Benzaclin for Acne

Sometimes, acne does not strike as a singular type or severity.  Acne outbreaks can emerge in the most awful combinations of pustules, nodules, cysts and other blemishes, much to one’s consternation.  Different kinds of acne can turn your beautiful mug into a warzone of red and yellow.  Consequently, there’s an effective medical mixture formulated for such stubborn facial dilemmas, and it is called Benzaclin.  This acne gel is appropriately named, as it is composed of five percent benzoyl peroxide and one percent clindamycin.

Benzoyl peroxide is a substance used in bleaching hair and teeth whitening, but it is also very useful in oxidizing the bacteria out of your skin, and clearing off dead skin cells.  This means it kills the acne bacteria p. acnes by exposing it to oxygen, making it harder for the bacteria to survive while unblocking pores at the same time.  Many people use this substance by itself to treat mild to moderate acne, and it has proven effective.  Clindamycin, on the other hand, is an antibiotic used in medicating protozoal diseases like malaria, and infections caused by anaerobic bacteria.  By itself, it can rid the face of p. acnes by killing them.  The problem with using clindamycin by itself is the same with all antibiotics, bacteria immunity.  By merging it with benzoyl peroxide, however, a knockout combination is developed.

A regular prescription, and this is the only way to get it by the way, usually dictates application of Benzaclin gel two times a day.  Normally, this treatment period should last around two to three months.  

Now, this product can be very effective for many people, but it still has gotten mixed reviews.  Unlike non-medical products, treatments also depend on a person’s physiology.   There are some that say their acne cleared up within a few days, and there are some that reported only very mild effects.  This can be disappointing as Benzaclin can cost more than a hundred dollars.  No one wants to feel like they paid for nothing.  Most likely however, even for moderate to mildly severe cases, there will be noticeable improvement within a few months time.  You may just have to get used to being a little more patient to see results.

People have also complained about the side effects associated with the gel.  Dryness, puritis, and swelling are normal at the onset.  Acne may also worsen as the gel acts on the bacteria.  This may make the wait to clear skin a little tougher.  One may ask a doctor to prescribe a lesser concentration of benzoyl peroxide first so the skin gets used to it.  Stomach problems such as colitis are common among oral clindamycin users, but it is rare amongst those that use it topically.  People with different forms of colitis however, should already stay away from the product.  Other rare side effects may include diarrhea and bloody stool.  Many have been satisfied by Benzaclin, however, so if prescribed, just give it a shot and stick to the treatment.  It is highly likely you will be satisfied to a certain degree as well.

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