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
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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December 9, 2011

Pros:

cleared up my face in about a week

Cons:

slightly drying
face stings for about a half hour after applying

This works for me. I've been using 10% benzoyl peroxide and 2% salicylic acid face wash twice a day for 10 years (I'm 24 now), and in the past couple of years, this regimen just has NOT been cutting it. I was getting 2-3 new pimples every day no matter what I tried. My face would get worse about a week before my period (those painful, under the skin pimples that never really surface). My dermatologist tried a couple rounds of antibiotics (erythromycin and doxycycline) which had minimal results and seemed to make my acne return with a vengeance after I stopped taking them. Finally, I got a prescription for Epiduo and Monodox (doxycycline monohydrate instead of hyclate). I've only been using these for a little over a week, and my face is almost completely clear. I had an initial breakout...all the pimples that were in the process of forming are forced to the surface of your skin at the beginning of treatment. There's some burning, redness, and peeling, but CeraVe lotion seems to really help. I'd trade this minor discomfort for finally having clear skin any day.
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December 8, 2011

Pros:

during the first week dry my existing pimples

Cons:

after the first week i have orrible breakout
dry and peeling skin
horrible irritation

first the first week I see results but after that was a nightmare It was the most horrible moth of the history of my life, I have ligh acne and after that I have prety severe acne my right only have 1 or 2 pimples and 3 weeks after start the treatment I have like 7 or 10 (no joke) and my skin have breakouts like every day so I went again to my doctor and She was impressed by how my face had worsened and prescribe me differin, aczone, and doxicycline and for now is more better than when i am with epiduo only a few initial breakout but not so severe. but remember every skintype its different, maybe dont work on me but can work on you, good luck <3 xoxo
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December 7, 2011

Pros:

- Removes blackheads, pustules, papules fast
- Diminishes the appearance of scars very effectively
- Promotes skin cell growth and therefore healing

Cons:

- Initial breakouts as skin gets used to product
- Possible redness, dryness, irritation, burning sensation (which is why applying a very small amount when beginning treatment is so important)

I gave this product a bad review about a year ago, when I used it on and off and saw that it was doing nothing but irritating my skin. I decided to take a more "gentle" approach in terms of products but later decided to get another tube and give this a try again as the acne was still quit persistent at times. I changed the way I used this product, which seems to have benefit me and my skin very much. I have been using it for a few months now, still on the same second tube and my skin barely breaks out anymore and my rolling scars which I have had for 2 years are gone! I woke up today, looked in the mirror, realized I couldn't see them anymore and figured I'd give this product a review it deserves. The way I have used it is this: After showering, I apply a few drops of jojoba to my wet face, followed by Cetaphil moisturiser. I let that settle for about 10 minutes and then apply a small amount of Epiduo all over my face (avoiding the eye area, of course). I honestly think this is the best regimen I have ever used and believe me, I have tried a lot of them. Tip: A small amount is paramount, especially in the beginning. In short: A very effective product that will last for a long time and give you lovely clear skin with diminished scarring! Highly recommended!
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December 1, 2011

Pros:

-clearing my skin !!!!
-less inflammation

Cons:

-my face is a little dry and tender after washing

Important- this is only after 1 week and it is combination with taking minocycline, and birth control. Besides the mild burning after washing my face (due to driness) I'm really pleased with the results so far. My hard to get rid of zits' inflammation has dramatically reduced. I've had one tiny one sprout up since starting but it was gone very quickly. Bottom line- I don't know if its the drugs or the cream or the combination, but I'm very happy right now.
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December 1, 2011

Pros:

-cleared up my skin within 2 weeks
-barely get any acne
-pimple size reduced tremendously
-only acne left is small bumps that are unnoticeable

Cons:

-face can get slightly irritated and red
-slight burning sensation
-break out before it gets better
-itchy skin sometimes

Okay so I was using Clindoxyl gel and I guess my skin got way too used to it and my skin was getting a lot worse... Now I didn't have severe acne but I had a lot of clustered pimples here and there so I went to a dermatologist and he gave me Tactuo(Canadian name for Epiduo) and when I first used it.. I was really skeptical. My skin had no reaction to it at first. My skin was neither better nor worse. Then, all of a sudden, I broke out with three ginormous zits on my face, like the ones under your skin that are painful. Then after those went away, my skin was flawless. No, Epiduo does not fix your complexion so my skin wasn't literally flawless (it is red from the cream and there are little red dots on my face) but i'm actually a lot more confident with my skin and I can go out with minimal makeup now since I don't have to cover up anything. I do have the occasional small bumps but it's nothing big. Yes your skin does get slightly dry and itchy but nothing a moisturizer can't fix. I've only been using it for like a month but so far, so AMAZING! :)
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November 30, 2011

Pros:

Works fast

Cons:

Dries up face sometimes .

Its been a week since ive used epiduo and i have seen massive results! But here are some things that Ive experienced while using epiduo: ~If it irriates ur skin, dont use it everyday. Use it every other day so that your skin can adjust to it more.. ~While using epiduo, you must apply sunscreen every single day. If not, then it will burn your skin and cause redness. ~I recommend using it only at night before you go to bed instead of day and night because if you put it on at night then wake up and cleanse your face and put more epiduo on, the epiduo wont have time to work its magic!(: I higly recommend Epiduo! Give it some time and trust me, it will work. I only have bumps here and there on my face now! Ill reply in the next week to tell you guys how my face is lookin' (:
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November 29, 2011

Pros:

clears acne fast,doesnt make you break out

Cons:

burns for the first week or so of use,lightly flakes skin

This product is amazing! I used to stress about my acne before i used epiduo.My dermatoligists gave my mini sized epiduo capusels so i can sample it for a few weeks.By the time all the capusels were done,most of my acne was gone!!! I totally recommend this for EVERY acne paitient.
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November 23, 2011

Pros:

Dries Quickly
Seems to work

Cons:

Bad Burning!
Very dry skin

I have been using Epiduo nightly, for about 2 weeks. After reading reviews I can now sum up my suspicions about why my face has been burning like crazy! It hurts so bad I almost cry! Apparently, that's why skin getting used to the product. I guess I will wait it out because according to others, it is worth it. Lets hope so!
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November 16, 2011

Pros:

Works Immediately
Smooths out the skin
Reduces Pimples

Cons:

Wait a while to take major effect
Dryness occurs at points

This stuff really works! Ive only been using this for about 3 days and I already see improvement. Ive read alot of reviews on epiduo and i seened many people say that it works alot!(:.. Heres some "heads up" comments on first time users or users that are concerned about using epiduo: ~Dont get freaked out if your face is having more bumps.. its suppose to have more bumps! Its cleaning all the dirt and yucky stuff (also known as bacteria lol) from the inside of your face and bringing it out onto your face ~While using the epiduo, make SURE! you use SUNSCREEN when you are outside on a hot day. If you are an outside person, then this is highly reccomended for you! ~I use epiduo before i go to bed. I dont normally use it daily. Make sure you let it dry before you hit those sheets because it will bleach 'em. ~Dont try to rush the process, be patient(: ~Putting hot water on your face will open up your pores. And its best to clean your pores, so what I would do is..literally fill my bathroom sink up with hot hot water, then put my whole face in the water (YES, LITERALLY PUT MY WHOLE FACE IN THE SINK) and sit there for about 3 minutes.. My face will turn red and i would clean it with my cleanser. The cleanser would go into your pores and cleanse them. I know it sounds crazy but this is what i do every day and night and it really works ! I have a very very sensitive face so for me, my face will take a while for it to get use to epiduo. I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND EPIDUO! This stuff really really works for me and everyone else(: .. I will comment every week to tell you guys how my face is.(: *And the best part about the whole thing is....im only 14* (:
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November 15, 2011

Pros:

clears up everything
evens out skin texture
reduces or removes redness

Cons:

dryness
flakiness
bit of burning
bleaches fabrics you might touch

MIRACLE WORKER!!! I have tried everything from Apple Cider Vinegar, Borax, to most prescription meds. I used to always have perfect skin up until a few years ago I got adult acne. Finally I just got a new family doctor who thought maybe it could be hormonal acne or acne rosacea and recommended tactuo (Canadian name for Epiduo) ... 3 days in and pretty much 90% of my face has cleared up and redness from acne spots are gone ... I dont care about the flakiness just needs to get rid of the skin around the acne spots the burning can be dealt with as well. I have switched to Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, and Bobbi Brown foundation and concealer as both are non-comedogenic and wont cause ance NOTE:::: LAY A WHITE TOWEL UNDER YOUR FACE WHEN YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT ... IT IS BLEACHING AND WILL RUIN YOUR SHEETS IF YOU DO NOT ... SAME WITH TOWELS USE ONLY WHITE ONE UNLESS YOU WANT COLOR REMOVED so far so good ... I will come and do another review to talk about its long term effectiveness
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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