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.

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

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

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!

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 a...

I just got prescribed Epiduo today and I have mild acne... I am nervous my face is going to break out alot before it clears up.... anyone using Epiduo with Mild Acne???

Hi, I'm a 19 year old male and I started using Epiduo Monday the 26th as well as Doxycycline 100mg.

My derm told me to use Epiduo morning and night and also take the Doxycycline every morning and night.

I've read through a lot of this thread and I didn't really see anyone else using Epiduo in the morning and at night, but that's what my derm told me to do so that's what I'm doing.

Monday everything was fine, I felt a little tingling but that was normal to me. I skipped Tuesday morning for the Epiduo, but Tuesday night the Epiduo really burnt. I'm guessing I just used to much of it since I just started, but it burnt a ton and then 10x more after I put on my moisturizer so I just went to sleep.

Then this morning I applied a pea sized amount instead of like a penny sized amount and then my moisturizer, and it doesn't burn too bad right now. My derm told me I should really consider accutane but I just kept telling her I'm not ready for it at this time so hopefully this works.

Before this, I was using Benzaclin in the morning, Tazorac at night, and taking Minocycline 100mg morning and night. But you're only supposed to take Minocycline for 6 months or it starts to really damage your organs, and the Benzaclin randomly started to burn my face really badly so I stopped using it completely.And then when I was using only Tazorac it started to make my face peel all the time and I looked like a monster.

Anyway, I know it's only been a day or two but my skin already looks so much better.

I'm staying optimistic and we'll see how it turns out. My sister used Epiduo for about 6 months and her face has been perfectly clear ever since, and she hasn't used it in months!

Sorry this was so long haha, I made my own topic about my Epiduo journey, but everyone seems to be posting here with their stories so I thought I'd add to it.

Epiduo has been amazing for me. I have Milld acne and it has been clearing up alot. My face has gotten a little dry, but nothing lotion can't fix. I wash my face 2 times a day with Clean N Clear face wash and I put on the Epiduo cream at night before I sleep. My face has been clearing up pretty good and I have only been on it for about a week now.

I've been using epiduo at night and clindamycin in the mornings. At first it seemed like it was working wonders within the first 3 days, then I got a slightly bad breakout, but now it seems like it might be over. By the way, I've been using it for almost 2 weeks now.

I have been using only epiduo and its great with Cetaphil.. just using Cetaphil on my back has worked better than any other cleanser and topical meds.. I have been wandering what other cleanser to use in my face, I have oily skin,. Sometimes don't go to strong bc it will make it worst but don't go to light either, I am still seen if another cleanser may fit better... other than that Epiduo really really works.... for me atleast.

I am happy to see other people are having some of the same reactions as I'm having to Epiduo. (Or well, not happy obviously, as I don't wish these reactions on anyone, but it's nice to know that at least I am not alone.)

I have been using Epiduo for four days now and it burns like nothing else I've experienced. My face is red and has a lot of dry spots, especially around my mouth. The skin feels like it's flaking off constantly, like I have a really bad sunburn. I suspect I might have been putting too much of it on, so I am going to take a break for a day or two and see if it gets any better. If it does, I will make very sure I put very little of it on, and not on the very dry spots.

I am also on Tetralysal (300mg), and apart from the burning, flaking and redness from Epiduo I have to say it's doing good things for my acne, and that after only four days. My right cheek still has a fair few spots but it's nearly gone on the left cheek. I'm staying positive.

I am a 31 year old female and suddenly this past March 2009 I started to break out badly. (I had near to perfect skin before). I finally went to a dermatologist the first week in November and was given Epiduo. I was told to use with at night, and wash with Cetaphil after work and PanOxyl in the AM.

The PanOxyl is great, it does not irritate my skin at all, and the Epiduo did make my face feel like it 'was on fire' for the first two weeks or so. (So one else mentioned the sensation) That was a bit unnerving, but I was determined and put up with it. I went through a very ugly drying a flaking period but determined that it was not the Epiduo at all, it was the Cetaphil! I switched to Cetaphil for sensative skin and the difference is like night and day. My face is no longer 'on fire,' and the dry patches are all gone.

I have been using this trio for about 4 weeks now and I am thrilled with what I am seeing.

So for the person who was also using the Cetaphil I suggest you try the gentle Cetaphil and see if that works for you.

Best of luck to all.

In the last few months my acne became worse than it had ever been because of stress and a bad reaction to laura mercier mineral makeup (it has pearl in it which I guess I am allergic or sensitive to), particularly on my jawline. For the past few years I have used expensive skincare lines, like dermalogica, kiehl's, ole henriksen, with mixed results, but became tired of paying for them. I also read Paula Begoun's cosmetics cop book and website about how ingredients are the same in drugstore brands.

Looking at old pictures I think my skin was best when I had been using dermalogica for years... also I try to get regular facials because I need a lot of extractions and if I try to do it myself I know it'll be terrible. I went to the dermatologist and was prescribed epiduo and 150mg of doryx, had some burning because of the epiduo and it made my face sensitive to everything.... my dermatologist said to cut down use but had no suggestions for mousturizers to help with relief.... a friend recommended CeraVe but I haven't tried it yet. I stopped using it, have started again and the burning is back, I am trying to stick it out but I think a good night time mousturizer would help.

Here are my recent products:

Cetaphil wash- worked great, had to toss it at the airport so I am back to using desert essence tea tree oil cleanser which also never caused any problems

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant- recommended to me for exfoliation

Just tried Neutrogena Healthy Skin Visibly Even spf 15 mousturizer because I have a lot of red marks, but it made me very greasy, going to return it.

Going back to Paula's Choice hydrating mattifying spf 15 lotion.... doesn't mousturize enough if it's cold out or if I'm reacting to epiduo so I'm thinking of adding jojoba oil to it. If anyone has a daytime mousturizer suggestion with spf I'd like to hear about it, something that doesn't cause grease or shine.

No treatment in the AM usually, just the Doryx pill (I am currently trying a sample of Paula's choice BHA 1% treatment, don't know if the sample will show results), and at night the Epiduo. For my nighttime mousturizer I've been using Olay regenerist, hasn't had any bad effects but it's only been a few nights. Thinking of getting Dan's mousturizer and AHA for nighttime, subbing Epiduo for the BP.

Struggling with mousturizer choices and also a toner? I have a Paula's choice salicylic acid toner but I know that's not good to use with epiduo. Considering trying jojoba oil or ACV toner if anyone has an opinion. Will report back with longer term results, any product choices to couple with epiduo are appreciated.

Hi guys,

 

My dermatologist has prescribed me a new combination topical which consists of Adapalene 0.1% mixed with a 2.5% BP solution. The product has been named Epiduo and is being marketed by Galderma.

I use it only at night which is the recommended frequency. Been using the product for a good 3 weeks now, and am very happy about the results.

 

About me:

33 year old F with recurring t-zone acne and bacne, as well as chest breakouts. I guess my acne is mild to moderate (no cysts). I was on Diane and then Yaz for 12 years but had to stop because of increasing hormonal discolorings in the face.

 

I also use Murad's Acne Body Wash each morning which I find to a great supplement to the Epiduo. For the face I use a mild cleanser and skin tonic and oil-free moisturizer. I also have to moisturize the chest area, since the Epiduo/Acne body wash combination is proving a little harsh for my skin.

 

My aim is to get 100% acne/bacne free and this log will document if and how I will succeed.

 

At the moment, my chest is already 90% clear, back is 70% clear and face 50%.

What Cleanser are you using? if you don't mind.

I have been using only epiduo and its great with Cetaphil.. just using Cetaphil on my back has worked better than any other cleanser and topical meds.. I have been wandering what other cleanser to use in my face, I have oily skin,. Sometimes don't go to strong bc it will make it worst but don't go to light either, I am still seen if another cleanser may fit better... other than that Epiduo really really works.... for me atleast.

I have to updated this note. I have use Dial ANtibacteria and it works great but on your face it seems i work well for the next 2-3 days but then it seem it would irritate my skin by absorving too much moisture/oil. I recommended on my back. It did wonders, I never, let me repeat Never saw fast results like that in my back, my back is 95%clear just washing with dial antibacteria. Its wonderfull. just an update. I am back to cetaphil and Epiduo. day and night. I also washin in the mid day with Cetaphil but don't put epiduo.

Hi all,

I have very mild acne that didn't develop until I was about 21. I controlled it extremely well for the last two years with Pro Activ and Bactrim - we're talking, like, zero new pimples or even comedones for 2 years. Beginning in October, however, I started getting AWFUL hormonal breakouts - I typically break out during the week after my period, but had never gotten these: 2-3 huge, inflamed painful pustules every month on my cheeks, the kind that would leave dark PIH. Obviously this isn't horrible, relatively speaking, but we all want to be 100% clear and the PIH marks were spreading across my face with each new month.

About a week ago I gave in and went to my derm, who prescribed me clindamycin for morning use and Epiduo for night, with Duac to spot treat. I've always been nervous about retinoids, so I was truly feeling desperate the day I filled my prescription (it also happened to be the day of my first law school exam - awesome). She recommended I wash with Neutrogena's Fresh Foaming Cleanser, which is SUCH a weird change after 2 years of using a scrub. I also use Purpose moisturizer, which I like a lot.

I've been on this regimen for about 5 days, and so far I'm really liking it. Aside from some mild flaking (which I'm used to, having been using toner + BP for 2 years), I haven't experienced any redness or irritation. Of course, I am terrified by the prospect of any initial breakout, but so far I've noticed that the few small comedones on my cheeks seem to have "pushed out" their plugs, so that they wash away when I cleanse the next morning - has anyone else experienced this? It's seriously bizarre, in an awesomely gross way.

Anyway, I've read some articles that say that adapalene is good for fading red marks, and I was wondering if anyone has experienced this on these meds. One of the reasons that I "gave in" to a retinoid is that hope that I could treat + fade simultaneously. When I had my huge breakout that led me to Pro Activ a few years ago, I developed PIH that lasted for nearly 2 years - it's really discouraging to have to deal with it again, since those marks had literally JUST cleared up.

Hey Guys,

 

 

I'm so glad to hear Epiduo is working for you all!

 

I've been using Epiduo for 3 weeks now, and I'm not seeing any improvement. I'm also taking 500 mg of tetracyline every day, and I wash my face with Glytone cleanser. I'm still getting new pimples and my skin is really dry and flaky!

 

Are you guys also taking antibiotics with Epiduo? I wonder if I should stop the tetra, and just use the Epiduo.

 

Also, what moisturizers do you recommend? I used Neutrogena's and it just made me break-out more.

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

HAS ANYONE TOLD YOU THAT USING IT TWICE A DAY IS PROB NO GOOD FOR YOUR FACE? i AM AN ANTIBIOTIC AS WELL TWICE A DAY SO I WOULDNT STOP THAT. I KNOW THIS WAS POSTED MONTHS AGO SO YOU PROB KNOW ALL THIS ALREADY....

 

Hello,

I'm a 17 year old female college student and just started epiduo about 2 or 3 weeks ago. it has helped a lot. At first my skin was unbearable dry/flaky/tight, to the point that it hurt to eat something or even just kiss my boyfriend =/ i really wanted to just stop taking it but i didn't. i also take 500mg tetracycline morning and night. I have seen a lot of improvements since the dryness went away. my skin is actually the softest it's been in a long time-or ever.

I usually wash my face with clean and clear morning burst in the morning or depending on how irritated my skin is, neutrogena's very gentle cleanser. I apply Biore's oilfree spf 15 moisturizer as well, i really like it. At night i was washing my face with clean and clear continuous control acne cleanser which contains 10% BP, but when that is too much i stick to the acne free cleanser which is 2.5% BP or again the neutragena. Every couple of days i also use clean and clear deep exfoliator too. then i put some epiduo on, take my pill, and if my skin is dry apply wither acne free's green tea moisturizer or a few drops of sweet almond oil.

I use several different products, but they seem to work very well for me!

Hey new here. But I started Epiduo for night use and was also perscribed Duac Gel from Steifel for the morning. So far I have loved the combination! I haven't had any kind of horrible experiences i've read in here but I do remember that when i first started using it that my skin did get dry and flaky which didn't bother me too much, but it didn't look good when I was wearing makeup. Its been about a month now and I don't feel any burning sensations when i apply and my skin isn't overly sensitive. I'm more clear then usual and haven't gotten any major underground pimples like i usually do. If I get any its a little one that isn't noticeable and goes away in like a day. Right now my problem is finding a face wash that I ca use before bed that is alcohol free. I'm almost out of the expensive sample ones my dermatologist provided.

 

Also, to the ones (actually the ladies) who are breaking out worse, what kind of make up do you use? I used to break out even more when I used cheap, drugstore make up. But I have been using Bare Minerals and not only is it great for my face but has spf 15.

 

Anyone with suggestions on face wash? Thanks!

My derm recommended using Aquanil cleanser with the epiduo she prescribed to me - they had me use it at the office to take off my makeup and my face felt AMAZINGLY soft for the rest of the day. you can use it without water too, just rubbing it on, then rubbing it off with a cotton ball or cloth to clear off makeup and dirt. It is especially good for dry sensitive skin because it doesn't need water. I had been using cetaphil, which has been working ok, but i loved the way my face felt after using the Aquanil so i invested in a bottle. The ingredients are: Purified water, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, sodium laureth sulfate, xanthan gum. I guess it does involve alcohol derivatives... but not much else. o well! Good luck!

Has anyone noticed their skin getting oilier while on Epiduo? I've been on Differin .3% for a while and wanted to switch to Epiduo but I'm worried since when I originally used Differin .1% (which Epiduo contains) it made my skin oilier. For some reason the .3% didn't have the same effect (My derm says she sees this reaction happen a lot).

I have really oily skin to begin with and I'd really like something that could help tame it a bit. My acne is extremely mild right now (only really blackheads), but the oiliness makes it seems dull. I've had periods where the Differin .3% would basically knock the oil out for a few days but then it would come back (I hate the inconsistency). I'm wondering if the combination of BP and Adapalene would help any with oiliness, or if it would just be unnecessarily harsh on my skin.

I was just prescribed Epiduo today and Minocycline tablets for breakouts on my forehead.

I haven't experienced any burning or anything, however, my face has gotten a bit drier since I put it on. I'm excited to see the results....if they're good.

Hey new here. But I started Epiduo for night use and was also perscribed Duac Gel from Steifel for the morning. So far I have loved the combination! I haven't had any kind of horrible experiences i've read in here but I do remember that when i first started using it that my skin did get dry and flaky which didn't bother me too much, but it didn't look good when I was wearing makeup. Its been about a month now and I don't feel any burning sensations when i apply and my skin isn't overly sensitive. I'm more clear then usual and haven't gotten any major underground pimples like i usually do. If I get any its a little one that isn't noticeable and goes away in like a day. Right now my problem is finding a face wash that I ca use before bed that is alcohol free. I'm almost out of the expensive sample ones my dermatologist provided.

 

Also, to the ones (actually the ladies) who are breaking out worse, what kind of make up do you use? I used to break out even more when I used cheap, drugstore make up. But I have been using Bare Minerals and not only is it great for my face but has spf 15.

 

Anyone with suggestions on face wash? Thanks!

Hey new here. But I started Epiduo for night use and was also perscribed Duac Gel from Steifel for the morning. So far I have loved the combination! I haven't had any kind of horrible experiences i've read in here but I do remember that when i first started using it that my skin did get dry and flaky which didn't bother me too much, but it didn't look good when I was wearing makeup. Its been about a month now and I don't feel any burning sensations when i apply and my skin isn't overly sensitive. I'm more clear then usual and haven't gotten any major underground pimples like i usually do. If I get any its a little one that isn't noticeable and goes away in like a day. Right now my problem is finding a face wash that I ca use before bed that is alcohol free. I'm almost out of the expensive sample ones my dermatologist provided.

 

Also, to the ones (actually the ladies) who are breaking out worse, what kind of make up do you use? I used to break out even more when I used cheap, drugstore make up. But I have been using Bare Minerals and not only is it great for my face but has spf 15.

 

Anyone with suggestions on face wash? Thanks!

 

Try to use colorescience "let me be clear" primer and brush powder , it has salycilic acid and it's made for problem skin, i used it for a couple of weeks now an i really like it. it's expensive but good. also, my dermatologist told me to use Glytone gel cleanser twice a day and it works pretty good.

I've been using Epiduo for about a week and a half and so far it is awful. I'm a 24/f and have suffered from mild acne for the past couple years. I used Clindamycin pledglets for a year and they were great, but my dermatologist suggested I try Epiduo. So far my acne is worse than it has ever been, my skin is oily and dry all at the same time. It is burning like crazy and peeling all over. I read on the website it gets worse before it gets better, but how long does that last? My dermatologist didn't warn me of this so I don't know how long to stick with it! Does anyone who has used Epiduo have a good estimate or experienced this as well? I don't know if I am being impatient or if I should throw in the towel on this medicine and ask for a different one.

 

Hey there.

 

I'm using Epiduo too at night, and I know what you mean, it used to burn SO badly but I think I'm finally used to it. It was prescribed about 3 weeks ago, I've been using it for 22 days. At about the 2 week mark, my skin broke out horribly. I have pretty mild acne I guess and simply wanted to get rid of a couple of zits that I had so this was really discouraging. All of a sudden I had gross papules on my forehead (which I had never had before) and all of these whiteheads on my chin. Going from three to, like, eight bumps was really upsetting. Because it has the adapalene (a retinoid) like Differin though, I think this might be the initial breakout? It seems as though ever since then my skin is getting slightly better... I don't have any new zits besides one whitehead on my chin, and the rest seem to be drying up, knock on wood! I should also mention that I was using minocycline for the first two weeks, and I stopped on Sunday because I had a terrible allergic reaction to it (hives, fever, sore throat, etc). Yesterday and today I have used Duac in the morning, which will hopefully help counter a continuance of the initial breakout, but I don't know. I also just added 50 mg zinc and fish oil capsules to my diet today so I hope those will do something.

 

Keep me posted with how you're doing -- I know that the adapalene is supposed to retrain your skin and make everything surface & get worse before it gets better, but if this is going to continue to make my acne worse then I really don't see the point in going onward since mine wasn't bad to begin with. I just wanted to clear some things up. Hopefully we're both just experiencing the initial breakout and will soon be in the clear? I mean, mine is looking better... *cross fingers*

 

I just started a blog today, so I'll be tracking mine too if you want to compare!

 

 

 

I've been on epiduo for almost 2 weeks now and I'm pretty happy with it. My skin is very soft and looks much smoother. I also haven't had any real breakouts, although my acne is pretty mild and mostly non-inflammatory anyway. I had some redness last week but then I backed off and didn't apply it the next night. Have you been easing into it or have you been doing it daily since the beginning? If you're having a lot of burning, maybe you should take a few nights off. It really helped me. I'm up to 3 nights in a row without too much irritation. I also apply a good moisturizer about 30 min after I apply the epiduo. I think that has helped a lot. When I used retin a in high school I remember having a lot more irritation at the beginning, so this has been gentler on me. Of course, I'm not that far in yet so I won't declare victory for a few more weeks.

 

I am almost 13 and have had bad acne for about 2 years now. My doctor gave me epiduo about a couple of months ago. Like what other people have said, it is worse at first but better in the end. I stopped using epiduo after a while and started using another product. My acne is still bad. The problem is that I keep switching on and off with different products. But for now I am sticking to epiduo. My doctor also gave me a cream with benzoyl in it to put on before the epiduo so my skin won't peel or burn. I will update when I see results!

P.S. If anybody has any good advice for me while I'm on epiduo, please post it! Thank you!

hey, new here, but ive been reading up on epiduo gel, and i myself havent really been experiening much breakouts, but it is drying my skin up... and i read on an artice, tha epiduo gel can take upto 4 weeks for those effects to go away or start to atleast. hope this has helped