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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Read All About Adapalene / Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo®)
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4
27.5%
3
11%
2
8.6%
1
14.7%

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December 24, 2014
help??
Ive been on epiduo for aprox. 3 weeks. Ive had acne since I was 13 years old. At first it was just a couple of pimples here and there (It wasnt really acne yet) but I didn't mind them at all because I used to have bangs which helped me cover them. However, it started getting worse when I was 15. I turned 16 a couple of months ago and I just couldn't take it anymore. The small breakouts I used to have turned into moderate acne. I was prescribed epiduo about 3 weeks ago and at first I was extremely pleased. The first week I experienced a bit of redness but my skin had improved greatly (I had no active pimples). The second week was fine as well, I experienced itchiness, redness, and peeling (my skin had become extremely dry), but I had no pimples. However, lately, its been getting worse. I haven't left my house in 6 days (im extremely self conscious and I suffer from social anxiety and my acne makes me feel really bad), my skin is EXTREMELY dry, and every time I take a shower or wash my face my skin literally comes off. The weird thing is, as soon as I put the product on my pimples become invisible and they look like they're cured and healing, but when I wash my face my skin starts peeling off and the pimples become extremely visible. I really dont know what to do, my skin has NEVER been worse and I dont know if I should continue applying the cream. Help, please? (my mom is tired of hearing me cry because of my skin) Thanks
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June 13, 2014
Great for Mild acne, but if you are a cystic sufferer than STAY AWAY
I started Epiduo + Doxycycline in October 17th 2012, nearly 8 months ago. The first three months were hell, red peeling skin and horrible initial breakout, I had to constantly moisturize and missed out of a couple of social functions because of it. After that my skin started to calm, and somewhat started clearing. This phase lasted about 2 and a half months, in which my acne was getting better but was leaving behind unsightly red marks. The red marks concerned me so I took a trip to the derm, who said they should fade in a matter of months. 2 weeks later I was back at the derms, because my face, chest, and back had EXPLODED in cystic acne and small red hard pimples, the Epiduo stopped working entirely and I am currently making the switch to accutane. If you suffer from cystic acne do not even bother with this, it does NOTHING to stop it. This is for people like young teens with mild acne or minor scarring they wish to heal.
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January 20, 2014
Epideo GEL.

Pros:

clears up your acne
does wonders

Cons:

drys out face
causes redness

Well lets just say it has cleared up some of my acne, but not all. My face is SUPER dry and tight. I'm guessing it's a good thing and getting rid of the acne. You see a different in about 2-3 days. Then it gets dry. moisturize as much as you can, drink lots of water. Hoping it gets better!
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January 19, 2014
Epiduo

Pros:

clears acne
less oily

Cons:

dry red itchy skin
painful to wash face

I have really oily skin and I'm prone to breakouts on my forehead so my dermatologist prescribed this for me. I have been using it for a month and my acne has cleared up somewhat. The product makes your face feel like its on fire when washing it or putting moisturizer and medication on. I would highly recommend not using soap but a gentle face cleanser while using epiduo. I have never had dry skin before ever and it is really quite flakey and red on my lower cheeks. Also the few breakouts that I have been getting aren't clearing up at quickly as normal. I wouldn't start using this during the winter and I advise being careful during the summer because I think I will be seeing a lot of painful sunburns in my future due to my now sensitive face. Epiduo served its purpose but not without consequences.
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January 5, 2014
hoping this will clear me up .

Pros:

Not sure yet !

Cons:

My old acne scars look very red

I've bin sing epiduo 0.1% gel along with antibiotics tetralysal for about 4 weeks now I'm not sure I've seen much of a difference in my acne but I have noticed it's made my scars look very red and angry looking ! Not sure if this is suppose happen I will persevere with this one because I'm hoping this will clear me up .
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December 27, 2013
WILL NOT WORK IF YOU DO NOT USE CORRECTLY

Pros:

ACNE GONE!
FAST!
MUST USE ROUTINE!!

Cons:

WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT ROUTINE!
w/o routine will take forever
EXPENSIVE w/o coupon!!!

I used this for years... and it did me no justice. Until, I found myself a routine that changed my skin... forever! This will work! It is a long but useful routine! Start off by washing your face with Purity Cleanser, be sure to really get everywhere. Then, once dry, use Clean & Clear deep cleaning toner. Use a cotton square/ball to lightly rub against skin. DO NOT SCRUB!!! Depending on the time of day, use a moisturizer or sunscreen (Night: Clean & Clear Dual Action OR Day: Obagi Healthy Skin Protection) IF you are still dry, use Josie Maran Argan Oil to clear up any dry patches. Then, apply your Epiduo. Let it sit for AT LEAST 15 minutes before applying makeup, moisturizer, ect. This routine has helped me so much. My skin was clearer in 3 days. And, I will never stop using this routine!
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December 10, 2013
def try!

Pros:

works
works
works!

Cons:

redness at first
can over dry

Be patient with this product. It turned my face really red at first and made me really insecure. but the redness went away over the weekend, it's just that your face needs to adjust to new medication. this is normal. after that it worked well, it would dry out my acne and cleared my face. unfortunately my acne hasn't stopped, it's been almost 2 years since i started breaking out bad and it hasn't stopped. i ran out of epiduo and went back to the derm who has me on Veltin now, just started using it, it's barely starting to work so we'll see how this goes. if it doesn't work i will request to go back on epiduo. it worked great on me, i highly recommend it.
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December 1, 2013
good, but only as needed

Pros:

Pimples flatten over night
Prevents pimples

Cons:

Redness and Peeling
Rash around mouth

I don't use Epiduo daily, only when I have a breakout. It is highly irritating so I recommend if you are going to use it, only use very basic skincare like cetaphil and a mild moisturizer OR it will sting! I was using my regular moisturizer and every time I applied it, it stung like 1000s of hot needles! So beware, it will make your skin very sensitive even after you have stopped using it for a few days. Good to always keep some epiduo in the cupboard as it really does clear pimples overnight. Be careful around the mouth area though as it seemed to cause me a bumpy rash!
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November 15, 2013
Worried...

Cons:

no improvement...

So I've been using Epiduo for almost 7 weeks now and I'm not really seeing any improvement.... Should I persist when there hasn't been any changes yet? I hate wasting my time on different things that don't work :(
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November 14, 2013
works on minor acne

Pros:

helped with minor acne
little bit goes a long way

Cons:

didn't clear all acne
dry skin

I was given a bunch of Epiduo samples by my doctor as I waited over three months to finally get in to see a derm to be put on Accutane. Epiduo was easy to use and helped with minor acne that I had. I saw a slight improvement, however the only solution for me was Accutane. Over all for people with minor to maybe moderate acne, it's worth a shot.
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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