Hey everyone,

Just made this account last night to share my experience using Epiduo/Tactuo with all of you.

My Circumstances

So basically, I've had acne since I was about 14 years old (I'm 19 now) and from when I was 15-17 it became cystic which caused my dermatologist to suggest Accutane. I was on accutane for about 16 weeks or so and it drastically cleared up my skin, about 95-98% clear for the next year and a half to two years.

Recently (in the past 3 months) I've started a new job, had a lot going on in my life and then on top of it started breaking out with nasty puss filled pimples around my lower mouth and jawline area. This really just started piling up quickly, always stressing about when I could feel a new one coming on, it was always on my mind. Like thinking people were already staring at the few pimples I had instead of looking me in the eyes when speaking to me.

Ultimately I went to my doctor at work and she prescribed me with Epiduo/Tactuo which is a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, 0.1% adapalene gel that is said to become effective in clearing the skin in about 4-6 weeks.

My Experience

When I first started this product I was stressing so much about my face that I bought so many new products simultaneously to try and be rid of it as fast as I could. This was my biggest mistake! When I first started using the Epiduo/Tactuo my skin got SO RED and irritated, flaking and peel to the point where it was cracking and so painful. I backed off of it for a week and tried again later.

When I went back on it, I really simplified my regimen, basically substituting it for the Benzoyl Peroxide in Dan's regimen and tossed all the new products I bought which were seriously irritating my skin.

What I suggest people use in conjunction with the Epiduo/Tactuo gel is Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser as well as a good moisturizer (Cetaphil as a suggestion, but I currently use Impruv moisturizer that my derm suggested).

Weeks 1-3 showed little improvement besides the fact that my pimples would dry up and go away much quicker.

Week 4 is where I started to see a change in how I wouldn't wake up EVERY morning with a new pimple. It now came maybe every 3-4 days instead!

Weeks 5-6 are basically the golden weeks for this product where you REALLY start to notice a difference. The way this product works, is that once it takes full effect, it drastically helps to prevent NEW pimples by killing all the bacteria mixing with excess sebum production under your skin. BE PATIENT. This is the key, I was ready to give up after the first 3 weeks but I'm so glad I stuck with it.

Week 7 is where I currently am. My skin is 98% clear again with the exception of two stubborn pimples just drying up around my mouth and they're so small too! I barely ever think about my face anymore because of how much of a difference I've seen in the past few weeks. Definitely will keep using this product and keep you guys updated.

Now I'm just waiting for it to help with my hyperpigmentation. Fingers Crossed.

Pro Tips

- DO NOT STRESS: So much harder than it sounds. For me, stress played a huge roll in causing my pimples to flare up and show up daily.

- STAY HYDRATED: I drink a ton of water, this stuff makes your face real dry and your lips too. Water is great for ya and good for cleansing toxins out of your body.

- YOUR FACE WILL GET BETTER: Be so patient. Just give it time and stick to your regimen.

- OPTIONAL: GREEN TEA AND BLUEBERRIES: Antioxidants are kickass. Give this a few weeks to kick in too, so good for cleansing toxins out of your system and making you feel great.

- EXCERCISE: Getting in shape is a great way to keep your mind off your acne. Be impressed with what your body can do, be proud of what you've accomplished.

I'm going to end this post with a quote I constantly remind myself of, really helps me through the tough days:

STOP THINKING ABOUT HOW FAR YOU HAVE TO GO AND TAKE A MINUTE TO REALIZE HOW FAR YOU'VE COME.

Your face WILL get better. Best to all of ya.

Cole