Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical and Burning: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Sam...
• August 11, 2016

For Acne "I am 25 and in the last 6 months, I have been getting very stubborn, under-the-skin pimples on my cheeks. I have tried endless face washes and scrubs, but nothing has worked like Epiduo and I was always left feeling disappointed and doubtful. I went to the doc's and he prescribed Epiduo, it has been a week and my right side has cleared up tremendously!! I am so happy with the results and can't wait to see my skin in about a month. Yes, I get a slight burning sensation when I apply it before I go to sleep, and my skin has dried up on those areas, but acne is caused by excessive amounts of oils on the skin. If you want your acne to disappear, you need to dry the oils out!"

• Sme...
• June 17, 2013

For Acne "I've had bad breakouts throughout my life, but when at 23, I had the worst breakout of my life. Not only did it last longer than six months, I couldn't ignore it - I had pimples around my eyes literally poking into my vision. Every time I saw myself without makeup, I wanted to cry. Then I found Epiduo. It broke me out before it got better, every blocked pore and blackhead came to the surface. My skin burned, especially around the eyes, so keep it away from that area! But stick with this (and stop drinking milk, which I found out was the cause of the blocked pores). I've now got the smoothest skin I've ever had in my life."

• jmi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2013

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for about a week now, and I am having major peeling, itching, and burning. I have noticed that my overall complexion is improving and the blackheads on my nose are significantly reducing, however, the side effects are almost too much to bear. I promised myself I would stick with it for at least 30 days. I can see how this could be a miracle if I ever get past this point."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 26, 2012

For Acne "If you want results real fast, Epiduo is wonderful. I noticed a complete face transformation within the first month of use. I only felt burning the first week. The only real downside is that it causes lots of peeling. I have to use an exfoliating facial scrub every other day just to keep the flakes off my face. So, the product itself is great, but the dried-up mess of skin it leaves on your face... not so much."

• Tee...
• December 15, 2016

For Acne "Went on holiday early November and came back with full-blown acne on my forehead and cheeks. Tried literally everything and anything I could find, and nothing worked. The GP then prescribed Epiduo, and I was really skeptical as I read reviews of people getting worse before better and all that. I used it twice a day, beginning from a Wednesday, and by Sunday, I began to see results. By Monday, I couldn't believe it, 90% of my spots had gone, but the only thing was that I used too much, which burned my skin a bit, but this is healing. I've been on Epiduo exactly 8 days, and my acne is gone. Yes, I said it, gone!!! I was told to give this product 3 months minimum, and it's done the job in a week. I highly recommend you try Epiduo!!"

• Epi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2016

For Acne "I'm 25, and I've tried lots of different approaches to get rid of my acne. This is the first time I've had any success. I should add that I had been prescribed benzoyl peroxide in the past, but I think I started getting side effects and stopped. I should not have stopped. That is my advice to anyone who starts using any benzoyl peroxide creams. Stick with it through the first few weeks of pain. It gets better. At least it did for me. It was so painful to begin with. My skin was red and so sore. It felt like a stinging, burning, itchy graze all over my face. No, it's not an easy treatment, but this is exactly what I do...clean my face at night, one pump of Epiduo, then Bio-Oil, not moisturizer, wash off in the morning. One month in and I'm spot-free."

• Jan...
• June 25, 2015

For Acne "I was prescribed this product 4 days ago, and I've been taking it every night since in pea-sized amounts. The first day, I put a little extra on a big spot on my cheek, and it's dried out and flattened in that 4 days. I have very small red bumps all over my right cheek and a small breakout on my left (mostly clear though), my forehead is clear also after only having small bumps before I started the treatment. What I have noticed is results in the bigger pimples, but the small bumps on my cheek haven't gone down, and they're still unsightly. My face burned on the third day, but not very bad, although my right cheek was especially red. I think I'll probably experience more drying and redness to come, so I'm going to update changes every week till then."

• Oli...
• May 15, 2018

For Acne "After high school, I developed mild-occasionally moderate-acne all around my mouth and chin. Doxycycline helped clear it up, but it just came back after I stopped taking it. My doc prescribed Epiduo Forte, and I have been using it for five months in my mouth area only. It took a decent while to work-initially fluctuating between good and bad skin-before gradually but consistently getting better. BEWARE! You need to ease into it. I started out using it every night, and about a week later at the beach, the sunscreen and salt water made my face burn so badly. Occasionally now I get a similar burning when putting on moisturizer, in which case I just don't apply the Epiduo for a night. It has also made my skin a lot drier and flakier, but I put up with it because overall it has really improved my acne, and I am happy with the outcome. Ease into it, stick with it (if it isn't too harsh for you) for at least a few months to see results, but read your skin day by day to adjust your routine."

• Chi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2017

For Acne "The only RX that treats my acne immediately and empties my pores of all impurities. When I skip a few weeks of using, my acne comes back. It does make your skin itch a little when you first put it on, but it goes away as you sleep. People experiencing burning and redness (stay out of the direct sunlight and no sun lamps!!) only use once a day or less! This stuff truly does work like a miracle on my skin. Sucks my insurance never wants to cover it!"

• Ken...
• June 27, 2016

For Acne "Please don't give up on this product too quickly. For the first week or so, it's going to burn, and your skin's going to feel extremely dry and tight. However, it will go away in time! My skin has never looked better after a few months of use. Just remember to moisturize every day, always use sunscreen when it's sunny out (or use a moisturizer with SPF), and use about a pea-sized amount (it really goes a long way)."

• 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."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2018

For Acne "I started Epiduo Forte about two months ago and didn’t see much of a difference in my skin until about a week ago. Combined with drinking lots of water, moisturizing, and ALWAYS wearing sunscreen when I go outside, this has worked miracles for not only my acne but also hyperpigmentation. I experienced a lot of the burning, itching, peeling, etc., at first, but after consistently using it and giving it time, my skin looks much better!"

• 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."

• Sar...
• April 21, 2021

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo Forte for 2 weeks. The first week and a half was torture!!! My skin would burn so bad after washing it, putting lotion and makeup. I only use it around my jawline for cystic acne, it somehow affected my neck really bad. My neck was itchy, red, and super dry, it hurt to even touch it. My skin has been clearing up, and the burning has stopped (thank goodness). I was wondering if I could go any longer. I'm also on doxycycline, spironolactone, clindamycin/phosphate gel (morning use only), this combination seems to be working for now."

• 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."