Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
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Usually known by its brand name Epidu®, this topical treatment is a combination of adapalene, which is a type of medication called a...

Usually known by its brand name Epidu®, this topical treatment is a combination of adapalene, which is a type of medication called a retinoid that reduces inflammation in the skin and helps promote skin cell turnover, along with benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne bacteria and dries/peels the skin. 

It is usually applied once a day before going to bed.

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Read All About Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
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5
39.1%
4
29.2%
3
10.3%
2
7.9%
1
13.5%

Used Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)? Rate It:

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May 29, 2010

Pros:

Easy to use cream, almost gel like.
Keeps my skin CLEAR
No new blemishes!!

Cons:

A little drying at first, fixed that with Cerave lotion
I cant put moisturizer immediatley on after, it burns

Easy to use, apply pea sized amount to each area (nose, chin forehead, ect...) after washing. It is drying, so use a moisturizer! But it can burn if applied directly after, so I put moisturizer on in the mornings, this stuff on at night. This AND bc pills and Bactrim has kept me spot free since I started so I cant say which is doing the most work, but its great! I put severity as light since i dont have acne anymore! LOVE IT. Free so far with my samples, but I'm filling my prescription next week. Hope its not too pricey!
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May 11, 2010

Pros:

Clears acne fast!

Cons:

BURNS like crazy!

I've only been using Epiduo for 2 weeks now, and it's cleared up my acne really fast. BUT- It's dried out my skin, made it flake off, and stings like balls. It feels like I have a sunburn on my face. And when I put moisturizer on it, it stings even worse. I'm hoping it will go away, because my acne cleared up really well.
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18 user(s) found this helpful

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March 9, 2010

Pros:

Drys out the acne you have.

Cons:

Redness, Burning when you put anything on with it, Mild Peeling, Doesn't stop new acne.

It has helped with my cystic acne & it speeds the amount of time i have a zit on my face. Except it does not stop new ones from appearing & your red for a week if you set foot in the sun without sunscreen- even for 15 minutes and Im pretty tan naturally.
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December 17, 2009

Pros:

I had mild acne and after using this product for about 4 months I can say I have seen a noticeable difference. I only apply it around my mouth/chin area, but where I once had multiple zits I now have 0-1. I use it once a night before bed

Cons:

Slightly drying, especially during winter. I use the acne.org moisturizer when needed and that takes care of the dryness. Also the treated area is more vulnerable to sunburns, so that needs to be kept in mind

I saw no initial "flare up" as other people on here have using this product. I am using the 0.1% adapalene 2.5% BP mix.. No more cystic zits and I am more than willing to pay for the dry skin in exhange for being acne free. I am very happy with the results.
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December 17, 2009

Pros:

I helped clear most of my existing acne and blemishes

Cons:

Didn't help keep it away for good

This really cleared me up for about 2 weeks but then my acne returned as it has before. I think my skin built a resistance to it because its only 2.5 % bp.
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November 30, 2009

Pros:

Really clears up skin and improves skin tone

Cons:

Makes skin dry and flaky at first and it is painful to apply other products to the face

When I first started to use it, it was very painful and made me break out worse than ever but after a few days itcalmed down. If my skin became too irritaed I Began to use it every other day. After a while my skin became amazingly clear so I started using it Less and less and simply used an acne clearing face wash. I think I stopped using epiduo too soon though because recently my skin got much worse. I'm using it again now and my skin is starting to improve once again :)
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November 29, 2009

Pros:

The second day of using Epiduo my acne cleared about 25%. That was a total plus!

Cons:

Burned and made my face peel for a few weeks.

I am still waiting for the final results but it's deffinatly a great acne medication.
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November 24, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my acne really nice, now I only get one little pimple every once in awhile, and then I just put a little on a and it goes away.

Cons:

It's a little drying, but if you use a GENTLE (I use aveeno daily scrub) it will be fine.

I am a 14 year old girl, and I think this product works great for teenagers,not sure about adults. The best way to use this is to wash your face with the Cetaphill Ant-Bacterial bar, morning and night, don't use a face wash with medication because that will be too much with Epiduo, plus this routine is what my dermatolagist gave me,so I'm not making it up. Then put on the Epiduo. It also improves your overall skin tone!
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November 21, 2009

Pros:

Clear acne

Cons:

My skin is really dry and it hurts.

Not sure yet. I got the first tube free from my dermatologist and a coupon to pay only $20.00 for a refill.
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October 28, 2009

Pros:

It's affordable

Cons:

Severe drying, burning, redness

I've been using this product for almost 2 weeks and I have been experiencing the worst effects that I have ever experienced. I've tried nearly everything on the market, including prescripton products, so this is just another try. It really dries out my skin and makes it burn which moisturizer seems to only make worse. My skin also appears inflamed because it is so red. I also haven't noticed any improvement with my acne. If anything, I see more pimples on my face than before and they are large and painful. I might continue to use it to see if there's a light at the end of this torturous tunnel, but I might not. BEWARE TO THOSE WHO HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN!
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website