Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.7
579 Reviews
Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
67%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
A way of using benzoyl peroxide in combination with the topical retinoid, adapalene, that studies show works a bit better than benzoyl peroxide alone. Comes with side effects for the first weeks and can bleach fabric. Note: When used correctly, benzoyl peroxide on its own can completely clear the skin.
Topical Retinoid / Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
38.2%
4
27.3%
3
11.1%
2
8.6%
1
14.9%

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

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
March 9, 2013
The first 3 weeks were hell, my face exploded! I had to put tons of make-up on but it still won't cover it. I was literally mortified. I am in week 5 now and finally starting to see some great improvements! My forehead is becoming clear again, and my cheeks are slowly exposing beautiful healthy skin, and what is not clear can be covered by make-up until then I have also started drinking 9 bottles of water a day,I think that is what sped up the process.I can't wait to see the finished product!
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March 7, 2013

Pros:

Works great
reduced acne

Cons:

very drying
made face red
made face sting
moisturizers sting after using epiduo

Epiduo works great but you have to use moisturizer because its very drying. My dermatologist prescribed this with clindamycin and my face is much clearer. i would also recommend using it every other day because its very drying
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January 6, 2013

Pros:

First the science then my opinion. I have been on epiduo for almost two months and my acne is almost gone. To give you a hint how bad my acne was the doctor was talking to me about acutane:-(. The sconce behind epiduo is figment then most acne treatments it's two active ingredients are adapalene /benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene WILL NOT KILL ACNE adapalene is a Prepatory cream it opens pores and does nothing else. Now Benzoyl peroxide will kill acne by bring O2 into pores. This cream works great.

Cons:

Ask you dermatologist for either 2/2 OR 5/2 pads the first number is Glycolic which will prevent MOST of the burning caused by Benzoyl peroxide. And the second number is Salic acid wich will allow new skin to replace the old skin faster stoping the peeling caused by Epiduo

It worked for me I had sever acne and I hope and pray it will work for you
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September 23, 2012

Pros:

Gets rid of spots
You can feel it working

Cons:

Skin Peeling
Slight Burning

Basically, I've been struggling with light acne since I was about 15. I'm 19 now and for the first time in those 4 years, my doctor prescribed Epiduo for me. I read a lot of reviews and was apprehensive about using it. I used it initially and it was burning my skin, so I stopped. However, I restarted using it and my skin cleared up within a week. Not entirely cleared, but only a few minor, tiny spots remained. It made my skin feel a lot more smooth. It burns a little when you put it on, but you can feel it working on your skin and that's a real plus for me.
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September 4, 2012

Pros:

Exfoliates your skin as all the dead skin falls off
Clears acne up

Cons:

Intense drying and flaking
Burns and stings when you put it on
Face gets real dry to the point when it hurts to smile sometimes

I havent been using epiduo very long but i can tell that its working. Besides the dryness the acne does clear up and it will burn and sting but you just gotta take the pain! Good luck to everyone out there fighting with their acne problems :)
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July 28, 2012

Pros:

-Works (For a While)
-Dries quickly
-No smell
-Cheap with coupon
-No purging for me.
-Spot treatment for back acne.

Cons:

-Causes some irritation. (i.e. Itching, Redness, Sun sensitivity, Extreme dryness)
-Sadly my skin got used to it.
-If you forget to use it once, you break out.
-Can bleach towels if you don't was it off your fingers completely.
-Does nothing for the scars acne can leave behind.

I was put on Epiduo in November 2011. It is now July 2012. Epiduo worked wonders for me and I thought I found the cure. It cleared my face up about 95% in about a month. Sadly, in June 2012, for some reason I broke out terribly (Worse than my face was before Epiduo) and it stayed until now. I also had EXTREME dryness, like if I got out of the shower or a pool, it was time to bring out the moisturizer. It also made my face extremely sensitive to the sun, and my face wont get an even tan. I have to use a ton of moisturizer, even with my oily skin. I went back to my Derm. Two days ago and he put me on Tazorac and Aczone. This is my last option because I am now on some list for Accutane.
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May 13, 2012
Works for a while, not a permanent solution though

Pros:

Cleared my acne for the first 1.5-2 years

Cons:

Stopped working
Expensive

I used this along with Aczone for about 2 years, and it worked great for the first year. After that, my acne got worse and worse, and I'm not sure if it was either this or the Aczone, but it worked well while it lasted. It is expensive though, so I recommend something like the acne.org regimen which has helped a whole lot more.
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April 2, 2012

Pros:

-Clears Acne
-Works Fast
-Reduces Hyper pigmentation

Cons:

-Dries Skin
-Initial Breakout

My dermatologist gave me a prescription for epiduo about four months ago. I was skeptical because I had tried it before (for about 2 weeks) and it did nothing, but I decided to stick with it the second time around. At first it started clearing up my skin, although it was a bit drying, then came the initial breakout. My face looked horrible! But I kept using it faithfully every night. After about a month and a half my skin started clearing up beautifully. Now after 4 months my skin is about 98% clear (I still break out around that time of the month) and my face is sooo smooth (thanks to honey masks). I would definitely recommend giving this a shot and sticking with it!
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March 18, 2012

Pros:

Clears up acne
Doesn't smell like anything
easy to apply
Dries quickly

Cons:

Burns
Gives you dry skin
Makes your skin sensitive
Flaky skin

I used this at night, ONLY. I apply a pea sized amount to each section of my face. It burns a bit but it eventually goes away. At first, I started breaking out a little bit, but then it started getting clearer and clearer. Although it's making my skin dry and flaky, it's worth it cause it's clearing up my acne! I love it but hate how it dries out your skin :*( And I normally have really oily skin... I've been using this for like more than a week consistently. I got it free using medicaid.
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March 18, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne as well as spots

Cons:

severe dryness and redness

I started using Epiduo six days ago. I use a pea-sized drop all over my face once every night. My dermatologist told me to rub Cerave lotion into my skin to help dryness. The Epiduo leaves my skin extremely dry and Cerave, albeit a nice, high quality product, only works for a short time (a few hours). Aloe vera gel only makes my skin sting and redden more. After reading reviews, most people say the redness goes away in 7-10 days. Despite my having only used this product for six days so far, and the annoying redness, my skin is noticeably clearer. I've never had severe acne, it's mostly that my complexion gets spotted from past blemishes with a couple of pimples here and there. Epiduo seems to really be removing these spots, and so quickly too. The redness and dryness is uncomfortable and does appear to make your face look blotchy but I'd say, judging by my results so far, it's worth it. I recommend using this product with Cerave like I am, because it is a smooth cream for the skin and has SPF in it. Also, perhaps some home made masks of things like lavender oil, honey, oatmeal, green/chamomile tea, verbena, and other natural, soothing, nourishing things. I'm not sure how much it costs (I haven't filled my prescription yet, i've been using little bottles my doctor gave me in the mean time), but I think it's on the higher end of the line, between 20-30 dollars.
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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.

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.