I was prescribed Epiduo last month by a new Derm I went to and like others here it doesn't seem to help much, it just makes my skin red and dry in the area I use it (cheeks). I also just apply a small amount.
I think the problem with me is I feel like I have Rosacea, but the Derm thinks it's just acne or a mix between acne with mild Rosacea so I don't think a product like Epiduo would really work for Rosacea.
The reason why I don't think it's regular acne is because I've tried everything acne-related from over the counter, Proactiv, prescriptions, etc. and it's never gotten better, then I read about Rosacea and it matches my description perfectly.
I'm a 27/m so it's kinda weird for me to have something like Rosacea (I've had it for years now, too). I'm hoping for my follow-up visit I can let her know that Epiduo doesn't work and she can prescribe me something like Oracea or something.
I started using Epiduo after I was prescribed about 4 weeks ago. In the first week, I had never seen my face so clear in the last few years, but it also burned my face a lot. Unfortunately, when I switched the treatment to every other night instead of everynight because of redness and dryness, my acne came back and the Epiduo no longer works, even after I switched back to everynight. Going to the derm in a few weeks to see what I can do..
I started using Epiduo after I was prescribed about 4 weeks ago. In the first week, I had never seen my face so clear in the last few years, but it also burned my face a lot. Unfortunately, when I switched the treatment to every other night instead of everynight because of redness and dryness, my acne came back and the Epiduo no longer works, even after I switched back to everynight. Going to the derm in a few weeks to see what I can do..
Hi - I used this product about 1 1/2 years ago and still today I am so happy i stuck through the itching and didn't go to internal alternatives. It sounds like you were using too much on your skin, your pimples will surface however just remember it is many many many years of very deep dirt re-surfacing and leaving your body. I truly you should stick to it every 2nd day at the start and then to every day and see how you go. I think you need longer than 4 weeks and it has lasted me this long without any re-tries. Hope i've encouraged you to give it another crack. cheers.
Hi guys,
I'm new to this forum and wanting advice on what topical acne treatments are worth trying. I'm 20yr old female with mild, persistant facial acne, (and have just started taking Marvelon birth control pill). I used an anti-bacterial cream under the name of Duac for 6 months & it worked, however my skin unfortunately built up a resistance to it. I was then put onto a much harsher treatment; retinoid based gel ISOTREX. After the first 2 days of use I had a shocking outbreak from it- acne worse than I'd ever had before! I stopped using it. I've been told about this Epiduo product, just wondering if it is really worth my while trying it or not? Or could somebody recommed any other topical treatments for me to try (I'm not concerned about the price)?
Hi Genesis
I suffered from acne for nearly three years, I too used Duac plus various other topicals and oral antibiotics. Eventually my derm prescribed me Epiduo and it is the only thing that was effective in treating my acne. I would go as far as to call it my 'cure', because I haven't had a spot for nearly six months.
Of course, everyone's skin is different and what worked for me might not work for you.
If you want more information about how I got over my acne you can read my blog-thingy. http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php/topic/303287-success-at-last-my-story/page__p__3152560#entry3152560
I wish you the best of luck. x
I've been on Epiduo for about 3-4 weeks now and it's not doing SH*T for me. It's cleared up my skin maybe 10%, but then the next morning I just wake up to find new pimples/bums forming. My doctor told me to apply at night EVERY OTHER night. I tried that. It didn't do sh*t. I applied twice a day, it burned the heck out of my face, I couldn't even put moisturizer or makeup without my face feeling like it was on fire. Also, it made my face peel like crazy. Now I'm using it once a day, sometimes every other day, depending on how my face feels and looks, its not really doing too much. I have new pimples popping up every or every other day. My left cheeck is infested with like 30 pimples. The other cheek, completely clear. WHAT THE HECK?!?! My forehead has cleared up some, but still not like it should for $200+. I called my derm today and he told me it takes 6-8 weeks to show real results. WHAT??!?!?!? And he keeps telling me how stress in my life is the main factor. I'm not that stressed....and some stress is just apart of LIFE! I can't do anything about that. smh! I have NEVER had acne throughout my entire life. Now, I'm 23 years old (female), and the past year I look like a 14 yr old girl going thru puberty. A few zits here and there during my or before my period but this stuff is horrible. I feel like I have a disease on my face! #WTFFFF I don't know where this came from and why and I can't find any medicine to fix it. I'm going to give this stupid epiduo another 3 weeks, if I don't see major improvement....I'm not wasting my $$$ again and giving it a F- rating on ALL OF MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I kno how you feel! its so frustrating. ive been on epiduo for 6 weeks and im still breaking out..i heard you have to give it 3 mth! thats so long i kno..im just giving it another mth which adds up to 2 and half mths..if not im getting on accutane..i cant take it no more:(
Hi guys,
I have had moderate acne on and off for several years due to genetics. When I began to get acne more often and bigger pimples I went to my doctor for help. She recommended I go on birth control which I thought was safe considering it helped two of my sisters out. However, the brand that she prescribed me to made me break out unbelievably and left both sides of my cheeks scarred for life. I was very upset with the results and went back to the doctors to be prescribed to Yaz. This has not had any negative effects on my skin so far and has done an okay job at improving it. My doctor decided that I should try something stronger which was the epiduo gel. I have been using this for roughly a month (once per day) and am really unsure if I should continue using it. My skin has become very dry, flaky, and ITCHY. I itch my face non-stop causing redness and due to the dirt on my nails I'm sure it is causing more pimples. Not only that, but I am still seeing new pimples on my cheeks, chin etc. I cannot deal with another bad experience due to medications and my self esteem is dropping lower and lower. I'm at the point where I don't even want to go to school because I am so insecure with my skin. Somebody please help!! Should I continue to use or not?
like most retiniods flaky and dry skin are side effects over time your skin should become used to medication - though it is not uncommon for this not happen as it varies for different skin types.
on average it takes around 3 months to see a noticeable improvement - i know it seems like a long time but you have to be patient.
if you feel like it is not right for your skin you should speak to you gp or derm and see what other topicals you could try.
Hi guys,
I have had moderate acne on and off for several years due to genetics. When I began to get acne more often and bigger pimples I went to my doctor for help. She recommended I go on birth control which I thought was safe considering it helped two of my sisters out. However, the brand that she prescribed me to made me break out unbelievably and left both sides of my cheeks scarred for life. I was very upset with the results and went back to the doctors to be prescribed to Yaz. This has not had any negative effects on my skin so far and has done an okay job at improving it. My doctor decided that I should try something stronger which was the epiduo gel. I have been using this for roughly a month (once per day) and am really unsure if I should continue using it. My skin has become very dry, flaky, and ITCHY. I itch my face non-stop causing redness and due to the dirt on my nails I'm sure it is causing more pimples. Not only that, but I am still seeing new pimples on my cheeks, chin etc. I cannot deal with another bad experience due to medications and my self esteem is dropping lower and lower. I'm at the point where I don't even want to go to school because I am so insecure with my skin. Somebody please help!! Should I continue to use or not?
Continue!!!
It gets better I promise. I know the flakes and redness are absolutely rubbish, especially when your make up is coming off with your skin! But I found exactly the same thing and was clear in 2 months. The flakiness and redness went away for me roughly at the same time I got clear.
I took photos of all of it and put them on my blog if you'd like to see what I experienced getting clear and how my skin looks now after a year and a half on epiduo.
How clear are you currently?
Here's the blog link: http://abi-girl.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/epiduo-review-acne-treatment.html
Hi Everyone!
Today I filmed and uploaded a video to Youtube. I'm talking about Epiduo and how it cured my acne... Since I had so much support on the .org while I was really suffering, I was wondering if you guys could extend that support again? Please could you watch my video and let me know what you think...? I don't mind what kind of feedback, I just want to figure out if I should make a habit of making videos talking about acne... I'd put this to my facebook friends but I'm a bit shy (weird I know)
Thanks acne.org!
Hi everyone, just prescribed the Epiduo today after a nightmare with Differin that lasted two nights only! honestly, I would rather have the acne than what the Differin did to me... holy cow...I am picking up the Epi tomorrow; I was hesitant at first because I know this is a "new" product, but after reading some of your posts I am feeling better about it. I have two thoughts remaining:1) This product contains .1% of the adapelene, right? Which is exactly what Differin contains? So how will using that PLUS another treatment on top of it be less horrific for my face in terms of redness, flaking, burning, drying, etc? I guess there are some inactive ingredients in it? My dermatologist said something about Vitamin A?2) So how much is this really drying out your skin? On the second day after using Differin, my face was covered in dry, red splotches that were flaking everywhere, including, weirdly enough, on my scalp. It burned to the touch and whenever I tried to put ANY product on it to relieve it or cover it up. So what can I expect from the Epiduo?Let me know your dryness factor, thanks a bunch,
Hey, your post caught my eye due to the fact that you mentioned the flaking on your scalp...If you we're experiencing flakiness and redness on your scalp, it could have been one of two things: either you were applying the gel too close to the hairline, or you actually have what I have, which is excema. I get it on my scalp, and it actually is the worst aound my hairline. It looks like dandruff, really.... But sometimes I would notice a thin red edge around the area. This got worse when I started Back using Retin-a, which prompted me to go to the doctor, where I got a corticosteroid ointment for my "chronic eczema" and a prescription for epiduo - since the retina gave me nice skin, but the dryness never got better in my case - no matter how long I used it... My nose would always look like I had a booger or something hanging from it, but it was just the flaky dry skin... Not super sexy. So check with your doc to see if that flakiness around your hairline and on your scalp isn't actually eczema. It's really common, and gets confused for dandruff.Epiduo does contain vitamin a (or retinol), which is what (eventually) makes your skin so smooth and flawless looking. Vitamin a promotes healing and cell turnover, it acts like an exfoliant, which is why you should NOT try to scrub your skin when you wash it or dry it off. I know you may be tempted to exfoliate to get rid of the dry skin flakes, but don't, just let the medication do its thing.As far as timing, I would give it a month to work. If your skin is not clearing up after 4 weeks, then ask your doctor to switch medications. I saw a lot of people crying about their break outs getting worse after using the product for two weeks, and I think that's just the cycle of it. Everyone is different and needs time to adjust to the medications, get rid of the dead skin, dry out the acne, and clear the pores. With the Retin-a, it took a month for my redness to go away and my skin to clear up. I only got dry skin around my nose, but the rest was pretty ok. I love these products because I feel like they almost make you look younger since they make your skin look so smooth. I've not used epiduo for that long, but the side effects (getting worse before it gets better, redness, dryness, burning like hell) are a lot worse than with retin-a, which is to be expected, since it contains a whole other ingredient that's super strong and drying. Any product like this is going to have you looking like hell for at least the first two weeks. Seriously, very normal, but the end result is worth it. You just gotta get through the initial horror and shock. I do find that my moisturizer makes the burning worse, and even aloe burns like crazy. This burning/redness didn't start until my 4th day on epiduo. The first 3 days were symptom free aside from some slight dryness... And I'm sure it will last another week at the very least.I'm going to do the following:1. First off, I will give it a month to work, since its my first time ever using the medication, and I know it takes a while to get through its cycle of horrible, to worse, to painful, to holy crap ill only leave the house with a paper bag over my head, and finally to smooth, acne-free, gorgeous skin. 2. I'm going to use it every other day for a week or two (if im still not used to the med) and then bump up to once a day (never twice a day - I don't see how someone can have skin left on their face if they use it 2x a day). If I can tolerate it, I'll stay there, if not, I go back to applying every other night.3. I will try to stay away from wearing makeup this month - I wore some today and when I started to sweat, my makeup (bare minerals) got into my pores and all of a sudden I was bright red, bumpy, and feeling like my face was on fire. Plus, wearing makeup while trying to clear my acne is completely counter intuitive. Bass Aackwards, as they say. (If you have acne and you think you have to pile on Mac foundation to "cover it up"... Consider that the foundation is what is causing those zits in the first place. I promise, if you wear no makeup and religiously pull off a good face-care routine 2x a day... Your skin will clear up in one week without any meds).4. I'm going to use the epiduo at night after washing my face with a SUPER gentle (neutrogena calming night wash or cetaphil for sensitive skin ), non-drying face wash (I religiously use a new, clean washcloth to wash my face and this has helped my skin tremendously... just dont scrub too much). Then moisturize with an oil-free, fragrance free moisturizer for sensitive skin (I haven't found one that didn't make the burn worse, I've tried cetaphil, Clinique dramatically different gel and the oil-free neutrogena one for sensitive skin.... The Clinique one felt the best and moisturized me the longest, and I'm going to buy the neutrogena anti-redness stuff, but otherwise I doubt I'll find a gentler moisturizer than the ones I listed). Of course, I'm going to softly pat my skin dry, use a bit of toner ( i spray a non-alcoholic neutrogena toner on my face and let it dry instead of using a cotton pad... Otherwise it's doing too much exfoliating), put on the tiniest amount of epiduo to barely cover my face (none around my hairline, mouth, or eyes/eyebrows (my eyebrows peel like crazy, yours may be ok), and then moisturize and off to bed. In the morning I do the same thing again minus the epiduo, and if I absolutely have to, I'll use a BB cream or tinted moisturizer instead of foundation. I'll report back to tell you how it goes, but my skin regimen alone really helps to keep my skin clear. I recommend it, especially using a clean washcloth everytime you wash your face. The regimen cleared my skin within a week, and I don't even use acne-geared products, everything is gentle, non-drying, alcohol-free, cheap neutrogena stuff. If you're not on epiduo or the like, then you can use the washcloth to scrub a little bit harder and unless you're using the Clinique clarifying lotion as your astringent, (which is really another exfoliator) you can use a cotton pad to apply your toner/astringent. Otherwise get a little spray bottle, spray your face, brush your teeth while it dries, and then moisturize. I also wipe my phone off with alcohol as much as possible (I always break out where it touches my face), and change my pillow cover at least 1x a week, ideally 2x. It holds a lot of face germs, just like our phones. Ok that was my novel on skin care. I'd love to hear how your skin is feeling/looking now, and if anyone has tips on how to get through the summer on this stuff (I'd like to get a tan, but don't want to risk the 3rd degree burns, know what I mean?) Thanks and good luck!
Hi everyone,
I'm 15 years old and I've had acne for about 3 years now. I started Epiduo 3 weeks ago. I use it every night. After the first 2 weeks I saw noticeable improvement. My skin was still red and kind of dry but it was smooth in places where it's never been smooth before. I was so happy. Then a few days ago I woke up, washed up face and my skin looked horrible. It looked exactly like it did before I started with Epiduo - pimples in the same places and all red. I don't understand why my acne is suddenly re-appearing after 3 weeks of use.. Is this normal? Should I continue using Epiduo or does this mean that it doesn't work for me?
Please help!!
I have been using Tactuo (Epidual in Canada) for 3 years and I LOVE it.
I also have my own success story and I encourage ppl to share with Tactuo
13-18- uncomplicated acne- noticeable, was embarrassed and this is when I started to wear concealer
19-23- Acne grew worse and I was prescribed the BEST anti-biotics - went through 4 different types (my dad was a dr. So he had access to prescribing me the best stuff- minocycline, doxy, etc.. you name it I've tried it)- none of them worked too well.
I also was on birth control- Tried Diane first- very expensive and wasn't worth it. And then I went on 2 other brands- low hormone- still didn't work
At the same time I was using a barrage of Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic acid, EVERYTHING you can imagine from the pharmacy that you could get off the shelf.
My skin was overdried, still oily, fakey and disgusting.
23-26- Got desperate- my acne got a LOT worse and I was almost going to opt for accutane. I had terrible hormonal acne- also hereditary, and my skin was in scabs all the time. Weeks I would not want to leave the house, I skipped school, very antisocial and self conscious.
Up to that date the best combo I had found was Differin and Benzoyl Peroxide wash 5%
I didn't wantt o go through antibiotics and birth control again- I saw minimal difference and I felt my hormones were everywhere on them and I also had a weak liver from all the years of prescription meds to fix me.
Finally, at 27, I went to a dermatologist. I can't believe I didn't go to one before...seriously. I thought that my dad as a dr was enough to get the best stuff.
Finally went to a dermatologist and he prescribed me Tactuo.
I think Tactuo has only been out in Canada for 3 years- it was completely new when he prescribed it to me so I suppose my dad was doing everything he could to help my acne.
Finally, my acne cleared up within months. Sometimes I'll get a minor breakout and use Tactuo and it will be gone in 2 days.
I use Tactuo about 3-4 times a week on my entire face as preventative.
I swear it has CHANGED THE QUALITY OF MY SKIN.-
Before, even when I didn't have an active pimple I still had pretty rough looking skin. It was bumpy- not in a bad acne way but I guess they were cloged pores that gave my skin a bumpy look. As soon as I use Tactuo my skin is entirely smooth- better than any exfoliant I can think of.
And when I don't use Tactuo for a couple weeks, I can see my skin is not as smooth.
I am now just dealing with minor hyper pigmentation and redness (that I've always had).
I am trying to whiten the brown and red marks from acne and sun damage.
But honestly, at one point I was doing it all- antibiotics, birth control, topical creams (retinoids, ahas, bhas) AND washes (saly acid and BP) and my skin was so RAW, BLEEDING, red, acne everywhere. Very severe I cried a lot.
I was using all of that at the same time and I'm fairly sure the overkill of products made my skin even worse. Dry/raw faced, still oily and terrible skin.
I do think that growing out of it really helped. Like I'm sure getting older helped a lot with my hormonal acne. But I have to say, nothing worked with noticeable difference- like overnight difference- the way tactuo does.
Tactuo changed the entire texture of my skin.
My skin today is combination/oily. Some minor-medium hyperpigmentation and redness, enlarged pores. Nothing I can't cover up with a thin layer of foundation to even out my skin tone.
But even if you even out your skin tone, foundation can't change the TEXTURE of your skin. And that's what I love about TACTUO. my skin is so smooth now!
I would like to know if epiduo can be used for longterm, like for years?
yes! I have 3 family dr's in my family. they said it's very safe- you don't develop tolerance to it. it will keep working as long as your skin isn't sensitive to the BP
if it's working for you keep using it!
I am in the process of going onto Accutane. There are so many risks of birth defects involved, which is why dr's are so hesitant to prescribe it. However, I am abstinent I wish they would have prescribed the damn med to me sooner! I am currently using Epiduo until the Accutane regiment starts. I have been on it for about two months now. My skin occasionally peels like crazy, if I have used too much the day before (I apply frequently throughout the day, more than the once-per-day-at-night recommendation). I also take antibiotics (Bactrim), with little to no improvement. My doctor told me that he's only putting me on Accutane as a last resort. Unless I have some sort of miraculous conception, I am not worried about having a baby that'll display any birth defects.
Katie13, I'm sorry that your parents are forbidding you to go on Accutane.
I Have been using Epiduo for 3 and a half months so far, and there has been no improvment since the start. I don't even think it effects my skin. it doesn't sting or make me peel, i could basically use it as a moisterizer!!!! Plus, I have been taking antibiotics with it and still no improvment. My Dermatologist practically said i have one last hope, Accutane, but my parents won't let me take it.
My derm prescribed me Epiduo today and I just put it on and already my skin is bright red. I'm actually really scared about starting this product. I'm already embarrassed of my skin. I don't want to go to work or school but I must...So to have another period where my skin's going to look worse is just not good for me. :s
I had a lot of luck with epiduo. My old dermatologist prescribed it along with PanOxl 4% benzyl peroxide face wash and the combination worked really well. It was super drying, but my skin was clear for more than a year. I think my skin got used to the BP because it no longer works for me.
I read reviews and knew what i was in for before starting epiduo, but when it said that i may experience burning, I had no idea it meant hell fire breaking loose on my skin! It's only my third day and I could barely touch my skin due to the sensitivity. Both of my cheeks are raw and red, i'm terrified of going in to school for my exams on Monday as i genuinely look scary. Even water stings. But, despite that, after reading so many positive reviews, i know i have to stick it out to experience those end results!