Epiduo Forte and Burning: What Users Say

• Zoe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

For Acne "I left a review after the 1st week of using Epiduo, and I said I was positive about this product. I think I’m right. The first two weeks, my acne got worse, my right eye was swollen, and my whole face is burning like sunburn. I got huge and painful bumps on my forehead and parts that I don’t usually get acne, but I’m so glad that I didn’t give up. It’s been over a month now, and I only have some acne scars left to clear. I still have 1-2 bumps on my chin since I sleep late, which I think is normal. I can’t put on any makeup since it still gets super flaky. I didn’t use any moisturizer because my skin is already oily, instead, I use niacinamide 12% in the morning and Epiduo at night. Use it once every two days if you think it’s too strong for your skin. Yeah, girls, it will get worse before it gets better, don’t give up. Don’t use more than 1 pump, my face was almost ruined by using more than a “pea size” amount. DON'T DO IT, follow the instructions."

• May...
• June 27, 2020

For Acne "My dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo Forte two weeks ago. I’ve been on doxycycline for five weeks, and around week three is when she prescribed me Epiduo Forte for my acne. I heard, “it gets worse before it gets better,” but for me, it just got better... like... immediately. Given, I do use strong products on my face like retinoids and chemical peels often. My face has been purging since late March, I feel that I’ve gone through the purge stage already. Then I was left with these horrible dark spots, pinpoint scars, small acne, and red spots from the old acne. Washing my face with a gentle face wash every night, then using a small amount of my Epiduo on my troubled areas, and then you wake up... and it’s literally completely different than the night before. It’s what you need if you have cystic acne or scarring or a mixture of both, like me. I’m giving it a nine because my neck is peeling and burning from it, and I’m not sure how since I’ve never placed it down my neck."

• Qui...
• July 15, 2019

For Acne "When I first began applying Epiduo, I had a lot of breakouts coming through, but nothing I hadn't seen before. I have light acne, generally speaking. Using Epiduo at the beginning turned that light acne into moderate acne, which I understand to be the skin purging bacteria below the surface as the skin gets acclimated to the drug. Fast forward to two weeks in. I have clear skin. Tiny, texturized bumps that were there yesterday have vanished. I still have an active scab from a pimple I popped on my jawline, but I have never been more confident in this product. I am going to keep using it consistently so I don't disrupt this progress. I did/am getting a lot of dryness and flaking around the mouth and eyelids, but I am using CeraVe moisturizer to combat. Also, when I first started Epiduo, I was getting a TON of burning, and putting on moisturizer only made that feeling worse. That, however, is no longer the case after two weeks of consistent use. It doesn't burn at all anymore."

• Lov...
• October 19, 2020

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for close to two months now. I had never had really bad acne until about a year ago, and I decided to go to the doctor to get some help. She put me on a month of doxycycline, new products, a change of birth control, and Epiduo. I was worried because I read reviews about Epiduo that everyone seemed to experience awful dryness, peeling, burning, and purging of their skin. I started only 3x a week because I was scared of this, but I didn’t have any issues the first few times. Then, as I worked up to every night, I still didn’t have any burning sensation at all. I have seen a dramatic difference in my acne also. I barely have any pimples and just have fading scars. I use simple Cerave products and use Epiduo every night, but my doctor recommended that I wash my face, moisturize, then put the medicine on and rub it in with a bit more moisturizer. No idea if that had something to do with preventing the hard part of this cream, but I see amazing results."

• Ale...
• December 22, 2019

For Acne "SIDE NOTE: I also started taking Spironolactone 25 mg 3x daily when I started using Epiduo Forte. In June of 2019, I started having severe acne all over my face. They were giant, deep zits that almost resembled cysts, and they were all over my face. After trying to fix it on my own by buying countless scrubs, spot treatments, etc. (DO NOT RECOMMEND). Because of the inflamed zits around my cheekbones and jawline, my doc told me that it was from high amounts of testosterone, which were causing the redness, swelling, and giant zits. I was placed on Spironolactone and Epiduo Forte. The first 4 weeks of Epiduo, my face was not improving really at all, and on top of that, my skin burned to wash it, put makeup on, etc. At 8 weeks, my skin was starting to improve, but it was so dry that it was flaking and my skin still hurt. Now at 3 months, my skin is completely clear!!! You have to push yourself through the purging stages, but I promise this is the real deal, don’t give up!!!"

• For...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 2, 2016

For Acne "I started Epiduo Forte in February, and it wasn't completely effective until May. The first month was pretty rough. My skin first 'purged,' and I had a lot more breakouts than usual, but my dermatologist warned me this would happen. After that purge, my skin became extremely dry, and when I applied Epiduo Forte, it would burn extremely bad. I put Vaseline around my eyes before applying the cream because that is where it burned the most. CeraVe lotion was a lifesaver while using Epiduo Forte! Use it, and the dryness almost completely goes away! After 3 months of use, it didn't burn or dry out my skin at all. I now experience almost no pimples, and my skin is more firm and healthy than ever. I recommend trying Epiduo Forte for yourself!"

• Tar...
• October 27, 2020

For Acne "I had horrible, painful, large cystic acne on my chin. I would get those hard cystic zits on my chin every week. When one went away, another would pop up in its place. I had 3-5 cystic zits on my chin at a time. After 2 different dermatologists, I finally found one that understood my skin. She prescribed me Epiduo and Aczone (dapsone) creams. Aczone during the day and Epiduo at night before bed. Both were to be used with a thick moisturizer. For the first 2 months, my skin was red and flaky and burned whenever I put anything on it. After those 2 months, my skin glowed. No more cystic acne. I could wake up every morning without thinking about where my new pimple would be. Epiduo and Aczone truly saved my skin. I will forever be grateful to my dermatologist! I had to completely change my skincare routine. I washed my face twice a day with Cetaphil, while also applying my Epiduo or Aczone, with a moisturizer on top. They all worked together."

• kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2016

For Acne "I have mild acne with redness and blackheads. I started using Epiduo Forte, and it took only 2 weeks for my skin to look 100% better. I used a VERY small amount (even less than a pea size to start). My skin did get dry, but I moisturized a lot and then increased the amount to an actual pea size. My skin, which is actually very sensitive, adjusted pretty well to this, and I'm very happy with the results. Wait 20 minutes after you wash your face to apply the Epiduo, and then after applying it, wait another 20 minutes to moisturize. This helps eliminate the burning sensation that might occur...it did for me."

• Kat...
• August 19, 2018

For Acne "I started using Epiduo Forte almost 8 weeks ago. I used as prescribed (slowly increasing use over time). For the two weeks or so, my skin purged and got worse (more pimples in the areas that normally broke out), but at about that 3-4 week mark, I started to really see a difference in my skin and got super excited. But now, for the past two weeks, my skin is pretty much right back to how it was before I started. Not terrible, but definitely not good, perhaps maybe even worse than before. I’m not sure what I may have done wrong, but if this is how my skin will continue to look using this, I’m going to stop. Also, this medication is extremely drying (especially around the mouth area) and causes your skin to flake and sometimes itch and slightly burn. I’m disappointed, but hoping to give it two more weeks before throwing it in the trash."

• Oli...
• May 15, 2018

For Acne "After high school, I developed mild-occasionally moderate-acne all around my mouth and chin. Doxycycline helped clear it up, but it just came back after I stopped taking it. My doc prescribed Epiduo Forte, and I have been using it for five months in my mouth area only. It took a decent while to work-initially fluctuating between good and bad skin-before gradually but consistently getting better. BEWARE! You need to ease into it. I started out using it every night, and about a week later at the beach, the sunscreen and salt water made my face burn so badly. Occasionally now I get a similar burning when putting on moisturizer, in which case I just don't apply the Epiduo for a night. It has also made my skin a lot drier and flakier, but I put up with it because overall it has really improved my acne, and I am happy with the outcome. Ease into it, stick with it (if it isn't too harsh for you) for at least a few months to see results, but read your skin day by day to adjust your routine."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2018

For Acne "I started Epiduo Forte about two months ago and didn’t see much of a difference in my skin until about a week ago. Combined with drinking lots of water, moisturizing, and ALWAYS wearing sunscreen when I go outside, this has worked miracles for not only my acne but also hyperpigmentation. I experienced a lot of the burning, itching, peeling, etc., at first, but after consistently using it and giving it time, my skin looks much better!"

• Sar...
• April 21, 2021

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo Forte for 2 weeks. The first week and a half was torture!!! My skin would burn so bad after washing it, putting lotion and makeup. I only use it around my jawline for cystic acne, it somehow affected my neck really bad. My neck was itchy, red, and super dry, it hurt to even touch it. My skin has been clearing up, and the burning has stopped (thank goodness). I was wondering if I could go any longer. I'm also on doxycycline, spironolactone, clindamycin/phosphate gel (morning use only), this combination seems to be working for now."

• nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2020

For Acne "I don't think I've ever had such a bad experience with a product. Epiduo Forte left my skin dry, red, peeling, itchy, and burning. It was incredibly painful. I had to switch from using it nightly to using it every other night to using it twice a week, and nothing helped. I have a friend who had no issues with it and had wonderful results from it, but that definitely was not my case. To be completely honest, I do have sensitive skin, but no other product I have used in my 19 years of life has ever had a reaction like this before or anything like it. I had to throw it out."

• Sop...
• February 10, 2017

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo for maybe 4 months now. I use a pea-sized amount all over my face every night. I have to say, it didn't do wonders for my skin. It caused peeling, dry patches, and super sensitive skin. Whenever I wash my face with Cetaphil, it burns. Moisturizing my face burns as well. I know it's supposed to get worse before it gets better, but I've just seen no improvements. It wasn't for me, but maybe it'll work for you :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2017

For Acne "For a couple of months, I had these stubborn, hard, small bumps in my T-zone. I tried to do everything to get rid of them. Nothing seemed to work. I finally went to my dermatologist, and they prescribed me Epiduo Forte and a sulfate face wash called Avar. After I wash my face with Avar, I apply Pond's cold cream, which is a great moisturizer. Then I apply a thin layer of Epiduo Forte. And sometimes I apply the Epiduo first, then I apply my moisturizer. It’s only been a week, and my skin is clearing up already. My skin has not peeled, been dry, or anything. I can feel a slight burning sensation on my face. But that's it."

• Cai...
• August 16, 2017

For Acne "Y'all. This is only my fifth day on Epiduo Forte, so I don't have much insight on the medicine's effectiveness... but I have the cure for the burning sensation the product leaves! I got off work tonight and immediately washed my face. I use a Clearasil scrub daily, and that irritated my skin horribly! I then applied the Epiduo, and my skin began to burn! I do not have sensitive skin whatsoever, so I was unsure what to do. My initial thought was to apply moisturizer, which made it worse! I figured I'd let the pain pass... it didn't! After an hour, it finally hit me-vitamin E! I use this under my eyes to prevent wrinkles and thought it might help. I specifically used Sundown Vitamin E Oil and just applied a thin layer to my face. It worked wonders!"

• KKD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2017

For Acne "I'm on my 10th week of the drug, and it usually takes 12-16 weeks to see the full effects. I apply it at nighttime and sometimes apply a layer of moisturizer 15-30 minutes afterward. It dried me out so much in my first month and a half of use that I had to start skipping nights and use three layers of moisturizer. My skin burned when I would put on my lotion because it was that dry. I now use it every day and still have 2-4 active breakouts at any given time. I also get a lot of small whiteheads (those may be from shaving my face though), and I extract them myself, which probably isn't a good idea. My skin is definitely better on the medication than off, I just hope the results are better in 2-4 additional weeks of use."

• Lon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2020

For Acne "I had used Epiduo from early 2017 to mid-2019, and it kept my skin clear. Out of nowhere, my skin started breaking out worse than it ever had before. It was targeted around my chin and jawline and crept up my cheeks onto my nose. After trying everything under the sun, I gave in and went back to my doctor, who recommended I try the new, stronger version, Epiduo Forte. It takes time, but this stuff always works. It was probably about three months until my skin cleared, and I was only left with scarring. With patience and consistency (probably the other most important thing) and a simple skincare routine that complements Epiduo Forte, it works best. I only ever experienced a burning sensation the first few uses, and I haven't found it particularly stripping. Please note I am from Australia, so my cost will be different and actually reflects a bottle that lasts me 6+ months."

• Ela...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2018

For Acne "My dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo Forte a little over a month ago. I have been taking doxycycline with it as well, but feel like the Epiduo is what is most effective! At first, it was sort of burning my skin and making it extremely dry, so I cut back to every other day, and my skin slowly got used to it. When I first started, my face was entirely cleared up in a week, and now my acne is normal, but applying this to the breakouts really gets them working. I am really happy with this product so far, and it is supposed to take 6-8 weeks for full results, so I’m hoping I’ll see those soon! Strongly suggest."

• Vin...
• March 8, 2018

For Acne "Before this, I used Accutane. That worked, but the side effects were not fun (dry lips, always tired, flushed face, etc.). It kept the acne away for a few months after treatment, but then it came back. I tried Differin 1% for a while, and that kind of worked. Eventually, I went to my derm and got Epiduo Forte. This works great! I didn't really have the burning or flaky skin that others have described, my skin is probably really resistant. I had a small purge, and it took about a month and a half before I realized I don't have any pimples on my face anymore. I use it nightly and then put CeraVe PM moisturizer on top. I've gotten a couple of zits on my forehead when I skipped a couple of days, but they went away quickly. I highly recommend this. It's worked just as well as Accutane without all the other side effects."

• WKE...
• June 23, 2017

For Acne "I have been struggling with acne for a little over five years now. I finally went to the dermatologist after trying literally every face soap on this planet and got prescribed Epiduo Forte. I have oily skin and a lot of comedones on my forehead. The first week I could see the bumps on my forehead going down and some of them even disappearing. Then the second week my face was burning, and whenever I would apply my regular face wash, my face would sting, and it would hurt to apply it. I would definitely recommend using a moisturizer with this prescription. My pimples have come back, though, and my skin is worse. I am on my third week, which is a purge session, so I hope to see better results in the future to come."

• Nic...
• December 8, 2015

For Acne "I've been dealing with moderate to severe acne for well over 10 years now, but I never wanted to go on Accutane. Epiduo Forte works! I saw results in 1 week, with less and less acne coming through. It even is starting to reduce the red marks that I have from old acne. People complain that it burns and dries out their skin, but in my case, it wasn't that bad. My skin was a little sensitive, burned only a little, but did get dry. It felt like a tight pulling at times, and my neck was very flaky. My skin is very oily, which may cause it to not be as dry as a result of the medication. I'm working on my 5th week on Epiduo, and again, I am very impressed. I have my follow-up in a few weeks, and I am excited to share the results with my doctor."

• Hig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2022

For Acne "This is my second time on Epiduo. I first started it in July of 2020. I went through the purging stage, but my face was completely clear by the time December rolled around. At that point, I was using the medication incorrectly and experienced severe burning and irritation. I decided to stop using it due to my clear complexion and the chemical burns I received. A couple of months after that, I started birth control to control my acne and hopefully keep my skin from breaking out due to having no topical in my regimen. That was a mistake. I broke out so badly while trying different birth controls over 2021. Finally, in July 2021, I had enough and went back on to Epiduo Forte. I went through some purging, but my face was 80-90% clear by October. It is now January 2022, and my face is beginning to break out once again. It could be due to fluctuating hormones, but it is beginning to take a toll on my mental health again. I'm hoping this is just the purge part two, but who knows. Wish me luck."

• Car...
• May 4, 2020

For Acne "I have had severe acne for most of my life, to the point where my face was always red and covered with acne. My mom took me to the dermatologist in January of 2019, and I was prescribed this. I noticed little difference the first few months, but after using it consistently for about 6 months, I noticed a significant improvement in my acne, to the point where 90% of my acne had disappeared and I only had fading scars. Since then, I've continued to use it, and I would 100% recommend it to another teenager suffering from acne. However, there are some drawbacks. My face burned almost every night after using this (especially for the first month), and my face and lips would get really dry without moisturizer. At about three or four months, my face got used to the medication and the pain lessened. However, despite the side effects, I would definitely say the improvements to my acne were worth it."

• Jar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 19, 2017

For Acne "After trying and failing many antibiotics and topicals, I began to feel as if Accutane would be my only solution. After switching to a dermatologist from a doctor, she recommended I try Epiduo Forte before committing to Accutane. In all honesty, the first few weeks will be brutal. The itching and burning are next to unbearable, along with red, puffy, dry skin. My acne also got worse for the first month until about one and a half months in, when all my active pimples started to shrink and disappear. However, I was left with a nasty case of hyperpigmentation, but now, after almost 1 year of use, I am so close to completely clear skin! (Applied every night)"