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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10.3%
2
7.9%
1
13.5%

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July 10, 2014
Excellent!!!
This treatment is the one that provides best results for me. It is the only BP treatment which does not dry my skin severely or darken my complexion (I am an Asian Pakistani). You should apply it as directed for optimum results. I apply a pea-sized amount once every evening after using neutrogena pink grapefruit face wash. You may have initial breakouts but you need to give this treatment time to work. This has been the most effective product I have used in treating and preventing my acne, blackheads and reduced hyperpigmentation. If you have tried many products and they have not worked, please go to your doctor and ask for this product.
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July 1, 2014
Love it!!!
I have suffered with mild acne since I was a young teen. I have tried all sorts of topical treatments and nothing seemed to work for me. Finally, I tried a sample of epidou and I really liked it! I have been using it for probably 3 years now and follow my schedule with it religiously. My skin has completely cleared up besides the pimple or two I get around my period. This was a drastic change to when I used to completely break out during that time. I will say it can be a little drying sometimes so I use a moisturizer as well. This is the only thing that has ever worked for me and I highly recommend giving it a try, and give it time. Your breakouts won't go away after a day! A few months my skin was clear and STAYED CLEAR!
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June 28, 2014
Absolutely recommend!
This worked wonders for me! I once had moderate acne, which was greatly helped by a 5% Benzoyl Peroxide cream and a change in my skincare. However, soon it didn't work so well anymore and I was left with mild yet persistent and extremely stubborn acne and red marks from old acne. I tried many home remedies, shop-bought creams, washes, masks, I tried changing my diet but that didn't work for me - and then my Doctor prescribed me Epiduo. The first time I used it, I made the huge mistake of treating it like my old BP cream which my skin could handle quite well. My skin burned so bad I nearly cried! I gave it a miss for a night and tried it again - this time I used literally a pea sized amount for my entire face. It still burned a lot but a little more bearable. I used it every other night whilst my skin built up a tolerance, and then used a moisturiser in the morning. I actually saw results pretty quick...within a couple of weeks I was getting compliments from friends and colleagues on how well I looked. Now I've been using it for 3 months and I only get the odd spot here and there (usually during that time of the month), which are quickly dealt with with Epiduo. It has helped fade red marks a little too which is a bonus. I do still have a few little bumps that it doesn't seem to be helping, but I'm the only person who can notice them. The only drawback I can think of is that after 3 months my skin seems to be getting oily, whilst I usually have normal/dry skin - the only change I can think of is the Epiduo. That said, I have changed my contraceptive pill, though haven't done any research into whether this can cause oily skin. Overall, I would recommend giving this a go. I was reluctant to at first, thinking - if BP didn't fix my skin why would this be any different? - but I'm so glad I tried it. I can now sit in board room meetings without feeling like the token acne-ridden teenager! It's important to understand that everyone's skin is different though, so what works for one person may not work for another.
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January 14, 2014
Brillant

Pros:

Clear skin
Heals acne scars

Cons:

Sunburn prone
Expensive
Rash

Suffered for severe back acne for years now, it wasn't only staying around, I was sick of it so I went to my local GP and was prescribed epiduo, I had no idea what to expect, 1 month later and I am COMPLETELY clear of my back acne. There was a hiccup as I did break out in a rash that lasted a few days. If I had known about what this medication when I first started breaking out and what it could do for me, without a doubt I would have got it. Try this out if you want results.
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December 23, 2013
love, Love, LOVE!!♥♥

Pros:

clear skin
prevents future acne
Don't have to use as much. only a pea-size amount

I've had acne since forever...About 8ish years! I've tried almost everything there is that's supposed to clear the acne, but none of them worked! I would get maybe 2days of clarity and then my face would be covered in acne again! I finally had enough and went to the dermatologist and she prescribed me Epiduo along with Cetaphil DermControl face wash and spf moisturizer. When I first started using it, like anytime using a new product, my face did break out. After a week, I could definitely start to tell a difference! Its been 4 months and my face is the clearest it has been that I can even remember! I feel more confident and I've grown to love my skin! Granite, i still have the monthly break outs, but I can't complain because they're 100x smaller than they used to be, and they don't last nearly as long either! Overall i absolutely LOVE Epiduo!
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December 15, 2013
I love Epiduo <3

Pros:

Moderately priced
Doesn't cause any other breakouts
Actually works

Cons:

May dry out skin if not using a moisturizer after

I have had skin issues since puberty but they really flared up when I was in my late teens. I have been cursed with an oily skin gene which has been the root of my breakouts. I wouldn't get huge pimples but mostly I would have small whitehead sort of blemishes. The first time I went on Epiduo I was 18 and it worked great. I used it for about two years and was very happy with my new clear skin. I had a breach in my insurance for awhile and was not able to get Epiduo anymore. I decided to use this as a time to see if my regular skin could fare the same without the cream. I was off Epiduo for almost two years. At first my skin did just fine with my regular regimen: Cetaphil cleanser for normal to oily skin twice a day And the Cetaphil AM and PM moisturizers. After about six months or so the break outs began again. I had begun working out more habitually and was wondering if this was effecting my hormones or something because a new problem had arose with my skin. My jawline was breaking out like crazy!! My jawline and neck were having these bumpy under-the-skin breakouts that were so unsightly for myself. While my acne wasn't severe, I was hating looking in the mirror. I decided now it was time to get back on Epiduo a second time. I have been on it for only four days and I'm seeing a complete turn around. My jawline is very cleared up (I feel I can wear my hair up again - yay!) and my face is looking clearer as a whole. Epiduo works really great if you have stubborn acne and very sensitive skin. I seriously have never used anything that has made my skin look this awesome. I have tried countless products. Pretty much the entire Neutrogena line and have tried Cetaphil products on their own. Now that I'm again using my Cetaphil regimen WITH Epiduo, my skin is clear. This is a moderately priced cream if you're insured. I pay $30 with my insurance and I figure the tube should last me at least four months. I am so relieved my skin is niceagain and felt compelled to write a review on this amazing product. I so appreciate Epiduo
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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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November 3, 2013
IT WORKS.

Pros:

Flattens coloress bumps
Clears acne
Less inflammed skin

Cons:

Dryness (can be solved with moistruizer)
May take a few months to see results

I'm 17 and I've been struggling with typical teenage acne for about 5 years. I had it pretty bad -- My t-zone and chin use to be covered with active pimples/scars all over and eventually it started moving down my cheeks. I also had a lot of colorless bumps concentrated on my forehead which I believe were under-the-skin whiteheads. I use to be crazy with picking at my face and from experience, I can say that it's one of the worst things you can do to your skin. So I decided to give Epiduo a try after my doctor prescribed it to me and I've been using it very night for about 6 months. My skin looks completely different now -- it's no longer inflamed and the colorless bumps have almost all flattened out for me. I usually only get one or two spots when its that time of the month but other than that, my skin is clear. If you use Epiduo I recommend you trying it out every other night to see if your skin reacts and then gradually use it every night if your skin can handle it. Also make sure to apply moisturizer after letting it sit on your skin for a little while. In conjunction to using Epiduo, I've also stopped picking at my skin and changed from using cleaner from twice every day to only once every other day. If you're on the fence about Epiduo, take the chance because I did and I'm extremely grateful for it.
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October 16, 2013
worth it!

Pros:

clears skin
controls oil

Cons:

VERY DRY SKIN, AND FLAKY PATCHES
takes a while to work (a month for my skin)
expensive

I have been using epiduo (tactuo) for about 5 weeks. i am 21 years old. I used to have mild to moderate acne and i have been on birth control since i was 16 so i know my acne probably isnt hormonal. my skin was pretty clear when i was 18 but was never consistently clear. I had always used benzoyl peroxide every night because i always had at least 1-2 blemishs. Then last year at age 20 my skin completley went crazy and broke out all over in big red cyst like acne and whiteheads. i had at least 10 pimples all the time and i hated it . i tried everything from salicylic acid to different brands of benzyl peroxide to prescription antibiotic topical treatments to 1% tretinoin. finally tried epiduo as last step before i was going to beg for accutane. Epiduo made my skin WORSE for the first month and sooo dry litterly my face stung like acid was being thrown on it (and i have quite oily skin normally) i am using epiduo EVERY NIGHT even though my face felt like it was on fire. Now in week 5 my skin is finally clearing up magically all at once all my pimples are shrunken to flat red smooth scars.. (better then acne) and i hope it will just continue to get better and better. I still have dry flakes around my mouth and cheeks (i probabaly used too much epiduo becuase i just wanted the pimples to go away) But this treatment IS WORTH IT even though there are more cons then pros, in the end we all just want clear skin right? and in my opinion, no one should use antibiotics for acne if your dr. tries to give you them do your research, it does more harm then good, especially oral antibiotics.
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September 26, 2013
cleared up my acne

Pros:

works well

Cons:

drying

I had moderate acne that responded pretty well to benzoyl peroxide, but the amount of benzyl peroxide I used never really cleared me up, and I couldn't use any more because of the dryness it caused. My skin isn't perfect, I still have a few pimples, but it's a lot better, and it even seems to dry out my face less than the benzyl peroxide. It's certainly the best treatment I've ever tried and I'm very grateful I found it.
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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