Duac 5% Gel (30g)

Duac 5% Gel (30g) reviews

Duac 5% Gel (30g) FAQs

• Is Duac an effective acne treatment?

  Duac is a treatment which combines two of the most commonly-used acne treatments. No treatment will completely cure acne, but Duac should remove 2/3 of blemishes within 30 days of use.

  First, it contains clindamycin, which is the top antibiotic used to treat acne in both the UK and in Canada. Unlike minocycline (the primary treatment in the US), it will not cause teeth to become stained or discoloured.

  The second component is benzoyl peroxide. This is the most popular ingredient in all acne treatments. It contains benzoin and hydrogen peroxide, which kill acne bacteria which remains after the clindamycin treatment. This combination of ingredients ensures that the bacteria will not become resistant to one antibiotic.

  Duac tends to work within 48 hours, which is notably faster than other combination acne treatments such as Zineryt or Differin.

• Should I keep using my moisturiser?

  A moisturiser will help to prevent dry skin, which is very important in treating acne. Moisturiser can be applied over a layer of Duac. However, do not use a moisturiser containing an alcohol, as this may increase skin irritation. Instead, select an alcohol-free alternative.

• Will using Duac cause dry skin?

  1 in 10 patients who use Duac will notice dry skin to some extent. This may lead to mild redness and peeling where the treatment is applied.

  This side effect may be more pronounced when Duac is used in combination with certain other medicines, cosmetics, toiletries or soaps. Specifically, products which contain isotretinoin, tretinoin and tazarotene may interact with benzoyl peroxide and lead to skin irritation. If you must use these products as well as Duac, try to spread out the time of day when you apply them.

• How should I store Duac?

  Duac should be stored below 25°C and kept for a maximum of two months after opening. Keep all medications away from children.

• Can I still drink alcohol when using Duac?

  Duac will not react with the drinking of alcohol; however it might react with other topical acne products that contain alcohol.

• How will Duac Gel benefit me?

  Duac Gel can provide many benefits, the main ones being:

  • A reduction in acne on the skin
  • Decreases the chance of future outbreaks occurring
  • Allows your skin to breath and heal
  • It’s a cost effective solution
  • By applying Duac directly to the skin, it is able to work faster than other medications, as well as decreasing the chance of side effects
  • Some people see benefits within the first few days

• Can I buy Duac over-the-counter?

  Duac is a prescription only medication and is therefore not available over the counter. In order to purchase Duac gel you will need a prescription from a medical professional.

• If I use Duac will my skin dry out?

  Approximately 10 percent of individuals who use duac will experience some level of dry skin. This can manifest itself as redness or peeling in the area in which the treatment has been applied. This kind of irritation can become more noticeable if duac is used in conjunction with other medication, cosmetics or toiletries. More specifically, products which contain ingredients such as isotretinoin, tretinoin and tazarotene can increase irritation by interacting with the benozyl peroxide. If you wish to use these products alongside Duac, it might be a good idea to spread them out throughout the day.

• How does Duac work?

  Duac works by making use of two active ingredients. The first one is called clindamycin, the number one antibiotic in the UK for treating acne. This has benefits over minocycline (which is the number one antibiotic used in the US), as it does not discolour or stain teeth.

  The second active ingredient is known as benzyol peroxide, an ingredient which can be found in most acne treatments. The benzoin and the hydrogen peroxide work by killing any acne bacteria remaining on the skin. By combining with clindamycin these ingredients stop the bacteria from becoming resistant to one antibiotic.

  Studies have shown that Duac works within 48 hours of use, much faster than any other combination treatment available on the market.

• Is Duac once daily gel?

  Yes – Duac Gel is intended for once-daily application to help treat and prevent breakouts.

• Is Duac Gel safe during pregnancy?

  Duac Gel is not recommended during pregnancy. This is because it contains benzoyl peroxide. Consult a medical professional for advice on a suitable alternative if you are pregnant.