Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
Results
Side Effects

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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571
Read All About Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
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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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June 16, 2013
Epiduo for hormonal acne

Pros:

Will clear acne if you give it time

Cons:

Extremely drying

I suffered an intense hormonal breakout with cystic acne 8 months ago after messing around with BCP. I had severe cystic acne on my chin, neck and jawline. My doctor gave me a bunch of Epiduo samples, and I started using them after the acne didn't go away after 3 months (I had perfectly clear skin all my life, before this breakout). I used Epiduo for about 4-6 weeks before I gave up. It is incredibly drying and makes your skin feel dead and horrible. I couldn't wear makeup because my skin looked like it was literally peeling off, despite using layers of moisturiser. A month later and I decided to give it another go. You must give it time to work and fight the negative symptoms! I started using Jojoba oil at night after cleansing, allowing it to sink into my skin (an hour or more), then apply Epiduo just to active acne before going to bed. THIS WORKS. My skin is clearing up significantly and my skin isn't dry or flaky. Epiduo works if you can manage its negative symptoms, and for me, using Jojoba oil as my nightly moisturiser did this. I also use AHA lotion during the day, to manage the dryness. Stick with Epiduo, and use products to counter the dryness, and you should see results.
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June 12, 2013
HORRIBLE

Cons:

Break outs

I went to the dermatologist for moderate hormonal breakouts and she prescribed me this, along with an antibiotic. The first couple days I was really happy with the results, then around the 4-6 day mark my face and chest looked TERRIBLE. 20 times worse than before. I've never had problems with breakouts on my forehead until I used this. I broke out EVERYWHERE. I stopped using it and my face is clearing up. I know it is part of the ''initial breakout'' period, but I am not game for having terrible looking skin for a few months, especially my face. I'm not buying the whole ''it pushes the impurities out'' line either. Instead I went and switched birth control and that seems to be helping. I would NOT recommend this, unless you want to stay hidden for a few months before your skin clears up.
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September 29, 2012

Pros:

-Can be used as Treatment on the regiman

Cons:

-Expensive for the amount that you get

I didn't have health insurance when I got Epiduo from my dermatologist and paid double what I probably could have. I used a tiny pea size for a few months for moderate results. When I started the Regiman, I used the Epiduo I already had as my BZ product, and it completely cleared up my acne! However, I made the mistake of ramping up to the full amount in a week (because I'd already been using BZ for a few months, so my skin is used to it, right?) WRONG. DON'T DO THIS. If you've never had a chemical burn, this is not the way to find out what it feels like! Be careful when increasing dosage of BZ, even if you've been using a tiny bit for a long time - this stuff is powerful and it will feel incredibly unpleasant. Be patient, I promise you the results are worth it. But with that said, Dan's product is just as good, for much less money.
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September 9, 2012

Pros:

No redness
No peeling

Cons:

Oily skin
Breakouts worse

I had success with Benzaclin for about 7 years. When I was 22, I started noticing "bumps" under the skin on my cheeks. No amount of exfoliating I did could get rid of them. I went to the dermatologist. She prescribed me Epiduo. I was happy with this choice, as I new I needed a retinoid to solve my skin issues. The first 2 months my skin broke out pretty horribly. Like, worse than I've ever seen. But I research everything and was well aware that this was going to happen initially. Well, I've now been on Epiduo for 5 months. The "initial breakout" never stopped. My skin is bumpy all over, oily (my skin is usually dry), and a complete mess. It NEVER looked this bad before using Epiduo. I know Epiduo helps some people. I have friends with beautiful skin because of it. However, Epiduo is not for everyone. I hate that I have used this for so long, as I know it's going to take a long time to repair the damage that has been done.
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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 2, 2012

Pros:

Less breakouts
Helps cystic acne

Cons:

Dryness
Only used at night
Doesn't help scarring or redness

Epiduo works and even helps with cystic acne. I had small cyst 6 days ago and within 2 days, it formed the cyst into a head. I've only had 3 cysts thus far and the other two I used the cortisone shot. My dermatologist prescribed Epiduo and Doxyciclene. I know that Epiduo has helped with preventing breakouts but it hasn't helped with scarring or redness. I hope I can get to the point that I don't need to wear foundation.
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March 22, 2012

Pros:

Cleared up my back acne
Made my back softer
Got rid of scars on my back

Cons:

None

I use Epiduo on my shoulders and upper back every night after taking a shower. In the shower I also use the Acne.org cleanser on my shoulders and back. I didn't experience any drying and within the first few days I saw results. It has been a month now and my back is 100% percent clear and feeling great. I use Acanya and Atralin gels for my face which have been working well too. I would say giving Epiduo a try on your back is well worth it!
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March 5, 2012

Pros:

-Reduces spots
-Lightens skin/ calms

Cons:

- Takes a while to work
- Initial break out

When my skin was at its worst, my dermo recomended epiduo. I started using once every over day in order not to overdry my skin. The first week my skin was breaking out, all the bacteria was coming to surface. I continued using it, with hope that it would work. The following weeks, I had noticed a huge improvement in my skin: all my cystic acne on my cheeks was gone. I have been using it ever since, every day, and my acne is gone =) ** in addition to epiduo, i took some antibiotics (Tolexine) the first two months
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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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June 12, 2011

Pros:

i've been using it for two days only. once before bedtime. it dried out my existing pimples. and the blackheads on my nose was significantly reduced.

Cons:

i'm now dealing with a breakout on my chin, cheek and forehead.

will still have to wait and see... my derma did tell me it would take at least two weeks to see improvement and six to eight weeks to be really happy about it...
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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