Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
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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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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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March 14, 2011

Pros:

fast results, gained confidence from using this product.

Cons:

very expensive if not covered by insurance, dries skin out, burns for the first few days, slight breakout upon using.

I am 31 a year old female, and i have been suffering from adult acne that has been worsening over the last year. My acne consists of mostly large reddened and raised pimples as well as post-acne hyperpigmentation. I see that my acne worsens during my cycle, and have tried lots of different treatments (Duac, Proactiv, BP, black soap) before going to the derm just about a week ago. He gave me a rx for epiduo and adoxa 150mg, both of which NOT covered by my insurance. Instead he gave me generic adoxa (doxycycline) and some free samples of epiduo. I first started with the epiduo 1 week ago and see a big difference already. First of all, the epiduo has taken me on quite a roller coaster ride this last week. First few days, burned like mad going on, left my skin with patchy areas of dry dry dry skin and red blotches. It would even burn when I put lotion on in the morning. This only really lasted for the first 3-5 days though. After about 5 days, i noticed some IB - but only 4-5 pimples that went away pretty quick thankfully. I kept going, and now after 1 week, no more burning upon application and my skin is actually fairly soft. I started the doxy about 3 days ago, so not really sure what to expect with that but hoping it will help control any further IB that may occur. I have enough samples of the epiduo to get me through another few weeks and then i plan to either ask for generic differin (adapalene) or just bite the bullet and pay for the epiduo (esp if it sill seems to be working). I really felt the need to post my experience thus far because I did so much research myself and was so scared of getting the IB and I really want to give my support in continuing with the epiduo and to not be afraid. I already feel so hopeful and confident when I look at myself! My only advice is to be sure to only use a pea size to avoid seriously burning your face because it really can feel like you dipped your face in acid if you apply too much!
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March 10, 2011

Pros:

Removed blackheads, dried pimples, lessened breakouts, clear skin appeared after dryness period, decrease inflammation of breakouts quickly

Cons:

Dry, flaky, irritated, burning of skin. Skin becomes very sensitive.

I am in my late 20's and have experienced acne since I was 13. My acne has progressively gotten worse over the last two years and have been using epiduo for approximately a month. During my first week of use I experienced irritated, dry, and flaky skin. My skin is normally dry so this made it even more dry. The morning after my first use, my face felt like it was burning and was red. I experienced several more days of extremely flaky and peeling skin. Wearing make up only made the flakiness appear worse, and my face felt itchy. After a week and half of dry patches all over my face I was very frustrated and almost gave up on using the product. I decided to give another week, and I'm glad I did. I started to see clear skin emerge and the dry, flaky skin started to decrease. Now, after a month I have better skin than I have in many years! My previous bumpy skin is now gone, I have very few blackheads, and much fewer breakouts. My skin almost seems to glow and my make up now seems to look so much better on my skin. I've only had one pimple pop up during that time of the month as compared to 5-10 monthly. I will say this product has made my face drier and sensitive to products that I wasn't before, however I am happy with results of clear skin. I recommend that if you try this product, use no more than a pea size on the entire face because it will burn badly if you do! A small amount goes a long way (at least for me it did). I got some samples from my derm. before getting the full tube so go that route first if you can. I also recommend taking a quality fish oil daily. It helped me significantly reduce my acne inflammation. I also moisturize on top with a non alcohol, oil free, sensitive skin moisturizer from Neutrogena. If you decide to give it a try, just be prepared that there may be some bad before the good. Good luck!
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March 8, 2011

Pros:

This product is amazing. It started working right away and had cleared up 90% of my acne. I still get periodic breakouts, but if I use Epiduo on them, the breakouts lessen and do not leave the scars they used to. I am very pleased with this product.

Cons:

This product can dry you out, but after a few weeks, my skin got used to it. Also, initially I developed a rash on my neck, but I am careful not to get the product on my neck, and then do not have a problem.

This product works, and I definitely recommend it.
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March 8, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne
-white heads
-blackheads
-cysts/pustules
reduces redness
works pretty fast

Cons:

If you put to much on it can cause flaking and irritation.

This product is amazing! I had horrible SEVERE cystic acne that was so painful and embarrassing. I was prescribed epiduo by my derm. and felt like it was just another product that wouldn't work. But this is a miracle worker! in just under a month all my major cysts and pustules are gone! the only thing i have left to clear up is some red marks and thats it!
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February 26, 2011

Pros:

-Does lessen acne over time, but at a price

Cons:

-burning
-scaling
-sunburn-like reddening of sensitive areas
-doesnt take care of blackheads
-highly irritating

I have oily, sensitive skin and this product seemed to do much more harm to my skin than good. It may be that im just very sensitive to products like this but my experience with it was very uncomfortable. My skin burned and itched when i applied this and for the first few months i would wake up to peeling skin every morning. While using epiduo i also have a perpetual, sunburn-like appearance that never got better or went away. bottom line: although it did lessen my acne severity over time, i still had plenty of zits even after 9 months of using it. irritating, painful, embarassing.
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February 23, 2011

Pros:

-gets ride of acne
-smooths skin out
-cheap (with insurance)

Cons:

-burns
-dries skin out
-causes rashes on neck

Epiduo was my last hope before accutaine because nothing else was working after going to the derm monthy for 9 months. Epiduo started working right away, and now, 6 months later, my acne is gone, except for some scars that are slowly going away under the surface. It was however, hard to keep up with at first as it burned every time I put it on (and still does sometimes) and burns when I put Cetaphil moisturizer on it. Also, it caused itchy rashes on my neck because I have sensitive skin, but they went away after about 3-4 months of being on it (rashes are a known side effect). This stuff worked great for me just when I was feeling hopeless and like I had tried everything! *Note: I also started using this with Spiro and birth control as my derm thought I might have hormonal acne, but I believe it still works well on its own.
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February 9, 2011

Pros:

Immediately lessened my breakouts, brings whiteheads out, reduced scarring

Cons:

very drying, burns when using certain lotions, burns when applied near eyes

I have been using this for about a week. The dr gave me about 4 or 5 free sample tubes after at 23 I have had a horrible breakout for 2 months. Also prescibed Doryx (haven't started). At first I was using clearasil cleansing wash without salicylic acid (no acne prevention) and purpose face lotion w/spf. My face would BURN for 10 minutes after using the epiduo gel. Even after applying ponds dry skin cream. I have pretty sensitive skin. Since I couldn't tolerate the burning, I have since changed my face wash and lotion/cream and there is NO BURNING. I believe this is because the products are made to be gentle and to help with skin conditions. On the epiduo-The epiduo is working great. My breakouts have decreased and the redness has lessened. It does bring out whiteheads and the bacterial infections under the skin. I immediately saw a differenence. My regimen is as follows; Morning- Wash with Vanicream cleansing bar with wash cloth (being sensitive to eye area) Use Sea Breeze astringent After astringent dries, apply Vanicream cream in drier spots and Vanicream lotion on the rest of face. This lotion is the only thing that doesn't make me oily throughout the entire day. Night-Wash with Vanicream cleansing bar with wash cloth (being sensitive to eye area) Apply a very thin layer of epiduo gel to breakout/pimples Apply Vanicream cream all over AFTER epiduo DRIES!!! Since using this wash/lotion/cream regimen I have not expierienced ANY BURNING!!!!!!! This stuff is pretty darn cheap ($12 for a lb of cream in a pump dispenser). They sell everything I use at Walgreens. The website is [link removed]. They specialize in sesitive products and are formulated without dyes, fragrance/masking fragrance, parabens, lanolin, & formaldehyde. (non-comdomgenic sp?). I am stressing that these products are AMAZING. My skin is so soft even with using the epiduo gel and my skin can get extremely dry. Just wanted to share because the burning and dryness wer
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February 3, 2011

Pros:

none so far except that my insurance covered the whole expense

Cons:

red and VERY dry skin

I have used it now about 5 weeks and have seen no results. It made my skin so dry. I had to buy a new lotion for extra dry skin and reapply throughout the day. It might be worth it if I was starting to see result, but my skin has actually gotten worse since I started using. I have tried many different topical medications and do not recommend this for someone with severe hormonal acne.
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February 1, 2011

Pros:

Works fast, I usually clear up over a night or two.
Only treatment that actually stops my chest breakouts when I feel them coming.

Cons:

Red marks
Peeling

I took accutane and shortly after I started having bad breakouts again, I was prescribed Epiduo and it worked pronto. I was surprised how fast it cleared my chest and shoulders. I occasionally have small breakouts but it really did the job for me. I haven't been to the derm in 6 months.
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January 13, 2011

Pros:

It works great! I have been using for over a year and I would say it takes a solid three four months for it to completely work. that is if you are consistently putting epiduo on every night. I can't stress enough that it takes time I guarantee that you won't see results the first month just stick with it and in time you will see that it does work. I still will get the occasional zit but I have noticed they disappear fast if you leave them alone and let the medicine do its work.

Cons:

It makes my face a little red :( but my face is super sensitive. I also believe that it give my face a slight shine. It still burns my face after a year of use. These problems are cause because I put to much on so be smart use small quantities.

Well worth it if you have insurance that covers it. Just stick to it and you are bound to get results.
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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