Improving compliance in acne treatment: benzoyl peroxide considerations.

Treatment success in acne depends on appropriate selection of medication and vehicle for efficacy, tolerability, and convenience. Patient education provided by the clinician also is important to ensure optimum compliance. Involving the patient in medication and daily skin care selections also increases the likelihood of compliance. Most patients will be using some combination of a topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and a topical or oral antibiotic. Benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids can alter skin barrier integrity. Selection of a moisturizing vehicle is important to repair the skin barrier and improve tolerability. A fixed clindamycin 1%-BPO 5% (C/BPO) combination in a moisturizing gel base has a favorable tolerability profile and patient preference.