For the past few years I've had mild acne, a spot here and there most of the time, but major flare ups during certain times of my menstrual cycle. My biggest problem was whiteheads- no redness, just a ridiculous amount of tiny bumbs under my skin mixed with blackheads that just wouldn't go away no matter what scrub, cleanser, or pore strip I used. A few nights a week I'd sit in front of a magnifying mirror and squeeze the crap out of my face (which I know now only made matters worse, as it just pushed bacteria deeper into my skin and left me with scarring that I am still dealing with). Finally after months of frustration and insecurity I went to a dermatologist. I was prescribed an antibiotic (Morgidox), a benzoyl peroxide 10% cleanser, and epiduo forte. During my visit to the dermatologist it was recommended I get a facial before starting the medication to get all the gunk that was in my skin. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. I see so many people on here complaining about how epiduo broke them out horrendously. Yes, it's a retinoid, it pushes out all the bacteria that's deep into your skin to the surface so you can get rid of it. By getting a facial you can save yourself a face full of zits because you've already extracted everything. Also, the antibiotic Morgidox kills bacteria in the skin and also helps prevent break outs. With these tools you can essentially prevent the horrible flare ups that most complain about upon starting epiduo. Now, I won't deny the first few weeks of the treatment were not easy. I experienced extreme dryness, my face peeled nastily, makeup looked awful, and upon wearing it my face felt excruciating itchy. Upon applying the treatment I felt an extreme burning and stinging that left me with headaches that caused me to loose sleep. It is strong!! But now... 5 weeks after starting epiduo, I couldn't be more happy. I've learned how to deal with the dryness (I've had to change my entire skin routine as my skin was oily and is now dry and sensitive), my scars are fading, and even though I'm still getting facials every 2 weeks to remove blackheads, not a spot in site. My skin is so soft and looks airbrushed in some areas. I'm only on the 5th week and the results are astonishing, the compliments I get on my how much my skin has cleared up are so wonderful. So, my advice is take the precautionary steps before starting this treatment, load up on moisturizer, and watch your skin transform!

I'm 21 and female, I got my acne out of nowhere at age 18. I went to a skin therapist and did some extremely expensive acid treatments. That helped with the worst of it. But I still had my acne and redness. I tried a lot of different products but nothing worked. Then I went to a regular doctor who prescribed Epiduo (in combination with Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer) and after about 2-3 months I could see great results! Sure, I still have some red spots, scars and my skin is quite red - but I wouldn't even call it acne anymore! Epiduo is the only product I've actually seen a difference with, and it's cheap and simple! Epiduo is definitely worth a shot! I'm so happy to finally feel good about my face again! I think the secret to get rid of acne is to give it a lot of time and to use a simple routine.

I have had pretty bad acne for 4 years, and I especially get a lot of spots on my forehead. The only thing that worked for me was quinoderm so since that has been banned I have been desperate to find something else. I started using this cream about 3 weeks ago, and it does actually work, but it destroys your skin as well. After a week I noticed I went from a lot of medium sized spots to lots of tiny, hard, red, inflamed ones, almost like a massive rash across my forehead. This is because the stuff is awful for your skin and I was applying tons of it twice a day so use springy otherwise your face will be a red, itchy, peeling mess. However if you use a lot of moisturiser and get the balance right it works pretty well, and after three weeks I have FAR BETTER SKIN, so I am happy.

my derm gave me this and it works wonders! after i apply it i can feel that my skin (where i applied it onto) gets a little heated, so i know that the cream is taking effect. my pimples would be a little more dry when i wake up. recommended!

I have a long on and off relation with my acne..last year I finally decided to go to a dermatologist...he prescribed me clindamycin with phosphate in the day time and deriva-BPO(very similar to epiduo...but it contains adapalene as microsphere)...I followed the regime but didn't know that this is going to make my skin very sensitive to sun....so I ended up getting really red cheeks...and it looked almost like I have burned them...I felt itchy all the time though my pimples where gone but this thing was worse than acne... so I finally left it and decided never to use it again.... after some months I again started breaking out with small zits...all over my cheeks...and I decided to try castor oil to cure it....worst decision it didn't work..and of course got worse...I went all natural and tried treating my acne with vicco turmeric cream...it actually was helpful I reducing my acne...but of course u know natural process and products got to take their own sweet time...I suddenly realized that I had deriva-BPO and I can actually remove my acne if I use it properly...so very reluctantly I decided to give it a try...I use to do my basic CTM at night..and then apply a really hydrating mask from aroma magic... since I didn't wanted to use any moisture during the treatment...and take a really small amount..and spread it across the acne prone area...and the next day I was soo surprised with the results that I couldn't believe my eyes...that I am going to have clear skin finally... within two days guys most of my acne where gone.... believe you me....if you have moderate to mild acne just go for it...and remember during this treatment period... sunscreen must be ur best friend otherwise u r for sure going to burn ur face

I am a 21 year old girl with mild acne. My main issues are closed comedones and the occasional large, blind pimple. When I began treatment on this topical, I was given Bactrim as well. I noticed improvement immediately after starting Epiduo Forte. My skin has always responded very well to BP, so I knew that was part of my success. But the adapelene really lightened my post acne marks and made my skin really smooth. I did experience an intense burning sensation at times, along with peeling, but I now buffer it with a light moisturizer and have had much less redness and irritation. It purged all my comedones and made getting a pimple way less frequent, and best of all no more close comedones occur. Also I haven't had any "deep" pimples since using this topical. It is definitely something I recommend when people ask me about my skin!

I am a 28 year old female who has suffered from cystic acne on the cheeks , nose, mouth and chin as well as white heads, black heads and sore rash like spots, since I was 17. I have been on and off Lymecycline my entire acne career, and in between I have tried every expensive, cheap, medicated and herbal remedy that I have researched to work. Every path I have tested has been carried out for three months minimum to have certain results; some worked for a while then stopped (eg Lymecycline, witch hazel and aloe Vera) and some have been a disaster! I have wanted to come off Lymecycline for a while now because the idea of taking a pill every day for the rest of my life is not appealing, for both the reasons of waste and undoubted eventual resistance to the drug. Yesterday, For the first time in my life, I saw a dermatologist to discuss my options. I asked for roacutane but past depression and continued social anxiety has ruled me out of that option. I cannot have birth control as I have migraine with aura that rules it out, and I have taken the choice aside from acne to not take chemical birth control (personal choice). The dermatologist believes that I am breaking out occasionally, despite being on Lymecycline, because my body is building an immunity so she prescribed Epiduo to use alongside Lymecycline, until the breakouts stop; then I will stop Lymecycline and switch to Epiduo for the long term. I have been cautioned to expected some initial dryness, as I would with many acne lotions, I have read many reviews of people having adverse effects to Epiduo within their first week. I wonder if this is to do with their application? My dermatologist directed me to apply just TWICE A WEEK for the first THEEE WEEKS to allow my skin to adjust to the ointment. This is in stark contrast to some users who appear to be applying EVERY DAY in their first weeks of usage; no wonder they are reporting burning, redness and excessive flaking. After the interim two to three weeks I will increase application to three times a week, as directed, for a further two weeks and then to every day. My first application was not uncomfortable and did not burn, hence four stars. I will update with my progress!

When I was 12 years old I started getting acne on my forehead. When I went to my dermatologist, he prescribed me Epiduo. I was on Epiduo for almost 3 years and my skin improved tremendously. All of the sudden I started breaking out everywhere; my cheeks, forehead, chin, back, chest. My doctor told me that I had been on Epiduo for too long that my skin was getting use to it and pretty much rejecting the medicine. I'm 16 now and have tried soooooo many medicines. I'm about to start accutane and I couldn't be more excited. All in all, Epiduo is great. Although, it doesn't help keep acne away forever. Don't we all wish we could find a miracle medicine to do just that?

I have had acne on and off for a few years, but nothing major until earlier this year when the stress of school caught up with me. I went to the dermatologist and was given a prescription for epiduo as well as a recommendation to use Cerave AM after applying. I have very sensitive skin that often becomes irritated and red so I wasn't sure what to expect. The first week was torture! My face became so red and dry that everything was so painful. My face hurt so badly I stopped wearing makeup and my whole face was bright red. I was about to give up until I found the reviews on this site saying that it takes a little while for it to work, so I stuck with it. It really paid off! After about 10 weeks, my face finally began to show some drastic differences. I got a clarisonic facial brush for Christmas and the combination of the brush as well as the time really made a difference in my acne. I haven't had a new pimple in about two weeks and now I am just waiting for the old acne scarring to fade. I think that this really is a good product, it just takes a while to make a difference. I really suggest sticking with it and while it might take a while it really pays off in the end. I wore makeup the entire time and I don't think it made a big difference so don't worry about that. Hope this helps!

Hey, I am 33 years old and been suffering with acne on and off for almost 18 years now. I have tried so many antibiotics and creams I have lost count of which ones. I live in the uk so cost of treatment is different to the US so it is affordable here. It all started when I was 15 and went in the pill dianete and became crazy bad when I was 18, I was using concealer for foundation. It was all over my face, back and chest. I was referred to a dermatologist who prescribed me accutane..... It was the best thing ever although it gave me bad back and dried my skin out and I looked like a lizard for a few months but my spots disappeared. I didn't even have to wash my hair which was great as I suffer with greasy roots haha. Anyway, it worked and I was spot free!!! But then when I was about 23 it started to come back :(. Not sure if it was stress or heartbreak that triggered it but it hasn't gone since. I wasn't taking tablets at the time as after taking so many it was an issue swallowing them and the doctor laughed at me which didn't help. I tried the injection contraception which made me skin so bad so I came off it. I eventually found the implant which was perfect and didn't make my skin worse hurray! My skin was still a problem and being 33 and in a job where I have to talk infront of groups I am very self aware of my bad skin. I have a number of bad days where I cry and hate looking at myself. I moved and changed doctors and recently he prescribed me tetraysal(lymecycline) and epidural to try. I must say I was desperate and would try one last thing before considering accutane again. I am nearly three weeks into it and I can honestly say it seems to be working!! The first two weeks were agony, I won't lie. My skin is red raw and dry and cracking and stung like hell. Also I broke out so bad as it seemed to be drawing all the crap out. But now it seems to be slowing down on breakouts and my skin is no longer red or sore. Just very itchy!! But I can handle that now. If you do give this a go, I would plan to have a few weeks off or something and make no plans to go out as you won't want anyone seeing you like I did. I wish I had a few weeks just locked up at home wearing no makeup. Makeup makes it worse with burning and itching but if you are like me you won't be seen dead without it. So anyway I am happy it's working and my skin is a lot smoother and my makeup looks a lot nicer on. Oh and another thing, I ended up buying cetaphil cleanser and moisturiser as everything stung like hell and these products will be very gentle. I like them and will continue to use them even when I have no spots. I will review again when I have used it a lot longer but it's worth a shot. Good luck