Clindamycin / tretinoin topical and Dry Skin: What Users Say

• Cak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2020

For Acne "I started getting deep cystic hormonal acne at 30, and four years later, I had tried everything. I got a prescription for this, and it had honestly changed my life. I am incredibly lucky and had no purging and no flakiness - it just worked. My skin is glowing, my scars are slowly healing, and I occasionally get a tiny spot, but it goes quickly. I am in awe as I was at the end of my hopes it would ever be okay. Absolutely incredible."

• Red...
• January 18, 2017

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "The first week, my skin got very dry and patchy. It peeled a good bit. The second week, my skin broke out worse than it ever has, and I started getting really discouraged that it wasn't working, and I felt like it had made my skin worse. I am now about to finish up my third week, and my skin is really clearing up well. I would say be patient with this product and give it one full month, and you will begin to see results. The method I use is washing my face, patting it dry, putting on a moisturizer, waiting about 10-15 minutes, then applying the Veltin only on the acne spots. This has seemed to work best for me."

• Kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2014

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "About 2 months ago, my skin started to break out really bad out of nowhere. I have had breakouts in the past, but nothing like this. At first, I thought it was an allergic reaction. I work in the operating room and wear surgical masks most of the day. I decided to go to the dermatologist, and she prescribed me Ziana. She told me I had adult acne and that it was not an allergic reaction. Within one week, my skin was much clearer. It has now been 2 weeks, and the results have been great. A small amount on dry skin here and there, but that is the only complaint. I am very pleased and hope the great results continue."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

For Acne "To start off, this has been the only cream or treatment that has cleared my acne. I’ve tried 3 other prescription creams, and they didn’t work. This was the one. A disclaimer though, it gets a lot worse before it gets better. I started out using it once a week, and it was so harsh at first. Made my skin peel, crack, and flake like mad and brought up ALL my acne. This would come in waves. But when I say it gets better, it gets so much better. My skin is smooth, pores shrinking, and the whole complexion is so much better. I actually received a spontaneous compliment about my skin for the first time ever. It makes your skin rough for a minute, then totally clears it. I literally woke up one morning and I didn’t have zits. If you’re willing to wait about 6 weeks with worse skin than usual, I can’t recommend it enough. Get a heavy-duty moisturizer (I use La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche) and prepare for some rough skin days, but honestly, hang in there, I can’t recommend it enough."

• Chi...
• May 7, 2019

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "This medicine, Veltin, is incredible. I am 39 and still get acne if my skin is left untreated. It became particularly bad following a very stressful month at work - I mean, so bad it was embarrassing, with big red zits, some I could pop, others wouldn’t pop and just festered away for ages - just gross. I went on Veltin, and six months later, I feel like a skin model. I can’t believe how good my skin looks. Zero acne. Nothing but a few blackheads around my nose from time to time that can easily be extracted. Plus, this medicine has retinols in it, which are the best thing for anti-aging. So this is my anti-aging and anti-acne super weapon rolled into one powerful gel. You have to be patient with this medicine, however. At first, your face may be very dry. I apply once per day at night and moisturize immediately after with a CeraVe moisturizing cream, which is cheap, over the counter, and doesn’t cause breakouts. That helps tremendously."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2012

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "Started using Veltin in August. Started seeing results (less cystic breakouts), but didn't see consistent results until December. All I can say is stick with it! I now regularly go 2-3 weeks without any breakouts, 100% clear. Prior to Veltin, breakouts happened every 1-2 days. Major con is it dries out skin (not just where it just feels dry, but actual peeling). The dry skin rubs off in the shower. Pro is since it is a retinoid product, new skin feels and looks healthier."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2018

For Acne "I had hormonal acne for the past 15 years that no expensive skin product or ridiculous 10-step cleansing routine would even touch. I finally decided enough was enough and was prepared to go on oral antibiotics when I was prescribed this product instead. I was absolutely terrified of the skin 'purging' stories I had heard, but have now been using this daily for the last 3 months and have not had one breakout in the area (seriously, not one). Some dryness, but I can deal with a little flakiness instead of breakouts!!! (This has gotten better over time, just invest in a heavy-duty moisturizer) - please do not be discouraged by 'purging' stories as I almost was, it will work differently for everyone!"

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2019

For Acne "I started getting acne after I turned 40, hormonal cystic acne on the chin. I was skeptical that anything would work. Within 2 weeks on clindamycin with tretinoin, I saw a difference. Yes, it will get worse before it gets better, and it does burn and dry the skin at first, but hang in there because the results are amazing. Living with acne affects your self-esteem at any age. At 45, I would have people point and ask what happened to my face. Now, I get so many compliments on how youthful I look and how clear my complexion is. You don't need to use a lot, but make sure you cleanse well before (I use micellar water). Then I follow up with CeraVe lotion. I can't tell you how this has changed my life. I always touch my chin in amazement."

• Gra...
• February 9, 2018

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I’m 34. I have very dry skin, but I also constantly have hormonal acne around my chin and cheeks. Like every week, I had a new, huge zit on my cheek to cover. It was so humiliating! I first tried this and stopped using it because it dried my face out way too much. Then, out of disgust and desperation, I realized, ok, I have to try to clear this skin. Do NOT apply it to your whole face! Only to your problem zones and then only every other night if you're sensitive! And I sometimes do every two nights. Also, the key to me is to use your moisturizer, then apply this Veltin over that to the acne areas. Now, scarring has faded, and I have actually felt smooth cheeks and no zits popping up every other week! I feel hopeful that over time my skin will adapt even more to the product."

• JSa...
• September 22, 2019

For Acne "I have been struggling with cystic acne mixed with blackheads on my nose specifically. My current dermatologist prescribed me Biacna (clindamycin/tretinoin). At first, it gets really bad. I've never had such bad acne purging since the start of puberty. I've never had a single forehead or temple acne since the start of puberty, and after using this prescription, I started getting them again. It got better on my 11th week of nightly usage. On my 12th week of usage, my skin was almost clear. I only had 1 cystic pimple on my forehead. I'm currently on my 14th week of usage, and the pimples I get are very small (currently have at least 6 little pimples that go away in 4 days) and could easily be covered by BB cream. I'd rather have dry patches than cheeks filled with cystic acne, so I can't complain. I'm excited to see what my skin will look like in 4 months from now. I'm also using Finacea with this, but Finacea barely helps to reduce my acne, lol; it only helps with hyperpigmentation."

• Anonymous
• July 26, 2011

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I have been using this for about a month and a half. It dries my skin out and I need to moisturize about 5 times a day opposed to twice. My face will get clear and then break out again. I'm still waiting on results."

• Mir...
• August 7, 2018

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I used Veltin about a year or two ago, but stopped after about 8 months due to pharmacy switches and such. I remember that even then, this really helped my acne clear up and my skin look much healthier. I’ve struggled with acne and minor breakouts over the last few years, and it’s most likely due to hormonal reasons since I’m still in my teenage years! I was able to resume using Veltin about a month or two ago, thank goodness! Now, my skin looks so healthy. I’ve also been using Aczone over the past two years, which definitely helps control my breakouts, but when I re-added Veltin, my skin has completely cleared up. I don’t think I’ve seen my skin look this healthy and clear in months!! It will dry out your skin though, but my dermatologist recommended using a CeraVe moisturizer, which has seriously helped with preventing dryness and flakiness. I love this medication so much though; it really had worked wonders for my skin!"

• HAP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 2, 2020

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I promised myself that I would write a review if the product worked, and here I am! I’ve been using it for 2 years, and my skin has cleared. When I first used it (3 months), I didn’t see any improvement. One thing I realized is to minimize the amount of products (i.e., toner, essences) used when using Biacna. Simply use a moisturizer/lotion. I recommend a really thick moisturizer because your skin tends to dry a lot (coming from a person with a very oily face). Don’t give up using this product, and hope for the best for all!"

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

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I've only started this 3 weeks ago, however, I have seen a huge difference. Within the first couple of days, it cleared all the redness and whiteheads. It did dry my skin out, and I had to double up on my moisturizer. Now going into week 3, the deep bumps that never seem to go away have started to subside. I accidentally skipped one night and could tell the difference the next day, so it's definitely something you have to keep in the habit of."

• bur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2018

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "The medication had severely dried up my skin. It is constantly peeling. Everything I do to it burns it so bad I want to cry. I can’t even touch around my under eyes. It helped clear up my acne decently fast. I’m going to keep using it, but I hope the side effects go away SOON."

• bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2017

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I'm 19 years old, and I started Veltin on May 17 for both hormonal acne but specifically for the many whiteheads that covered my forehead. By July, my skin was completely clear. I know that this medication did its exact job, but it also came with the side effects of having dry skin permanently, my face becoming red whenever I walk out into the sun, and having random rashes on my face due to how sensitive it is. I'm no longer using the medication because, after I moved from Florida to New Hampshire, my skin was extremely dry, and it caused more problems than benefits. I haven't had a single acne cyst since my skin has been clear. My only problem now is dealing with my skin texture and my skin occasionally peeling if my skin disagrees with something."

• BC1...
• April 2, 2017

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "Luckily, my skin never 'purged' with this product and just cleared it up! I was prescribed birth control and Ziana for my acne and never even had to start birth control because of the effectiveness of the gel. I haven't had problems with over-drying, with the exception of a sunburn that made me peel, just make sure to always wear face sunscreen! It's worked wonders for my skin!"

• Sho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2016

For Acne "I have had acne for about 7 years now, and my doctor recently put me on a combination of topical creams 'clindamycin' & 'Differin' & a prescription of benzoyl peroxide face wash, along with an antibiotic 'doxycycline.' I suffer from whiteheads and blackheads more than pimples. I've been on the combination of medications for 2 weeks now, and I've noticed a huge change. My blackheads are disappearing, and my skin is becoming smooth. Only the negative thing is it's causing bad dry skin and a slight burn to my face, so I cut the face wash benzoyl peroxide down to every other day, and the burning is going away. I highly recommend this treatment."

• Cor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2021

For Acne "I’m a 22-year-old female, and I’ve never had bad skin until this year. All of a sudden, I got horrible skin-cystic acne all over my face and chest in November. I’m not sure from what, but having to wear masks hasn’t helped. I have been on the same birth control for years, and I eat very clean. Yet my skin is the worst it’s ever been. I started using Biacna topical gel prescribed by my doctor, and I’ve been using it for 2 weeks now. I’m SO HAPPY. My skin isn’t forming any new pimples or acne, all I have left are old ones that are healing. My skin looks and feels awesome. I would recommend trying it since it’s not too expensive and super easy to apply. Also, note that at first your skin may get worse before getting better, and your skin gets dry while using it (mine also kind of burned at first), but after 2 weeks my skin has gotten used to the gel."

• Cat...
• October 13, 2017

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I had started acne on my chin and my forehead, and nothing worked! I was really confused because I always take so much time prepping my skin, but this product made my acne leave! I do have a little more oily skin now because of it making my skin dry, but that doesn't bother me."

• ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2019

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "My rating of 7 out of 10 is mostly just based on my hope that this is a 10. Was using TactuPump (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) but had far too bad hyperpigmentation. I'm white as a ghost, so it looked like I was using tanning lotion or something. Biacna (Canadian name for the same drug as Ziana) has really made a mess of my face so far. I'm going to suffer through it for a couple more weeks. (It's only been one week so far). At least it's not tanning my face. So disappointed I couldn't tolerate the TactuPump. It worked really, really well. Side effects just weren't 'doable' - Biacna has so far just made my face break out like crazy and triggered a bout of rosacea around my cheeks close to my nose. Totally dry. No moisturizer has helped. I'm just trying to suck it up and deal with it for a while longer. Thanks to all who share here, your experiences really help knowing I'm not some weird case."

• Bia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2016

For Acne "I had struggled with cysts and mild to moderate acne for about 5 years before trying this product. Nothing helped at all, but within a month of using this product, I began to see results. I have been using Biacna for upwards of 5 months now, and I'm very happy with where my skin is. I still struggle from time to time with acne, however, it is nothing compared to before. The 2 reasons I didn't give it a 10 were because it does tend to dry out your skin, so I slather on some cream afterwards, and it hasn't helped with any blackheads. All in all, I am incredibly happy with Biacna."

• Liz...
• June 15, 2018

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I went to the dermatologist seeking help for young, hormonal acne before it got worse. I tried clindamycin. It worked until my skin began to break out. My dermatologist recommended Veltin. It worked well, however, my skin dried out. It started to peel back, almost like a bad sunburn. I recommend using Veltin, as long as you use a moisturizer with it. I am going on an excursion out of the country soon, and I was starting to run out. (Note: it is recommended not to use benzoyl peroxide with Veltin, which decreases the effectiveness of the product.) I dismissed this claim, and I am using a non-prescription benzoyl peroxide product at the time of spot treating problem zones with Veltin. No complications have come yet, however, use with caution as this product WILL dry your skin, and even more irritation will occur if using a more vigorous product at the same time. I recommend this product for moderate acne."

• dou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 29, 2023

For Acne "I had severe acne due to a health condition and was prescribed this after several months of suffering and no luck with other prescriptions or over-the-counter options. I used it daily for about 10 months. I started seeing progress about 3 months in and had clear skin in about 6 months. I continue to use as prescribed. This stuff was life-changing for me. I will say it does dry your skin out, so this winter I’ve had to be aware of that more. Stick with it and be patient!"

• Mom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 17, 2015

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "My daughter, age 14, had mild acne. This gel has worked miracles. It is crazy expensive, but a small tube lasted 6 months. Made the skin a bit dry, but worth the trade-off."