Epiduo and Redness: What Users Say

• Hay...
• August 26, 2020

For Acne "I’ve been using Epiduo since January 24th, 2020. My advice is to stay strong for the first few months. Don’t expect any results for 3-5 months and expect your skin to look horribly worse. Stay strong during that period. After 3-5 months, the face should look horribly red but breakouts should be getting to a minimum. For the next few months, Epiduo should still be in use for the redness and scars. This takes 3 months for the redness to be only visible really up close. I would recommend this gel, but you must not expect to have clear smooth skin in the first 2 months definitely. If lucky, 3-4 months, but you should make sure to know that 8 months could be a possibility and prepare and trust the process. My skin still isn’t where I want it, so I will still be using this to get the scarring fade, but compared to a few months ago, my skin looks 10 times better."

• 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."

• Liz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 8, 2020

For Acne "I have had acne my whole life. It started to get extremely bad when my Dr. put me on birth control for hormone therapy. At first, I didn't really think the Epiduo cream was working because it made my face worse for 2 good months. My neck would itch extremely bad, and when I would work out, it would turn bright red. I had read some reviews that said DON'T GIVE UP!! It took a good 6 months for my face to clear, but it was so worth it!! This medicine does take time to work, but I promise you will feel so much better in the end! Stick with it, and you will see results!"

• 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."

• Ben...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2021

For Acne "I’ve been on Epiduo for about a week. I use it along with Doxycycline capsules. My skin has been bright red and super itchy all week, but my acne is entirely flat. It looks like I’ve had a really bad sunburn, and after I wash my face, it feels like it too. Even though my face is very, very red, I can tell this gel is working, and I’m super excited to have the possibility of clear skin."

• 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."

• 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!!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2019

For Acne "Back in 2016, I had severe acne. It was so painful, and it covered my entire face. I tried everything, and after a year, my face worsened. A friend recommended Epiduo, and after just a month, the acne cleared. I've been using this for years now :) Bye bye, acne. Note: too much use will cause redness. I'm using it every other day, at night only. And please just use a pea size for the entire face - just a really thin layer."

• 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."

• 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."

• sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2017

For Acne "Honestly, don't give up on this cream. I had acne since I was 13 years old, trying all sorts to clear my skin, but nothing worked, so I just dealt with it every day, covering myself in makeup. I'm now 21, and my skin is as clear as it has ever been. I started to use this cream 6 months ago, but after 2 weeks on it, I broke out in spots even more, and my skin started to peel to the point I couldn't even touch my face because it hurt. So I gave up the cream for a few weeks, but then decided to read some reviews, and I took on the advice of what people were saying to stick to it. I went back to the doctor's, got the cream again, 3 months on, the redness/peeling stopped and my skin is clear. I no longer wear makeup and feel confident! STICK IT OUT!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2015

For Acne "So I'm 16, a teenager with acne, as usual. I used this product from my dermatologist, and I have to say I love it! I didn't get any peeling, redness, or pain at all. I really noticed a difference after the first day. It smoothed my skin and took away some scars. I love this product and would definitely recommend it for other teenagers like me dealing with acne."

• Ann...
• January 14, 2015

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo (as prescribed by my dermatologist) for a couple of months, and it's the only product I've tried that really cleared my acne. Be careful on applying a thick layer because it might cause redness, and the skin will also peel. Just keep using it, and you'll see the great effect for a couple of weeks."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• TMa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2013

For Acne "I have been suffering from adult acne for over a year and finally plucked up the courage to see the dermatologist for the first time in my life, and boy, am I glad I did! I have been using Epiduo paired with an oral antibiotic (Solodyn) for about 1 1/2 months, and my skin already looks better. I did have the redness on my first application (like a sunburn), and there was a good amount of dryness around my mouth for the first few weeks, but if you stop applying to those dry areas, it gets better. I also experienced some burning - but only in the dry areas. I didn't really have an initial breakout, just a few little pimples that were NOTHING like the huge cysts that I had been so used to getting. Another pro - my skin is SO SOFT now."

• Anonymous
• August 3, 2019

For Acne "I have recently suffered greatly with painful, red cystic acne all over both my cheeks, in particular my jawline. I have tried multiple oral treatments for periods of time, and nothing has worked due to it being a hormonal imbalance. As a last resort, I was prescribed Epiduo Gel. I used it for 2 nights with no problems. Then, on the third day, I woke up to about 6-7 new BIG spots on each cheek. I had already read that this product will make your skin bad before it gets better, but I was never expecting this, my skin has never been worse. Not only that, I applied the gel to the problem areas, and even for it to then BURN my face, I have now been left with significant burns and scaling, as well as big horrible spots and redness. The only way I can explain it is that it felt like I was putting acid onto my face, it is a really unpleasant process. If you have extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin, then I would not recommend it, it's very invasive and chemical-like. Hope this helps someone out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2015

For Acne "I have only been using Epiduo for a few days, and I have already seen an improvement in my acne. However, my face burns every time I put it on. I've tried to use moisturizer, as my face is now extremely dry, but that hurt so much and made my face swell and go red! My face is so stiff and dry and hurts when I touch it! I have read these symptoms will go away, so hopefully, if I pursue, I will see an improvement."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 9, 2015

For Acne "This product has worked 100% for me. It did take a full 3 months to show full effect, but truly-that's it-one year on and I no longer have acne at all, ever-gone!!! I have had regular breakouts since I was a teenager, and at age 42 I had finally had enough of the itchy lumps and bumps. Sometimes these spots would come to a head, other times, just linger for weeks. My face looked dirty and dull and often felt sore either before I squeezed a spot or after. I was prescribed Epiduo by my GP in Australia, and although I did have some initial redness, soreness, and peeling, my skin quickly adjusted and now, for the first time since I was 10 years old, my skin is clear, every day, all year round. No breakouts, I just wish I'd given it a try years ago."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2016

For Acne "I'm in my 4th month of Epiduo, and I'm finally seeing amazing results! My doctor told me that I would not be impressed with it during the first couple of months, but to stick with it.. and let me tell you that was HARD! I had terrible peeling and redness and didn't think I would ever heal. But then, after the 3rd month, my skin cleared and the redness went away! I see myself in the mirror and can't believe it's me! My skin looks normal and so much more healthy. I didn't realize that besides the acne, my pores were just dirty and my skin was uneven. Now my pores seem smaller, and I have a nice glow. I never skip a night of using it because I don't want to ever go back to my old skin. Stick with it, it's so worth it!!!"

• 16...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2018

For Acne "I’ve been using Epiduo for the past 4 weeks, and I'm in the middle of my 5th week ATM. At first, I didn’t have a lot of changes, but at the end of week 3, I got a lot of breakouts, which I believe is the 'purge.' Sometimes my skin looks kind of fine, but I still am breaking out. I am optimistic, and I want it to work, so I am going to continue Epiduo and then see what happens after 3 months. If nothing has changed and I am still breaking out, I am going to discontinue the product. But I think it will work eventually. I get a lot of small whiteheads, which I find weird because I didn't get that a lot before starting Epiduo. I also get under the skin, but they usually are gone within a week, but always seem to leave a red mark behind. I am going to write another review when I am 3 months in my journey.:)"

• 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."