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Should I Use Combination Acne Treatments to Treat My Acne?

By Nicole Galan, RN, About.com

Updated September 09, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: Should I Use Combination Acne Treatments to Treat My Acne?
Answer:

Benzaclin and Benzamycin are combination acne treatments which are prescription topical ointments. They contain a combination of benzoyl peroxide and an antibiotic. When used together, they are more effective in treating mild-to-moderate acne than either product alone.

Benzamycin is a combination of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin. Besides clearing the pore of dirt and debris, the antibiotic helps to eliminate the bacteria that can cause inflammation and worsen the breakout. Benzaclin is clindamycin combined with benzoyl peroxide and works in the same fashion as benzamycin.

While you should always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor, combination acne treatments are typically applied twice a day to clean skin. Give the product 8 to 10 weeks before stopping treatment, as it can take some time to begin to work.

Both of these medications can cause drying, stinging or peeling of the skin. Take care to moisturize your skin regularly, avoid drying cosmetic and cleaning products and avoid washing your face one hour after application. It can also increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so make sure that you wear sunscreen. Let your physician know if side effects become severe.

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