Can You Use Lactic Acid and Clindamycin Together?

Lactic acid is a topical treatment that can be used to help clear up acne.

It’s usually prescribed in combination with other topical medications, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Lactic acid works by eliminating bacteria that cause pimples and also helps dry out excess oil on the skin.

You might be wondering if you can use lactic acid together with clindamycin—a topical antibiotic that treats bacterial infections like acne.

Let’s explore how these treatments work together to help clear up acne so you can decide which option makes sense for your needs.

Can You Use Lactic Acid and Clindamycin Together?

You can use lactic acid and clindamycin together. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), whereas clindamycin is an antibiotic.

Both of these ingredients are available in topical formulations, which means that they’re applied to the skin rather than taken by mouth.

Lactic acid works by loosening dead skin cells to unclog pores and reduce blemishes.

It also helps to exfoliate the top layer of your skin, which reduces redness and inflammation associated with acne breakouts.

Clindamycin works by slowing down bacterial growth so that breakouts heal faster and don’t reoccur as often.

How to Use Lactic Acid and Clindamycin Together

For best results, you should apply the lactic acid and clindamycin in the following ways:

• Apply a thin layer of lactic acid over your face, neck, and chest. Leave on for 20 minutes before washing off completely.
• Apply a pea-sized amount of clindamycin lotion to each affected area of the skin, once every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor.
• Use only enough to cover the affected area; do not apply too much or more frequently than prescribed by your doctor.

Why Should You Use Lactic Acid and Clindamycin Together?

Clindamycin and lactic acid are both used to treat acne.

As such, they’re often prescribed together by doctors.

The two medications work in different ways: clindamycin is an antibiotic that’s taken orally, while lactic acid is a topical treatment with antibacterial properties.

Both treatments can be used on their own or with other medications (including other antibiotics).

However, they’re most effective when combined with each other because they target different types of acne-causing bacteria and minimize the risk of resistance developing.

How Do You Select Between Using Lactic Acid or Clindamycin Alone and Using Them Together?

If you have an infection that responds to clindamycin, it can be used alone.

If your infection responds to lactic acid, it can be used alone.

If your infection responds to both, they can be used together.

In summary:

• If you have an infection that responds to clindamycin, it can be used alone
• If your infection responds to lactic acid, it can be used alone
• If your infection responds to both, they can be used together

Are There Any Side Effects When You Use Lactic Acid and Clindamycin Together?

Side effects are possible with both lactic acid and clindamycin, though the side effects of each may vary.

• Lactic acid – Some studies have shown that lactic acid can cause dry skin, peeling, itching, and irritation of the scalp. It also has been linked to a reduction in bone density at high doses over prolonged periods of time (more than one year).
• Clindamycin alone – Possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Other rare but serious risks include severe allergic reactions.
• Lactic Acid & Clindamycin Together – When these two ingredients are used together there are no added risks or known adverse reactions so long as they’re used within the recommended dosage limits discussed above.

If you experience any negative side effects while using your skin care products containing lactic or clindamycin, discontinue use immediately until symptoms subside completely.

If they do not go away then see your healthcare provider as soon as possible so that these symptoms can be addressed before they become worse or more difficult to treat effectively!

Are There Any Precautions You Should Take When You Use Lactic Acid and Clindamycin Together?

Lactic acid can cause irritation and dryness. Clindamycin can also cause irritation, dryness, and redness.

To avoid these effects:

• Use a gentle cleanser that won’t irritate your skin further (or none at all).
• Apply sunscreen when you’re spending time outside to prevent sunburn.
• Avoid touching your face with dirty hands while you have lactic acid or clindamycin on it—the dirt will further irritate the area around your eyes and mouth.

Are There Any Alternative Treatments That Can Be Used in Place of Lactic Acid or Clindamycin Alone (or in Combination)?

If you’re looking for a treatment that’s effective for acne and is safe to use with lactic acid and clindamycin, consider using a benzoyl peroxide wash.

This ingredient is commonly found in over-the-counter products to treat mild to moderate inflammatory pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts as well as oily skin.

Benzoyl peroxide can be applied topically to the skin in concentrations ranging from 2% up to 10%, depending on the severity of your breakout.

The higher concentrations are more effective at treating active breakouts but may cause dryness or peeling of the skin around treated areas if used consistently over a long period of time.

Final Thoughts

Lactic acid and clindamycin are both commonly used to treat acne.

However, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of before using these two medications together.

For example, if you use lactic acid with clindamycin, it can cause stomach upset or diarrhea because they work in different ways.

In addition, it’s important to remember that lactic acid does not kill bacteria as other antibiotics do; therefore, if your infection does not improve after using this combination therapy then you should consult your doctor about other treatment options.