Duac Gel

What is Duac gel?

Duac gel is an antibiotic gel for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above. It’s an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne.

It can be used to treat mild acne vulgaris and inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions anywhere externally on the body, but you should avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, lips and broken or irritated skin. Duac gel works by application to the skin once a day in the evening.

How does Duac gel work?

Acne is caused by an overproduction of chemicals which clog the pores and create blackheads. Duac gel works simply by killing off the bacteria which causes acne.

Duac gel contains two active ingredients: Clindamycin (an antibiotic) and Benzoyl Peroxide. The active ingredient Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic which helps to prevent acne by killing off the bacteria that feeds on the sebum produced by the skins’ sebaceous glands.

The second active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, is a keratolytic – an agent that breaks down the top layer of the skin to reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and prevents further breakouts. The combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide is a proven and effective way to actively treat moderately severe acne. ^[1]

What doses of Duac gel are there?

There are two doses of Duac gel that you can use: the 10 mg/g + 30 mg/g gel and the 10mg/g + 50mg/g gel. The difference between the two is simple: although both doses include 10mg/g of clindamycin, it’s only the concentration of benzoyl peroxide that changes. The decision to use a higher dosage will depend on the severity of your acne, but one of our clinicians will be able to talk you through this decision.

How to use Duac gel

• Wash with a mild cleanser and fully dry the skin
• Apply Duac gel to the affected area(s) in a thin film. Apply once a day in the evening
• If the gel does not rub into the skin easily, this means too much is being applied
• Wash your hands thoroughly after use
• If you develop excessive dryness, aggravated or peeling skin, you should apply the treatment less frequently

How long does it take Duac gel to work?

The amount of time it takes for Duac gel to work will depend on the severity of your acne and the dose that you are using. It usually takes around 2-5 weeks to see a noticeable difference from using Duac gel. If at around the 6 week mark you are unable to see a noticeable difference you should contact our clinician to discuss treatment options. You should not use Duac gel for more than a period of 12 weeks.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Duac gel?

It’s important to make sure you follow the guidelines for applying Duac gel, and the advice of your prescriber to ensure you minimise mistakes. If an error did occur, such as forgetting to use the gel or applying too much, this can be rectified by using it normally the next time round or reducing your usage if you apply too much and encounter skin irritation or peeling. This should not make any long-term difference to your treatment.