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If you’ve ever struggled with stubborn, stress-induced, or hormonal acne, you know how frustrating it can be. I’ve been there. In college, my skin went through the worst breakout phase due to hormonal imbalances and extreme stress. And that’s one of the reasons why there’s not enough money in the world that’ll convince me to go back for another degree lol. No matter what I tried—drugstore cleansers, trendy skincare products, and even DIY remedies—nothing worked long-term. Girl I even listened to my friend and started using Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner, girl WTF! Looking back, that was so dumb.
It wasn’t until I got to the root of the issue and saw a Black female dermatologist that I finally found my holy grail acne treatment: Tretinoin 0.1% and Clindamycin Phosphate Gel 1%. These two prescription products changed my skin and have kept it clear for years. Now, I rarely break out, and when I do, my skin bounces back quickly.
If you’re struggling with acne and looking for a real solution, here’s why these two products work and how you can get them without breaking the bank.
Tretinoin 0.1% – The Ultimate Skin Renewal Treatment
Tretinoin (a form of Vitamin A) is a powerhouse when it comes to acne. It helps:
✅ Speed up skin cell turnover
✅ Prevent clogged pores
✅ Fade dark spots and acne scars
✅ Improve overall skin texture
I started with a lower percentage before working up to Tretinoin 0.1%, which is the strongest formulation. It took some time for my skin to adjust (the infamous “purge” phase is real!), but once I got past that, it was smooth sailing.
💡 Pro Tip: Tretinoin makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so wearing sunscreen is non-negotiable. My go-to brand is the La Roche Posay Daily Antioxidant Face Serum SPF 50 or the La Roche Posay Double Repay Moisturizer with SPF 30 for lightweight, non-greasy sun protection.
Clindamycin Phosphate Gel 1% – The Acne-Fighting Antibiotic
Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. It works hand-in-hand with Tretinoin because:
- Clindamycin calms active breakouts, reducing redness and swelling.
- Tretinoin prevents future breakouts by keeping pores clear.
How to Get Tretinoin & Clindamycin for Cheap
Now, I won’t lie—these prescriptions can be pricey if you don’t know where to look. Back in 2019 when I didn’t know better, I paid a $50 Co-pay to see my dermatologist + $150 for both products WITH INSURANCE. But you don’t have to pay full price! Here’s how to get them for the low:
1. Use Telehealth Services
If you don’t have access to a dermatologist, online services like Curology, Nurx, and Apostrophe can prescribe Tretinoin and Clindamycin after a virtual consultation. They often have discounts for first-time users.
When I decided to get back to using these two products recently, I used Nurx with no insurance and paid $40 to obtain the prescription. The process was super easy and took me less than 30 minutes. Instead of having them ship the product to you, have them send the script to your nearest pharmacy. TRUST ME!
2. Try Prescription Discount Programs
Websites like GoodRx and SingleCare can help you find the lowest prices at different pharmacies. I’ve personally saved so much money using GoodRx for my prescriptions!
After getting my prescription from my Nurx doctor, go on GoodRX and search for the prescription and it’ll provide the pharmacies closest to you and the prices from each pharmacy.
I ended up paying $6 (YES YOU READ RIGHT) for my Tretinoin.
3. Buy Abroad
This one may not be for everyone but if you like and travel often, this is your best bet. Most countries, well most Latin countries from my experience, have Pharmacies almost everywhere and you can walk-in and purchase these products without a prescription for significantly less.
I recently took a trip to Tulum, Mexico, and stocked up on both products for under $100. And I got enough for the rest of the year.
Final Thoughts: The Simple Skincare Routine That Keeps My Skin Clear
Aside from Tretinoin and Clindamycin, I keep my skincare routine super simple. No fancy 10-step routines—just effective, dermatologist-approved basics:
🌿 Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Foaming Cleanser
💧 Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Double Repair Moisturizer
☀️ Sunscreen: La Roche Posay Daily Antioxidant Face Serum SPF 50
I have a few other favorite products I throw in every now and again, but for the most part I keep is basic.
This routine + my prescriptions = clear, glowing skin for years.
If you’re struggling with acne, don’t give up! Once you find the right treatment, you will see progress. And if you’ve been thinking about trying Tretinoin or Clindamycin, check out the budget-friendly tips above to save some cash.
Have you tried these products before? What’s your go-to acne treatment? Let’s talk in the comments!
