Key takeaways
Ziana (clindamycin/tretinoin) and Differin (adapalene) are both topical treatments for acne, but they have some key differences. Ziana is a combination of clindamycin, an antibiotic, and tretinoin, a retinoic acid. Differin is a first-choice option for treating acne and contains only adapalene, a retinoid. Ziana requires a prescription, whereas Differin is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, depending on the strength. Both medications have a generic version available, but the generic version of Ziana can still be expensive. Both Ziana and Differin can take up to 12 weeks to show full effects and may initially worsen acne. Like all antibiotics, the clindamycin in Ziana can cause diarrhea, although its less likely to happen with topical medications. Both medications can cause skin irritation and sun sensitivity so it's important to ensure careful sun protection and moisturizing to manage side effects.
