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I've been using epiduo for a week now and I can already see a great difference in my skin. I have moderate acne and it has now gone down to mild thanks to epiduo.
I apply a small amount of epiduo at night to the areas where I break out and then I wash it off when I wake up the next morning. I then apply aveeno ultra-calming daily moisturizer (which has SPF 15, so it's killing two birds with one stone). I'm then fairly protected from the sun and my skin is moisturized since epiduo can dry out your skin a bit. Then repeat the process once night falls again.
Oh - and it's important not to use any other acne treatment when using epiduo. Don't use any face wash or moisturizer that has anything like salicylic acid or other acne fighting things in them. Using other acne products with epiduo can cause a lot of irritation and possible make your skin worse.
I also make sure to use a gentle face wash when washing my face. I'm using cetaphil.
Anyway, it's working great thus far after only a week! Can't wait to see what my skin is like after a month!
Hey there,
everyone has their own story right. mine basically started when I was in grade 8, started getting breakouts (mild, lot of ugly whiteheads and a few blind pimples)
I can assure you I've used every main brand (clearasil, ella bache, nivea, garnier, neutrogena, ASAP, etc) and nothing worked. Evening going for facials didn't do anything to help. After 6 years I get to using Epiduo (in combination with the Cetaphil cleanser and moisturising lotion) and its working really well. so far, ive had the described 'typical xp" where it imporved, had one bad breakout and now on the way up. Im in my third week (in the 12 week program) and things are getting a lot better. some pimples have dissapeared all together, blackheads are literally 'falling out' and the still existing pimples are drying up and shrinking. all in all, its working out to be a good programm. I'm really excited to see what my skin looks like after 12 weeks. Anyone have any advice how to speed up the healing of the little discolouration and marks left by old acne?
We all want that 'prefect complexion' and I'm on the road to mine 
Best wishes to all epiduo users!
Hey there,
everyone has their own story right. mine basically started when I was in grade 8, started getting breakouts (mild, lot of ugly whiteheads and a few blind pimples)
I can assure you I've used every main brand (clearasil, ella bache, nivea, garnier, neutrogena, ASAP, etc) and nothing worked. Evening going for facials didn't do anything to help. After 6 years I get to using Epiduo (in combination with the Cetaphil cleanser and moisturising lotion) and its working really well. so far, ive had the described 'typical xp" where it imporved, had one bad breakout and now on the way up. Im in my third week (in the 12 week program) and things are getting a lot better. some pimples have dissapeared all together, blackheads are literally 'falling out' and the still existing pimples are drying up and shrinking. all in all, its working out to be a good programm. I'm really excited to see what my skin looks like after 12 weeks. Anyone have any advice how to speed up the healing of the little discolouration and marks left by old acne?
We all want that 'prefect complexion' and I'm on the road to mine
Best wishes to all epiduo users!
yayyyaaa im so happy that epidou worked for another when it comes to the red marks time and microderm are really the only two options with derm gave me . im going to be trying a new serum that is suposed to help the red marks ill be trying soon this week ; after 7 days illl tell you guys how it worked fo me and where u can get it 
i love you positive attitude
Hey guys,
I just started using Epiduo about 1 1/2 weeks ago and when I first started using it, everything was fine. I had no burning, redness, etc. However, now the gel is beginning to make my face burn and stuff like that. I mean yes I know that burning and redness are side effects but I am kind of curious as to why it is happening now when it didn't show up when I first started using it. Also, Epiduo is doing nothing when it comes to fighting my acne (I have moderate acne with most of my breakouts on my chin and forehead). So I was just wondering if anyone had something like this happen to them where the side effects show up after using the product for some time and also having the product not do anything for reducing the acne. I will probably continue to use Epiduo just to see if it ends up working, but as of right now, I am not very happy with it.
Thanks!
Emily
Hey guys,
I just started using Epiduo about 1 1/2 weeks ago and when I first started using it, everything was fine. I had no burning, redness, etc. However, now the gel is beginning to make my face burn and stuff like that. I mean yes I know that burning and redness are side effects but I am kind of curious as to why it is happening now when it didn't show up when I first started using it. Also, Epiduo is doing nothing when it comes to fighting my acne (I have moderate acne with most of my breakouts on my chin and forehead). So I was just wondering if anyone had something like this happen to them where the side effects show up after using the product for some time and also having the product not do anything for reducing the acne. I will probably continue to use Epiduo just to see if it ends up working, but as of right now, I am not very happy with it.
Thanks!
Emily
hey emily,
I can understand that this is a very frustrating time in the process, especially when so many of us have tried countless products- many of which offer speedy results, which I think fosters the unhealthy mentality that acne can be cured in a matter of weeks. Anyways haha, I really advise you to keep using the product and don't be disheartened if you experience a breakout or two- normal reaction. Your skin may have had a certain 'tolerance' to the peroxide in the product, but as your skin is becoming dryer and new skin is forming at an increased rate underneath the upper layers, it may be possible that the gel is permeating to this fresh skin which is a lot more sensitive. I would advise using an oil free mouisturiser that has a nice thick texture (such as Cetaphil Moisturing lotion which does a good job and dosen't block pores or give a sheen that we all hate!) and also avoid high exposure to sun, as you may expereince increased photosensitivity and may burn more easily. I know this happened to me once or twice. I've blabbered on long enough, hope this helps you. Don't lose heart, my skin is looking good now and I'm only in my 4th week! 8 more to go.
Good luck everyone!!
Tom
Just writing an update here. It's been almost 3 weeks now and I've noticed a very nice improvement. I have no new pimples and All of my previous pimples have dried and now there are just some little dried up red spots. I noticed that the improvement sort of fanned out across my face, where closest to my nose is completely clear and it gets progressively less clear as you move toward my cheekbones and temples. But in general, I don't have any pimples and it's looking great. I just need the red spots to start fading away and I'll be set.
Hey guys,
I just started using Epiduo about 1 1/2 weeks ago and when I first started using it, everything was fine. I had no burning, redness, etc. However, now the gel is beginning to make my face burn and stuff like that. I mean yes I know that burning and redness are side effects but I am kind of curious as to why it is happening now when it didn't show up when I first started using it. Also, Epiduo is doing nothing when it comes to fighting my acne (I have moderate acne with most of my breakouts on my chin and forehead). So I was just wondering if anyone had something like this happen to them where the side effects show up after using the product for some time and also having the product not do anything for reducing the acne. I will probably continue to use Epiduo just to see if it ends up working, but as of right now, I am not very happy with it.
Thanks!
Emily
hmm my only side affect is that some pimples take FOREVER and when i mean forever im telling you FOREVER to go away (this was after i started epidou) but u said u are just beginning to get pimples now , i would go to derm after 4 weeks and if you keep getting acne ask him to pair this with a bp it really works wonders
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 
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!!
Epiduo is a strong product but I have been struggling with acne every single day since 8th grade(now going into senior year for high school) and it seems to be the trick for me. I had burning with it at first also but then my mom told me about Cetaphil face moisturizer and enough of that took away the burning for me. Before I started on cetaphil my face was extremely dry and flaky every day. Try it out and let me know how it goes.
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
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
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
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
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 !!!
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 a (~$43) price for 30g tube in Germany.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
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
I almost am totally clear up~ 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)!
