Epiduo Forte and Dry Skin: What Users Say

• all...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2020

For Acne "I have suffered from horrible, deep, and painful cystic bumps for three years and have tried everything from clindamycin to Proactiv to retinol gel, etc. It would be so bad that I would wake up with blood and pus staining my pillowcase, and I wouldn't be able to talk or eat without soreness under my chin from all the cysts. I was then considering Accutane until my doctor prescribed me Epiduo/Epiduo Forte, alongside antibiotics, as a last resort prior to it. My skin RAPIDLY started turning around. By month three, I had CLEAR skin, and I couldn't believe it. I will say adjusting in month one to the skin dryness was a bit tough, but using Aquaphor and CeraVe really helped in conjunction with Epiduo. I have been using the cream now for almost a year, and my skin pretty much stays clear unless I eat too bad or I get my period. Nowhere near how bad it was before, though! Thanks, Epiduo!"

• 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."

• Jen...
• November 26, 2018

For Acne "I have had very bad acne, but after discovering Epiduo Forte, my face has definitely cleared up. I like how strong it is, and I love how quickly it works. The only downside to this medicine is that it makes your skin very, very dry, sometimes so dry that my skin would flake off, and it would sting to use lotion."

• 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."

• emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2019

For Acne "This stuff is magic! I am eighteen and never had a problem with acne before until this January (2019). My face developed cystic acne that was painful and that I could not cover up with makeup. Four months later (May 2019), my face is perfectly clear besides a few scars that should go away in the next six months or so. Seriously, try this! If it appears your acne is getting worse from it in the first month, keep using it. It may take a little bit, but it is SO worth it. Also, make sure to moisturize after using this. It can make your skin dry."

• 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 :)"

• Pim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2018

For Acne "I started getting adult acne at 35. I’d never had acne in my life. It was horrible. Along my jawline, I had all kinds of acne: cystic, whiteheads, blackheads, no heads... lol. I went to a dermatologist and had chemical peels. Used expensive skincare regimens prescribed by my esthetician. $1,000s later, I tried Epiduo Forte. I have been in treatment now for 8 weeks, and I can see a remarkable difference. And it’s not just me, my husband noticed initially. Yes, it stings a little, and if you aren't using a moisturizer, you will get peeling and dry skin. I am sure to put on an extremely high SPF EVERY DAY. (Very important)"

• Daw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2020

For Acne "This has cleared my skin completely!! When I first had been prescribed the cream, I was very unsure because my skin is very sensitive and also has mild/severe acne. When I first used it, it would sting and dry my skin out, but I realized I was using too much, and you literally only need the smallest amount. I also recommend combining it with your moisturizer to help with dryness and its harshness. Your acne will probably become worse before better, but 10/10 recommended, especially for teens who have little time for a face routine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2017

For Acne "I had bad acne and terrible cystic bumps, especially around “that time.” I was getting cortisone injections at least 3 times a month for painful bumps. My doctor prescribed Epiduo Forte on 10/28/27, and my skin had been beautiful. I didn't even have a bad hormonal breakout, just a few small pimples that Epiduo dried right out. I love this stuff, and I am in awe of my skin. I will say that you NEED a good moisturizer because it will dry your skin. Other than THUMBS UP!"

• VAG...
• December 4, 2017

For Acne "I'm a little over a month using this cream to help clear mild acne. The first few weeks were horrible. Face would sting, especially around the mouth and corner of eyes. Skin was peeling and super dry, with dry patches appearing during the day. I use it every night and, if needed, would take a night off. However, I stopped feeling them around week 3. My routine is: exfoliate face with Philosophy exfoliating wash, followed by cleansing with their face wash. I apply a vitamin C serum (Trueskin is the brand), leave to air dry for 2 minutes, then I use CeraVe daily moisturizer, applying a generous amount. Wait 5 minutes, then apply one pump of Epiduo Forte gel on cheeks and chin. My skin looks drastically clearer. Still get breakouts around cycle, but they don't last long at all."

• Ben...
• January 29, 2020

For Acne "I'm 52, have oily skin and problems with adult pimples. My dermatologist recommended this one for my evening regimen after applying clindamycin and moisturizer. At first, my face felt dry even with the moisturizer, but later my face became used to it. I'm on my 2nd and a half month, and so far, it helps clear my pimples and my face became a bit smoother. My dermatologist said it also has an anti-aging component, so I hope I can see results on long-term use."

• 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)"

• sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2019

For Acne "I have currently been using this cream for 3 months, but had to stop my treatment yesterday. Before I started using this, I had inflamed cystic acne on the sides of my cheeks. When I started using this cream (every other night on top of moisturizer), I noticed that it would flatten any cystic acne I had in a very short time. Around 1-2 weeks ago, I noticed that this topical cream stopped having the same effect on my skin. Not only was my skin dry and extremely sensitive from my course of treatment, but the cream no longer had any effect on my acne. If anything, it began making it worse. Personally, I would not recommend Tactupump Forte, as I believe it is too harsh on the skin."

• Jom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2020

For Acne "I have mild to moderate acne and textured skin (little skin-colored hard bumps), which I think is caused by my super oily skin. I’ve had all this ever since I was a teenager and throughout my adult years. I recently broke out (more than normal), so my doctor prescribed me TactuPump Forte. I’ve been using it for a month now: the breakout pimples are gone, and the hard little bumps on my skin are about 70% gone. Currently, I have a few active red pimples on my face, flaky skin all over, I feel extremely dry yet I’m still oily (much less than before), and my skin is now super sensitive. Using it every night burned my skin a lot, so I switched to using it every other night. I will continue to use TactuPump Forte, but so far, I think this treatment is just OK (taking into consideration the improvements AND side effects). Good luck to anyone who’s currently using this acne treatment or starting it!"

• oli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2021

For Acne "I started using this product on Friday; my dermatologist instructed me to apply it once daily. I only have minor acne, and I’ve been using Curology for two years. It works pretty well for me, but I was looking for more since Curology runs out early for me, and I break out badly without it. I used Epiduo Forte three mornings in a row before I had to completely stop. It’s been two days since I put any on my face; my skin is the most dry it has EVER been, and I feel disgusting. I’m so afraid I’m going to have a huge breakout. Any time I wash my face, it burns like anything, especially when I apply moisturizer afterward; the burning continues to go on for such a long time after I apply anything. I really hope my skin is back to normal soon; I’m worried that this damage is permanent. I do not recommend this product, and I don’t wish to continue using it."

• Anonymous
• March 11, 2020

For Acne "I would definitely recommend Epiduo. The bottle will last you a LONG time since it’s only a spot treatment. I have definitely seen an improvement in my skin. However, you need to remember this is a spot treatment. I wouldn’t recommend using a ton on one spot. On some parts of my face, I can use a bunch and I won’t get any dry patches, but in other parts, my skin is VERY sensitive. Sometimes my dry patches will last days because of it. But please don’t let that scare you away from this medication. It is definitely great, and I personally would rather have some dry patches than a bunch of acne. But you might not even get any. It really depends on your skin type!"