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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February 14, 2023
Not for everyone
Everyone’s skin reacts differently to treatment and for me despite using this for just over 5 months i didn’t experience any improvement in my skin. Also… I was so confused last summer whilst using this as to why my face was so much lighter than the rest of my body until i realised not only does it bleach your clothes and towels, it can also bleach ur skin. overall my experience wasn’t great but i know it works well for my friend with milder acne than myself.
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April 9, 2019
um ?

this product bleached my face. no joke. 

just because it didn't work for me, does not mean it wont for everyone BUT if you are a darker skinned person (like myself) be wary of the product's bleaching nature. 

sayonara 

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November 25, 2018
WARNING before using Epiduo

Before I begin: do NOT apply Epiduo to a large area of the skin until you have completed a 48 hour 'patch test'.

I applied a small amount of Epiduo to the 'T-zone' and did not notice any redness or stinging at first. However, the following evening some redness began to show. I assumed that this was a normal response, since there was no pain, and applied another small amount. 

The area quickly began to burn and I removed the product within 5 minutes of application. By the next morning, the redness had spread to almost my entire face (exceeding where the Epiduo had been applied initially) and my skin was sore, dry and flaky. This continued for another day, getting worse until eventually the burning became so severe that the only relief was from holding my face in ice water, meanwhile the skin became incredibly tight, cracking at the driest points, and swelling.

The burning pain was so excruciating that I was taking both Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. Getting no relief from either, I took Codeine whilst continuing to ice my face. I was concerned that I was having an allergic reaction due to the swelling, and went to A&E.

The burning, cracking and swelling was so intense that I had to refrain from screaming in pain in the waiting room. I was administered an emergency topical anaesthetic that is used to treat burns.

The following day the swelling was at its worst and I could barely move my face, however the burning pain had subsided. I lost a layer of skin, but (luckily) it healed within two days.

I am now aware of the fact that with Epiduo 'your skin will get worse before it gets better' (my dermatologist failed to mention this), however the severity of the skin's initial reaction will vary with each patient. Unfortunately, I was left in unbearable pain beyond what is tolerable in exchange for good results.

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of leaving your 'patch test' for 48 hours or more as my response to the Epiduo took days to emerge. Some may choose to continue with the treatment, if it does not cause a great deal of pain (or despite the pain, if you really are desperate for results), however you MUST give yourself time to test the product on a small area and fully consider whether you are prepared to go through with treatment. Do NOT apply without testing. 

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November 3, 2018
9 months treatment = no results
Absolutely useless. Has been 9 Months on this f***g s**t. Good luck with it. Maybe it will help you. May we all have beautiful and healthy skin! Much love.
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June 14, 2018
Question!
I have a question! I have moderate hormonal localised acne (that is mostly purple/red scars now) on my cheekbones right in front of both ears, either side of my mouth and scarring on my cheeks near my nose. I started Epiduo 3 days ago after my skin built up a resistance to Apo-Doxycycline 50mg and 100mg. The first night was fine, pimples under the skin came up and disappeared by the end of the day. I did learn quite quickly that you CANNOT put the cream on popped pimples, cause it leaves a rash! The second day I helped a friend out with a makeup assessment and she put quite a thick layer of foundation on my face. It burned a little around my eyes and mouth, but I said I'd take the makeup off at home as I knew my face would be red underneath. I got home and used Garnier's Micellar Water to take off the makeup, and alas, my cheeks became hot and red and my eyes stung like hell. I put a cold towel on my face and just laid down on the bathroom floor because it hurt so much. I also put Borage Seed Oil on my face, which calmed the redness a bit. I went to bed praying that I'd look better in the morning. This morning I woke up and my skin looked great! My skin was smooth and glowing and didn't hurt at all. I've learnt that my skin gets angry when I cleanse it in the morning, no matter what cleanser I use, so I just use a hydrating serum, moisturiser and sunscreen. I wet my face, and when I touched it I realised why it was so smooth. Epiduo had bloody stripped a layer of skin off my face and there were burnt patches that killed to touch. I was in so much pain! I waited a bit to put any makeup on, probably around half an hour. I dabbed concealer on and that is all I put on my skin. I'm sitting at school now and my face is just burning. My skin is hot, and the skin under my eyes is swollen and ridiculously sore. I don't know what to do! I've read that people have experienced burning, but should I continue using it? I'm seeing my GP on Saturday, if my skin hasn't improved she's putting me back on Doxycycline 50mg. The products that I use: AM: - Cold Water - The Ordinary's Marine Hyaluronics - Dermalogica Active Moist - Nivea Daily Veil SPF 30+ - Clinique Concealer PM: - Cold Water - Clinique Redness Solutions Cleanser - The Ordinary's Marine Hyaluronics - Epiduo Cream (Spot Treatment, very thin layer, I use one pump) - Clinique Redness Solutions Moisturiser and if my face still feels dry - Dermalogica Active Moist
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a91
November 5, 2018
I would not use epiduo for localised acne from my experience! I did for a few local areas of acne on my cheeks. Well, it started to purge me in areas I had never had acne, and 1 year later, my face is 1000 times worse then when i started- the acne from cheeks is better, fine. but the rest of my face which had never seen a pimple is covered in cystic acne which i had never had.
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March 5, 2017
Not for me... Skin ruined after one application
I read all the reviews here before using Epiduo, feeling excited that it might just be my cure. I know my skin is a bit sensitive but I didn't expect this. After one application only, my face started burning the second day and got a lot worse on the third day. My skin is insanely red, burning, tight, slightly swollen, oozing pus or some sort of liquid. OMG if I didnt have the same experience six years ago (due to a different product, probably with BP too) , I'd be crying in horror right now. From what I have read, I think my reaction is more severe than just dryness, flaking, peeling etc. as described by most. I'm just glad I didnt put Epiduo on my whole face, but almost half of my face is currently ruined. I have stopped using it after thr first application and dont intend to ever go near it again. Obviously it has been very effective for a lot of people, it's a real shame I react so badly to it. For people who want to try this, beware of the possibility of getting a major bad reaction and be prepared to deal with it. I hope it works for you!
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Jimbo913
March 7, 2017
Sorry to hear. At the first sign of redness I washed it off and started the next night with 50/50 Epiduo and Cetaphil eczema moisturizer and I am doing great on Epiduo. You must use good moisturizer and only use Epiduo at night. Always apply good sunscreen if goong outside. Only use a sensitive skin soap like Cetaphil sensitve that Dan recommended
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July 29, 2016
It's a No For Me
I've had acne for a few years and this was the first thing I tried. I have a blurry memory with Epiduo because it was 3 years ago but it did not work
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January 3, 2016
Did not work for 14 year old female
This was the first prescription cream my kid was prescribed along with Doxycycline pills. No significant progress was made by either in reducing her acne.
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September 4, 2015
Weekly Epiduo Review! 4 YEARS LATER UPDATE

I've rated 3 for my current review. However as weeks progress on comments below my rating might change according to my experiences. Age: 20 Sex: Female Skin type: Olive skin, Oily, Medium Pores. Acne history: Never had acne, just a few spots here and there on my face. Acne: Hit me at 20 - moderate acne such as blackheads, white heads, lots of cysts around lower cheeks and jawline and a bit of spots on my back. Acne Treatment History: I undertook SGA at Clearskin Clinic Australia: FAIL - WORSENED acne by 3 x Current Acne Treatment: Finally went to a dermatologist. He prescribed me Epiduo and Doryx 50mg. Routine: Morning- 1. Wash with Cetaphil Foam Cleanser. 2. Dry with a anti-bacterial cloth and if I'm leaving the house: 3. Apply Cetaphil oil-free moisturiser spf 30 if I'm not leaving the house: 3. Apply Cetaphil oil-free moisturiser After i eat breakfast: I take 2 Doryx tablets with water. Night- 1. Wash with Cetaphil Foam Cleanser. 2. Dry with anti-bacterial cloth 3. Apply Epiduo (pea-sized amount) I put Epiduo every second night on my face as the dermatologist recommended (Always listen to what the dermatologist recommends as everyones skin is different). So on the nights i do not put it i put Cetaphil oil-free moisturiser. I will be writing a weekly review on this post. It will be UPDATED every week. The rest of the weeks will be posted as a comment on this post. Week 1. Skin: Very dry, flaky, itchy, red Acne: A few old pimples went but a lot of new ones appeared. Week 2. Skin: Slight Improvement - dry, flaky, red Acne: Its like a continued cycle of a few old ones leaving but a lot of new ones appearing and my back has gotten SO MUCH more pimples to which i have never had in my entire life. Week 3. Skin: My skin has gotten used to Epiduo. It's only a little dry but moisturising quickly fixes it. Still a little itchy and red. Acne: During this week i felt like some days my skin looked like wow its improving and other days i feel like a got stung by 20 bees. Its like a cycle. But i feel like the new ones that come quickly go and my back is still really bad. I will now be posting weekly reviews on the comments. If you would like to ask any questions go ahead.

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ActualSelf
September 6, 2015
Week 4: Skin: Dry, Red and not as itchy Started off crazy at the start of the week. I nearly gave up but its very important to continue. My back has flared up again... im sure itll get better. But by the end of the week i had a great experience the left side of my face and forehead has not one active pimple just high red pigmentation which looks like pimples but they arent!!!! Wohoo but the right side is still crazy so fingers crossed for Week 5.
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ActualSelf
September 13, 2015
Week 5: Skin: Not as dry and not as red but still dry and red. Acne: My back is getting a little better. My face has slightly flared again on my forehead, upper lip and on lower cheeks and jawlines. I was so excited last week thinking yay its finally going but now that it flared again it made me feel really upset. But with all the reviews i read they have similar experiences and they only really see big improvements by 8 weeks to 12 weeks. So i have to be patient!!! Im going dermatologist by the end of Week 6 and ill update you on what happens.
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gabbygette
September 14, 2015
Do not worry! It took my face 8 weeks to clear up, and it stayed super clear after, good luck!
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ActualSelf
September 20, 2015
Thankyou for the response!!! I hope so, patience is seriously so important with this treatment. So anyone reading this just stay patient... its a pain but nothing comes quick and anything that claims it does is a lie all they do is damage your skin or worsen it. So always go to a dermatologist.
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ActualSelf
September 20, 2015
Week 6: Skin: Not dry anymore, still red and a little itchy. Acne: My back is really soft again and it isnt flared anymore but i have alot of pigmentation. My skin is okay not that great a few pimples on my forehead and lower chin and a few under the skin cysts under my right cheek on the neck. Its very similar to week 5 not much differences. But with epiduo i feel like the pimples improve within three days even less. I went dermatologist end of week 6. He saw my face and said that it has improved and he said itll take upto 12 weeks and to be patient. So i am. He told me to put epiduo now every night rather than every second night like previously. He also told me to go on Yaz birth control pill once i start my periods and stay on the Doryx tablets also. Ill be seeing him in 5 weeks.
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ActualSelf
September 25, 2015
Week 7: Skin: not as dry, red pigmentation, no more itchy feels. Acne: Back has flared again ALOT but i guess part of the cycle? Face: my forehead has no active pimples , my left side cheek and jaw only has one active pimple, my right side cheek has one active pimple and under my right jaw i have like 3 under the skin cysts. So it has improved alot. The rest of my skin looks like it has alot of pimples but its all red pigmentation and its very very smooth to touch. Well see how next week goes. Patience!!!!
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ActualSelf
October 10, 2015
Sorry delayed. Week 8. Skin: No more dry skin, no more redness just LOTS of red pigmentation and not one bit itchy. Acne: As everyone has said by week 8 thats when you see results and thats exactly what happened to me Week 8 and not one active pimple not one not even a cyst or under the skin bumps ZERO but lots of pigmentation but if i run my hand across my face its perfectly smooth. Week9. Skin: No dryness No redness and No itchyness. Acne: For some odd reason i got 2 cysts on my lower right jaw and i got 4 active pimples on the middle of my cheeks and ive never had pimples on my cheeks before :( i was over the moon last week that i actually improved incredibly but this week i dont know what happened. I read other reviews and alot of people said by week 8 you see improvements but by week 12 it actually completely improves so now patience for another 3 weeks!!!!
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ActualSelf
October 18, 2015
Week 10: same as week 9
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ActualSelf
October 22, 2015
Week 11: same as week 10
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ActualSelf
November 4, 2015
Week 12. Skin: lots of red pigmentation. I asked the dermatologist how i can get rid of this red scar pigmented blotches. He said that its actually from the Doryx oral antibiotics which causes redness and as soon as i stop the pills i will have no redness. So bonus! The dermatologist also now does glycolic peels every 4 week visits. Ive had one and he said its for blackheads and for any brown pigmentation from previous pimples. He also gave me a 10percent glycolic acid lotion for my back to reduce brown pigmentation. Acne: I dont have much active pimples just 2 or 3. The rest of my skin is sooooo smooth especially beneath my left jaw which used to be extra bump with large cysts. My skin isnt perfect but its improved by 70 percent. Just a reminder to what im on. Morning: 2 × 50mg Doryx antibacterial tablets Yaz Birth control pill Both Morning and Nights i wash with Cetaphil Cleanser Night: Epiduo cream on my face
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ActualSelf
November 8, 2015
Week 13. Same as week 12 . . . Still getting pimpled here and there. Lots of pigmentation
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ActualSelf
November 13, 2015
Week 14: Skin is very hyperpigmented. Few active pimples. Has improved incredibly. The pigmentation is putting me off. Not sure how long that will take.
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Lucymariexoxo
November 30, 2015
Hi, did you wear any makeup during the treatment process?
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ActualSelf
January 28, 2016
Yes i wore oil free makeup everyday
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ActualSelf
May 4, 2016
FINAL review after exactly 8 months and 2 weeks. My skin is completely clear of pimples! I get the occasional pimple when I am on my monthlys but other than that not one single pimple! Hyperpigmentation slowly goes every single day. I am currently on 1 Doryx tablet every morning and Epiduo cream every night. Still rated a four as it takes a lot of patience to see results. Its no quick fix that's for sure. PATIENCE is key to this treatment! Do no start if you are not willing to pass 5 months of it as stopping mid-way only makes it worse for you. Goodluck to anyone who begins this treatment. You will only be disappointed if you are not patient and expect fast results. Stick with it and you will see wonders happen. Also take photos every 2 weeks and you will see how it gets worse and worse and worse than by 3 months better and better!
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ActualSelf
June 3, 2019

Hello to anyone who read on my journey.

Since my last post on May 4 2016 i was on Epiduo once a night till September 2018. On September 2018 i decided to stop using it as i no longer thought i needed it. I was WRONG!! As soon as i stopped my entire face purged again! It’s like i was starting again from square one. I immediately booked an appointment with my original dermatologist. He was on holiday so i only got the chance to see him April 16th 2019. He prescribed me doryx 50 mg and Epiduo. I honestly feel depressed!!!!!!!! I am not willing to go through 8 months of purging on and off. I read my review honestly 8 months to get clear face AGAIN? How could i even mentally survive that. Surely i can not. I have been on doryx for now a month and a half. By now i came to realisation that i will he slowly stopping doryx as it killed my digestive and immune system when i was on them for 8 long months. For this reason i have decided to stop. Can someone PLEASE give me any advice on what i can do? My skin should not have relied on EPIDUO for 2 YEARS!! And purge again once stopped. Clearly something within me is destroyed!! 

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July 21, 2015
Cystic Acne, oh my.
Never have I ever experience cystic acne until I used this product. I tried to stick it out because everyone says "it gets worse before it gets better" - but lifetime scars that were out of the ordinary for my skin was absolutely not worth it to me. I still have the scars on my face from the two cystic acne lesions this caused on my face. Never again. I know it works miracles for some people, but I am not one of 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