Treclin Gel

Treclin is a prescription-only topical gel that combines two powerful acne-fighting ingredients — clindamycin (1%) and tretinoin (0.025%) — into a single once-daily treatment. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria responsible for acne and reduces inflammation, while tretinoin is a retinoid (a vitamin A derivative) that speeds up skin cell turnover to prevent pores from becoming blocked with dead skin cells and excess oil. Used together, these two ingredients tackle acne from multiple angles simultaneously, making Treclin more effective than using either ingredient on its own. It is suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over with mild to moderate acne. A consultation with one of our clinicians at Access Doctor is required before it can be prescribed.

Apply Treclin gel once a day in the evening before bed. Gently wash your face with a mild, non-medicated cleanser, rinse with warm water, and pat it completely dry. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of gel onto your fingertip, dot it onto your chin, cheeks, nose, and forehead, then gently spread it in a thin layer over your entire face. Avoid the eyes, eyelids, lips, nostrils, and the corners of the nose. Wash your hands immediately after applying. Do not apply any other skincare products after Treclin at night — if you use other acne treatments, use them in the morning and Treclin in the evening. Do not wash your face more than 2 to 3 times a day, as over-washing can make acne worse.

Yes — this is very common and is known as the Treclin purge. During the first 2 to 6 weeks of treatment, your skin may temporarily break out more than usual, or become dry, red, and peeling. This happens because tretinoin accelerates skin cell turnover, which brings hidden spots beneath the surface to the surface more quickly. It can feel disheartening, but it is actually a sign that the treatment is working. It is important not to stop using Treclin during this phase. Full improvement is typically seen after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.

Most people begin to notice an improvement in their skin within a few weeks of starting Treclin, with meaningful results typically visible after 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use. The full benefit is usually seen after 10 to 12 weeks. Treclin should not be used continuously for more than 12 weeks without a medical review. If you haven't noticed any improvement after 12 weeks, speak to your clinician at Access Doctor, who can advise on alternative or additional treatments.

The most commonly reported side effects — particularly when you first start using Treclin — are skin dryness, redness, peeling, mild stinging or burning, and itching at the application site. These usually settle within a few weeks as your skin adjusts. Using a gentle, fragrance-free, oil-free moisturiser in the morning can help to manage dryness. As Treclin contains the antibiotic clindamycin, there is a small risk of diarrhoea — if you develop severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhoea at any point during or after using Treclin, stop immediately and contact your GP, as this can occasionally indicate bowel inflammation. In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction can occur — if you experience swelling of the face or lips, hives, or difficulty breathing, call 999 immediately.

Yes — tretinoin makes your skin significantly more sensitive to sunlight. While using Treclin, always apply a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, wear protective clothing when out in the sun, and avoid sunbeds entirely. If you get sunburnt, stop using Treclin until your skin has fully healed before restarting. Applying Treclin only in the evening helps to reduce daytime sun sensitivity.

Treclin is not suitable for everyone. You should not use it if you have a known allergy to clindamycin, tretinoin, or lincomycin, or if you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis. It is also not suitable if you have a history of rosacea, acute eczema, perioral dermatitis, or skin cancer, or if your acne is the deep cystic or nodular type. Always let your clinician at Access Doctor know about your full medical history before starting Treclin.

No — Treclin must not be used during pregnancy, while trying to conceive, or while breastfeeding. Tretinoin is a retinoid, and retinoids are known to carry a risk of causing harm to a developing baby. If you discover you are pregnant while using Treclin, stop immediately and contact your GP. If you are breastfeeding, Treclin should be avoided as clindamycin can be absorbed through the skin in small amounts. Always use effective contraception while using Treclin and speak to your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy.