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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496
Read All About Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
Compare To Other Treatments
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 31, 2012

Pros:

Clears hormonal acne
Works fairly quick
LOVE this stuff!

Cons:

Can irritate eyelids even though you're not directly applying to the eyes
Does cause an inital breakout but eventually that would have happened anyway! Mine actually wasn't that bad.

I've been dealing with hormonal acne for years now (I'm 44) and recently had a major breakout of cystic acne. I have been going to a dermatologist for many years but more for melasma (also hormonal) on my face. My derm gave me a perscription for .04% Retin-A which did NOTHING after months of use. She then gave me samples of .1% Retin-A which did a little more than the .04% but very minimal after 2 months of use. I began to get frustrated and got a second opinion from another derm. He gave me samples of Epiduo and I started treatment that night. At first it dried my skin a bit but I think I was used to the drying due to using Retin -A for so long. I did get some drying around my eyes but moisturizer helped with that. I've been using Epiduo now for 3 weeks and on week 2 started putting a pea sized amount on 2X/day. I haven't had severe drying at all. What I do have is clearer skin because this stuff is making my past scarring disappear! Blackheads are literally falling out (I'm using a mild scrub twice a week) and with makeup no one can even tell I have scars. I work with animals for a living and don't ever wear makeup at work but was having to because of the acne. Now I have gone back to a makeup free face and don't feel like people are looking at my face wondering 'wow! what's up with her skin!' This stuff is crazy good...it does take patience to see results but ohhhh, so worth it. Try it, stick with it, use it religiously (don't give up) and I promise you will have clearer skin AND your confidence back. Since I work outdoors I am a huge advocate of sunscreen even before I started using Epiduo. If you're using this product in the morning BE SURE to use sunscreen on your face. There is a Retinoid in this product and your skin will burn if exposed to sunlight.
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May 27, 2012

Pros:

-Works great
-Gentle
-No pimples for 2 months

Cons:

-Must use at night (increases risk of skin cancer with skin exposure!)

When I turned 15, my skin got really bad. But after a year and a half of going through different products, I decided it was time to bring it up with my doctor. I wish I did it sooner. He prescribed me Epiduo and Duac. I had no dryness, and a couple months later, my scars are healing, and I haven't have a pimple in ages. It completely changed my life, and I have my old confidence back again.
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May 23, 2012

Pros:

- Clears acne 100%
- Controls oil production

Cons:

- Takes a while to work
- Dries skin

After becoming resistant to clindamycin (Duac) I switched to Epiduo. My skin cleared 100% in about 12 weeks. You have to give it the FULL three months, I was still breaking out up to and including week 12. Since then I have had two pimples (have been on for about 5 months now so 2 months = 2 pimples). Please give it time! It does dry you out a little but nothing moisturiser can't fix.
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May 23, 2012

Pros:

Cleared up almost ALL my acne! (only have a few small pimples)
Work immediately (within 2-3 nights)
Skin looks clean and fresh
Gave back my confidence! Haven't been happier with my face

Cons:

Burns like CRAZY after putting it on
Skin is very very dry (esp. around the nose.)
Bleaches things
Skin is very sensitive but its worth it..

I know some people have had bad results with this, but I was out of options and wanted to give this a last shot...I could not be happier! I've been using it for about a month and my skin looks wonderful...even though the acne is hormonal it took it all away! I would choose this over Retin-A any day! It also seems less harsh.
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May 19, 2012

Pros:

WORKS, quite fast actually- 2 weeks!

Really easy to apply- you won't forget because it will be apart of your skin care routine.

Never had a breakout when I was stressed!

BEST PRODUCT I'VE USED!

Cons:

Dries out skin= flaky skin!
Made my eyes swell up
Stinging on second week...extremely painful!

Never ever writ a review but really thought I should for this product.... I'm 19 and usually get breakouts around my my period (guys are lucky ^.^). Epiduo really helped my skin from breaking out- I get the odd spots but they are not massive ones, so changed my acne type in a way, used to suffer from massive spots under my skin! I currently took my second year finals and when I am stressed it used to show on my skin! EPIDUO STOPPED THIS :D. Ok so, the bad stuff! When I started using epiduo I never really had a serious breakout like other people did but my gosh, my skin was so dry, specially on my eyelids and cheekbone area! Also it really made my skin sting on the second week of using Epiduo, was extremely painful! But the pain eventually went away. So advice: 1) USE A MOISTURIZER AFTER YOU APPLY EPIDUO. (other wise your skin will really dry out- I tried not using a moisturizer once and then spent 1 week getting it back to normal!). I use Simple Anti-Spot Moisturizer. 2) WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER APPLYING IT AND BEFORE YOU APPLY YOUR MOISTURIZER! (Ok, so never washed my hands once and my eyes inflated! Epiduo can really irritate your eyes.) 3) APPLY AROUND YOUR WHOLE FACE, even areas where not prone to acne! I don't know why, but it helps! 4) Well, I'm using Tetralysal too so maybe that's helping me too, but wouldn't recommend this antibiotic, I forgot to use it twice and both times had 2 spots the next morning!
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May 18, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Doesn't do anything. Maybe made it worse and left scars

Didn't work on my south asian skin and I've been using it for about 7 weeks for some sudden breakouts. Still have dark marks from where it caused me to break out. Didn't work for me, but still could work for you if you're not prone to PIH
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May 15, 2012

Pros:

Truly works, easy to use

Cons:

Takes awhile to work, can burn skin if too much is applied

I tried Epiduo twice. The first time I over-applied it and caused horrible burns on my face. I refused to believe it was my fault and stopped the medication. I got desperate a second time because my acne was taking over my face. I started it again, and after a few months of use (about 2) I started noticing a remarkable difference. With a little resilience, my acne cleared for the most part. A word of warning -- even if your acne is gone, DON'T stop using the medication until the tube is gone. I stopped the treatment after I was satisfied, and my acne has come back a little bit. I've started treatment again. THIS IS NOT AN OVERNIGHT CURE, but it is well worth the wait.
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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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May 2, 2012

Pros:

My face is completely clear
I can look at myself in the mirror
It isn't too much work
Also helps with scars
Have not had a pimple in months

Cons:

First few weeks burns face
May get dry skin

When I started Epiduo, I sat in my drs office balling because all I wanted was clear skin. I didn't believe my dermatologist but it worked! I have used every product, antibiotic, face wash, ect known to man and this product has done wonders. The first few months may be hard, but you will see results within a week. I have used it for 6 months and all I have left is scars, which are easy to cover up. I read the reviews on this website before I started using it and it gave me hope that I would finally find the answer and I did! If you get bad burning sensation on your face when using it the first few days I would recommend ice packs- that's what I did! Please try this- I promise you'll see results!!!!
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April 30, 2012

Pros:

It reduced my acne
You can feel that it is working

Cons:

Flaking
Dryness

I love this product though at first week you'll experience the hell out of it, like seriously, it really sting! BUT, I don't care, I love the result. :)
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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