benzaclin1.jpgBenzaclin

Most commonly in the form of a gel, Benzaclin is a drug prescribed to people with acne.  Its affective ingredients consist of benzoyl peroxide and an antibiotic called clindamycin.

Benzoyl Peroxide - Benzoyl peroxide works by bringing additional oxygen to pores, which creates a more hostile environment for bacteria to grow in. Further, Benzoyl Peroxide helps rid skin of excess skin cells which keeps pores less cluttered and leads to less breakout in the future.

Clindamycin - Usually used to treat infections with anaerobic bacteria, clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic (drug which binds to bacteria and inhibits early elongation of pepticide chain).

The way Benzaclin works is by combining anti-bacterial action of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide.  Both of these ingredients have been shown to decrease acne abrasions.

Side Effects of Benzaclin and its ingredients -

Benzaclin - Side effects include photosensitivity, dry skin, pruritis (causes reflex to scratch), and dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).

Benzoyl Peroxide - Bleaching of the clothing, dry, itchy skin, redness, flaking and burning of the skin.  Side note: With the discontinuation of benzoyl peroxide often comes an increase in skin bacteria (what the benzoyl peroxide initially inhibited).

Clindamycin - Diarrhea.  Believe it or not, the use of a product containing clindamycin may cause diarrhea.  Although this side-effect occurs with almost all antibiotics, it is classically linked to the use of clindamycin.

Conclusion - As with most all medications, adverse side effects accompany.  Unfortunately Benzaclin has a myriad of side effects, most of which are not positive.  It is up to the individual patient to decide if the hopeful effects of an acne free face are worth the dry itchy skin, and even running unexpectedly to the bathroom!

In order to find out what consumers like you have rated as the top acne treatments, with little-to-no-side effects, and based on safety and overall value, keep reading below…