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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3.7
571
Read All About Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
38.2%
4
27.5%
3
11%
2
8.6%
1
14.7%

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

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April 21, 2011

Pros:

kind of cleared acne, over time

Cons:

peeling
moisturizing didnt help
burning if used too much

i reccomend this product only if you can get it at a discounted price. for some it works miracles, but it helped me only with a little bit. it made my complextion very blotchy and i use it every other day, or when my breakouts get really bad. i have definatley seen some improvement, but if you have to pay full price for it, it isnt worth it.
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December 16, 2010
snappy tomatoes I'm in the same boat you were in...I'm on week 5 and I'm still breaking out and haven't seen an improvement because of that. it took you 8 weeks to get results??? I figured by this time I should start seeing some light at the end of the tunnel but no such luck. hopefully I'm going to get the same results as you did.
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November 10, 2010

Pros:

Prevents breakouts.

Cons:

Your face becomes EXTREMELY dry.

My dermatologist provided me with samples of Epiduo and I used it for the longest time. I would apply it every night before going to bed. Although it might help moderate acne, it is not worth having dry, red skin. My face is so dry, that I cannot even wear makeup. When I smile, all the dry skin around my face cracks. I feel and look like a lizard. Also, I have fairly sensitive skin, so anything I apply on my face now burns me horrible. All in all, this product is not worth it. I would rather have a few pimples then a lizard face.
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July 22, 2010

Pros:

- See a big improvement in a day or so
- Dries up your acne, makes it "fade away"

Cons:

- Burns SO badly (makes you CRY)
- Dries out your face a LOT
- May give you an allergic reaction

I've had TERRIBLE acne for a few years now, and it was so life-changing, in a horrible way! I'm still using Epiduo (been using for 3 days) and it really seems to be working! The only 2 TERRIBLE things about this stuff is that it gave me a MAJOR allergic reaction (on neck and jawline) and it stings after you put it on for about...20 minutes. I see a HUGE improvement though, and would defineltey reccommend this to somebody with bad acne.
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June 30, 2010

Pros:

- works quickly
- easy to use
- affordable

Cons:

- can be drying

I used to use ProActiv but it stopped working. I went to my dermatologist and he gave me a prescription of Epiduo. I LOVE THIS!!! He told me that I might see some drying in the beginning but that means its working. I did get some drying at first, but not anymore-- I guess my face got used to it. And he was definitely right about it working because I started to see a huge change within the first 3 weeks. I wash my face with a gentle cleanser (my derm told me to try cetaphil), let it my face dry (to avoid burning), apply a small amount of epiduo, then finish off with a moisturizer... all right before bed. I hope this helps because it made me feel better about my face. Also! make sure you get the coupon from [link removed]-- so worth it.
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May 27, 2010

Pros:

None yet

Cons:

Dries skin out
Stings really bad especially if you put on moisturizer

I've been using this product for about 3 weeks now and I haven't seen any results yet. Right now all it does is just dry my skin out and it my face sting really bad! I can't even put anything on it cause it'll make it worse. I also take 100mg minocycline as an antibiotic 2x a day and I use Cetaphil face wash. Being on this pill has reduced the redness and pain of my pimples so that's the only Pro to my treatment right now. So far Epiduo isn't doing anything I just hope it kicks in soon.
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December 17, 2009

Pros:

Easy to apply
Might have improved my acne situation (see bottom line)

Cons:

Severe redness
Severe burning

I used it on and off for three month for treating mild/moderate acne with antibiotics. I had to call in sick from work and sit with a fan towards my face because it burned so much. Lucky this was in the summertime because I could pass it as a "sunburn". The thing is, I did not use much at all. I was careful yet this happend. I don't think I got ultra sensitive skin either. It did seem to reduce the amount of acne but it could be also that the red spots got camouflaged by the redness and gave an illusion. I am sorry to say I can't recomend this, if you want to try it. Be really careful and don't start to apply it every night in a row at the start. Use Two or max three times a week for 1 month then increase.
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December 1, 2009

Pros:

affordable--my insurance pays

Cons:

I've used epiduo for about 3 months now, with absolutely no reduction in acne. in fact, I think it's worse than it's ever been! I'm 48 and have never "outgrown" acne--even with this medication. I think I'm ready to try Acutane.

I'd pay anything it cost if it WORKED! But it doesn't. So I have to make yet another dermatology appt. to get this figured out.
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September 13, 2009

Pros:

Dosnt dry out skin. Non-irritating. Easy to use.

Cons:

Takes awhile to work. It does get worse before it gets better.

Using Epiduo at night with Duac in the morning. This combo took 3 full months to work. I almost gave up due to IB. The first 3 weeks I actually totally cleared up, but weeks 3-12 had constant breakouts. Now clear with a occasional spot. I had clear skin from age 16-21 but was on yasmine and then decided to get off and give my body a rest and after 4 months I started breaking out. This combo does work for hormonal acne.
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March 5, 2017
Not for me... Skin ruined after one application
I read all the reviews here before using Epiduo, feeling excited that it might just be my cure. I know my skin is a bit sensitive but I didn't expect this. After one application only, my face started burning the second day and got a lot worse on the third day. My skin is insanely red, burning, tight, slightly swollen, oozing pus or some sort of liquid. OMG if I didnt have the same experience six years ago (due to a different product, probably with BP too) , I'd be crying in horror right now. From what I have read, I think my reaction is more severe than just dryness, flaking, peeling etc. as described by most. I'm just glad I didnt put Epiduo on my whole face, but almost half of my face is currently ruined. I have stopped using it after thr first application and dont intend to ever go near it again. Obviously it has been very effective for a lot of people, it's a real shame I react so badly to it. For people who want to try this, beware of the possibility of getting a major bad reaction and be prepared to deal with it. I hope it works for you!
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Jimbo913
March 7, 2017
Sorry to hear. At the first sign of redness I washed it off and started the next night with 50/50 Epiduo and Cetaphil eczema moisturizer and I am doing great on Epiduo. You must use good moisturizer and only use Epiduo at night. Always apply good sunscreen if goong outside. Only use a sensitive skin soap like Cetaphil sensitve that Dan recommended
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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