Clindamycin / tretinoin topical and Peeling: What Users Say

• Mh9...
• November 16, 2016

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I was applying it nightly at first and realized it was causing my skin to peel a lot. Switched to using it every 3-4 nights and exfoliated my skin every morning. After about a month, I was able to put it on every night with no peeling issues. I also started only putting it on my problem areas (acne scars) rather than my whole face. Flash forward 3 months later from my first night using it, and my skin looks GREAT. You have to be patient and find a regime that works for you. Yes, your skin will peel at first, but you can also use it sparingly so your skin gets used to it. You don't have to torture yourself and use it every night at first. Start slow but keep a schedule. I put it on once a week now. I'm happy I stuck with it!"

• ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2014

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I started Ziana one month ago. I am 26 and have had severe cystic acne from the age of 16. I haven't worn makeup for the last two weeks because I do not need to hide anything anymore. Wooohooo!! It made my skin red/peel for a week and a half, but not so much that I needed to hide. I can wear the gel during the day because it doesn't flake or peel like most gels do. My pores are much smaller, and I couldn't be happier. I now only need to use it about twice a week. Love this product!"

• Dec...
• December 3, 2014

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I started using Veltin about a month ago for acne on my body, and all I can say is THANK THE LORD! After years of trying benzoyl peroxide products and other ineffective topical treatments, I finally found the right medication! Pros - reduces blemish size, lightens scarring and pigmentation a lot, pretty fast acting. For me, it only took a month for incredible results and still getting even better because I'm still not totally clear yet, but I'd give it 2 more weeks to be all clear. Cons - causes itchiness, peeling, and redness, but subsides after a few weeks. My tip is don't be lazy or impatient when it comes to this product because the whole purpose is to bring up the new skin that is healthy and shed the damaged skin and acne."

• 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."

• May...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2015

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I have been on Biacna (Canadian Ziana) for about a month now. For the first couple of weeks, my skin flared up like crazy, and my face was peeling. Now I am finally starting to see my acne, which varied from cysts to moderate, disappear. I am hoping once my face becomes completely clear to see my acne marks fade. IMPORTANT: do not use any astringents or lemon/citrus or benzyl peroxide or tea tree oil while on this because it counteracts the chemicals in Biacna. GOOD LUCK and keep going xx."

• 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."

• ehk...
• November 22, 2013

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "Works wonders! Stick with it, though. The first time I went on it, my face was pretty clear since I had just come off birth control, so I had no 'purging' experience. It kept my face completely clear and even cleared up some fine lines! Unfortunately, my insurance stopped covering it for a bit. My skin was okay for the first few weeks off it, and then I suddenly had massive cysts. My insurance changed again, and they now cover it! Second round: definitely some purging, definitely a lot of flaking, but skin is getting back to where it was. Stick with it. The stuff really works, but you have to give it time!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Nam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2016

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I keep seeing people say that this leaves more breakouts and they give up. There is a reason the doctors tell you to keep at it! I have been on this product for several years now. When I first started, my skin was worse, and I had horrible peeling, redness, and itchiness. As with most things, it gets worse before it gets better. And believe me, it got better! Not only has it taken care of my acne, it has also removed several fine lines and wrinkles. The trick to this is to just hang in there! You sunblock and pamper your face in the beginning. If you stick with it like the doctors suggest, you will see improvement. The key is just trusting the doctors and using the product as directed. It takes time to work. I saw no improvement for a couple of months, and then almost overnight my face was clear. I am now such a believer in this that I don't want to use anything else! There seems to be a shortage of this right now, and I'm really hoping that it is only temporary. I think this stuff is amazing and will most definitely continue to use it as soon as it becomes available again. This is the only thing that I have found that works for me."

• 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."

• 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."

• Fir...
• August 24, 2017

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I've been using this for about 2 and a half weeks now. I initially broke out significantly, but now that has calmed down along with my acne in general. I do still get some small zits here and there, but they quickly subside or stay very small. My skin also peeled a lot and has dried up, but I can see that gradually improving as well. The scarring has gotten slightly better, but I'm liking what I'm seeing so far overall."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2015

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I am 23 years old, and since I was 17, I have been battling acne. I tried every over-the-counter gel, cream, and wash from Neutrogena to ProActiv. I had seen 2 different dermatologist offices and was constantly given prescriptions for things but never told what exactly was going on. This past September, I switched to a new dermatologist office and was prescribed Ziana along with Solodyn, a pill. I am not going to lie, the first month and a half was really hard for me. I am a teacher and felt embarrassed from how red my face was, the huge pimples that blotched my face and the peeling that was going on really took a toll on me. It is now December, and the improvement I have seen is amazing. I am looking much clearer and have no blotches!"

• Vin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2016

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I'm 18 and started Ziana about 6 months ago. My acne got so much worse for about 2 weeks, and my skin peeled for a couple of months (use face lotion!), but as of now, my acne is just about gone, a few occasional spots, and some peeling still, but that's okay! This stuff really works, but patience is key! As usual with a person, stress makes you break out at this age, so the medication doesn't really stop that."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 19, 2019

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "This stuff saved my life. It took a super long time to help my acne and may have actually made it worse, but I had been dealing with cystic acne and redness for a few months, so I was desperate. After three months of using Veltin, I completely stopped breaking out, and now for the past six months I’ve been acne-free. Just be very careful-a little goes a long way, and if you overuse it, your skin will peel like you’re molting."

• Jam...
• June 24, 2017

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "Veltin is great for my mild/moderate acne. I have had acne for many years, trying numerous products to help. I was on Accutane, and that cleared me up, but about a year ago it started to come back. Eventually, I went to the dermatologist, and they gave me Veltin. I had amazing improvements within a day. Now, a few weeks using it, my skin is very smooth and now has the chance to heal from previous breakouts. It does not irritate my skin, and I only had minor peeling. Others' results might vary."

• Pen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2021

For Acne "So I started using this over a year ago (I'm in Canada, so its name is Biacna, but it’s the same thing). The first month, I did apply 3x/week, and my acne got really bad, it was getting itchy, and I was getting breakouts like I did in my pre-teen years! So I changed up my whole routine, turned to Cetaphil normal skin cleanser, and used moisturizer with SPF and serum from CeraVe in the morning, and at night I used moisturizer every time I wasn’t using the cream. Oh my goodness, 2 months after that I could already see a M A J O R difference, I didn’t see my acne was that bad until I saw it improving! After that, I used it every night, but if my skin was getting flaky, I stopped it until it became okay! It’s been maybe 3-4 months I’ve stopped using it and only used it when I started to see some breakouts. My skin is not perfect because now I fight against acne scars, but my pores are empty and no big cysts on the face, yayyy."

• 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!!"

• Anonymous
• January 5, 2010

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "My dermatologist put me on this, and I had to pay $180 for one tube! A little does go a long way, though. At first, when I tried this, my skin didn't show any signs. My dermatologist told me to wait six months! I couldn't bear it, so I stopped using it and tried Clinique 3 step. It helped after 3 weeks, but then I never saw any major changes, so I used Ziana with Clinique, and it worked great. My face isn't acne-free yet, but it's getting close. After a while, though, the toner and moisturizer made my lower face flake unbelievably, so I stopped using it, and now I just use the soap 2 times a day and Ziana at night. It has worked wonders. Good luck."

• Gur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2017

Clindamycin / tretinoin topical for Acne "I originally had mild pustular acne. I used Veltin for 5 weeks before giving up. My face became red, weeping, stinging, and covered in cystic acne while using it. I used it once a night as prescribed and would use Cetaphil lotion on my face morning and night to try to hydrate my skin. It got to the point where I did not want to go to work because of comments. Just putting water on my face made me cry. Within 2 weeks of stopping, my acne is back to mild and my face is healing with 2 scars from where it was peeling and weeping."

• 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!"

• Nad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2018

For Acne "I am 29 years old, and since my early twenties, my acne continued to get worse and worse. I visited a dermatologist in Sept. 2017, and she told me that I have moderate acne. She prescribed me Biacna topical gel (applied once per day before bed). My skin responded really well! I did not even have the 'get worse before it gets better' stage. I used to have very deep, painful cystic acne all over my cheeks/chin. Now I rarely have more than one or two pimples at a time. And when I do get a pimple, it's small and goes away quickly. *Be sure to use very mild cleansers and moisturizers while using this treatment. I made the mistake of using another product at the same time, and my skin got really red and flaky for a couple of days."