Epiduo and Burning: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Pri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2016

For Acne "I am now in my 7th week of using Epiduo. I had really bad acne after I got the IUD contraceptive, which broke me out so much. I even had my wedding with loads of bumpy acne and pimples on my face, it was so bad. My doctor prescribed Epiduo to me after I rejected the Duac, as the burning sensation was unbearable. I began using Epiduo precisely on 12/18/2015, and it has been amazing. Please stick with it and don't apply too much on the affected area. Don't worry if you break out even more when you start, it's part of the healing process, and with time, you will see amazing results. I also started my period today, and I can only see 2-3 pimples compared to like 20 or more that I usually get whenever I start. The point is, it really works."

• ABa...
• March 31, 2015

For Acne "My dermatologist gave me some samples of Epiduo, and I tried it. Now, of course, I know the saying, 'it gets worse before it gets better.' However, in my case, it got much, much worse, a lot worse than I ever had. Bad enough where it greatly affected my self-esteem. About two weeks into it, I had to stop because my face was burning really badly, and it looked worse than ever. So, I stopped taking it because it was the type of acne that would leave scars, so I stopped and used the other sample he gave me, which is Tazorac gel 0.1. Since I've been using that, it has cleared up my skin very well. Still have improvements to go, but I like what results I'm seeing now. So, Epiduo didn't work for me, but I guess it does for some people."

• Ari...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2016

For Acne "From reading the reviews on this page, it sounds as if Epiduo only works for some. Been suffering from acne for 15 years, and after 1 day using this, I saw the change. Now it's only been 5 days of using this, and it's cleared up significantly. If it doesn't work for you, go back to your GP for another cream. Only downside, it stings and burns!"

• Lil...
• May 10, 2016

For Acne "Epiduo is worth it. It was 3 months of flaking, burning, and more irritated acne than before, but after the worst months in my skin's history, I woke up one morning, and my face was just better. I used to have my entire jawline covered in painful cystic acne, but now I wake up to maybe a pimple or 2 at most. I promise that if you don't give up, it will pay off. This is one happy customer. If your skin ever gets too irritated, stop using Epiduo for a few days. Taking Epiduo every 3 days is always better than giving up. (Also, it cost $85 out of pocket, but I've been using the same bottle for 4 months.)"

• Han...
• May 20, 2016

For Acne "I most definitely recommend this product! The first week will be hell, but I promise it gets so much better. I would cry because my skin was so dry and stung so badly, so I called my dermatologist. She said only put Epiduo on your trouble spots and avoid around the mouth! I only have a few pimples on my forehead and chin and was applying Epiduo all over, but once I only applied it to my trouble spots, it got so much better. It is week two today, and my skin is clearer than ever and isn't dry and doesn't burn anymore. Suffer through the pain, and it's worth it! Also, my derm prescribed clindamycin phosphate lotion to get rid of the bacteria, and it really helps speed things up. IF YOUR SKIN BURNS, DO NOT USE MOISTURIZER WITH SUNSCREEN!"

• Ama...
• October 24, 2016

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for two years, and the key when you start is to ease into it, using it every couple of days, and then every other day, and then every day. This way, it doesn't burn like hell. I'd say it took me about a month of easing into it before I used it daily. Also, if your skin is really sensitive, use all your moisturizers and creams first, and wait ten minutes, then apply Epiduo last. It won't be as effective, but also won't be as harsh. I like to use face masks for moisturizing, so I use Epiduo in the morning with a moisturizer and sunscreen. At night, I use a sheet mask for moisture. It's a good balance for me. For all those starting out, give it time and don't try to rush it 'cause it will burn hardcore if you use it a lot."

• dgl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2013

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for 10 weeks now along with Solodyn, a slow-release antibiotic for adult acne. The results have been pretty good. I do see a big change in my skin. No more big, gnarly-looking zits on my face. The cream seems to be removing dead skin cells so the gunk that has been deep in my pores can surface. The first week or so of using this cream, my face felt so greasy. I just figured it was bringing oils out of the pores. During the first month, my skin did burn off and on. It did not burn when I put it on, it would burn later or the following day when I would try to moisturize. The burning did get a little intense, but it was totally tolerable. To this day, I still have an issue putting moisturizer on around my eyes."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2016

For Acne "Nothing else has worked. I'm 37 and never had acne until a year ago. This medication was my last option, my doctor was running out of options, but it has helped greatly. It burned at first and looked like I was sunburned, but aloe gel or Cetaphil helps greatly without breaking you out. I highly recommend."

• bba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2021

For Acne "I wanted to check in. I’ve been using Epiduo for over 3 months now! I left a review to say my face burned and stung - use Vaseline on affected areas, it’ll stop the benzoyl peroxide from causing further distress to your skin. The burning does end, it’s different for everyone, but for me, it stopped completely around week 6. My skin cleared up, save for large pores, and now I use Epiduo every night to spot treat and will use it once every few weeks all over my face to purge any underlying acne. I’m slowly getting into a skincare routine that hydrates my skin without causing additional whiteheads. It’ll be worth it, whether it be 6 weeks or 6 months, you’ll get there!"

• Zac...
• May 4, 2016

For Acne "I read several reviews talking about how it created drier skin within the first few weeks of using and caused irritation. Yes, it does make your skin somewhat flaky, and yes, it will cause some irritation that resembles some burning, but it is an acne product meant to change your skin, and it is a process. If you can make it through these side effects, it will genuinely improve your skin, helping to rid you of acne. Getting rid of acne comes at a cost, and if it means some burning and flakiness in my skin, it is worth it. I am on week two or so, and though I still experience these side effects, my skin has gotten significantly clearer. Would recommend to people who can tolerate some irritability, as it genuinely works."

• yok...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2016

For Acne "I've been on this medication for a little over two months. These past two months have been a rollercoaster with my skin. The first week, my skin cleared up. By the second week, everything got worse. There have been times when my skin was very tender, and any face wash or lotion I used made my skin burn. It really sucks, but it's been working for me. I've read other reviews, and people said it's going to get worse before it gets better. I had horrible acne for a few weeks. I use it now day and night religiously. I only put it on the affected areas. This past week, I haven't had one breakout. My advice is stick with it for at least a few months."

• S-D...
• March 25, 2018

For Acne "I tried Epiduo about a year ago, and it did nothing for my acne. It made huge red, itchy patches on my face, which were very uncomfortable! However, after trying everything else, I decided to give it another go! I started to use Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser, which contains salicylic acid, followed by Pixi Glow Tonic, which contains glycolic acid, and then I use Epiduo as a spot treatment. Again, at first it made my skin itch and burn, but I continued to use it, giving my skin a few days' break. Now when I use it, my skin doesn’t react, and it’s actually helped clear my skin! My skin has never looked so clear. This skincare routine is the best I’ve tried so far. Epiduo really flattens any active spots. Persevere with it and give it a chance, it needs a good couple of months to make any difference. Once you get past the initial dry, itchy skin, it does start to work. I have extremely sensitive skin, but everyone’s skin is different! It is definitely worth a try!"

• Spi...
• December 14, 2015

For Acne "It took about a month, but Epiduo works miracles. I don't know how well I can say it keeps my cystic acne from flaring up, but when I happen to get a breakout, I use some Epiduo and it dries up quick and doesn't leave a pigmented red mark as long. My biggest suggestion is do not expect a miracle in a week...keep using and you will eventually see amazing results. This will make your skin smooth and glowy. The burning and dryness will eventually go away too with continued use. More is not better with this gel - use a thin coat and do not cake it on."

• Xav...
• February 29, 2016

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for 3 months and even more, I think. It is so bad - no joke, it just peels my skin, burns my skin so much that I can't even sleep at night, and I hate applying it because once I put it on, the burning begins, and I usually put it on at night. It makes my skin so red, like a sunburn!!! I'm not sure if I have to wait any longer to see results, but in my opinion, I have waited for quite some time, and yet no results at all! The first week I saw a big difference in my skin, but that was all. Moisturizer just helps with the peeling. Do I recommend it? Yes and no. Yes, because some skin types are different, so just give it a try to see your luck. And no, if your experience is like mine. I'm not saying to not use it, just sharing my experience."

• Win...
• June 24, 2017

For Acne "This is an amazing solution for acne. If you are getting flaky skin or it's burning, you are using too much. You only need a pea size (even smaller) amount to rub everywhere. I have been on it for 2 years and very rarely get a pimple anymore. Even after this long, if I put more than a pea amount on, I get blotchy and flaky, so be very frugal!"

• bza...
• June 24, 2017

For Acne "I cut my Accutane medication short one month because of the damage it did to my lips. For the most part, my crazy acne cleared, but I still had mild breakouts (especially during my menstrual cycle). My dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo and a certain wash. I'd recommend applying it around 3-4 times a week before bed because YES, it does dry out the skin, but that's how it clears the acne and renews your skin. After a couple of days of use, you will feel a burning sensation, but it's tolerable--just keep your face hydrated the next morning by moisturizing (I find Moroccan oil or vitamin E cream helpful). Overall, GREAT product that does the job and makes you feel confident again. No pain, no gain! Results within a month!"

• Jey...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2019

For Acne "I was prescribed Epiduo by my dermatologist after being on oral antibiotics. My skin is extremely sensitive, and I have been suffering from hormonal acne for the past 3.5 years. I applied Epiduo for the first time, and my skin turned red, dry, and patchy. I was also breaking out much more on the areas that I applied the cream. Hence, I stopped applying the cream. I later heard from my doctor that this was a normal reaction and had to be used for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to see results. So, I decided to give it another try a few weeks later after my skin had healed. This time, I broke out even more on my chin and had several cystic acne that have been so painful to deal with. Beyond that, my skin started to burn, and even my lips turned so dry. Now, I'm dealing with the newly formed cystic acne and dry skin. I do not recommend Epiduo for sensitive skin."

• Ses...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2016

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo for 10 days today. I honestly have to say, 'IT WORKS!' I've had acne for as long as I can remember. It started on my forehead and just started to work its way down my face. I had a combination of whiteheads, blackheads, and dark spots EVERYWHERE! Now my forehead is clear, and my cheeks are well on their way. I'm experiencing the burning and itchy irritation as many others are. I think I'll keep using mine because it costs so much and it actually works. It's like getting a part of your life you never really got to have. I wore less makeup in the first 5 days. It sucks to use, but it's worth having clear skin!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2012

For Acne "I had patches of acne all over my face, and they were bothering me, so I started using Epiduo, which was prescribed by my doctor. At first, my skin was peeling slightly, and it made my face burn so bad, like it was on fire. I toughed it out, and after a week or two, it stopped. My skin is very clear now, other than a very small pimple here or there. I would recommend Epiduo to anyone."

• Cas...
• July 11, 2016

For Acne "This is my 2 1/2 weeks on Epiduo. My skin is clearing up a bit. I'm still getting used to the medication, so there is slight burning and irritation, and dry, flaky skin when I wake up for work. The doctor said it will subside, so I'm just waiting it out. A bit uncomfortable, but I'm willing to see how it goes."

• Can...
• June 25, 2013

For Acne "A few weeks ago, I began breaking out on my cheeks like crazy, and it felt like I was back in my middle school days. I am 18 and recently graduated from high school and was wondering what the heck was going on. My mom and I went to see the dermatologist, and he immediately recommended Epiduo and a PanOxyl 10% wash. I use a pea-sized amount of Epiduo at night and the PanOxyl in the morning. So far, my acne and pores have been clearing up and looking great! But I have been dealing with burning and VERY dry skin. Reading other comments and advice, I plan on waiting 10 minutes between cleansing, Epiduo, and moisturizing. Seems like these side effects are common, especially dryness. It has been a week, and I have seen a difference!"

• Jad...
• August 4, 2015

For Acne "If you're a person who normally has sensitive or dry skin, then I highly recommend NOT using this. I was recommended Epiduo Gel by my GP to treat acne. Three days after using it, my face became very dry, and it got worse even after I stopped using it. It started to sting and burn a lot, and when I'd apply my normal moisturizer, the stinging I experienced was so severe, especially around my eyes, and my skin became very red. Any product that really dries out the skin is very bad because it makes skin age quickly and causes wrinkles. My experience with Epiduo was bad, but reading other people's reviews, most say it worked for them aside from the dryness and redness of their skin."

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2016

For Acne "WARNING TO ALL! If you have sensitive skin, this is not for you! I informed my doctor over and over again while at the office that my skin is sensitive and to prescribe something safe for me, and this is what I got. I got peeling, burning, redness, itching, painful skin as a result and have had 2 months of my skin like this! I thought acne was bad, but I feel so ugly with such tomato red peeling skin. A coworker asked if I went on vacation because she thought I got a sunburn. My face looks like it's shedding skin, and my skin feels paper thin, and overall I'm angry and sad that my skin sucks right now. It decreased some whiteheads on my forehead, but I still have pimples. Going to the derm this Friday and asking to get off this awful product!"

• Sen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 30, 2019

For Acne "I did not get the purge effect from Epiduo, my skin just slowly got better bit by bit and is now so much smoother and clearer. I used to have 5+ breakouts constantly on my face - mostly cheeks, chin, jawline - but now I just get the occasional spot that fades fairly quickly. Getting used to Tactupump, it burned my face like heck, though, definitely don’t use more than a large pea size (max!) on your entire face. Using more will not make it work faster or better, it will just burn your face off and make your skin unbearably tender. Also, if there’s one thing I can’t recommend enough, it would be getting a physical (rather than chemical) sunscreen to use in the daytime over your moisturizer. I use CeraVe AM SPF 30 in the daytime, and thankfully this does not burn my skin like avobenzone does (a chem sunscreen)."

• Mal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2019

For Acne "Every week, I used to have 3-4 spots, and it was mostly after shaving. For the first time in my life, I had to visit a dermatologist in 31 years. The doctor asked me to apply it for 30 minutes at night for 1 week and then wash it off. After 2 nights, I felt everything was okay and applied Epiduo for the whole night. The morning was okay until I applied sunscreen. It burned my skin as if someone poured hot chili water on my face. By afternoon, I could see a dry face, and by evening, my face was red as if burnt. For 1 week, I kept applying it for only 30 minutes and then cleaned it. Acne is gone completely, and my skin has become very smooth. I thought it would also help me with removing the existing scars of earlier acne, but it doesn’t."