Topical clindamycin is a first-line treatment for a severe type of acne that happens when bacteria clog pores and triggers the immune system to respond and cause inflammation (inflammatory acne).

Mild comedonal (noninflammatory) acne may be treated with once daily application of a topical ... available for treating acne include clindamycin (1% gel, lotion, solution, or pledgets applied ...

The patient called after 1 week, upset that her acne had not yet improved. She followed the regimen of twice-daily applications of BP/clindamycin ... topical retinoid application must continue ...