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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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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April 27, 2012

Pros:

Burns away the acne

Cons:

-Bad redness

Although it does get rid of acne. It does leave redness which takes months to heal. Do NOT use this product. I am currently on roaccuatane and this epiduo definitely made my redness very bad, and the dermatologist said the redness will take time to fade. Possibly years, because it has just burnt my skin. So now have to get blue light therapy, or laser to remove redness. DONT TRY. Yes its good in the short term, for about a week. But then after aq couple of weeks, you realise you have to deal with the redness. TERRIBLE
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April 22, 2012

Pros:

Reduces acne fast (within hours for me)
Clear in a few days
Dries out skin

Cons:

None

Things to take into consideration...

Skin type: Fair, but doesn't burn/tan and isn't irritated easily. Prone to hyper-pigmentation, whether it be spots, a scratch, mosquito bite... you name it, a pink mark will be there for years

I have an auto-immune disease

I don't get much sun, so that also enabled me to apply a lot of Epiduo. When I was in the sun (winter also) I wore SPF of at least 25

Moisturize sporadically (once a week or less) with Olay Complet

I started using this about 6 months ago after having years of acne. I went on the pill about a year before and that cleared me up, apart from the odd hormonal spot. I had hyper-pigmentation left over from years before, and it still hadn't gone - or barely faded. Bought some make up and it broke me out. Bad. Had taken years for my hyper-pigmentation to fade and was back to square one. Pill couldn't control acne. Came off pill, got Epiduo. Epiduo... - Dries my face out, but I like this. I don't find it to be too drying at all. It's different for everyone, you just need to try it and adjust the amounts, or change your routine (add more moisturiser etc) accordingly. - Worked instantly, the next day my acne was reduced. - I was clear within a week. (And I really did have moderate to bad acne) - I have kept using it as I like the drying effect and I'm hoping it will help fade my hyperpigmentation (so that it will take months, rather than years this time) - Not sure whether there has been an improvement to my hyp-pig. Other people think so, I'm not sure How I used it... - I didn't use anything else. I don't take any vitamins, supplements or do anything else with my face. I don't even wash with soap. - I use a lot more than they recommend. I do this because my skin is pretty tough, and it didn't dry out or go red or sting like a lot of other people complain. If that does happen to you, then initially stop, and reduce amount used in the future. - Now I use it a few days on, and have breaks, I just add it to spots that crop up (hormonal ones mainly) to let my skin heal. - I had stopped using it for as long as a month and my acne didn't return and I only went back on so it would help me exfoliate. I was really sceptical of this and was pretty furious when I went to the doctors and was told that I had to try this first. Unbelievably glad I did. A friend of mine also went on it at the same time as me, who had terri
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April 18, 2012

Pros:

Cleared up 95% of Acne
Works Fast
Haven't had many major outbreaks since

Cons:

Leaves skin red when ramp "ramp up the dosage"
Dries skin out
Bleaches materials it touches
Takes a while to dry
DOESN'T GET RID OF THE MARKS THE SPOTS LEAVE BEHIND

I have always been acne free my whole life minus the odd spot I used to get now and then (similar to any teenager). However in late November I noticed I stared to get a few more spots than usual and before I could control it, about 80% of my face was covered. I had no acne whatsoever on my forehead but my chin and cheeks were pretty much completely covered in spots and red marks. My GP prescribed me epiduo and I followed the instructions of applying a thin layer before bed. Within 2 weeks, every spot on my face had completely been killed (except 1 larger one on my cheek which took an extra week to clear) and reduced to a red mark. A week later and all the red marks on my chin had gone, HOWEVER the marks on my cheeks are still here. I CAN'T GET RID OF THEM! In terms of getting rid of the actual spots/pimples this stuff really if great. Your just left trying to get rid of the marks after which is a lot harder :( I didn't have major cystic acne so I can't comment on how well it will work for that but I think it should do, this stuff is seriously great.
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April 18, 2012

Pros:

AMAZING!
Takes away acne ASAP
Adds pigment to your skin
Reduces redness

Cons:

Drys ur skin out in the begging n can cause a little bit of red irration, however only last a week and goes away!

It is AMAZING! CHANGED MY LIFE! I've battled with acne for 3 years n try'ed so many different things and gave up ! Epiduo not only stoped my acne but also made my skin look more fresh and sun kissed ! Love this product A++++++++ (do not be discouraged by the first week of dryness, redness, and even irration. It goes away and ur skin will transform!)
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April 17, 2012

Pros:

IT WORKS!!
One tube lasts for many months
Much more simple to apply than Retin-A
Contains 2 meds so it works better

Cons:

Dries and irritates skin
Takes some patience
Contains BP so can bleach fabrics
Thins skins (no waxing allowed while using it)
Expensive (to my insurance company, not to me since they give out coupons)

I have been using Epiduo for 11.5 weeks now and I am THRILLED with the results!! Save one small nodule on my jawline that is taking forever to go away, I have NO active acne right now. Considering what my face looked like almost 3 months ago, that is a darn-near miracle. I'm a 34 YO woman and have had adult-onset acne for the past 7 years or so. I never experienced an initial breakout; things just kind of stayed the same for a while. The only improvement I saw in the first 6 weeks was a marked reduction in the tiny whiteheads I would get on the sides of my nose and on my chin. All of the pimples on my cheeks, though, were still going strong. I was starting to get discouraged, but I am SO glad I stuck it out! At 8 weeks, things started to improve dramatically. Some things I've learned: The first week, only apply it every other night. It will help your skin to get used to it and reduce the amount of irritation you'll experience. I still skip a night every now and then to give my skin a break when it needs it. Microfiber towels are great for getting rid of all the flakes you will have in the morning. I use the kind they sell in the car section and cut them into 4ths (don't worry; edges will not fray). After putting on my cleanser (CeraVe Hydrating), I GENTLY wipe it off with a wet microfiber towel before rinsing my face. Do NOT rub your face with one of these towels, though: they are deceptively abrasive and exfoliating and Epiduo thins your skin. Vaseline is my friend. At night, I wash my face with Purpose (CeraVe doesn't take off my makeup), pat dry, then immediately apply some CeraVe PM lotion. I let that absorb, THEN apply the Epiduo (think very small peas). Then I layer on some Vaseline to the areas of my face that get really dried out: eyelids and around my mouth. FYI, Vaseline is a ZERO on the comedogenic scale. It's true! Full disclosure: I have also been taking oral antibiotics (Solodyn) and using a topical antibio
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April 17, 2012

Pros:

-Clears up acne and keeps it at bay
-Works relatively quickly
-Use only at night when sleeping
-Only a pea sized amount needed
-Can be used as spot treatment for quickly drying up a pimple
-Goes onto face with a clear, smooth consistency
-Uses two different ingredients to effectively fight acne
-Inexpensive with insurance

Cons:

-Takes time to completely get rid of acne
-Might have an initial breakout
-Dries up skin for the first month or so

I had moderate acne this past year and I started using Epiduo at night and taking Monodox (a pill) twice a day. Although it took time, this combination got rid of my acne completely, and I think Epiduo was the main cause of that. It dried up my skin a lot at first, but if you get a good moisturizer (I recommend CeraVe) and exfoliate daily, you can keep it under control. Epiduo works quickly but it takes time to completely get rid of your acne. After about two months, my acne was all gone. I still use Epiduo at night and I have no pimples on my face at all now. All that's left is hyperpigmentation, which will fade with time. All in all, Epiduo is a great product and I highly recommend it!
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April 15, 2012

Pros:

-SIGNIFICANTLY reduced my acne
-Dries up all current pimples so that they simply fall out
-Perscription medicine so i get it for free.
-YOU FEEL IT WORKING!

Cons:

-Your face feels BURNT!
-STINGS!
-Dries up your face!
-REDNESS!!!
.. but it's all worth it :D

Best way to describe this; WOW! For the past year i have tried LOADS of acne treatments and none have worked; theyve made my acne worse until out of random, my docotor recommended Epiduo to me whilst i visited his as i had the flue! Boy am i glad i had the flue!. Ive had this for a week now. From the day i applied it, it was STINGING ME, BURNING, AND MY FACE WAS RED AS A TOMATOE! but i thrived my self through and the results are ASTONISHING! I highly reccomend you use this WITH a gentle face was such as 'Simple' moisturing facewash. Simple moisturiser however, when applied with epiduo will sting even more, so watch out!. HIGHLY RECCOMENDED! THE ACNE STOPS HERE!
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April 13, 2012

Pros:

it helps a small amount

Cons:

its very pricey
never got rid of my acne
dries out skin

no i don't recommend this because it never truly helped, and I only have mild acne.
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April 13, 2012

Pros:

Clear skin,prevent and clear up acne. Great product that does the job

Cons:

Dry skin, some peeling will stop over time, slight burning at the beginning.

This product is amazing.I've been using since 2010. after a year I stopped using it and then my acne came back. Went back to my derma. Give me a prescription and my skin is back looking good.The product takes a couple weeks to work but it DOES work.For dry skin dry a great moisturizer like neutrogena it helps. thanks epiduo
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April 8, 2012

Pros:

Cleared huge zits in 3 day
doesnt cause scarring
no residue or film left behind
tingles (so you know its working)

Cons:

itchy
dries skin

Before buying this product my face was kind of clear but i had a few pimples here and there, until that time of the month came around and i broke out really bad (Very big nodular pimples) , which can be very sad and depressing when you have a boyfriend. I was in such a hurry and i was so desperate to find something to clear it up , after seeing a commercial for Epiduo and having a few samples i went straight to my derm and immediately mentioned ,i was so happy when i picked it up from the pharmacy , here i am 4 days later telling you that my face is alot better, my nodular pimples have vanished and im feeling better already, it did cause a few little pimples but those are gone and id much rather have 3 tiny pimples then big bolders any day. From what ive heard the product is pricey without insurance but i only payed 24 dollars with insurance and a discount card, i use it every night after i wash my face , it does make your pimples itch a little and it dried the skin around my mouth out, but nothing a little lotion cant cure. I can finally stop avoiding my boyfriend and stop hiding behind my bangs and big sunglasses. If i could thank the maker of Epiduo i would.!!!!
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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