Epiduo and Dry Skin: What Users Say

• 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?"

• 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!☆☆☆☆☆"

• 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."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2019

For Acne "Do not let the negative reviews stir you away from this medication! This acne medication has changed my life. I dealt with severe acne for about two years. I got multiple hydro facials in hopes that it would clear my skin, but it did not. I began taking Epiduo about 4 months ago. The first couple of weeks my skin was dry, but that’s about it. At first, I felt like it was not working because my acne was still there and I was still having breakouts, but I stuck with it. I put it on at night after washing my face. After 4 months, my skin has cleared up, I cannot believe that it is this clear. I recommend this product! Stick with it, and it will work! Make sure to moisturize and wear sunscreen."

• Tay...
• August 20, 2019

For Acne "I was prescribed Epiduo for moderate acne. She unfortunately didn’t discuss how sensitive my skin was, otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have been prescribed this. Epiduo is brutal. I thought I could perhaps tolerate the effect it had on my skin in the hope of combatting my acne, but it gradually got worse instead of better. I experienced extreme dryness and cracking. My face felt like it was on fire, and it was as if I had a chemical burn. It started to dry out my eyelids, despite completely avoiding the eye area. My lips became chapped and cracked. It hurt to even shower, as the water was uncomfortable on my face. I use CeraVe face wash and Cetaphil moisturizer, as they are non-comedogenic, but even this made me feel pain. Today, I was driven to tears at the extreme pain I was feeling, so I’m going to have to stop using it. I appreciate all the success stories, and I’m glad that people have experienced positive outcomes with their skin, but the experience for me was absolutely awful."

• Hol...
• April 3, 2014

For Acne "Part 1: This stuff is amazing, by far the best product if you are looking for something to help with your skin. If you have gotten this product from a dermatologist and you've come across my review, make sure you aren't just slapping it on thinking it will give you faster results, this will dry out your skin if you aren't careful. Use enough that it will cover your whole face (don't get too close to your eyes), but only do this once a week and slowly add it into your routine. Then the next week, do it twice with a few days in between, then the next week three, etc. Your skin needs to adapt to this product, otherwise, it will hurt. If your skin does get a little dry, I suggest using 'Nivea Cream', it comes in a 100ml blue bottle."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2021

For Acne "I started Epiduo gel on February 1, 2021, and am still on it currently. I went in with a pea-sized amount but used it every day since the start. My skin got red and dry in the first and second week, but the side effects quickly faded. However, I am not sure if it is the purge, but I broke out/purged in the fifth week. They were not huge cystic pimples but rather small pimples with pus and many closed comedones. I was helpless with the closed comedones because there is really nothing much to do about it, and it makes my skin feel so bumpy. Through these, I still stuck to applying Epiduo gel every night, and I swapped to a gentler moisturizer from CeraVe. I think what’s really important is using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, not picking on the pimples, and hydrating and, last but not least, letting the time pass!!"

• got...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2014

For Acne "I've had acne for 10 years, and this is the only thing that has worked. I've been on a few other prescription medications, and they didn't have the same results. My skin does get dry, but I just use a non-comedogenic moisturizer (Cetaphil), and it helps immensely. My skin is clear, and it feels smooth. Don't let the other reviews about redness and irritation scare you off. You should just reduce your usage to every other day instead of every day, and it still works. Also, the claims that it causes more acne are unlikely since it has TWO acne-killing medicines in it. If you use it correctly and how it best fits your needs, I promise you won't be let down."

• 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."

• Cam...
• May 1, 2015

For Acne "I had horrible acne since I was 13+. I've been using Epiduo since I was 16, and I can't go without it! I'm now 18, and I've never stopped using it. It's amazing. At first, you will be very irritated, and your skin gets super dry. But give it a week or two, and you'll be fine. Your skin adapts, and after that, it's great. I don't know what I would do without it, because there have been times when I stopped using it for about a month or two, and my acne starts coming back. So I guess I'll be using this the rest of my life, lol. I get so many compliments on my skin since I've been using this product, everyone asks me what I do."

• Jaz...
• January 27, 2015

For Acne "I have been on Epiduo for about 3 weeks, and it seems like every time I apply the gel, I turn red and breakout more. Then it's accompanied by dry, flaky skin. I think I'm going to stop the use of the Epiduo gel."

• 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."

• Hem...
• December 18, 2014

For Acne "Epiduo has saved my skin! I've been dealing with acne since late elementary school (I am now finishing high school). I've tried every product on the market. Finally, my dermatologist gave me Epiduo, and I noticed a difference within a week! I didn't get the side effects of dry skin, but I did notice it irritated my skin a bit, I quickly got used to it. Now, about 3 months later, my skin is clear! I still get the occasional pimples brought on by teenage hormones, but other than that, I'm completely happy with my skin! Thanks, Epiduo!"

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2015

For Acne "I love this acne treatment. I have been using Epiduo for 5 months now, and my face has never been clearer. I didn't have severe acne before, but I had acne. I've tried different things like Proactiv and Neutrogena face wash, and nothing worked. I finally went to a dermatologist, and he prescribed me Epiduo. I have normally really dry skin, so within the first week, I had really dry, flaky skin, but I laid off the medicine for about a week and just moisturized, and after that, I applied every other day till my skin was used to it. Only took about 3 months to completely clear my face up. I love Epiduo. It seriously works wonders. I recommend this product to anyone struggling with acne. It's so easy, and as long as you are consistent, it really works!"

• BHa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2020

For Acne "I’ll start off by saying, if you have just started using this product, DO NOT use it consistently (every night, for example). I used this 2 nights in a row, woke up with dry, red patches all over my face, it was so, so dry, never experienced anything like it before. I thought I’d had a reaction and got scared, but I moisturized with E45 cream, and now my face is looking amazing!! Only had it a few days and can already see a huge difference. If you do get redness or dry patches, do not panic like I did! But I would advise not using it every night until your skin gets used to it, and especially if your skin is sensitive. Overall, I think Epiduo works miracles, and a lot of other people seem to agree too! Can’t wait to see my skin in a few months' time."

• Hea...
• July 22, 2014

For Acne "I've tried so many products to get rid of the acne on my face, and nothing worked. I even tried home remedies and everything. Then, my doctor prescribed me Epiduo, and just 2 days after using it, I started to see a difference. It's amazing, it got rid of the acne I had, and ever since I got it, I don't get pimples anymore. It does, however, tend to dry out my skin, but not severely, nothing a little moisturizer can't fix. Overall, Epiduo is amazing, and I wouldn't use anything else for my acne."

• kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2019

For Acne "Never really considered my skin to be bad, got the odd hormonal breakout, but that was it. I noticed this summer, though, as I turned 20, that my skin started looking TERRIBLE. Bumpy texture, zits, red pigmentation, the works. Nothing seemed to help, and I tried EVERYTHING. My doctor prescribed this, and wow, oh wow. My skin looks like the Glossier Instagram page now. That being said, the first 6-ish weeks on it were terrible, irritated skin so bad I couldn't even put makeup on for the first 3-4 weeks, and then redness and puffiness after that, BUT my skin adapted to the cream as I stuck it out! So don't give up before it gets good! Only downside is that my face is super dry now, and I have to heavily moisturize morning and night (First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is a lifesaver), but this could also be due to the dry Canadian winters. Anyway, love this stuff!"

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2014

For Acne "I'm currently using Epiduo and have been for only the past few weeks. Although I have experienced the burning, stinging, redness, and dry skin on my face, I am already noticing an extreme difference in my acne. It has decreased an astonishing amount and has been the most effective treatment I have used yet. I highly recommend using the gel!"

• Jum...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 11, 2014

For Acne "I have always had horrid acne, and nothing seemed to work. Tried Proactiv, and while it would work, the moment I skipped one day of treatment, I would break out. After years of fighting it, I went to my local Skin Institute, where they prescribed me Epiduo. It works, end of story. Now, for about the first month or two, it does dry the skin out, particularly around the lips and nose. What I found works is Aveeno facial moisturizers. They don't cause the skin to break out, and they help the affected areas. Within three months, my acne was noticeably better, and I'm very happy with it! Trust me, it is worth the wait!"

• Reb...
• January 8, 2015

For Acne "I have had acne since I was 11, and I'm 18 now. I tried everything, including Proactiv and Accutane. Nothing seemed to work, and even when my acne got better, I still had post-acne red marks. I started Epiduo about 2 weeks ago and already have seen amazing results. No new acne has come in, and I've coupled it with a Neutrogena alcohol-free toner to tackle the red marks. My skin looks better every day even though the marks aren't completely gone yet. My skin has not been dry, but I still use Cetaphil Sensitive Skin Lotion every night to keep it moisturized."

• SWa...
• September 4, 2018

For Acne "I’ve struggled with mild to moderate acne for 10 years (currently 25). For some unknown reason, my acne recently worsened, so I finally decided to see my doctor and discuss treatment options. Week 1: My skin was very dry and flaky, my pimples started to dry up, and new pimples were less frequent. Week 2: Skin was still dry and flaky, but not as bad as week 1. Again, fewer new pimples were popping up, and old pimples started to reduce in size. Week 3: The purge! Suddenly (overnight), a lot of pimples came out of nowhere, which I was expecting, but was still a bit alarming. One thing I noticed was that although there were a lot of new pimples, they were healing very quickly. Week 4: Clear skin! For the first time in a long time, my skin is 95% clear. I will continue the treatment for at least another two months just to make sure my acne doesn’t come back, then I’ll start to tone down the treatment. Conclusion: Acne sucks, but this medication worked for me. Be patient."

• i5a...
• September 17, 2014

For Acne "I was prescribed this cream by my dermatologist years ago and have been using it ever since. I suffer on and off from large, cyst-like pimples on my chin that haven't surfaced from the skin, and Epiduo clears them before they even have a chance to surface! It's also great for the occasional pimple. I notice results in as little as 1-2 days. My only problem is makeup application; as others have said, it can dry out and flake the skin. However, a little cream goes a long way, and I would strongly suggest not to lather a large amount of the product on your face."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2011

For Acne "This medicine is amazing, it worked wonders for me! Let's start with the cons. Like mentioned in other reviews, Epiduo dries your skin out like crazy, so wait about 10-20 minutes after putting it on your face, then moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer if you don't want peeling or dry spots on your beautiful face. Another con is that it bleaches your clothing, so I suggest you get fully dressed prior to applying it on your face. I've always had perfect skin, but I got an allergic reaction to Clearasil cleansing pads, and I broke out like no other, so my doctor prescribed this to me, and my skin cleared up in 2 weeks. I'm speechless, I can't stop telling people about this medicine."

• joz...
• January 27, 2014

For Acne "I have been using this product for over 2 months. At first, my breakouts were still occurring and my skin was really dry. It did not burn my skin like other prescription creams have, so I was able to continue using it. My skin is still dry, but it's really clear. I also don't mind having dry skin-- I've been on Accutane so many times that I'm just accustomed to it. I do have a few pimples here and there, but it's nothing to stress about. This cream really works when you stick to a strict routine."

• jcl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2014

For Acne "I have an oily face and bad acne, usually around once a month. I started applying Epiduo every night and saw results immediately. My face was clear and non-oily. Then, within a couple of days, my face became overly dry, and it hurt and burned to put it on at night. It was miserable but only lasted the first week. My face then returned to its normal oily level, but while also having the roughness of dry skin and peely skin in some spots. My face was also extremely red and sensitive, and my acne was much worse. After about one month, I decided to stop using it every night and only apply it on acne when needed, and it is so much better this way. The face is no longer overly sensitive and red. Side note: this does bleach towels/pillowcases/etc."