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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August 23, 2011

Pros:

-lightweight
-dries quickly
-helps reduce redness
-helps scars fade
-clears skin

Cons:

-takes awhile for it to take effect
-a bit pricey
-makes you break out for the first couple of weeks
-you have to be patient

When I had moderate acne on my forehead and chin, my derma prescribed to me Acanya. I used it for about 5 months and nothing really happened and my acne got worse and just spread all over my face and they grew bigger. I felt so gross, ugly, and embarrassed to be around people because I hated the way I looked :/ I cried and prayed that God would take my acne away and He did when this happened! ---> I got really frustrated and went to the derma again and he gave me samples for Epiduo and told me to wash my face twice a day with Cetaphil and then apply a pea sized amount of Epiduo every night. The first 2 weeks of using it were HORRIBLE. I got the biggest most ginormous zits on my cheeks and forehead the I couldn't even cover up with makeup and my face got really dry. Some people said that Epiduo made their face sting but mine didn't sting at all so I am thankful for that. I read the reviews on this website that said that the medicine works that way: that you breakout the first couple weeks because its taking all the bacteria out and then your face starts to clear up. This is true! After those 2 weeks my face really started to clear up. I have been using it for about 2 months and my skin looks so much better!! My scars have constantly been fading, my big zits are gone, and my self confidence is way better than before (: If you are starting to use it and you are doubting whether it will work or not, just be patient! I know that you wish it would just start working right away but trust me, if you wait and keep using Epiduo, you will get great results. Thank the Lord for giving me Epiduo haha (:
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August 18, 2011

Pros:

A lot less acne after only a week or so.
Better complexion.
Skin feels softer when you wake up in the morning.
Reduces size and redness of spots.
Seems to help scarring.
Works quite fast.
Didn't have to pay for it because i live in the UK and we have NHS to get free prescriptions

Cons:

A little bit of stinging when you first put it on.
Makes me itch like mad!
Dry skin.

This cream seems to be very good if you can put up with the side effects. I've only been using it for a very short peroid of time and my complexion looks so much better already, people are noticing it! So, yeah, i think you should give it a go. I just hope it doesn't reach a certain point and then stop working. That's what seems to happen with every acne treatment.
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August 15, 2011

Pros:

Easy to use
Last a long time
It works!

Cons:

Price was $248 because my insurance wouldn't cover it, but my doctor gave me the insurance card through Epiduo, making it only (always) $35.

I have only used Epiduo for three days, and I am in love with it. I have mild to moderate acne. Mostly white and black heads. I use it in the morning, and the first day I noticed my skin had a better complection, and my face looked clean and smooth! So far, no burning, itching or redness. I only use the small pea-sized amount as recommended. I wait a bit before applying Cetaphil face moisturizer. Then I use Erth Minerals make-up with 15 SPF sunscreen. Give it a shot, but make sure you get the Epiduo Insurance Card!
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August 13, 2011

Pros:

it doesn't burn your skin

Cons:

it just doesn't work

it just doesnt work and all i have is whiteheads and blackheads
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August 6, 2011

Pros:

cleared white heads and blackheads and prevented inflammation from break outs

Cons:

dry skin but manageable with nutrogena sensitive moisturizer cream

it worked within the 2 days of using it gave me great results my skin is clear with not lttle bumps clears blemishes i love it and hope my skin doesnt immune to it, its been week now using this product and everyone is noticing my clear skin :) love it
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July 27, 2011

Pros:

Gentle on your skin.

Cons:

Doesn't seem to be as effective at controlling breakouts as other medications I have used (Retin-A).
Not As powerful when it comes to drying and eliminating existing acne as Retin-A
Overall poor product.

I am almost 19 years old and have been dealing with acne for nearly half of my life. As I have aged and slowly grown out of puberty, the severity of my acne has decreased. That is not to say that I have not been using medications to keep it in check in the mean time. I had been using retin-a micro .1% for the past two years or so with generally positive results. I would get around one minor breakout a month that would typically go away within a few days or so, but, as I am sure many people who visit this site would agree, even that can be agonizing. I decided to try, at my dermotologist's urging, to try out epiduo. It should be said that this medication is simply a combination of a synthetic retinoid and benzol peroxide [two medications that are typically prescribed in tandem, as they were for me in the form of retin-a and duac]. I mention this because I feel it is important that people considering this medication look at it realistically, rather than accept it as Jesus in topical medication form as I was foolish enough to. I began using the medication immediately with the optimism I mentioned above. I expected and was prepared for the initial breakout that is standard with these such medications, but as the weeks turned to months and before I knew it my entire summer was all but lost to a newfound increase in acne severity, I knew I had made a mistake. As I said above, this medication was simply not as effective in preventing or treating my acne as anything I have used before. I suppose my point is one of warning. If anyone is on the fence going into this medication while coming from moderate success with another, please take your time and consider the consequences at stake. I know how terrible acne is for people. That's the only reason I wrote this review. I don't want anyone to have to make the same mistake with this medication that I did. That being said, if epiduo is what you choose, I hope it gives you more happines
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July 26, 2011

Pros:

Calms redness really well. Not too drying. Has gotten rid of lots of blackheads.

Cons:

Takes at least 2-3 months before it starts to show improvement - can have nasty breakouts and blackheads galore to start with.

I definitely recommend Epiduo cream. It's not too harsh or drying for the skin and your skin gets used to the BP really quickly. Initially there was a bad breakout and heaps of blackheads came out, but after three months the skin seemed to calm down and most of the blackheads have gone. Give it a go but give it time to work.
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July 25, 2011

Pros:

Helps REDUCE redness of blemish.
cleans bacteria.
helps hyperpigmentation (old acne marks) disapear fast.

Cons:

can dry out skin (which acne product doesnt?.)

this is amazing, its cleared my acne and hyperpigmentation in only almost a week.
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July 24, 2011

Pros:

seems to help reduce size and redness of existing acne; also seems to prevent certain spots of area from breaking out

Cons:

dryness, little stinging sensation when first using but goes away after using for awhile;

been using epiduo for about a year and a half now. I can honestly say that this has been the most effective topical medicine ive tried. Pro-activ is crap and only works for people with HARDLY any acne and are just whiners. I've tried clindamycin and a bunch of other topical lotions/gels but they all seem to make my skin very oily. Epiduo will dry out your skin and make it flaky but that is how it works, so your oil doesn't excrete as much and clog the pores causing acne. I tried antibiotics and i had bad experiences with that. It made me have diarrhea, light-headedness and now i seem to have shakyness in my hands from anxiety or whatever after using anti-biotics. Epiduo helps but its not the best. I can honestly say my acne would probably be worst if i didnt use this. Will use this until i can find something else worth trying without as many terrible side effects.
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July 24, 2011

Pros:

-will not disappoint regarding results
-did not get initial break out or irritation, even after and month. ( you could be the lucky one and get no side effects)
-2 in 1 action :)
-pea size will over whole face (unless you have a big face...)
-quite soothing ^^

Cons:

-my lack of side effects make me wonder if I'm doing it right, haha :)
-pricy without insurance

It wouldnt hurt to try, and after hard work of patience and dedication. The results you want will come through no matter how bad the "side effects" are!
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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