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So I've had acne for about 11 years now. I would describe it as a moderate case: I usually have a handful of pimples or so around my forehead, cheeks, and chin. The worst is the hyperpigmentation that lasts for months and creates a very uneven and unhealthy skin tone. Lately my acne has been under control but I needed something to fade the marks and prevent new breakouts.
I was prescribed Epiduo and given a weeks worth of Solodyn.I've used Epiduo for maybe 4 days now. In this time, my face has become red (feels/looks like a sunburn), dry, and stings/burns every time I apply the medication. There's also heavy wrinkling under my eyes as well as some peeling and mild swelling of my eyelids.
I started off using 2 pea sized amounts on my face twice a day (following derms directions). As the days passed I started using less (both quantity and frequency). Today I used less than a 1/4 of a pea sized amount like a spot treatment (instead of covering entire patches where acne/darks marks are) just once and the burning would not stop for at least an hour.
In addition to the Epiduo I use Neutrogena gentle cleanser, Aveeno moisturizer, and sunscreen with 85 spf. I noticed that every time I applied the sunscreen and moisturizer my face would sting. Though this is likely because I unintentionally covered clear/sensitive parts of my face with the medication when I moisturized.
Overall, I'm quite frustrated with this situation. This isn't my first time being prescribed a combination of benzoyl peroxide and a retinoid. I used Duac, Veltin, Evoclin foam and Solodyn for years with absolutely incredible results and virtually no side effects besides mild dryness and temporary darkening of my forehead (didn't usually apply sunscreen when I should have and was in the sun everyday). Still, the dermatologist insisted I try Epiduo. I didn't expect to have such an intense reaction considering that I have combination insensitive skin and I stay indoors.
While I do realize my symptoms are common side effects of this medication and that I'm only in the beginning stages of treatment, I'm honestly in such discomfort and pain that I've already made the decision to discontinue using this product. There's no logic in continuing to punish my skin in desperation when I've had much better results with other medications. Hopefully, the dermatologist will prescribe me my old medications and clear skin will once again be around the corner.
I'm no dermatologist..... but I've been using Epiduo for years and my skin responds really well to it, and I would say that two pea sized amounts twice a day is way, way too much to start out with. Half a pea size for your entire face once a day followed by a good moisturiser is absolutely plenty. I would advise not using it at all for a day or two and just moisturise, moisturise, moisturise, then try again with this tiny amount and see how it goes. It's a very strong product, so less is always more!
Hi MoonlitRiver
Thanks for your input! I definitely think you're right in saying that I started out using too much, even though I was following the directions on the label of the box. My dermatologist also said to stop for a few days and then continue with less. But this has burned my face so bad that I straight up said I'm done with this.
Right now the state of my skin is a mess and I'm embarrassed to go out in public. Other than the intense dryness and tightness I constantly feel throughout the day, my skin looks and feels slightly burnt. For example, the area around both eye sockets are extremely sensitive and noticeably red - at a closer glance it looks like a bunch a tiny cuts surrounding my eyes. Some parts of my cheeks are rough to the touch and look/feel as though I've scrapped or scratched it. While I don't have "active" pimples, they ones that are healing have darkened drastically and have a minor cut/scrape on top of them.
Healing has been difficult as almost anything I put on my skin still makes it burn intensely. The dermatologist recommended hydrocortisone cream and it burnt the hell out of my face. The only products I've been able to tolerate are argan oil, Vaseline, and polysporin - all of which I've been using as moisturizers and analgesics. I've literally been covering my entire face with these things to heal even I know they're probably comedogenic. If I were to guess its going to take my skin at least a week or two to completely heal from this which to me is just another reason not to use epiduo again as this has been such a nightmare.
Twice a day is very aggressive! My derm recommended every third day for two weeks or until side effects subsided, then every other night and then every night.I still had side effects in the beginning, but nothing bad.Sometimes, I used too much and compensated by taking a day off.That way the side effects were tolerable from the beginning and it'sthe best topical treatment I have tried.
No one should have to start off the way you did.