Benzoyl peroxide / clindamycin topical and Itching: What Users Say

• ES1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2019

For Acne "So I got so anxious, and my self-confidence was so low to the point where I hated leaving the house because of my acne. My mum made me book an appointment with the GP to get advice on my acne because it was red, and although not cystic, it was really affecting me and my life. The doctor gave me a prescription for Duac, and a week later the results were amazing, and my face became so clear that about three or four months later and five repeat prescriptions later, I don't need to wear foundation. Perhaps the odd application of concealer to make me feel a tad bit better and look more awake, but my cheeks, forehead, and chin have never been this clear in my teen years! However, I do find it to be itchy, hence I came here to see if I should stop, but I don't think I can risk my acne coming back. Just suggesting not to apply too much and follow the dose! Very itchy, but moisturizing is key. Thank you, Duac, ya lifesaver!"

• 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."

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

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

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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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?"

• Vuh...
• August 15, 2013

For Acne "I went to the dermatologist almost a year ago, and she prescribed Acanya. At first, it dried my skin and peeled it very badly. When I went back to the dermatologist 3 months later, I told her, but she said to continue the use. But then one day I ran out, and I realized my skin was the best it's been in 3 years. I would get compliments, so when my new bottle came in, I decided not to use it. Then, about 3 months later, my acne was the worst it's been, so I did research on Acanya and realized I used it wrong. I would put it all over my face, causing it to dry. Now I put it in my problem areas only, and my face is getting better. But it makes my skin itch a little, but that's okay. I'm not saying it will work for everyone, but I wanted to share my experience."

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

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."

• Ems...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2017

For Acne "I have always had the odd few spots, but being 28 and just breaking out in acne 6 months before my wedding was a bit of a shock. The doctors prescribed me Duac, and within two days, I noticed a difference and felt I could leave the house without foundation for the first time in months. The only side effects I've experienced are slightly itchy and dry skin. I don't mind this as the spots were painful, and for the first time, I can put moisturizing cream on my face."

• mak...
• March 31, 2014

For Acne "I'm 18. I've been using this since I was 11. This really helps me, hands down the best product. I always find myself running back to this product! I'm not even kidding right now. I broke out so much, and I finally bought it, and it works wonders. I tried so many products. You name it, I used it. This cleared me up, and everyone was complimenting how clear my skin was. I was once again confident! Then, after a while, when I was 17, I started breaking out again, but this time it was hormonal. They were painful acne, it hurt to move my face and everything, but thanks to Benzaclin, it changed everything. Yes, it gets real dry and itchy, but it's worth it because in the end you get beautiful skin."

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2015

For Acne "Also, for the people saying it dries out your skin very badly, you must be using too much. It does dry your skin out, but not badly at all. You're supposed to use a very, very little bit of it on your acne. Not your whole face, just your acne. I learned the hard way. I loaded it up on my chin, and it made my chin so dry, itchy, and red. It looked horrible, like my whole chin was scabbed. It went away after I stopped putting the cream on it for a day or two."

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

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?"

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

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?"

• msn...
• May 24, 2009

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."

• mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2013

For Acne "I applied Duac on my face as instructed, and after 2 days of using it, I noticed that my pimples started to disappear, but the problem is my whole face got swollen, itchy, and red. I can't even sleep and go to school for days. So what I did is visit my doctor again, and he told me that those were the side effects of the product and told me to stop using it. To relieve the stinging and redness, I used an ice pack on my face and put moisturizer non-stop. Luckily, after a few days the swelling and redness disappeared. Thank God my acne disappeared, and since then, whenever pimples appear on my face, I just applied the gel directly on the pimples."

• Lou...
• February 14, 2016

For Acne "I'm 26 and have suffered from severe spots since my early teens. I've been using this cream for around 3 weeks now. I had quite severe spots on my chin that would become really sore. My Dr. gave me Duac along with tablets to take for 6 weeks. I've noticed such a massive improvement already, and I've got so much more confidence. It does dry your skin, but I've started using cleanser and a cleansing oil after washing my face, and I've got no dry skin. Only apply to areas that need it because it can make your face really red and itchy. Overall, I think it's brilliant. I'm so glad I finally went to my Dr."

• CaK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2016

For Acne "This product started to work for me in about a week. I had problems with chin acne, and it cleared up within two weeks. It did leave my skin dry and itchy, so I used a moisturizer for my skin the next morning after applying the gel the night before. A very effective product, I love it!"

• Ann...
• March 1, 2016

For Acne "First time I tried this, it left me with VERY red, itchy, and dry skin for at least a week, so I took a gap and coated my face in coconut oil instead for a week to help it. I then went back onto it, using a little less than before, but also I swapped my moisturizer with coconut oil. My skin is still dry and can get itchy, but the redness has totally gone down, the red acne scarring on my face has gone down a lot, and it's only been two weeks. Very impressed."

• Gir...
• February 20, 2017

For Acne "I used this cream for my acne, and about 3 months later, it cleared up my skin. However, it did leave my skin itchy, dry, and very red. I stopped using the cream for about a month and use it occasionally when I get a spot, but when I go to take it off, I have a red mask on! It's worse than having spots, to be fair. I have red patches everywhere, and it takes a while to go. Does anyone know how to get rid of the red itchy skin?"

• Cam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2018

For Acne "Patience is key. I have oily/combination skin, and I have been using this for 4 months, and my skin is slowly improving. At the start, it did make my skin go red and itchy (I still get the itchiness from time to time now), but it goes down, and I saw results after 2 months. My acne hasn't completely gone away, but my skin's texture has improved, and my past spots have gone. I replace my cream every 2 months, as otherwise it expires and loses its effect. If you use this, remember you won't see major results in a day or a week, it will take time, and hopefully it's worth it and it works for you, but it might not work for everyone."

• Bus...
• September 21, 2017

For Acne "Well, I'm a bit confused. I started using this 2 weeks ago, and the other day I commented to my husband that my skin had really cleared up and I was feeling much better. Yesterday, I came up all red and blotchy and itchy, and today it looks even worse. Not sure if I've used too much or should have washed it off about an hour later or what, but I look absolutely hideous - now plastering my face in E45 and hoping it goes down soon."

• Lin...
• September 29, 2017

For Acne "I've never written a review of anything before. My face was flawless after high school. Here and there I would break out, but nothing major. I am now 25 and started suffering from acne located primarily on my jawline. It was awful! I spent a small fortune on products, and nothing worked. I finally went to the doctor and was prescribed Benzaclin, and it is amazing! I have been on it for three weeks today exactly, and my face is so clear. There was a little itching at first if I slathered on too much. Now I only use it as a spot treatment, and that works great too!"