Acne free all my life...til now! Developed acne about 15 months ago. ..started as tiny bumps on my chin...then bigger ones then them great big headless painful cystic kind... tried every acne wash....cream...gel...mask peel etc....but all I was left with was dry sore red sun dried looking skin... So decided to go docs...I got differin first which sort of helped tone the red acne down ...but didn't stop break outs! Also antibiotic didn't do much! Went back to doc and got epiduo....heard this stuff had side effects like burning skin...drying you out...skin flaking so was worried but the weeks prior to going back to docs I'd changed how I looked after my skin...I'd got rid off all my acne washes and toners gels etc. ..and started using an oil cleanser and ph balanced face wash and aveeno moisturiser. ...my skin was really improving. ..was smoother and silky again...only one cystic spot which if had for ages....so using epiduo worried me after getting my skin soft again...but I wanted help with scarring and didn't want to break out again so I gave it a go! After two weeks of using epiduo my skins ok...stings a bit on my skin for ten minutes but when it sinks in I pop my moisturiser over it (stings a bit again)...within a few days that huge cystic spot came to a head an popped!!! Yay....result...but two weeks on I've not had a single spot. ..no skin purging so far.....and acne scars have actually faded a good bit....no flaky skin or burnt red skin either..I actually believe this is down to using more ph balanced products which irritate are skin and dry it out loads causing are pores to produce more sebum and block pores causing more spots. ...also I think this aveeno cream is a miracle moisturiser as its the only one that never stung not even round my eyes. ..think thats helping lighten my scars too...never broke me out either...so oil cleanser first to remove dirt oils etc...then I use olay gentle face wash (gorgeous stuff and so much cheaper then acne ones)...then thin layer of epiduo over acne prone areas (not got any active acne but preventions better then cure)...let it sting and sink into my skin...then aveeno moisturise the area.... (I moisturise rest of face after washing leaving my chin and jaw for epiduo application. ..as you don't want to spread epiduo all over your healthy clear skin or near eyes)... So far so good. ..I'd say use more ph balanced washes and creams etc. ..throw out anything that has salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in it...just use one acne treatment at a time so your not irritating acne more or damaging healthy skin! Oh one last thing I use st Ives blemish control scrub (which has tiny bit of salicylic acid in it)...use it 1-3 times a week to buff off any rubbish....its amazing so can not part with this...alot more natural then other acne scrubs... I actually look forward to putting on my make up now. ...all bumps have gone (just that cystic spot to really flatten out as even though it's healed they take ages to smooth out)....good luck to you. ..try this epiduo cream...anythings worth a shot when you have acne (as long as its off yer doc not out the drugstore);)

I can't believe I'm writing a review. After Almost 7 years of struggling with my skin and reading what feels like millions of reviews and trying many products to clear my skin I am hoping (fingers crossed) that I have finally found THE cure. This feels a bit surreal to be honest, I can't tell you how many times I have read peoples success stories and just wished so badly that one day it would be me. Don't get me wrong, if you're struggling with bad skin these forums are a GODSEND when you need hope to keep searching for answers and to remind yourself you aren't alone, cause sometimes you feel like you're the only person with bad skin. When my skin took a turn for the worst a few months ago (the most horrible breakout I'd ever experienced) I promised myself that when i found something that would work, that I would make the most detailed review possible in hopes that I could help even just ONE person out there that has a similar struggle to mine. So apologies for the length but it has been a long road for me and I want to help someone else. Acne sucks. When I felt really disgusted over my skin I would try so hard to remind myself that things could be so much worse. I have my health, all my limbs, my eyesight, everything that a human needs to function properly. But damn no matter how hard I tried my bad skin just took over my ilfe.... I refused to be seen without makeup, constantly cancelled plans, could never enjoy being outdoors or going to the lake because I didn't want people to see my pimples/scars. My acne was mild (developed into moderate) and hormonal but left HORRIBLE pigmentation that left bright red marks that lasted forever.. I was even embarrassed to let my family see me without makeup which is pathetic but I was just embarrassed at how gross my skin looked. My breakouts were always hormonal (forehead and chin) but then my acne type changed and I was also developing DEEP blackheads that stayed there forever, and tons of clogged pores around my chin that eventually one by one turn into cysts (so painful and embarassing) I NEVER had acne growing up. My first pimple was at age 22. I've been the derm dozens of times in the last two years. Summer of 2013 I started Aczone and Atralin. Worked WONDERS for a few months and I felt relieved my battle with acne was over. Unfortunately though, those meds stopped working and my acne slowly creeped back and then it was worse than ever. I'll admit that I had a heightened level of stress recently that may have contributed to this horrible breakout but regardless, I was beyond over it and at the end of my rope and on the verge of losing my sanity. I was so tired of being self conscious and spending EVERY waking hour worrying about my face. It was exhausting. So In January of 2015 I went BACK to the derm to start over. He put me on duac. I cried because benzoyl peroxide had dried my face before and I knew it wouldn't work. Well, duac worked SOMEWHAT, removed a few blackheads but I was breaking out horribly around my chin while on it. Felt super discouraged. Then he put me on Finacea (for rosacea), which helped slightly at first, but my chin continued to breakout in horrible huge painful inflamed pimples. One would clear up then two-three more would pop up. I couldn't catch a break. I was in the derm what felt like every other day for cortisone injections. Finally he said well let's try epiduo since you had success at first with Atralin (a retin-a , and epiduo has bp AND a retinoid combined) I went home crying, knowing it wouldn't work. But realized I had no other option but to at least TRY it. I was scared, I was skeptical, I was a pessimist and knew it wouldn't work. I knew i was going to suffer more breakouts but I had to give it a shot. So I did. And let me tell you, all the reviews you read (try and only read good reviews) are so true. IT COMPLETELY SUCKS AT FIRST. I wish it didn't have to, but it just does. The first couple days I used it I had several of those red inflammed cystic pimples flare up on my chin. I wanted to cry (oh wait, I DID cry, a lot), but I decided to trust what people were saying and power through it. If you are able to go in for cortisone shots while you first start this product it at least helps the pain and for them to subside faster. Patience is key (easier said than done) but slowly but surely, I think I found what is going to work for me... blackheads and closed comedones on my forehead are slowly coming to the surface (I have been able to literally just pull a couple of them out) and I know that with consistent and persistent use they rest of them will clear up as well... It sucks purging but I can really tell it is clearing out all my gross clogged pores around my chin as well. It's only been a week, and I still have pimples purging and I know there is more to come, but I am SO much more hopeful realizing that this WILL pass and soon my skin will be clear.. My skin is dry and slightly peeling, but again, I'M PUSHING THROUGH IT AND YOU SHOULD TOO!!!. Fight through it!!!! Soooo many people have said that it's 100% worth it in the long run and to just keep focusing on the end result there IS a light at the end of the tunnel even if you don't see it :) I plan on updating every week or so with my progress. My skin is far from clear, but I can tell this is working. There is NO quick cure to acne no matter how bad we all wish there was one. So please give it a shot. OH and use it everyday, I didn't at first because I was scared of the dryness but every day is KEY. attack attack attack that bacteria!! MORNING: cetaphil gentle cleanser finacea oil of olay oiil-free fragrance free moisturizer NIGHT: oil of olay cleansing cloths- fragrance free/sensitive skin epiduo (SMALL amount on affected area) 30 min later oil of olay oil free fragrance free moisturizer DON'T GIVE UP HOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! all my fellow acne sufferers, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND I LOVE YOU!!!!

I am 26 and I struggled with acne since high school. I started Retin-A about a year ago which helped, but I would break out again every time I was out in the sun for any amount of time, even wearing sunscreen every day. My derm recommended Epiduo and it has helped tremendously :) I use Retin-A at night and Epiduo in the morning. It's worked really well for me!

I am 27 and have been suffering from acne for over 10 years. I have tried over the counter treatments and prescribed treaments and nothing has helped like EPIDUO and ORACEA. I used to apply heavy makeup to hide the acne and now I barely apply makeup and feel GREAT. It's been 12 weeks and I would say this has cleared up my skin about 95%. It takes a few weeks but it does help! Amazing!!

I had great skin while on Yasmin, then stopped taking it and had the worst acne of my life. I tried everything- 10% benzoyl, tons of different medicated face wash, witch hazel, etc. I was prescribed retin A which cleared some forehead bumps but developed severe cystic acne on both cheeks. I regret listening to people who said stick with it because it was the WORST time for me- I used it religiously according to directions and still no luck. I was feeling so miserable and frustrated. After almost 2 months using Retin A, I begged my derm for alternate treatment and started Epiduo combined with Cetaphil regular face wash. Honestly----- the best thing that has happened for my acne! Saw results after 2 weeks. Lots of dryness at first but if you moisturize it will do wonders! I honestly am so thankful and hope you see the same results as I did. I am 24 and finally starting to see my normal skin return, while the scars are fading. It's been 4 weeks and my face is smooth and clear. It does make you a bit red, but nothing worse than acne. Reccomend to anyone who didn't have luck with Retin-A/Trentinoin alone.

Hi. I was struggling with getting cystic pimples nonstop (especially in my chin area) for past two years. I tried to eat healthier, cut out dairy for a period of time, sugar, got my hormones tested... anything I read online I tried to no avail. I was getting very frustrated and somedays I wouldn't leave my house to see my parents because of the state of my face. It really lowered my self esteem. Went to doctor and he thought I had peri oral dermatitis so he put me on deoxycycline. No change. He then put me on tactuo. Wow! After two month my face is now always clear. I don't want to jinx it but I love this. I only use once a week now. I get compliments and I love my skin (haven't said that in awhile)! Be careful not to put too much on, you will look windburned and skin will peel like crazy. After awhile, doesn't burn anymore :)

I've suffered from acne for about 4 years now. I'm 18 and I've tried almost everything to help improve my skin, but nothing has worked better than Epiduo. I'll admit I was initially shocked with the price, but only because I didn't want to spend money on products. I used Benzoyl Peroxide for a year and although my experience with it was good, it still didn't work as well as I needed to. I'm now using Epiduo instead of Benzoyl Peroxide as part of The Regimen, and I can truly say that The Regimen has made a difference in the improvement of my skin. I've been using Epiduo for nearly 2 months and my skin is at its best. You can really see the results within the first week or so. This is the best investment I've made so far, it's well worth the money. I've never felt more happy and comfortable in my own skin.

I never take the time to write reviews on products but I felt the need to write about this. I'm 20 and I've been struggling with acne for about 5 years. It has never been severe, but definitely noticeable and ongoing. I've tried everything. Every drug store product, home remedies, popular acne systems. Nothing made a big difference. Acne has prevented me from having a lot of self confidence. It SUCKS. About two weeks ago I went to my general doctor to ask for a referral to a dermatologist because I had finally had enough. She prescribed me Epiduo so I would have something until I could actually visit the dermatologist. I started using the Epiduo twice daily - once in the morning and once at night. My pimples starting to go away but I quickly learned that twice a day is entirely too much. My face started burning and becoming dry (I have sensitive, dry skin as it is.) so I stopped using it for a day and then I continued to only use it at night. All of my existing pimples AND blackheads are becoming non existent. My skin hasn't been this clear in years. Along with Epiduo, I drink a lot of water daily, and I use Cetaphil as a moisturizer. You MUST moisturize with a lotion such as this so your pores don't get clogged. Yes, burning and dried out skin will occur because of how strong this product is. Do not over use it and if your skin burns too much and gets too red, stop using it for a day or so and then begin again but maybe use less. Don't forget moisturizing is so important, as well as exfoliating. I use an apricot scrub from CVS every 3 days. Thank you Epiduo!! And good luck to the rest of you users.

Okay, so I've been struggling with acne for 7 years. Technically 9 years, but that doesnt matter. I tried everything. I learned my skin was allergic to salicylic acid which stinks because a lot of treatments use it. My skin would be so oily because it made my skin so dry... I bought expensive treatments, I bought cheap treatments, AND I used natural alternatives. (I always start with natural because I hate western medicine) Nothing ever worked. I changed my eating habits, my sleeping patterns, everything you would read in a magazine and a book... I swear I tried everything. Sometimes it would work for a week then get really bad. I went to the dermatologist once and it never helped, so I refused to go and just tried to live with it, which was a bad idea because my face was covered with bumps and scars and blackheads. So so so embarrassing, especially surrounded by people who have actual flawless skin. The pressure is so high these days, so one thing I learned is thag you can't ever judge a person on the outside because they usually can't help it! Anyways- My mom took my sister to the dermatologist because her acne was pretty bad as well. I refused to go, but my mom told the doctor about me and he prescribed my sister EpiDuo. He said I could just it if I wanted to. Knowing stubborn old me, I didn't want to use it. Weeks passed, and my sister' skin started to clear up. She just did the instructions and her skin was flawless. I was so jealous. And of course, my mom bugged me everyday how I should use it. So one night, I was so tired if my embarrassing acne that I had everywhere and I had been dealing with it for SO long, that I gave in. I used it. And I washed my face with Cetaphil every morning and night and applied EpiDuo every night. I think I started in November. I also stopped wearing makeup, because I'm a ballet dancer and I have no need to wear it because it just settles in my pores... SO, I've used it basically every single day and it's January now, and my skin is changed! It's BEAUTIFUL. It started out very dry- My skin is very sensitive. I think my acne made it even more sensitive. It was never "worse before it gets better" (which is strange because that's how I always was) Also, DO NOT APPLY AT THE BEACH BECAUSE YOUR SKIN IS ASKING FOR A BURN. I applied it at the beach, only once, at night, and the next day my skin fried. It was awful. I couldn't even make facial expressions because it was so sore. I learned to use a lighter cleanser (Cetaphil) and moisturize with the Heavy Cetaphil moustrizer. Now, my skin is clear and I can run my hand over my forehead and not feel bumps! I haven't had that in such a long time. It's also not as oily which is rare for me. I am so grateful it has worked for me. I can't even tell you how much more confident I feel in myself now. The only thing is, I had awful blackheads and they're better because they come out easily, but they're still there.... But I can't complain because it's cleared up my skin!

I've only just started using epiduo, I'm on my fourth day and I can already see a difference with my acne. Although my skin is very very dry and itchy. After reading lots and lots of other reviews this is normal and usually goes after a month or so. I've been on birth control pills, three courses of different antibiotics and used thousands of over the counter and branded products, which unfortunately none have improved my skin. I finally went back to the doctors after a few weeks of a really bad breakout which wasn't helping my anxiety at all. I went to the doctors wanting to come out with a referral to a dermotolitist but my doctor said we have to try at least another course of antibiotics before the dermotolitist even considers something like accutane. This is when she prescribed me Epiduo, which was very hard to get hold of in my local pharmacies. After my first night of applying the gel, I saw a difference the morning after with my acne. My problem areas weren't as aggravated but were very dry, which I'm sure can be helped my a good moisturiser. I keep telling myself to stick to using epiduo as it obviously helps acne prone skin. Would defiantly recommend even after 4 days! Stay positive!