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 19, 2010

Pros:

Helps inflammation
Acne heals faster

Cons:

Expensive even with insurance
Drys out skin and causes slight peeling

Epiduo gel has really improved my face, my skin is pretty tough after years of using different acne products, I did not get the burning many have reported however my oily skin does get dry and peels a little after using this so I either scale back to every other day or put a calming moisturizer on top after the Epiduo gel dries. Unlike some products I have used in the past this one at least shows a noticeable improvement. It's worth a try, I hoping to be clear by summer so I won't have to wear globs of makeup :)
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December 16, 2010

Pros:

Does make a noticeable difference, but started slow for me at first

Reduced the size and longevity of pimples, a little can do alot

Cons:

Burns for a good 10-15 minutes after putting it on, even with a gentle cleanser before applying

Can make your face red if you use too much

I started this with Minocycline pills, 100mg between 2 pills at breakfast and dinner, and so far it hasnt been the miracle cure by any means, but it has helped improve my face overall.
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December 16, 2010
snappy tomatoes I'm in the same boat you were in...I'm on week 5 and I'm still breaking out and haven't seen an improvement because of that. it took you 8 weeks to get results??? I figured by this time I should start seeing some light at the end of the tunnel but no such luck. hopefully I'm going to get the same results as you did.
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December 8, 2010

Pros:

Kills existing acne quickly, prevents new breakouts, skin is very smooth, fast and easy to apply, lasts a while

Cons:

A little bit of dryness (moisturizer takes care of it though), expensive, smells funny?

Ive been using epiduo for over a month, and I finally found my perfect regimen. it is as follows, and I recommend it to everybody: Morning: Was face with purpose cleanser Apply Rx called Prascion (sodium sulfacetamide and sulfer) Night: Purpose cleanser again Nickel size of epiduo One pump of cerave moisturizer when the epiduo is completely dry Vitamin Regimen: 60mg of opti zinc 2000-3000mg of fish oil/krill oil (GNC) 1000-2000 iu of vit D 2 garlic pills I current do Jiu Jitsu and boxing, both of which my face gets hit, scratched, and rubbed. Doing this regimen I have hardly broken out from this. My face looks better than it has in years, and I feel like epiduo is the staple product. Also, the vitamins are essential to battle acne from the inside out. Seriously consider trying all of these things!
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December 4, 2010

Pros:

Clears acne
Smoother Skin
Evens out skin-tone

Cons:

Initial redness, burning and peeling
Quite pricey.

This treatment is fantastic. The first few weeks are horrible. Your skin looks like it been boiled, and it BURNS, seriously BURNS, when you apply it or anything else to your face. But after your over the hump its perfect. Your skin is smoother, oil is eliminated, your skin tone is even and your rid of pimples,blackheads and cysts. I used it in conjunction with Tetralysal 150mg.
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December 3, 2010

Pros:

It cleared my acne completely. Huge increase in quality of life. Only apply once a day.

Cons:

Takes 8 weeks to really work. Dries out face at first.

This stuff worked spectacularly. For the first 8 weeks i hated it and tried to get my derm to give me something else because I didn't see any improvement. I literally was waiting for the day when I could get on this site and write a really negative review. But my doctor made me wait it out and after 3 months my face completely cleared. DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED AND STOP USING IT. I get a pimple every now and then but I feel like a completely different person.
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December 1, 2010

Pros:

Anti-inflammatory properties observed

Cons:

IB seemed excessive and no resulting change in overall skin condition was observed, save for deterioration due to the IB. Itchiness and dryness.

I used this product for 6 weeks. My acne was mild, and I figured I would endure the IB if it would eventually clear me up completely. Well, the IB was pretty bad, and made my skin worse than it's been in a long time, or ever. Furthermore, as I was nearing the 7-8 weeks mark when many have attested I'd see results, no end to the IB was in sight. In fact, all indicators of developing white heads pointed to an oncoming increase in severity. I know my skin well, and I didn't foresee a point where this medication would equilibrate into clarity for my skin. Therefore, I discontinued use even though I did not make it to 3 or even 2 months. Bottom line, if your acne is just mild, it's not worth the severe IB. If it is severe, it may be worth it, but I can not attest to whether it clears you up in the long run.
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November 28, 2010

Pros:

- Helped clear up my acne ( I have non-inflammatory acne - main blackheads, concentrated in my chin area)
- Helped prevent new pimples
- Peeling effect of the medication has helped with my hyperpigmentation
- Has reduced oiliness of my skin

Cons:

- The redness and burning sensation - particularly during initial use
- The purging effect/ initial break out - I experienced this around 1-2 week mark, but I persevered with the medication and it cleared up.
- Expensive

As with other acne medication, be patient when you use this. Acne gets worse before getting better. Stick with it. Takes about 4 weeks to start seeing real results. I have been on it for about 6 weeks now, and the results have been good. It's such a relief that it has worked! The burning sensation is a bit uncomfortable, but it's worth it for the end results. Use a good moisturiser while you are on this medication. I used Dermalogica skin boosting serum. I always used this medication at night before bed. I used small pea size amounts on specific areas (chin, forehead, cheeks). I found pea sized amount for the whole face was not enough. Goodluck - hope it works for you!
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November 28, 2010

Pros:

Makes your acne go away-IT REALLY WORKS

Cons:

Drying, burns a little at first
Makes your acne worse at first

It's AMAZING!!!!!!! Just keep applying it and your acne will go away. I used to have about moderate acne but after epiduo my acne simply disappeared. I felt so much more confident and school and as long as I don't miss applying it, I don't get ANY acne or pimple AT ALL
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November 19, 2010
After becoming "immune" to Duac my dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo to use once at night. I've been using it for 4 days and notice it's bringing out newer/frequent pimples, most are small raised bumps on my chin with one cystic like pimple. Is this normal to see in the beginning? & if so, how long does this occur for? I see a lot of people are saying they broke out at first when using it but how soon did that happen for them??
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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