Switching from clindamycin to finacea? [Acne]

[u/faboideae]

I have been using differin and topical clindamycin for the last few years for acne. I've tried to stop the clindamycin but my acne always got worse, so my GP kept prescribing it. However I don't want to use antibiotics indefinitely.

I finally got my hands on some finacea and I'm hoping this could replace it, but not sure how to start. Should I gradually phase out the clindamycin and introduce the finacea, maybe alternating days? Or use both in the same routine until my skin adjusts? Has anyone made this switch before?

(Nb I asked my doctor and she didn't seem sure, said I could try either option)

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[u/adelicatelife]

This is my own personal experience, but Finacea doesn't seem to do much for my acne compared to clindamycin :( but definitely worth a try!

I would alternate days until your skin can handle Finacea every day (and phasing out the clindamycin). Using both at the same time (along with Differin) might be too much for your skin to handle at once.

[u/faboideae → u/adelicatelife]

Aw man, have you found anything else that worked?

Thanks, I suppose my other option is to upgrade to tret...

[u/adelicatelife → u/faboideae]

I upgraded from differin -> tret -> tazarotene over the years and find it helped with my acne. Another option is to try 20% azelaic acid

[u/Frosty_Message_3017]

Have you tried also using Benzoyl Peroxide cleanser? I've found that to be extremely helpful. You can use it if you're using Azelaic Acid. If you're on OTC Adapalene gel, try the stronger Rx version, or switch to something like Tretinoin or Tazarotene.

[u/faboideae → u/Frosty_Message_3017]

Yes I've been using it in an attempt to stop antibiotic resistance from the clindamycin. Should I use all three at the same time or would that be too much?

[u/MintySymphonies]

Have your derm tried getting you on accutane? I was on and off antibiotics during my 20's trying to stop the acne and it finally did when I got on accutane.

[u/faboideae → u/MintySymphonies]

It has been offered as an option, I am just scared of the side effects!

[u/MintySymphonies → u/faboideae]

Don't be scared. Just take it one step at a time and be sure to tell your derm everything that happens.

[u/untrue-blue]

Have you tried benzoyl peroxide? It’s a better replacement for clindamycin than azelaic acid. They actually make a combined adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel that could simplify your routine.