Case-based experience with the simultaneous use of a fixed topical antibiotic/benzoyl peroxide combination and a topical retinoid in the optimization of acne management.

Treatment options for acne vulgaris have expanded considerably in the past decade. The main goals of treatment continue to be reducing acne lesions while maintaining patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment. As dermatologists, the art of treatment is to develop, fine-tune, and utilize combinations of agents to increase compliance, thereby optimizing patient outcomes. In acne management, one strategy involves concomitant use of topical retinoids with benzoyl peroxide or a fixed combination of topical antibiotic/benzoyl peroxide. This strategy requires application of one product in the morning and one in the evening due to concerns of benzoyl peroxide-induced degradation of retinoid activity. Presented are two cases in which a topical retinoid and a topical fixed combination of clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide were used concomitantly in patients with mild-to-moderate acne. Research-based and practical rationale on the simultaneous use of newer-generation retinoids and benzoyl peroxide-based products, without concern of retinoid degradation, is discussed.