Epiduo and Burning: What Users Say

• cle...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 1, 2020

For Acne "Used Epiduo years ago after coming off of oral contraceptives. Worked very well and I didn't have to use it for a few years afterwards. Recently, I'm having hormonal breakouts again around my chin and cheekbones, so I got another prescription. Works like a charm! PLEASE NOTE: moisturize first, let the moisturizer completely dry (to avoid the cream being absorbed too rapidly into the skin), and then apply the TINIEST amount to the affected areas and spread it thin. AVOID your eyes or anywhere even near your eyes! DO NOT use it every day when you first start using it! ONLY use it once a day! Using it more frequently will not improve your results! You have to build a tolerance or your face will burn like fire! If it starts to burn, then give yourself a day or 2 break before trying again. Hope this helps."

• Syb...
• May 3, 2020

For Acne "This is my third week of Epiduo. All my life I've had beautiful skin. Until I turned 28 and had horrible hormonal acne on my cheeks and jawline. The acne is a combination of blackheads, cysts, comedones, whiteheads, and it is painful. My skin is oily too! I just look at my face and want to cry. My doctor prescribed Epiduo and Dermaplex soap-free face scrub, and the first week burnt like anything. My skin felt like it was on fire, and I was told to use an SPF moisturizer along with it. It burnt as soon as I applied anything, the itchiness was irritating too, but I pushed through. I'm on my third week, and I still have these hard bumps under my skin and whiteheads that seem to come overnight, but I'm being patient as I heard that it takes about 2 months to see real results. I want to avoid any oral treatment for my acne as I'm trying to have a baby, and meds like Accutane are said to cause severe birth defects. I will give an update in a few weeks about the Epiduo and the baby. Wish me luck!"

• acn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2020

For Acne "My doctor prescribed me Epiduo around 7 weeks ago, and I have been using it ever since. I have experienced a burning sensation throughout the process so far, however, it is not major. I've had mild peeling/dry skin, with the area that's been the most dry being my eyelids. I have been using Cetaphil moisturizer to help with this. I definitely had a bad purging stage within the first 4 weeks, which then subsided. However, I am still purging around my chin quite badly with large lumps under the skin. I really hope that this subsides as I have heard that perseverance is key and that it may take up to 3 months to improve. Is anyone else still experiencing purging at week 7?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2021

For Acne "So I have been battling acne for ages. I am currently on lymecycline as well as Epiduo. I'm only about a week into using Epiduo, but I am in so much pain that I'm thinking of using it less. My face is so red, dry, and it burns whenever I put anything on my skin (e.g., face wash and moisturizer), not just the treatment. Is this normal? I have no idea. I have used Duac in the past, which actually has more benzoyl peroxide in it, so I don't know why my skin is reacting so badly to Epiduo. Anyway, I can't say anything about its effectiveness to treat acne because I haven't been using it long enough. So I'll let you know how it goes."

• Jes...
• October 25, 2020

For Acne "The very first week of using it I felt like my acne had pretty much disappeared, and then the purge started. It got worse over the first 4-5 months. I had horrendous cystic acne even worse than when I had started. My doctor told me to give it another few months so I stuck at it. I had horrendously dry skin alongside the purge and no makeup would cover my skin. Was it worth it as not my skin has never been clearer in all my life. I had to really stick with it to see the results I've seen today. This is a MIRACLE drug. I also use La Roche-Posay cleanser for medicated skin and all the Vitamin E skincare range from Superdrug, alongside a rose water toner. I make sure to keep on top of my skincare routine daily, on top of using the Epiduo cream at night. PUT A PEA-SIZED AMOUNT ON AT THE START. It will burn for the first 8 weeks. No photos do it justice. I look in the mirror and I am no longer ashamed of my skin 7 months later. This drug has been my saviour!☆☆☆☆☆"

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2021

For Acne "Everyone here is like, 'ONLY USE PEA-SIZED AMOUNT or it will burn and begin to irritate your skin, don't worry it'll still work.' Then there was me before I read these reviews crying because I used it as a moisturizer and my skin feels like it's burning."

• Abi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2020

For Acne "I've only been using it for 5 days, but the first 2 days it was fine. However, I have now developed a burning sensation, leaving red marks on my cheeks and making the skin around my cheeks, nose, and mouth really dry and flaky."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2015

For Acne "I was worried about using this product after reading mixed reviews. The first three weeks were the worst experience ever. It started working in the fourth week. Now at 6 weeks, I am so glad I stuck through it. It was worth the burning, peeling, red skin, and the emotional pain. If you are reading this comment, then you are in the same spot as I was 6 weeks ago. Trust me, I lost hope but continued to use it. Now my skin looks great. Happy I didn't give up, and you shouldn't either."

• Coo...
• February 11, 2020

For Acne "Been using Epiduo 0.1 gel for around 2 months. The first few days after using, my skin was on fire, but I carried on the next night, and from then on, it never happened again. The doctor did tell me I would get this burn, so I knew it was normal and not a reaction. I am super pleased with the results. I've not had huge bumps or spots, and if I have got a pimple within the day, it’s gone. It doesn’t progress into a huge, angry-looking lump. If you’re just starting using this gel, keep going. The results are amazing."

• Tea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2019

For Acne "Was concerned when I first started to use Epiduo because my face started to break out even more. I stayed consistent and by week 3, I started to see really great results. Lots of burning when I first started. Like I would get literally burns around my mouth, eyes, and sensitive parts of my face, but after staying consistent and not rubbing so hard when washing my face, the burns stopped."

• Tea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2019

For Acne "Was concerned when I first started to use Epiduo because my face started to break out even more. I stayed consistent and by week 3, I started to see really great results. Lots of burning when I first started. Like I would get literally burns around my mouth, eyes, and sensitive parts of my face, but after staying consistent and not rubbing so hard when washing my face, the burns stopped."

• bba...
• January 19, 2021

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for 17 nights. Initially, it made my skin super smooth, with no breakouts, burning, or purging. However, after about a week, it became extremely painful, and my skin burned like crazy. Dry patches appeared around my eyes and mouth. I moisturized with Bria Organic Balm, and it cleared up within 2-4 days. One thing I will say for those who experience dry patches, burning, and peeling is to protect them while they heal. Put on a thin layer of thick moisturizer, massage it into the affected area, and cover it with Vaseline. Vaseline acts as a barrier, and therefore the benzoyl peroxide won’t travel to the affected areas. Vaseline is your friend in the fight against burning. Also, a handheld fan - or really any fan - is the best to just point at your face and sleep with! When they say a pea-sized amount, they mean it. You want as little as possible, but don’t worry, it will still work."

• Niq...
• May 25, 2015

For Acne "I never had acne until I hit 19. I let it go for a while, thinking it would go away. Then I tried a whole variety of home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, supplements, and stopped wearing makeup, and NOTHING was working. I went to my GP, fed up and with low self-esteem, and she prescribed me Epiduo! At first, I was skeptical, after all, it was just a cream, but then I began to use it. For the first month, I had terrible irritation and burning, my skin would crack and peel, but I was so determined to clear my skin I pushed on. Around the 50-day mark, a miracle happened! Not 1 pimple! And I haven't had one since! My skin is just amazing now, people are complimenting me all the time about it, and I feel fantastic!"

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2019

For Acne "First of all, after reading the other reviews, I see that a lot of people stop using this because of the redness, dryness, and burning it causes. If you stick with it for 2 weeks, the burning and redness subsides! You cannot give up on this product (or any other acne product) after only using it for a week. With that being said, I too experienced the irritation and dryness in the few weeks. I honestly love how much it makes your skin peel because it allows your past acne scars to fade! Yes, the dryness is annoying (especially if you are a makeup wearer)... but you have to look at the bright side, it fades your scars! I’ve been using this for 1 month and have seen drastic changes already in my skin's appearance and texture. I alternate between using Epiduo and Tretinoin at night. I had already been on Tretinoin for 3 months before adding Epiduo to my routine, so I did not experience a purge like other people do."

• xze...
• June 20, 2013

For Acne "I'm 18 and have always struggled with hormonal acne. But for some reason, the past few months have been terrible. It was everywhere, and I felt so insecure. I went to the doctor, and she recommended Epiduo. Best decision ever! At first, I hated it because my skin is dry, itchy, flaky, and burns. But I finally found out how to put it on so it doesn't. Try this and see if it works: First, wash your face GENTLY with a NON-MEDICATED cleanser. Now this is the key. You have to wait for your face to completely dry between layers. Wait at least 10 minutes. So once that's dry, apply the Epiduo in a thin layer all over your face. Let dry for 15 min. Then apply a ton of moisturizer. My skin is so clear now!"

• Por...
• September 20, 2019

For Acne "I've had acne pretty well my whole life. However, after entering into my 20s, my adult acne got worse. I had small pimples down my jawline and cheeks. I got prescribed this medication about three months ago. You HAVE to get through the “purging stage”, things will get worse before they get better. You have to give this medication a chance before you can see results! I had extremely dry, red, burnt skin. So bad, people thought I had a sunburn. I actually stopped after using it for two weeks because of how insecure I was and the side effects of the cream. My skin peeled, I couldn’t put any makeup on. This lasted a little over a month before my skin got used to it. It will take several months for this to work! After about a month and a half, this medication made my pores smaller, my skin glowing and smooth. I’m so happy with how great my skin looks! I have people telling me how great my skin looks and asking what I’ve been using. Stick it out, it’s worth it!"

• Anonymous
• September 28, 2010

For Acne "I started using this medication on September 7th, 2010, and today's date is September 28th, 2010, and boy, have I noticed a big difference. The first couple of weeks, I felt like giving up because the burning and peeling were unbearable. But now my face is a lot clearer, and the burning and peeling are gone. It still has some ways to go, but it's so much better. My advice to you is to hold on and wait a little while longer because you will see awesome results once you get past that stage."

• ann...
• May 13, 2014

For Acne "I've had great results with this medication. I tried Differin prior to this, and it did nothing for me. This medication cleared my skin up in a week and has kept my acne at bay ever since. Only negative is that it does burn at some points (I do NOT have sensitive skin)."

• bij...
• November 27, 2009

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo for two months. My doctor previously warned me that it may cause my skin to break out more in the first weeks, as well as dry my skin out and possibly burn. He recommended that I use it every other night in the beginning. I did this and I haven't had any major problems. My skin did break out more for a week or two, but now it's clear. Because it's expensive, I still use it every other night, and my skin has remained clear. The only problem I've had is the corners of my mouth becoming dry and cracking. I've solved that problem by not putting it too close to that area and using Neosporin. I would definitely recommend this medication to anyone who has acne that proactive and other prescribed medicines haven't effectively treated."

• Ano...
• September 25, 2019

For Acne "I’ve always had clear skin through my teen years. After high school (now 21), I got on birth control (IUD) and my skin became very bad. I went to a dermatologist who prescribed me Epiduo Forte Gel and let me know my skin was going to get worse before it got better and to stick with it, and surely did get worse. All the bad stuff came up from my skin and my face never looked worse, BUT listen to the dermatologist. STICK WITH IT! My skin is probably 80% clear. I’ll warn you, it will burn so bad the first couple of weeks. Use the lightest non-acidic face wash. Apply on towel-dried face, and I used Mario Badescu ($8 @ Ulta) facial spray after I applied, and it helps. Also, sleep next to a fan to help with burning. The face will burn when applying moisturizer, so PLEASE wash your face in the morning, then apply moisturizer! It will suck, trust me, but push through, and your skin will thank you. I almost gave up, but I kept going because I read other reviews on here. Give it about 2-3 months, you’ll be okay!"

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2014

For Acne "Epiduo has been a miracle for me! I have tried everything with little to no success until now. No drying, no tightness, no burning, just results. Everyone's skin is different and reacts to products differently, you won't know if it will work for you unless you try it. Personally, very happy."

• Dan...
• August 1, 2014

For Acne "Epiduo is amazing. I had pretty bad face and back acne for a while, and nothing worked to clear it. My sister had the same problem, so she was prescribed Epiduo, and it helped her a lot, so I decided to give it a try. It cleared my skin really fast. I saw a difference after just using it twice. I read other comments, and they all complained about the dryness and burning, but that only happens because they use it every day from the start. You're supposed to ease into it, like maybe use it once every 3 days, then after a few times of doing that, use it every other day, and then if you really need to, which I find that I don't, you use it every day."

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2019

For Acne "I am a male in my early 20s who has had acne for several years, getting both cysts and bad pimples, which has left me a couple of scars. I was on antibiotics, but these weren't hugely effective. My doctor prescribed me Epiduo as I was still getting spots. For the first time in years, I have gone months being spot-free. For the first few weeks to a month, the cream does burn, may cause skin peeling and extra redness. It even stings a little to put moisturizer on. However, once this initial period passes, the cream is painless, and you only have to apply it at night, which is really convenient. After about a month (may differ depending on the individual), my skin had literally stopped getting pimples. If nothing else has worked for your acne yet, I would really recommend this cream."

• Jad...
• January 5, 2020

For Acne "I was prescribed this cream by my dermatologist for my hormonal/comodonal acne and have been using it for 7 weeks. In the beginning, I applied it every other day or every two days as my skin was burning intensely and felt so sensitive. Now the burning has thankfully subsided, I use it pretty much every day. I’m still going through the annoying purging stage, and I really hoped/thought it would have stopped by now. I started to feel disappointed thinking it isn’t working for me, but from what I’ve now read, it can continue worsening acne for up to 3 months before it gets better, so I’m persevering and hoping for good results come the end. It has dried my skin out on my chin excessively and caused a lot of redness, which was expected. Fingers crossed for good results in a few more weeks and a road to clear skin!"

• che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2014

For Acne "I have suffered from acne for about 5 years and have tried many, many over-the-counter products. NOTHING worked. So I went to my dermatologist, and she prescribed me Epiduo along with some other products. Within 3 days, I could tell a difference in my acne. Then, after a week, my face began burning when I applied the Epiduo and peeling. I continued using the Epiduo, and the burning and peeling stopped after a week. I've been on it for 3 weeks now, and my acne is going away. But let me warn you, DO NOT overuse this product. Only use once a day."