Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• kel...
• October 27, 2010

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I'm a week into using Epiduo and Solodyn, and I must say I haven't seen this many pimples on my face since I was a teenager! I have heard that it has to get worse before it gets better, so I'm going to stick it out and see what happens."

• Ben...
• November 16, 2018

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I had pretty decent skin before I started taking it. I had very mild acne that wasn’t terrible, just some unnoticeable whiteheads around my chin. I started taking Epiduo to just clear this up. What a mistake. It made me break out worse than I ever have before. I knew it would get worse before it got better, so I just kept waiting and waiting and waiting, and after about six weeks, I stopped taking it, and in just a couple of days, my skin cleared up better than it had in my whole time taking Epiduo. However, it left my skin in terrible condition, and my acne is way worse than I started out with. Do not use Epiduo at all costs."

• Jlc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2017

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Epiduo works! You have to give it time. I’m on my 6th week, and my skin has dramatically cleared. Around my cycle, breakouts still happen, but full results aren’t to be seen until around 8 weeks. Push through the purging, it’s awful, and my skin looked the worse it’s ever been! One day, everything started improving. Washing my face with Cetaphil in the morning and at night definitely made a difference as well. Keep pushing!"

• BB7...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2015

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Epiduo was prescribed by my dermatologist, and I have to say that it really works! I still get a pimple or two at times, but nothing that I can't tolerate. I don't know how I can manage without it! Thank you, Epiduo :)"

• Eri...
• January 18, 2018

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Please don't get confused with a purge and a reaction. I used this for about three months, which brought out a huge cluster of painful cystic acne on my cheeks, thinking it was a purge, which ended up making my acne 10x worse and left me with stubborn hyperpigmentation and scars that I'm now on Roaccutane to solve. Got rid of my forehead and chin spots almost immediately with no 'purge,' which I think is the normal way this cream should work, otherwise, I'd stop using."

• Mea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 10, 2019

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I had mild acne when I was prescribed Epiduo. Things got much worse in the first 4 months. My acne turned into moderate ones. I started developing big pustules that I had never had before. My face was very dry and it burned. Several acne spots developed every day and I felt like crying. Honestly, things changed on the fifth month. Firstly, my dermatologist asked me to use it as a spot treatment, I changed into applying it all over my face instead. Secondly, I changed my moisturizer. Thirdly, I started limiting my dairy consumption. Lastly, I stopped stressing too much about my acne. Not sure which one works, but the breakout is now on and off. I got several small whiteheads during my cycle or some super stress day. My face condition is not super clean now, but I am grateful that it has stopped purging. Although the post-breakout hyperpigmentations seem to be fading, it is not completely gone. However, I started to develop milia on my inner cheeks and T-zone."

• Sos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2019

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I started Epiduo a week ago, and I must say there has been a difference. I experienced a few breakouts a few days after I started using it, but nothing to worry about. I went from using it every night to three times a week, as I got a lot of stinging on my face when I tried using a cleanser or moisturizer with it. I also got a sunscreen to use during the day because, guys, you definitely need that. But overall, this is a great product to try. It creates new skin, and my face is feeling fresh and healthy."

• Mel...
• November 2, 2015

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I never had cysts, just mild breakouts and comedonal acne on my forehead and barely on my cheeks or on my chin. I can't believe how much I took my skin for granted. I asked my pediatrician for a medication to help my skin before freshman year. Wow. My doctor gave me Epiduo, and by 8 weeks I knew Epiduo wasn't working for me. I had cystic acne on my cheeks, which I've literally never had before in my life. It wasn't something I've ever been used to. My right cheek, which used to be the worst, it literally completely cleared after these 12 weeks, but I paid the price. My purge period was 5 times worse than everyone else's and much longer. I had about 7-9 cysts on my freaking cheek at a time. Try it out. I have much clearer skin, but I paid for it."

• Sha...
• September 6, 2014

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I used Epiduo for about 3 weeks, the reason why I started using it is because I had small little dots on the sides of my face. The first couple of days, my face felt like it was burning, and it went so red. It caused so much acne on my face! Now, I have a lot of big pimples on my face, which scar. I have used a few acne creams, but this one has been the worst by far."

• Gan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2018

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I’ve had pretty severe acne since 5th grade and have been on Accutane twice. The Accutane wasn’t a pleasant experience, and although it did eventually clear my skin, my acne came back after a few months of being off of it. Between the end of my second round of Accutane and the start of using Epiduo Forte, my dermatologist prescribed me various different retinoids and oral prescriptions that never really worked. It really took a toll on my self-confidence, and I thought I would never find something that would clear my skin. Around three months ago, I was prescribed Epiduo Forte, and my skin hasn’t been this clear ever. I have a little bit of discoloration and scarring and will get a pimple every so often, but it will go away almost overnight. Other than that, my skin is completely clear, and I can’t recommend this product enough! From looking at other reviews and using my own experience, if Accutane didn’t work for you, this product most likely will!"

• Nat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2017

For Acne "This medication is AMAZING! It actually WORKS! Stick through the initial, additional breaking out while your skin detoxifies. It may take 4-6 weeks to begin seeing clearer skin. I have battled with acne since I was 13 years old. I'm 38 and have FINALLY been able to achieve the most beautiful, radiant skin I have EVER had. I wash with Cetaphil, follow with Neutrogena alcohol-free toner, Clean 'n Clear Benzoyl Peroxide 10, and use Aveeno Positively Radiant moisturizer SPF 15 in the AM. Wash, tone, and then Epiduo Forte in the PM. As a female, you may need to consider whether hormones are the primary cause of your acne. I have used Ortho Tri-Cyclen in combination with the Epiduo Forte. Match made in heaven."

• VAG...
• December 4, 2017

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical 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."

• TGB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2016

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Today marks the end of Week 5 since I started Epiduo Forte. My skin has always been acne-prone; but, after dealing with a lot of stress and depression this fall, my skin suffered the worst breakout I've ever experienced. Tiny clusters of small inflamed whiteheads constantly covered my smile lines and inner cheeks; I always had at least 2-3 small cystic bumps, and my skin was extremely congested. I'm holding out hope that Epiduo pays off, but it's Day 36 and my skin is as bad, if not worse. The purging has been unbearable at times -- my left jawline broke out into this red mountain of cystic acne around Week 3 and it's only starting to subside, and my tiny whiteheads still show up every few days. I'm giving it through Week 12..."

• Elh...
• October 26, 2016

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I had mild acne, and I started using Epiduo in August. In the first two weeks, my acne increased slightly, but at the end of the first month, my acne started to improve. At the end of the second month, my acne became way worse from where I started. I now have very noticeable scars for the first time."

• fro...
• February 6, 2016

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I do not like this product. I understand you need patience and results show within, but if you want results fast, I HIGHLY SUGGEST not to use it. It makes you break out and your skin very, very sensitive. On my second day of using it, I had terrible red marks all over my face, and I cannot get rid of them still. It has been 3 weeks! It is an effective medication, but if you aren't willing to have your face very irritated for a good 2-3 months on this cream, do not use it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2021

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "On the 24th of August, I went to the dermatologist to FINALLY do something about my adult blackheads on my chin. They sent it to my door 2 days later and started that night! It’s now the 8th of September, and they are basically all gone! What they say about the side effects of redness, itching, SMALL breakouts around the affected area is true (for me). I had one more pop up, and I took care of it immediately. It does burn a tiny bit, that’s what benzoyl peroxide does! Your skin may get dry and flake (thanks to masks for covering up that) and feels dry. What they also say is true: it’ll get worse before it gets better-the redness, itching, etc. I wouldn’t recommend lathering this all over your face like my derm told me to do. I only did the affected parts! I had results in a couple of weeks! Impressive!"

• Sha...
• January 10, 2021

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "This is the second time I have been using Epiduo gel. The first time I used it, it took me nearly a month to get my skin used to the gel. Later, it worked fine, and I stopped using it. After a few years, it is the second time I am currently using it. It took nearly a month again for my skin to get used to it. My acne was moderate but bad, like tiny lumps all over my cheeks. My skin eventually went through a process of irritation, dryness, and breakouts. But then I took better care by moisturizing my face and keeping my diet healthy and face clean. I must say now it has gotten better. I'm still using it. My face is almost clear. And once it is, I will stop using it. I have handpicked hyperpigmentation because I was very rough with my skin. But hopefully, it goes away this year. I decide to not pick on my face this year."

• Inv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2015

For Acne "I'd been on some bipolar medication for a few years that for the last 10 months or so was increasingly causing mild acne. I tapered off those meds, but the acne persisted and even got a little worse. My doctor prescribed adapalene/benzoyl peroxide two weeks ago, and I've already seen a massive improvement - it's almost completely gone. I did go out in the sun and wind one day, and even though I had a hood up most of the day, I still got a burn that flaked off in a couple of days. I see from reading the reviews that the people with negative reviews mostly aren't following the instructions with respect to sun exposure or lesions. Make sure you follow the directions! If you do, you will probably have good results."

• Let...
• August 19, 2015

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I'm 17, I don't really have pimples, but I do have clogged pores and minor blackheads. I've been using Epiduo for about 2 weeks (prescribed by my doctor), and so far my face is itchy, dry, and I'm breaking out (I don't usually have breakouts). I'm not impressed with the product."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2017

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I started this topical ointment back in February. Skin takes quite a while to get acclimated. I'd say a month+ before it stops burning. I'd apply Epiduo, followed by Aquaphor, to combat the dryness, and it just seals your face up for a good 20 minutes. I peeled a lot in the beginning, but I did not purge. I notice it actually makes skin much oilier since the pores are now unclogged. If I wear moisturizer under makeup, I'm an oil slick by noon. I try to avoid moisturizer now. I still have gotten pimples and a cyst, so I'm not sure how amazing this is. Also, someone said to use this in the morning. Please don't do that."

• Dia...
• September 26, 2016

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I have used Epiduo for about 2 years, maybe going on three. Or about 2 months after beginning the use of this product, my skin was really breaking out terribly (because it is a retinoid: it brings everything to the surface, making your skin break out a lot, but is good in the long run). Then, around week 10, my skin cleared up and was actually looking pretty good. However, this past summer, my skin broke out terribly like it had the first time I used it and has not exactly cleared up since. I still have breakouts (although not as bad) on my cheekbones, forehead, and chin."

• Dia...
• September 26, 2016

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I have used Epiduo for about 2 years, maybe going on three. Or about 2 months after beginning the use of this product, my skin was really breaking out terribly (because it is a retinoid: it brings everything to the surface, making your skin break out a lot, but is good in the long run). Then, around week 10, my skin cleared up and was actually looking pretty good. However, this past summer, my skin broke out terribly like it had the first time I used it and has not exactly cleared up since. I still have breakouts (although not as bad) on my cheekbones, forehead, and chin."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2022

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Started using Epiduo 2.5 weeks ago. Yes, you do break out more, but the breakouts come and go so quickly it’s almost trippy. I rarely got big pimples before I started Epiduo - I usually had a lot of congestion and whiteheads, which made me very embarrassed of my skin. On my period, I would get loads more and bigger pimples on top of that. It’s been 2.5 weeks and the amount of purging is kind of comical because you have a breakdown at how bad your face looks, then you apply Epiduo and in 2 days those same cry-inducing breakouts are basically gone. The dryness is definitely a problem, but it’s not as bad if you have a system. You might be getting such intense peeling and dryness because you applied it before moisturizing/applied too much. Week 1 I used the medication exactly as I was prescribed. Every other night for 7 days and then every night. I used it directly after cleansing & light hydrating serum. BIG MISTAKE. I'm still not using it every night because it is STRONG STUFF."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2015

For Acne "I am 16 years old with combo/oily skin, and I have the usual breakouts. I just want clear skin, so my dermatologist put me on Epiduo gel. The first 2 weeks, I did see an improvement, but then it just broke me out. I have been on it for exactly 27 days and have seen some clear-up, but mostly it made me breakout. It is supposed to break you out and drain all of your pores, so I am hoping that my skin is going to start clearing up now after the annoying breakouts. So that's why I rated this a 5. I will keep you guys updated."

• Ban...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2019

For Acne "I have been using this for over a year. I was first prescribed the regular strength formula, which made my skin much worse, even the doctor was staggered with how much my skin flared up. She then gave me the extra strength one, and within a week, it was clearing up my skin. After about a year, it started losing its effectiveness, and although my skin is better than it would be without it, it’s still breaking out in the hormonal areas."