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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4
29.2%
3
10.3%
2
7.9%
1
13.5%

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October 25, 2011

Pros:

Cleared skin
Made skin less oily
Tighter pores
Softer, smoother skin

Cons:

Initial breakout
Itchy skin
Puffiness/redness

I have seriously tried EVERYTHING for my breakouts. When I was in my teens I used proactiv and it worked really well but then it just stopped working. I have tried everything prescribed and all antibiotics. I also work at a health food store so I have tried all sorts of natural remedies and treatments. When I got fed up I went back to the doctor. He gave me epiduo and told me if it didn't work that I would have to do accutane (which I refuse to try). I passed on the antibiotic because they're terrible for you and instead got a probiotic. And by the way.. 50 mg of Zinc picolinate has the same effect as tetracycline. I did have an initial breakout but it really didn't last long maybe 4 days? I'm at the beginning of my 3rd week and my skin SO soft and smooth. I really shouldn't, but I can't stop touching it. My pores are so small and even my hyper pigmentation is starting to fade. I did get a few cysts, granted it was around the time of my period, but the skin around it looked so beautiful. Bottom line: I love epiduo and will continue using it cause it's amazing. And I think everyone should at least try it and be patient!! Don't do accutane.
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October 15, 2011

Pros:

- IT WORKS !
- Dries quickly
- Lightweight
- You can see difference within 1 week

Cons:

- Does make you break out during first 1-2 weeks
- For the first week you may expirience dry, flaky or really red/burning side effects on spots of your skin (BUT that's just cause your face needs to adjust to the medication, after it does, it's like a MIRACLE WORKER!)

Basically this thing REALLY WORKS! I wish I could just tell anyone who has acne how much I love it, and PLEASE try it. I had really bad flare-ups and acne last year because I started using foundation all the time. Well, I stopped using the foundation, but the acne seemed permanent. I tried proactive (which is a joke people- don't do it) then I tried buying my own cleanser/ toner/ moistrizer. They were okay, but you could still tell the bumps were there- some of them really red. So I asked my doctor what she thought, and she gave me samples of Epiduo. OH MY GOD ! I know this sounds crazy- but I definetly saw results within 3 days. They were just minor at first: my redness was going down, the bumps seemed smaller, but by the end of the third week ALL MY ACNE had virtually dissapeared. I am currently in the fourth week of using Epiduo, and just let me tell you that my confidence has gone up as a result. And for some reason I've been really motivated to work out. So indirectly, Epiduo is really a life changer and I HIGHLY reccomend it. * Please if you are having red/ flaky skin (during the first week) just know that it does go away with continuos use of Epiduo. I promise you! Just please stick it out, you'll be happy you did.* Good Luck everyone! & please just remember to be patient with it, because it WILL work...but over time. P.S. I'm still using the samples my doctor gave me so I didn't pay for Epiduo, but I probably will have to when I run out.
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September 19, 2011

Pros:

Everything. This product is amazing.

Cons:

Initial breakout was tough.
Dry skin and flakiness in the first month, but the skin soon acclimatises.

I would recommend this product to everyone! It is amazing. Combined with Cetaphil Sunscreen Moisturiser (marketed by the same company) my skin has never looked better! I am finally acne free!
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August 23, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne FAST
Really effective
Makes skin smooth
Lasts long
Not irritating to skin

Cons:

Expensive if insurance doesn't cover it

My dermatologist prescribed this to me about a year ago. Luckily he gave me a card that allows you to pay only $35 for it, otherwise it can be expensive. I put a pea size amount on my face after I get out of the shower or wash my face and it works great. If I ever get acne I put it on at night and when I wake up the next morning its already mostly gone. It starts working fast, you can see it working about fifteen minutes after you put it on. Its very effective.
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August 23, 2011

Pros:

-lightweight
-dries quickly
-helps reduce redness
-helps scars fade
-clears skin

Cons:

-takes awhile for it to take effect
-a bit pricey
-makes you break out for the first couple of weeks
-you have to be patient

When I had moderate acne on my forehead and chin, my derma prescribed to me Acanya. I used it for about 5 months and nothing really happened and my acne got worse and just spread all over my face and they grew bigger. I felt so gross, ugly, and embarrassed to be around people because I hated the way I looked :/ I cried and prayed that God would take my acne away and He did when this happened! ---> I got really frustrated and went to the derma again and he gave me samples for Epiduo and told me to wash my face twice a day with Cetaphil and then apply a pea sized amount of Epiduo every night. The first 2 weeks of using it were HORRIBLE. I got the biggest most ginormous zits on my cheeks and forehead the I couldn't even cover up with makeup and my face got really dry. Some people said that Epiduo made their face sting but mine didn't sting at all so I am thankful for that. I read the reviews on this website that said that the medicine works that way: that you breakout the first couple weeks because its taking all the bacteria out and then your face starts to clear up. This is true! After those 2 weeks my face really started to clear up. I have been using it for about 2 months and my skin looks so much better!! My scars have constantly been fading, my big zits are gone, and my self confidence is way better than before (: If you are starting to use it and you are doubting whether it will work or not, just be patient! I know that you wish it would just start working right away but trust me, if you wait and keep using Epiduo, you will get great results. Thank the Lord for giving me Epiduo haha (:
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August 15, 2011

Pros:

Easy to use
Last a long time
It works!

Cons:

Price was $248 because my insurance wouldn't cover it, but my doctor gave me the insurance card through Epiduo, making it only (always) $35.

I have only used Epiduo for three days, and I am in love with it. I have mild to moderate acne. Mostly white and black heads. I use it in the morning, and the first day I noticed my skin had a better complection, and my face looked clean and smooth! So far, no burning, itching or redness. I only use the small pea-sized amount as recommended. I wait a bit before applying Cetaphil face moisturizer. Then I use Erth Minerals make-up with 15 SPF sunscreen. Give it a shot, but make sure you get the Epiduo Insurance Card!
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July 24, 2011

Pros:

-will not disappoint regarding results
-did not get initial break out or irritation, even after and month. ( you could be the lucky one and get no side effects)
-2 in 1 action :)
-pea size will over whole face (unless you have a big face...)
-quite soothing ^^

Cons:

-my lack of side effects make me wonder if I'm doing it right, haha :)
-pricy without insurance

It wouldnt hurt to try, and after hard work of patience and dedication. The results you want will come through no matter how bad the "side effects" are!
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June 30, 2011

Pros:

really easy to use
works fast
don't dry out face
tube last a long time

Cons:

price 55 bucks

I didn't know what to do anymore. My face had so much acne, I was considering Accutane, the Dermatologist gave me Benzaclin I used it two months and nothing. Also did the acne.org treatment and nothing. I didn't know what to do anymore, so I went to my general regular doctor " I didn't want to see the Derm any more to expensive" and he gave me Doxycycline and Epiduo. OMG one week later my skin was looking good!!! now 4 Weeks inn and I'm so happy. I have a couple pimples but I can live with this, even if I never get flawless skin. But good news my Doc told me its only going to get better. I use it once a day at night. In the AM I wash with cetaphil face wash and apply cetaphil sunblock that's it, o yea and one pill 100mg Doxy. In the PM wash face Cetaphil, let dry then apply Epiduo and take 100mg Doxy. My Doctor says not to wash face more then 2X a day "You don't want to wash off all the healthy oils" That's fine with me as long as it keeps working. I LOVE EPIDUO
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June 18, 2011

Pros:

-Got rid of my breakout
-Dried my acne up
-Easy to apply
-No stinging or burning sensation

Cons:

Nothing that I can think of.

I had a very bad breakout a month and a half ago. There wasn't a clear spot on my face at the time. I went to my primary doctor because appointments to the dermatologist takes forever and I needed some recommendations fast. She prescribed Epiduo, along with minocycline. I always had acne on my forehead, like it will never disappear. While on this medication, it completely cleared up, and I never thought it would but it did, as well for my cheeks. All that is left is some scars here and there. It took 3 weeks. You have to be patient with it, if not, you won't be able to see the final results. I do get a pimple here and there, but no major breakouts anymore, and I'll take that any day.
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June 7, 2011

Pros:

Light, non-drying, effective, no initial breakout if started slow, can be used as spot treatment, eliminates the need to overspend on OTC products

Cons:

There are better (retinaid) alternatives when bacteria is controlled and BP is no longer needed, can be expensive

I've mild but stubborn acne that is hormonally triggered. While all acne is related to bacteria, hormonally triggered/cystic/adult acne is unique in my experience. I think this type of acne responds well to combination treatment and does not need to be treated "aggressively". I've tried many things over the years, but I always felt like my acne would come and go randomly as it pleased and I was completely powerless no matter what skin regimen I followed. On a recent acne comeback, worried it might turn into a persistent and sever one, I quickly saw a highly-recommended NY dermatologist. She put me on Epiduo and Spironolactone following blood work. I did not have a hormonal imbalance, but she suspected I was sensitive to androgen since I was experiencing hair loss as well. The key to any topical treatment is to start slowly. I used Epiduo twice a week in the first wee, then 3 times a week, then increased to every other day, and at the end of a month or so, I was using it every night. During this period, I did not have any breakouts, and my skin started showing improvement almost immediately. My derm said Epiduo was Step 1 in introducing me to retinol, but her immediate goal was to first stop inflammation/bacteria with BP. My routine was using a light moisturizer she gave me (CeraVE PM), gentle face wash (Jan Marini non-glycolic wash) and if needed, a weekly scrub (Proactiv face wash). On this routine and spiro, I only had about 4-5 pimples in total over the course of 4 months, never had more than 2 at the same time. At the end of the 4th month, my derm and I decided to replace Epiduo with a stronger retinaid (Tazorac cream) as my skin could benefit from its resurfacing and pore-reducings effects. Although BP is no longer needed in the mix, I still spot/area-treat with Epiduo when I feel like a breakout might happen, especially before my period. I wholeheartedly recommend Epiduo as a starter for people with mild to moderate acne.
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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