182 replies to this topic

[babu ^^]

read a couple of these posts..

Hey there guys! I'm 16 and I've been dealing with acne for a few years now. It was pretty bad at one point, which was about 2-3 years ago. I've used lots of topical products..some of them being tazorac, atralin, and differin. I've been on birth control pills, but had to come off of them because they gave me high blood pressure. I also used prescription pills such as doxycyline and doryx. I was taking doxycyline twice a day, but then my derm switched me to doryx once a day because she wants to take me off antibiotics all together. (I've been on them for almost 2 years) So, currently i'm using a mixture of salex, epiduo, and a seb-prev cream during the day...then at night i use a mixture of atralin and salex. I just started epiduo about 2 weeks ago and i've been breaking out a lot lately. I'm not sure if its due to a cleanser i've been using or if just a mixture of the two? I also have body acne on my chest and back and was wondering if anyone has/had the same problem?..and if so what have you done to control it?

thanks :)

i know personally for myself, i broke out when i first stared using epidou; give it 3 weeks and everything should be calm and no new ones. or atleast that is when i began to see improvement. i also was using a product that enhances the efficiency of BP as well so im sorry i dont know how much help my advice is going to be :( but stay in there are be sure to look up if any of your other medications do the same as i did. good luck and stay strong :)

[lunA chiX]

Great! How do you like it so far?

I am about 10 days into it so far. I am still really impressed with Epiduo. I did not have any breakouts until today and I have one on my chin. I know this is probably hormonal. Usually about this time in my cycle I would have 5-10 pimples so I'll take one! My one complaint is that my face HURTS if I put any pressure on it. Hopefully this will go away soon. I did experience some dryness last week but it has since gone away.

i am going to pick up epiduo 2 day and i have to go to my school to pick up my locker # in 5 days and all my class mates will be there and im REALLY brokeout and i dont want them 2 see me like this... like i dont get cysts i get LOTS of white heades and black head all in big groups beside my nose on my nose and on my forehead and chin...... do you think ill be cleared up b4 i pick up epiduio

[strosjess41]

I've been using Epiduo for about a week now and I've had no trouble. Trust me I've used everything and this has been the best product I've found so far!!! I've tried Duac, Differin, been on Retin-A twice and even Pro-Activ. The Retin-A helped for awhile but recently my skin broke out really bad and nothing helped it so I went in and my dermatologist put me in Epiduo and upped my Doxycycline from 100 mg 1x day to 2x day. So far the Epiduo has worked wonders!! In just a week my skin has cleared up dramatically! Just in one day, the spots I had out were coming to a head and shrinking and even a few scars I had were fading. I haven't had any burning or redness, if you keep having that much burning I would talk to your doctor because I haven't had any! Now Duac did but Epiduo hasn't.


My Regimen:

Morning:
Wash with Purpose Soap (Recommended by my Dermatologist several years ago)
Pro-Activ Repairing Lotion or Clean & Clear Spot Treatment (I alternate days)
Put on Olay Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Lotion (Only one that won't break me out)

Evening:
Wash with Purpose Soap
Wait 30 mins then put on Epiduo
Wait a few minutes then put on Olay Lotion

[meli80]

hello everyone!
well im so excited of the wonders that epiduo is doing for everyone! Iv always had acne but not bad till recently i got the deprovera shot and out of no where my whole face is covered with acne!! There are the small pimples the derm said that because of the steroid shot it made my acne go crazy. So im going on my 2nd week with epiduo and really i see no difference, my hubby says that he does see a huge difference in my faced. So what im doing is taking pic of my face to see if it is really helping. My question to you is how do u use your epiduo? i only wash my face with the soap that they recommend and thats all really. Can you help me out to have a regimen log?

thank you !!!

[tranqy]

I just started epiduo. I am glad that many people are not having bad effects to it. The only thing I noticed is that it is expensive stuff. I wonder what gives it a retail price of over 200.00 dollars. I have insurance and with the 35 dollar saving card they give you it still cost me 25.00. I wonder if i didn't have insurance if I could justify that 218 dollar cost.

Crazy, I'm seeing 30 € (~$43) price for 30g tube in Germany.

[tranqy]

I just want to say that I have had a terrible, I repeat terrible experience with Epiduo. I am 22 and I have mild acne. After just three days I experienced intense burning and itching while applying it. I thought that was normal so I just kept using it. On the fourth day I woke up to swelling, really bad red blotches on my cheeks and chin, peeling and scaling, and an intense burning all over my face. I had a sunburn on my forehead. It was a nightmare. I am switching back to differin since that never gave me any of these reactions. Something to keep in mind for those who are considering trying this medicine!!

WIKIPEDIA article on benzoyl peroxide, an active component in Epiduo, says:

It commonly causes initial dryness and sometimes irritation, although the skin develops tolerance after a week or so. A small percentage of people are much more sensitive to it and liable to suffer burning, itching, peeling and possibly swelling. It is sensible to apply the lowest concentration and build up as appropriate. Once tolerance is achieved, increasing the quantity or concentration a second time and gaining tolerance at a higher level usually gives better subsequent acne clearance.

[tranqy]

I recently started using Epiduo gel, I am also on Levlen birth control pill. When i was at the doctor she said that it contained an antibiotic, but i didnt anything of it. But now i have learnt that taking antibiotics stops the effectiveness of the pill.
Please, does anyone know if it is safe to use Epiduo gel whilst on the pill? Will the birth control pill still be effective?

worried

Epiduo does not contain antibiotics. Duac does. Maybe your doc mixed them up.

[tranqy]

read a couple of these posts..

Hey there guys! I'm 16 and I've been dealing with acne for a few years now. It was pretty bad at one point, which was about 2-3 years ago. I've used lots of topical products..some of them being tazorac, atralin, and differin. I've been on birth control pills, but had to come off of them because they gave me high blood pressure. I also used prescription pills such as doxycyline and doryx. I was taking doxycyline twice a day, but then my derm switched me to doryx once a day because she wants to take me off antibiotics all together. (I've been on them for almost 2 years) So, currently i'm using a mixture of salex, epiduo, and a seb-prev cream during the day...then at night i use a mixture of atralin and salex. I just started epiduo about 2 weeks ago and i've been breaking out a lot lately. I'm not sure if its due to a cleanser i've been using or if just a mixture of the two? I also have body acne on my chest and back and was wondering if anyone has/had the same problem?..and if so what have you done to control it?

thanks

I wouldn't use mixture of them, although with adapalene (in Differin and Epiduo) initial breakout is common. Also use Epiduo only in the evening, 'cause adapalene - retinoid may be overreacting when exposed to sun. Maybe buy some non-comedogenic sunscreen.

Now about Salex, let's see: Salex - salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent). Salicylic acid causes shedding of the outer layer of skin.

Epiduo interractions: patients are advised to exercise caution in using Epiduo together with other skin products containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid, or with medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers. Skin products with high levels of alcohol or astringents should also be avoided. Using topical products with a strong drying effect in combination with Epiduo can increase irritation.

Atralin is a tretinoin - a topical retinoid - vitamin A derivative used to treat acne. Well adapalene contained in Epiduo is also a retinoid.

My 2 cents. I would use only Epiduo with some non-comedogenic moisturizer at night. Sunscreen during a day. I would drop Salex and another stuff for use on a face, because of overdrying and irritation. Body acne on chest, shoulders is common. I would use Salex for that (maybe with seb-prev or another brand of sulfacetamide lotion).

[Carlos1587]

I have been using epiduo for approximately 5 weeks. As a brief history on my acne, I was diagnosed after having a few cysts on my jawline and my parents told me to go to the derm to get it checked out. After trying Retin-A Micro and Minocycline I was given epiduo and doxycycline.

I have seen some minor improvements. I broke out, as expected, initially, until week three. After week three, I noticed that everything was fine for a week, then this week happened where there was yet another cyst on the left jaw-line.

I think that epiduo is a decent product for handling some smaller spots and keeping them under control.

[Mr.Noobels]

I <3 Epiduo but the acne still comes and goes. but not as bad :] we will see in a months time.

[michaela080]

I have been using epiduo for about 6 months. It is the best product I have used. Now I have 99% clear skin, and a real noticeable zit might come through only every 2-3 months, but heals faster than it used to. My skin is not very sensitive so I have not had a problem with dry skin, but it does react with certain products like my Cetaphil moisturizer. It just burned a little, so I stopped using the moisturizer. It has not reacted with anything else. If I put it right under my eyes it burns also, so I just avoid that area. I use it every night.

[Dunnowhattoput.]

Hello all.

I've had acne since I was 12, and am now 19. The only thing I previously tried was proactive, which was a huge disappointment. I just started a combo of Epiduo and Tetracyline(sp?) last Thursday, so a whole week now. I had no problems until yesterday when I woke up with unbearable flakey skin, so I skipped the treatment last night and still woke up with painfully flakey skin, it feels like a bad facial sunburn. I've read some of the posts here and I guess I should skip treatment until it heals? It really feels like I'm wearing mask at this point, it's so tight on uncomfortable. As far as it's effectiveness, the combination with the Tetracycline has managed to make some of the acne smaller, though I still get new pimples. They tend not to get cystic like they used to, though.

I don't know. I guess I'll give it a break for a while, because clear skin is definitely not worth this much constant pain. Will keep you all updated on any progress!

Good luck with all of you. Acne can be a real downer on our lives.

-Heather

[tomboiqld]

update. 2 months into the treatment and things are looking very nice. went back to my GP and got tetracycline prescribed to me as well. so its one tablet in the morning, cleansing and epiduo and night, then moisturizing the next morning. Its working well, all pimples nearly gone, only a few marks on face now which are fading with a weekly exfoliation. good luck to everyone, this product seems to be my savior

[bshrink]

I almost am totally clear up just literally two baby pimples you cant even notice
~ i use epiduo and one other cream in the morning~

on a side note, since epiduo doesn't help scaring; do u know anything that will

GLAD THIS IS WORKING FOR SO MANY !

I just started Epiduo about a week ago, and am so far very pleased. I am only applying it every other night and using an oil free moisturizer to help ease myself into it as recommended by my dermatologist. My skin feels smoother overall and it is helping to clear up existing pimples nicely. Hopefully the good things continue!

In regards to your question about scarring, I have acne scarring on my cheeks and spoke with my dermatologist about what can be done. I have several deep pit scars, and she told me that the best option for me would probably be laser resurfacing. Creams may help soften the appearance of my scarring, but to see more dramatic changes (they are several years old), I would need to undergo some sort of resurfacing procedure. However, every case is different so I would suggest getting a consultation so they can assess the type and severity of your scars and make recommendations. They may tell you something different. Unfortunately, because scar treatment is considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical one, my insurance plan (and most others) will not cover it, so if you are looking to go that route, just be aware that you may need to pay a lot of money out of pocket!

I hope that was at least semi-helpful and good luck to everyone on the Epiduo (or any other treatment you are using)!

[ghostface]

Hi all,

I'm just starting an Epiduo / tetracycline plan today. Can anybody recommend an oil-free moisturizer that helps out with the dryness? I've never found one that doesn't make me break out.

Thanks

[hco]

I started on Epiduo about a week ago. I am a 24/F. I have been dealing with acne for as long as I can remember. I did a round of Accutane in high school, and while that certainly got rid of the really dark deep acne, I still have frequent flair ups or whiteheads and occasionally larger acne especially around that time of the month. I recently went off of Yasmin after being on it for 5 years. My acne immediately got worse, which spurred me on to going back to the dermatologist.

My dermatologist prescribed me the following formula and advised I could use 1 or all of the 3 prescriptions to figure out what I liked, but did give me a schedule as follows:

Morning:
Wash with Cetaphil or Sumaxin clothes (I also use Cetaphil or Walgreen's brand sea salt body wash for all over).
(I only had one sample of the clothes, and have not been using them to date).
Cover face in Acanya before applying Covergirl Fragrance Free Clean Make up with Physician's Formula Mineral Powder and Mineral Blush

Evening:
Wash face with Cetaphil (sometimes using a washcloth gently to remove excess makeup)
Use Olay's Regenerist Daily Serum
Wait 15 minutes before applying Epiduo

My dermatologist said a lot of her patients have liked the Serum as their moisturizer. While it is marketed for wrinkle reduction, it is light-weight. I will say it is pricey for such a small bottle ($20) but you only need to use very little. CVS also sells a fragrance-free generic brand ($15). Only use 1-2 pumps for your entire face. I found I like to wait longer than 15 minutes to let it absorb as I did not feel my skin was absorbing the Epiduo as well as it could after only 15 minutes. It can feel a tad oily going on, but it really does absorb well and is wearable under make up without being shiny.

I have been having some of the burning others complain about, especially right after application, and in the morning after washing my face. I do not have any burning throughout the day and found even when it did burn it was tolerable. Already, I am seeing HUGE improvement in the one week. I am also now being especially careful applying Epiduo around my eye tissue which seems to be the most sensitive. My skin feels softer and I can see my clogged pours on my chin are drying up (although I am having light peeling). The bumps on my head are taking a little longer to clear, but are shrinking well. I have sensitive skin, and was concerned about the numerous products in this regime but have been extremely pleased thus far.

[Warrior of Acne]

I'm SO glad that there is an Epiduo log! I haven't been able to find one at all and thank you so much for righting this

[YankeesAllDay]

Plexion Facial Cleanser

Epiduo gel

Cetaphil dailer moisturizer

Im a non responder to doryax pills which i tried for 8 weeks combined with benzaclin and clindamiacin wipes. ~ nothing happend my moderate underground blemishes persisted through the 2 months with no real change.

It has been 5 days with the new above regimine and my face is really clearing up. Just a little tightness from the Plexion but well worth it and am told my skin should adjust with time. This trio of products really seems to be doing the job when everything fell short and like most I've tried EVERYTHING. Try the Plexion + Epiduo...look up the reviews it's the real deal

[tomboiqld]

So after 12 weeks of using epiduo I can say my skin has never felt smoother. The once oily texture is no longer there, and whitehead count is constantly between two and zero. I really advocate the use of this product. Combined with a daily tetracycline tablet and cleansing + moisturizing with cetaphil products, my skin is now under control. I received a reply saying that the pigmentation left behind by old scars can only be erased with time or microdermabrasion and according to other dermatologists this is correct. A fraxel laser could also be used to promote new skin growth and by association encourage skin elasticity. I would advise however, that anyone suffering from acne wait until they are confident their skin is under control before opting for these treatments. Continued use of the product is supposed to keep improving skin quality so I will see what it looks like in another 3 months. Best of luck to all users!

[ItalianBoy]

Epiduo was the worst shit ever for me. Had to go the hospital because my face was deformed

Jeez and it is also expensive in €...