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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February 17, 2012

Pros:

Clears milia
Comedomal Acne drying out fast

Cons:

Burning
Peeling
Redness

Ive only been using this since last Thursday. I haven't had an initial breakout. My zits and milia are almost gone.
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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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April 17, 2010

Pros:

It cleared me up fast.

Cons:

It burns like crazy! I got sick of the burning so I have switched to Proactiv which works just as well, without the burning!

I recommend this if you are very desperate to clear your skin. Epiduo REALLY burns though. But it works wonders. ;)
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July 5, 2013
My dermatologist reccomended this to me because of my moderate acne

Cons:

flaky
dryness
makes pimples bigger

This drys the living crap out of me! But after a week my skin got used to it...(with tons of moisturizer) it just makes my pimples bigger and bigger and i feel like it just makes them redder
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February 25, 2012

Pros:

it cleared up acne for a while. And its still working a bit.

Fades red marks
makes skin more toned

Cons:

drys out skin alot

alot of redness also

its worth getting but it will only be a miracle for some people
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August 11, 2010

Pros:

none that i could see

Cons:

irritated skin; burning, redness
caused severe breakout

i'm honestly surprised by the good reviews this product is receiving. i've had severe cystic acne for eleven years, which is relatively under control at this point. two weeks ago i went into my derm to get two very small blemishes injected, as i have discovered that an early cortisone injection will prevent a larger cyst, and ultimately a cluster from forming. while at the office, my doctor insisted that i switch from benzaclin (which despite its mildness, has been working for me for years now) to a retinoid, and gave me a handful of samples of epiduo. normally i don't try new topicals so casually - i've learned this lesson many times - but since he would not renew my scrip for benzaclin until i tried it, i went ahead and did so. now, 13 days later, those two small blemishes - one on my cheek, one on my chin - have turned into clusters totaling 19 whiteheads (12 on my cheek, seven on my chin), with cysts forming below. i know these meds tend to cause breakouts before things get better, but to go from two to nineteen is ridiculous. i have enough acne scarring; i don't need more. the epiduo goes in the trash.
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November 17, 2009

Pros:

Saw immediate reduction in wrinkles

Cons:

Dry, burning skin

I was amazed at how fine lines on my forehead and around my mouth all but disappeared, but I do experience some dry skin and burning. It has not made me break out worse, but I have only been using it every 3 days.
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August 27, 2009

Pros:

+stopped acne from getting bigger the next morning
+didn't experience any dryness
+nice fragrance

Cons:

+I've heard that it is pretty expensive
+doesn't prevent period breakouts

I got my first tube of Epiduo for free from my dermatoligist, but I've heard that it's pretty expensive. It made my skin worse at first, but it works pretty well. I have really oily skin so it didn't dry it out. I use it once during the nighttime, but I use Duac in the morning on the big spots.
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October 21, 2011

Pros:

- not risky
- free on NHS

Cons:

- didn't clear me up at all
- can be irritating

Basically, I was on this for well over two months and I actually think it made my acne a little worse during that time. I'm going to go back to basics and use Dan's Regimen. It might work for you, but it certainly didn't for me.
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August 27, 2011

Pros:

It's very easy to apply and thats about it.

Cons:

It drys out the skin and doesn't really work at all.

First of all this product was insanely expensive and didn't even do it's job. I tried it for a year and tried to keep my hopes up but it just didn't clear up my acne and I put it on every night. It did aboslutely nothing and was a complete waste of money.
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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