Long story short, I started to get acne at the start of ninth grade and so my dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo and Monodox. He didn't tell me how to use it so I basically slathered it on every night and neglected to ever use moisturizer or sunscreen while spending a lot of time in the sun. I used Epiduo for over a year, and while my acne subsided my face gradually became so sensitive, red, tight and dry that I couldn't continue using it.
Its been about a month of not using it and my skin is still exactly the same. I'm starting to moisturize every day and to gently cleanse using cerave products, but there hasn't been any difference. How long until my skin returns to normal because I know I was on Epiduo for a long time?
Hey there...
First, I think your skin looks great and your face does not look overly red at all! In fact, you'd never know there was anything amiss.
As far as your question of when your skin will balance out, return to normal, that might be a better question for your derm. Did you tell him or her what happened? That you didn't know you needed to moisturize while using Epiduo and now your skin is way out of balance. Did they recommend anything for your dry skin?
My advice would be to keep moisturizing. Moisturize twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Maybe pick up some jojoba oil for good measure and mix 5-6 drops in with your moisturizer for extra hydration. Jojoba oil mimics human sebum and helps restore balance to overly dry skin. I'd also consider forgoing the cleansers for awhile, maybe just use water instead. Cleansers can be very drying and right now the last thing you need is something else to dry out your skin.
Your derm should have explained to you in detail exactly how to use the products he prescribed. But if you are unsure, always ask before using!
I'm sure your skin will eventually return to normal. Just give it time, and lots of moisturizer!