Treclin Gel ,dual-action acne treatment. It contains two active ingredients – The combination means the gel fights the bacteria that causes acne and alleviates any inflammation. Combination therapy is generally more effective than using two treatments independently.

Treclin Gel is recommended for use on moderate to severe cases of acne vulgaris. For less severe cases, consult your doctor for a better-suited treatment.

Acne is caused by hair follicles in your skin being blocked by sebum. Sebum is produced by glands in your skin called sebaceous glands – this is a normal process designed to moisturise your skin and hair. However, at certain times in your life, an influx of hormones can cause excess sebum production, for example, during puberty or menstruation.

When these follicles become blocked, they either result in blackheads or whiteheads. Alternatively, if bacteria gets into the clogged follicles, it can cause a range of skin imperfections.

Treclin Gel is a combination therapy treatment. Each of its two active ingredients – clindamycin and tretinoin – has a different mechanism of action.

Clindamycin is an antibiotic. It works by preventing bacteria that may have infected your skin from producing a necessary protein. Without this, bacteria cannot reproduce – your immune system can then easily fight the infection.

In contrast, tretinoin is a retinoid and vitamin A derivative. It reduces sebum build-up and encourages the shedding of dead skin cells and any other substances that may block pores. The result is clearer skin.

Always follow the advice of the prescribing physician. If in doubt, contact a healthcare professional for clarification.

You apply this treatment once a day in the evening before you go to sleep.

You should not apply any more skin products after applying this treatment at night.

To apply Treclin Gel:

• before using this treatment, you should first wash and dry your face
• you should then squeeze a pea-sized amount on your fingertip
• dab onto your forehead, nose cheeks and chin
• you should then rub the treatment into the skin

Please note – it may take a few weeks before you notice the effects. If your symptoms have not improved in 12 weeks of using Treclin Gel, please stop treatment and contact your doctor. You may need more potent medication.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of this treatment – it will not make it any more effective.

Make sure to avoid long exposure to direct sunlight when using this treatment.

As this treatment is topical, if you experience side effects, it is most likely they will affect your skin. In particular, you may experience skin irritation and dryness.

Other common side effects include:

• eye irritation
• oedema (swelling)
• photosensitivity
• varying skin reactions
• pigmentation changes (skin discolouration)

If you experience any of the above, or any unlisted reactions, please inform your doctor. Depending on the reaction and its severity, you may be asked to stop using the gel. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

You should also be aware of the symptoms of an allergic attack – difficulty breathing, skin rashes and swelling of the face, neck and throat. If you have an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.