Overview
What is it?
Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin and erythromycin, are medications applied to the skin to reduce inflammatory acne lesions. First-generation retinoids, like tretinoin, are derived from vitamin A and help treat both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. These treatments are not naturally occurring but are synthesized for medical use.
How does it work?
Topical antibiotics work by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation in the skin. First-generation retinoids like tretinoin normalize the shedding of skin cells in hair follicles, preventing clogged pores and reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions .
What are the benefits?
Topical antibiotics are effective in reducing inflammatory acne lesions, while first-generation retinoids like tretinoin address both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. Together, they can improve overall acne severity and are particularly useful for mild to moderate acne .
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research shows that topical antibiotics like clindamycin and erythromycin significantly reduce inflammatory lesions. Tretinoin has been shown to reduce total acne lesions by 40% compared to 24% with placebo in some studies. Combining these treatments can enhance their effectiveness, as they target different aspects of acne development .
Side Effects
Skin irritation
Topical antibiotics and retinoids can cause mild to moderate skin irritation, especially during the initial weeks of use .
Erythema (redness)
Erythema, or redness of the skin, is a common side effect, particularly with retinoids like tretinoin .
Dryness
Dryness is a frequent side effect, as retinoids can reduce the skin's natural oil production .
Burning or stinging
Burning or stinging sensations may occur, especially when first applying the treatment .
Peeling or scaling
Peeling or scaling of the skin is a common side effect of retinoids, as they promote skin cell turnover .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Vehicles Matter
Discusses the importance of vehicle formulations in the effectiveness of acne treatments, including topical antibiotics and retinoids.
View study[2] Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne.
Compares the effectiveness of various topical treatments, including azelaic acid, for acne. Mentions the relative efficacy of azelaic acid compared to other treatments like benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin.
View study[3] Tolerability and Efficacy of Clindamycin/Tretinoin versus Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
Compares the efficacy and tolerability of clindamycin/tretinoin combination with adapalene/benzoyl peroxide in treating mild to moderate acne. Finds that clindamycin/tretinoin is better tolerated.
View study[4] Acne aestivalis
Reports a case of acne aestivalis treated with tretinoin, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing acne lesions.
View study[5] Treatments for Moderate-to-Severe Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Reviews the comparative effectiveness of various treatments for moderate-to-severe acne, including topical antibiotics and retinoids.
View study[6] Acne vulgaris
Provides an overview of topical antibiotics and first-generation retinoids, their mechanisms, benefits, and side effects in treating acne.
View study[7] Acne vulgaris
Discusses the use of topical antibiotics and first-generation retinoids in acne treatment, including their efficacy and side effects.
View study