Clindamycin / tretinoin topical and Dryness: What Users Say

• hha...
• February 16, 2021

For Acne "Started using Biacna for hormonal acne, as well as regular acne I have on my forehead and T-zone area. Applied every day for 4 hours for 4 days, and overnight thereafter (took one day break after 4 days), and my skin has literally completely cleared up. It’s been exactly 7 days since I started using Biacna. I noticed a difference within 1-2 days, as it had stopped new pimples from forming immediately. I had around 10 pimples on my forehead, 5 on the cheeks each, and 5 pimples on my chin/nose area. One week later, all I have is 2 older pimples that are still healing but almost gone. I can’t believe how quick and effective this gel has been for me. It is drying, but completely worth it, and I used a heavy moisturizer and avoided wearing foundation to avoid it looking flaky. Highly recommend trying it. I have combo skin, oily around the nose and chin, but also dry elsewhere. My skin is fair-light skin toned. Went from 20 pimples to 0 in 1 week! And no new forming pimples."

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2019

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I am a 27-year-old female who had moderate cystic acne due to inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. I saw a dermatologist who prescribed me Bianca, the Canadian version of Ziana, and he gave me a ton of samples that I’m still using. That was August 9th, the first 2 months were rough... I wanted to stop using it multiple times because my purging period was so bad, but I was so desperate to clear my skin. My face for the first 2 months got a lot worse, it was red, itchy, painful, dry, and flaky. I also simplified my skincare routine to just a sensitive cleanser, I used the Bioderma Sensibio mild foaming gel and La Roche-Posay moisturizer. My face started to improve 2.5 months into using it, and I’m currently 3.5 months into using Bianca, and all of my cystic bumps are gone. I’m continuing to use the medication to get rid of the acne scars left behind. I never thought my skin would be this clear again. Yes, the purging period was horrible, but I’m so glad I didn’t give up on this."

• alk...
• May 6, 2021

For Acne "Very thankful for everyone sharing their experiences, so thought it only fair I share mine. I've been using 'Acnatac' (Australian brand) for 1 month now. I DEFINITELY purged, and it was probably the worst my skin has ever been. That happened quite quickly after starting and persisted for 3-ish weeks. My skin has started to clear. I'm getting small pustules here and there, but nothing compared to the amount I was getting before, and they are shorter in duration. My skin turnover is insane - this compound is the ultimate exfoliator. Keeping on top of moisturizing is definitely important. I'm lucky enough to work from home, so I haven't really had to worry about making makeup look good, but when I do, it's difficult to not look flaky and dry, but I'd still trade that over acne. I'll update as I continue for the next few months. I've tried the pill, antibiotics, $$$$ skin treatments, LED lights, every naturopathic treatment known to man, haha, and I was about to go on Accutane, but I'm glad this was suggested by my GP."

• Bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 23, 2016

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I was experiencing some bad acne for about 2 years before I went and saw a dermatologist about it. She prescribed me Ziana. My main acne was on my cheeks, which also led to brown spots. The first month on this medicine was the worst; you will want to give up, but DON’T! It made my skin super sensitive; it made you want to cry, but it hurt for tears to even touch your face. No makeup looked good because of how dry it got. About 2-3 months in, I started seeing some results. About 5-6 months in, I had no blemishes left, and the brown spots have faded significantly. There's still some there, but I was told those will take the longest to go away. I wish I knew how to share a picture of the difference."

• Tya...
• October 21, 2019

For Acne "My skin had almost a 10-week acne purging process that came in waves. The breakouts got better over time and also went away much faster. When I started my treatment, I made sure to follow these steps: start slow and use a small amount. I was eager, as I had been dealing with this for half a year. Three times a week was too much for me, and I experienced dry, red, and painful skin. I re-evaluated and started with two times a week, then three, four, and nightly. MOISTURIZE. MOISTURIZE. MOISTURIZE. Every night, I wash my face with a sensitive cleanser, immediately moisturize with a heavy-duty moisturizer. Wait about 20 minutes, then apply Bianca. Wake up in the morning, rinse my face, and immediately moisturize with a light moisturizer containing SPF 15. Be patient and have faith that your routine and the product will work. I stuck it out and made a commitment. My skin is totally clear now, with the exception of the occasional small deeper pimple, but even those are becoming infrequent and heal within two days."

• 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!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2015

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I have nodule-like hormonal acne only on my chin that started when I was around 21. I've tried a lot of medications, and it seemed a short course of antibiotics or birth control were the only things that seemed to help. In October 2014, it got very inflamed and painful, so I saw a dermatologist. She put me on Solodyn (antibiotic) for 3 months only and then Ziana gel. I will be honest, Ziana definitely makes your skin worse before it starts to make it better. The drying I experienced was minimal, but it truly made my skin 'purge' like I had read it would. It got so bad and red that I wanted to cry and curse Ziana, however, after about 2.5 months, it started to get better with no more breakouts. Just be patient!!"

• Mom...
• November 14, 2016

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "After 3 failed acne Rx's (epiduo, sulfur face wash, minocycline), my 13-year-old daughter was prescribed this in conjunction with amoxicillin by a dermatologist (first 3 were from a pediatrician). It has worked very well and finally cleared her acne up. Her acne was moderate when we started with the Rx's, but then I'd say 2 months of minocycline got it in the severe range. Now her face is pretty much all clear after 2 months on this product and amoxicillin. She had/has some occasional dryness and peeling, especially with her lips, but it was minor and much better than dealing with acne. I like this product."

• Mac...
• September 25, 2016

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I had many obnoxious but small bumps on my forehead this past summer. Along with that, the occasional large zit. I got put on Veltin by my dermatologist and began using it on August 3rd. At first, I used it every other night on my whole face except my cheeks and experienced a bit of dryness around my mouth and overall redness. That subsided fairly quickly, and I began to use it once a day at night, at least a half hour after showering and moisturizing to minimize stinging. Today is September 24, and my skin has been perfectly clear for two weeks! I have adjusted to the dryness, and my skin is very happy!"

• Dus...
• March 11, 2017

For Acne "Okay, so I've been on Biacna (the Canadian version) for almost a month and a half now. I'm in the process of breaking out and experiencing dryness from the product, but after reading the reviews, I'm hopeful that in a few weeks the change will begin. I've struggled with acne since high school (I just turned 20), so it's been really annoying to constantly worry and be self-conscious about how my skin looks. My acne, to begin with, is somewhat mild, so the gel is causing all these tiny bumps to form mostly on my cheeks and forehead. I'll post an update on my skin in a few weeks to let you know if it works for me."

• Gia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2018

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I have light acne, just many little ones on my forehead, and this clears up my skin within a week every time it breaks out again. It seems to dry out the pimples and make your skin quite dry and flaky, but if you use a moisturizer after, you’ll be fine. Absolutely love this and recommend!!"

• kim...
• July 14, 2016

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I'm 20 years old, and I had severe cystic acne after my dermatologist gave me tretinoin. It was so bad, but I switched to another dermatologist because of my insurance, and she gave me Aczone and Ziana with Solodyn pills. My skin is so clear and soft, it's unbelievable. I only have some dryness around my mouth, but besides that, my skin is the best it's ever been, and I never thought I'd ever be writing a review about something actually working."

• Snu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2018

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I was continually breaking out, big ones, small ones, and everything in between. The first night I used the Veltin gel, I woke up with clearer skin and only one blemish. The second night, same results the following morning. Now, after four nights of using it, my skin looks great, no pimples at all, my pores are smaller and cleaner...it's the skin I've always wished I had. I did take a break from using it last night because I noticed some dryness starting, but so far everything's still fine. I love it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2018

For Acne "I found this gel great, within a few days, I saw results. My skin looked a lot calmer, and pores looked better. However, it is very drying and makes my skin peel (on my chin), but moisturizing often does reduce the amount of peeling and means that my face doesn’t hurt. I moisturize in the morning, midday, and about an hour after I’ve applied the gel. I only get the occasional peeling (but this could also be due to the harsh winter weather drying out my skin). I’ve noticed, and my family and friends have said that they have noticed, a huge improvement in my skin. It’s also evened out the texture slightly to reduce indentations in my skin caused by acne."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2016

For Acne "I am 18 years old and started to get occasional deep under-the-skin pimples, as well as tiny bumps around my face. I have been using this stuff for about 3 1/2 months now, and I am so glad I stuck with it. In the beginning, I wanted to give up, it was awful. Your skin is super dry and peeling and burns occasionally, but you have to wait it out! I have never been so confident with my skin, and once I hit that 3-ish month mark, my skin has only been getting better. Don't give up, this stuff really works!!"

• kva...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2018

For Acne "For those reading these comments and being freaked out, don't worry, I did the same, just know this stuff works. You have to be patient with this medicine! I started it about a year ago, and I think it took a total of 4-5 months until I was absolutely free of acne. Ever since that 'it has to get worse before it gets better' stage, I think at most I've had 2 pimples on my face at once. This medicine is amazing, and it does have side effects like when your skin is in the sun, it is more likely to peel, and the dryness, but I definitely think the pros outweigh the cons. If you are hesitant about this, I definitely recommend it-just remember to be patient!"

• Nic...
• May 15, 2018

For Acne "The best way to describe this product is a total 'lifesaver'! Reading these reviews, I've noticed people are too quick to judge this product within the first few weeks because they are not patient enough to wait for results. Topical creams take a few months to work their magic and truly take effect. I did not start to notice results until 4 full months of using this product. I went from terrible hormonal and cystic acne to completely clear skin, similar to the results you see from oral Accutane pills. The only reason I do not give this product a full 10 rating is that it is extremely drying. If you don't moisturize 24/7, your skin can get to the point where it flakes off, and you cannot apply any makeup over it. However, with a proper routine, this can be avoided. You also need to beware of the sun, it causes you to get severely red or even blister. Truly, the pros outweigh the cons. This product is fantastic, and it has been the only thing to help my skin!"

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2017

For Acne "I will never understand why I wasn't prescribed this medication before Accutane. I have been visiting the dermatologist for about 6 years now, trying to cure my moderate acne. I tried Accutane, retina, benzoyl peroxide (which I found out I am very allergic to), nothing worked. FINALLY, something has worked!! It's only been about three months, but around 75% of my acne is gone and the texture has improved. Favorite things: I experienced no initial breakout on my face. Saw dramatic results in the first 1-2 months. It actually WORKS! My biggest issues: it can be a little drying, so I can only use it every couple of days at most. It has helped my acne and whiteheads but not my blackheads. And it does not seem to work as well on my back and chest."

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2017

For Acne "So far, I love this product! I've had mild but persistent acne for years. After finishing one round of Accutane and seeing minimal results with terrible side effects, I decided to stop treatment. Soon after, my acne came back again with a small amount of cystic acne but many, many small red bumps all over. Finally, my derm gave me Clindamycin 1.2% and Tretinoin 0.025% gel. After one and a half months, I see great improvement! I recommend the gel, it leaves a nice, smooth finish. I BARELY had an initial breakout, which is uncommon for me. Yes, I did break out, but nothing worse than how it was before. It is drying, so I highly suggest using it every other night and using it as a spot treatment on very dry days. About 60% of my acne is already clear!"

• 89a...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2020

For Acne "My dermatologist prescribed this after I got a flare-up of breakouts that were causing awful hyperpigmentation on my face. I'm starting off slowly (one week in applying every other day before bedtime). So far I've experienced two small breakouts and some dryness, but nothing substantial. I've also noticed it's helping a bit with the hyperpigmentation. Excited to see the results in 12 weeks! Will try to update this with my final results."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2019

For Acne "I was on Accutane for 6 months, and my skin completely cleared up. After taking up hot yoga, my skin started to freak out again, and I was getting those big red bumps all over my forehead. Nowhere else, just the forehead, with some blackheads around my nose. I started using this gel, and within a week, it's almost completely cleared up. I highly recommend! It is a little drying, so I would suggest an intense moisturizer."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2021

For Acne "I've used Bianca for 3 days now for hormonal acne, and I'm honestly really seeing some improvement! So far I've had no signs of purging at all, which is so lucky, but we'll have to see how it goes within the next few days. I found that my skin was a little dry, but nothing out of the ordinary. (The Cerave foaming cleanser, Cetaphil moisturizer, and bio-oil all really help with dryness for me.)"

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2024

For Acne "This is the only thing that fixed my skin after years of trying many different medications. I've been using it for around 3 months now, and the results are amazing and have worked quicker than any other medications I have tried. When you first start using it, your skin will be incredibly dry and peeling, and many of the skincare products and makeup I used that worked really well for me burned my skin and were very painful. But once you get past that, which probably will take around a month, you will start to see the results, and the burning will stop. My skin is basically fully clear, although I am on birth control on top to help with my acne. I wish I had tried this product sooner, as it's so amazing, but it definitely takes persistence if you want good results, so push through the initial dryness and burning."

• mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2025

For Acne "Biacna - I've had cystic acne since I was a young teen. I am now in my elder 20s and have FINALLY found relief after trying numerous products/treatments. I was skeptical this would be the end for me, as the journey has been long and hard. But alas, after just a week's use my face is almost completely clear! I am also on a light antibiotic while I use it, so I know that does make a difference. The only issue I found with this product is how drying it is. I moisturize 3 times a day while using it, and it is still drying. Mind you, I have dry skin anyway. 10/10 recommend for those who struggle with adult/cystic acne."

• Anonymous
• May 5, 2016

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT!!! It made me break out like never before. I had barely any acne before I began this product, but wanted to get rid of my occasional pimple for good. My dermatologist prescribed me this, and I used it for a little over a week. My face has never been so dry, irritated, and worst of all, covered in acne. I had a huge breakout on my chin, and yes, this may just be the initial purge, but it ruins your skin, and it's hard to recover from this. I was so depressed during this week and actually felt like a worthless human being because my face looked so bad. Don't trust these harsh skin products!!!"