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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June 7, 2011

Pros:

Works well with cystic/pus type pimples
Helps with scarring
Sheds dead skin

Cons:

Very drying the first few months
Purges skin

I started using this in July of 2010 and it is now June of 2011, almost a year. When I started using this my face wasn't THAT bad, it had been A LOT worse. (of course when I go to the dermatologist, I only had about 2 pimples and I usually have 5 or more.) I get cystic/pus pimples which scarred my face. My main problem at the time was the scarring, it made my face look terrible and I didn't want to leave the house. I had no self confidence; I felt like everyone was staring at my pimples, so I didn't talk to anyone much. I tried so many expensive stuff that did not help. Right before I went to the derm, I was using DDF's Benzoly Peroxide gel, which helped the first few weeks, then made it worse so I stopped using it. My derm prescribed me Doryx (antibiotic), Plexion cleanser, and Epiduo. The first week I used this I noticed an improvement, my face looked healthier and I only had one zit. Then my face started to purge but I researched this product well so I knew I had to pull through it and I did. I don't remember how long it purged, but it wasn't that long because when I went for my 3 month check up, my derm was so surprised at how well my skin looked! At my 6 month check up she had me only take Doryx that time of month, and I occasionally get a few pimples when I'm not taking it, but they are not as bug and do that last as long so it's no big deal. Now, almost a year later, I'm not taking anymore antibiotics, but I'm still using Epiduo and Plexion and my skin is very healthy and clear. I still get the occasional zit or two but I have so much confidence now I don't even care. I still have a couple stubborn scars, but they're slowly fading. Its not drying anymore and I'm so happy with my skin that I've been able to go makeup free a lot this summer. Now, I can live my life happily and be a care-free 16 year old! I think I may have to find an alternative because this stuff is about 180 bucks for a bottle, but it lasted me about 10 months. Wish me luck!
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May 9, 2011

Pros:

BEST acne product I've EVER tried! My skin is flawless!

Cons:

It takes FOREVER to work but soooo worth it...it took about a good 6 months before my skin was flawless and it has stayed that way ever since! NO breakouts AT ALL! Also, in the beginning for the first couple of weeks be ready for some pretty intense redness and burning...but endure it...in the end it's worth it!

BEST acne product I have EVER used! I have tried EVERYTHING from Accutane, to Duac, to over the counter products, to Proactiv. Nothing has ever worked for me and I have never had completely clear skin until now! I am 28 and my skin is flawless! I will never be without this product! Ever!
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April 26, 2011

Pros:

worked fast, near perfect skin. very pleased

Cons:

slight burning, some flaking

for me epiduo worked in one week! i was on accutane for 5 months but after i was off of it for a few months, some slight acne came back. dermatologist gave me this and wow....my face is back to being clear. i couldn't be happier. no more worrying about my face. thank you!
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April 15, 2011

Pros:

Dries Out new Pimples

skin flakes off revealing flawless skin

fairly cheap with rebate card

Cons:

burning sensation may occur but thats no problem

My acne has gotten worse and worse in the past six months or so after trying various products i.e murad, pro activ, and acne free. I finally bit the bullet and went to the derm. My acne had really gotten in the way of my social life as i am extremely embarassed to talk and make eye contact with a girl with huge boulders of white pus on my face. I was really embarassed when a girl i was talking to said wow your face looks terrible, what is wrong with it. So i went to my derm and was prescribed epiduo and solodyn, amd man am i glad i did my face went through a phase of intense "shedding" in which the dead skin or whatever it was; was just flaking off it was extremely dry but i would rather have a dry face than an oily red pus face. so after exfoliating tonight underneath the flakes was some of the clearest skin i have seen in 6 months i am very pleased with the progress of this product. Epiduo has boosted my confidence ten fold. Although I do have two large whitheads left on my face it is nothing compared to where my skin was a week ago and i am willing to bet with continued use of this product the pimple should be gone within 2 days or so. To make long story short the combined ingredients of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide works wonders on troubled this product has earned my approval. and just a side note use the card from your doctor it saved me $200.
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March 29, 2011

Pros:

- Skin feels nice, soft, and tight after use.

Cons:

- A little dry, but that is fixed with the correct acne moisturizer.

This product is really good, but you have to have patience. For the first month it might get worst, but thats normal, you just have to keep keep going and using for about 6 months to really see the results. It's worth it in the long run, because it's not one of those fake products that say "acne cured in 1 week." That doesn't work, so Epiduo is really good, with a lot of patience. :) try it, it worked for me
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March 23, 2011

Pros:

less acne

Cons:

Redness from cream
Tingling

I've been using Epiduo for one week now and already seen incredible results. I've suffered from severe adult acne for years; I'm 28 now. This was worth the price, and I'm glad my dermatologist recommended it. I have noticed some burning and redness from the cream, but that was only when I applied too much cream. A lot goes a long way with this cream.
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March 20, 2011

Pros:

-cleared up my acne a lot
-didn't burn
-a little goes a long way
-inexpensive with copay

Cons:

-some dryness, fixed with cetaphil moisturizer
-horrible initial breakout (but worth it in the end)
-doesn't seem to be doing anything for the leftover pigmentation

So, to begin, I'm a 14 year old girl (with oilyoilyoily skin). I've always had a pimple here and there but around November 2010 it got a lot worse. I started breaking out all over my forehead and somewhat on my cheeks. It was really a self-esteem killer. My Neutrogena washes and spot treatments weren't working, I even bought the Proactiv refining mask (terrible mistake). I went to the dermatologist and she prescribed me clindamycin phosphate lotion and Epiduo. I had a REALLY bad initial breakout, but after about 2 weeks it was back to normal and then progressively got better. I just began my third month and the results are fgjfsg80kjnbsklvnsvkf AMAZING. I still get pimples sometimes, but DEFINITELY not nearly as much. I wash with Cetaphil facial cleanser, use the clindamycin in the morning and night and use the Epiduo on my trouble spots at night. 5 sample tubes from my derm has lasted me 2 months, since very little goes a long way. Though a lot of people say it burns, it was fine for me. Bottom line: I recommend it highly.
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March 8, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne
-white heads
-blackheads
-cysts/pustules
reduces redness
works pretty fast

Cons:

If you put to much on it can cause flaking and irritation.

This product is amazing! I had horrible SEVERE cystic acne that was so painful and embarrassing. I was prescribed epiduo by my derm. and felt like it was just another product that wouldn't work. But this is a miracle worker! in just under a month all my major cysts and pustules are gone! the only thing i have left to clear up is some red marks and thats it!
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February 23, 2011

Pros:

-gets ride of acne
-smooths skin out
-cheap (with insurance)

Cons:

-burns
-dries skin out
-causes rashes on neck

Epiduo was my last hope before accutaine because nothing else was working after going to the derm monthy for 9 months. Epiduo started working right away, and now, 6 months later, my acne is gone, except for some scars that are slowly going away under the surface. It was however, hard to keep up with at first as it burned every time I put it on (and still does sometimes) and burns when I put Cetaphil moisturizer on it. Also, it caused itchy rashes on my neck because I have sensitive skin, but they went away after about 3-4 months of being on it (rashes are a known side effect). This stuff worked great for me just when I was feeling hopeless and like I had tried everything! *Note: I also started using this with Spiro and birth control as my derm thought I might have hormonal acne, but I believe it still works well on its own.
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February 1, 2011

Pros:

Works fast, I usually clear up over a night or two.
Only treatment that actually stops my chest breakouts when I feel them coming.

Cons:

Red marks
Peeling

I took accutane and shortly after I started having bad breakouts again, I was prescribed Epiduo and it worked pronto. I was surprised how fast it cleared my chest and shoulders. I occasionally have small breakouts but it really did the job for me. I haven't been to the derm in 6 months.
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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