in and apply light moisturizer d) PM: sleep or AM: apply makeup on top. I am a 25-year-old female with combination fair skin."

• Hei...
• May 12, 2019

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?"

• des...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 17, 2017

For Acne "My oldest son had horrible acne in high school. He is blonde and fair-skinned and had horrible red bumps all over his face. After 3-4 years of trying everything over the counter and 2-3 trips to the dermatologist, the pediatrician finally gave my youngest son a sample of Duac, and my older son used it, and it worked wonders. His face finally cleared up. His skin is very sensitive, and I don't remember a lot of drying as others have mentioned. But he put it just on the pimples and not all over his face, though he had so much acne it pretty much was all over his face and his back. I wish I had found this sooner! One over-the-counter 'University Medical Acne med for rosacea' actually worked, but they stopped making it soon after we discovered."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2012

For Acne "This is AMAZING. I was prescribed Benzaclin after my doxycycline stopped working. The first night I applied this, I had multiple zits on my chin, including a large cyst-like pimple. Normally, my cyst pimples can take several weeks to clear up. The next morning that I woke up, the redness and size of all of my zits were visibly smaller, including the cyst. Three days later, although a little dry, my chin is almost cleared up. I just add a little moisturizer after the medicine dries, and I apply makeup, and my confidence is back. I have not experienced any burning or stinging like I have read in others' experiences. I ONLY apply to the affected area, not the whole face. I HIGHLY recommend this product."

• cab...
• March 21, 2016

For Acne "I specifically asked for this prescription from my dermatologist due to all of the high ratings. I am very glad I did. I have been on Clindamycin solution for about three years, and it has stopped being effective, and that is why I switched to Benzaclin. It has helped my breakouts a lot, and my skin is mostly clear with an occasional breakout or two that go away in a couple of days. However, it is extremely drying the first 2-3 weeks. My skin was so dry I could literally feel my skin rubbing off in the shower. Also, avoid your eyes and your eyebrows. The skin around your eyes is way too sensitive for this product. Also, it lightly bleached some of my eyebrows. Nothing too bad, but I notice it. Overall, I would give it a chance."

• Lar...
• May 15, 2016

For Acne "I have been using Duac gel for 9 days now, and my advice to anyone would be to persevere. I have very sensitive skin, so I was expecting some sort of reaction to the gel. After day 3, my skin was so red and sore. I moisturized throughout the day, and this has really helped the patches of dry skin. On day 4, I only applied the gel for an hour, and the next night didn't apply it to the worst area. Now on day 9, the redness has completely gone, and my skin looks better than it has in years. I am so happy that I didn't give up on day 3, and that is mainly because of the reviews below. There is a chance that it will be painful that first week, but don't give up! I will provide another review once I have used it for 2 months - can't wait to see the changes!"

• Wes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2019

For Acne "I've been on this for 3 weeks now, and unfortunately have seen no change in my skin whatsoever except that the acne seems to be getting worse. I have had no redness or dryness at all from using it-just more acne. I am 23 and had clear skin my whole life until I was 22 when I started to get hormonal cystic acne. Duac doesn't seem to be effective against this kind of acne."