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Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical and Dry Skin: What Users Say (Page 2)

Brand names: Epiduo, Epiduo Forte

Reviews for Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • 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."

5 / 10
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  • Mad...
  • December 27, 2013

For Acne "It helps so much. When I went to the dermatologist the first time, I told her that I have had sensitive skin, and every product I have tried burns and dries out my face even more. She told me to avoid burning, use Epiduo every 3rd night. It seems to be a problem in almost all the reviews that everyone's skin starts drying out and burning. Using it makes my skin feel so much better and burned for only about a half hour the first time I tried it."

9 / 10
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19 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 18, 2019

For Acne "This prescription, Epiduo, is amazing. I’ve had no dry skin, no burning or peeling of skin. I’ve been on it for about 3 weeks now, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin. Pimples are disappearing almost overnight. I would highly recommend this product. Too bad it’s so expensive, though."

10 / 10
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12 Report

See also:

  • Ale...
  • December 22, 2019

For Acne "SIDE NOTE: I also started taking Spironolactone 25 mg 3x daily when I started using Epiduo Forte. In June of 2019, I started having severe acne all over my face. They were giant, deep zits that almost resembled cysts, and they were all over my face. After trying to fix it on my own by buying countless scrubs, spot treatments, etc. (DO NOT RECOMMEND). Because of the inflamed zits around my cheekbones and jawline, my doc told me that it was from high amounts of testosterone, which were causing the redness, swelling, and giant zits. I was placed on Spironolactone and Epiduo Forte. The first 4 weeks of Epiduo, my face was not improving really at all, and on top of that, my skin burned to wash it, put makeup on, etc. At 8 weeks, my skin was starting to improve, but it was so dry that it was flaking and my skin still hurt. Now at 3 months, my skin is completely clear!!! You have to push yourself through the purging stages, but I promise this is the real deal, don’t give up!!!"

10 / 10
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  • Jes...
  • June 1, 2020

For Acne "This was a lifesaver! I struggled with genetic acne for about 6 years until I came across Epiduo. I used it three times a week for about 3 weeks and then after, I used it every night. My skin completely cleared up within two months! It will make your skin very dry, so I would recommend using a hydrating toner, and make sure your skin care products aren’t too strong, as the combination of them and Epiduo will irritate your skin (my mistake! If it does happen, invest in a skin regenerating night cream to bring back your natural oils). I also used alpha arbutin serum to fade scars and SPF 30 in my moisturizer, which helped a lot! For great results, make sure your whole routine is well tailored, don’t rely on this alone! And stay consistent!"

8 / 10
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  • Kal...
  • April 25, 2015

For Acne "I would like to share my experience. I have had acne for a long time. I tried all products and acne treatments. Then, when my friend suggested epiduo gel to me, saying it works wonders. When I started using it, the first week it became hell, my face became red, peeling, and dry. But I paused for 5 days and used an oil-free moisturizer. After that, I started using epiduo again every alternative day, it worked amazing. I usually don't write reviews but want to help all acne sufferers and tell them that this medicine helped a lot, and I'm so happy my skin looks so good-no breakouts, nothing. But yes, you need to choose a good moisturizing cream. Also, very important: drink lots of water and don't be disappointed because when you start epiduo gel, it will really break out the first week. At that time, just pause two to three days and start using the moisturizer."

9 / 10
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  • For...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 2, 2016

For Acne "I started Epiduo Forte in February, and it wasn't completely effective until May. The first month was pretty rough. My skin first 'purged,' and I had a lot more breakouts than usual, but my dermatologist warned me this would happen. After that purge, my skin became extremely dry, and when I applied Epiduo Forte, it would burn extremely bad. I put Vaseline around my eyes before applying the cream because that is where it burned the most. CeraVe lotion was a lifesaver while using Epiduo Forte! Use it, and the dryness almost completely goes away! After 3 months of use, it didn't burn or dry out my skin at all. I now experience almost no pimples, and my skin is more firm and healthy than ever. I recommend trying Epiduo Forte for yourself!"

9 / 10
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15 Report
  • Tar...
  • October 27, 2020

For Acne "I had horrible, painful, large cystic acne on my chin. I would get those hard cystic zits on my chin every week. When one went away, another would pop up in its place. I had 3-5 cystic zits on my chin at a time. After 2 different dermatologists, I finally found one that understood my skin. She prescribed me Epiduo and Aczone (dapsone) creams. Aczone during the day and Epiduo at night before bed. Both were to be used with a thick moisturizer. For the first 2 months, my skin was red and flaky and burned whenever I put anything on it. After those 2 months, my skin glowed. No more cystic acne. I could wake up every morning without thinking about where my new pimple would be. Epiduo and Aczone truly saved my skin. I will forever be grateful to my dermatologist! I had to completely change my skincare routine. I washed my face twice a day with Cetaphil, while also applying my Epiduo or Aczone, with a moisturizer on top. They all worked together."

10 / 10
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  • pii...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 14, 2016

For Acne "Epiduo literally changed my life. Had acne since I was 13 years old. Started using Epiduo when I was 28. Now I'm 29. It cleared up my face amazingly! No more scars, no pimples, and it helps keep me looking younger because it is a retinoid. I must say though, that the first 2 months of using it, I broke out really bad. Dry skin, peeling, burning skin whenever I was sweating, and lots of pimples! But the dermatologist had forewarned me that it was my face purging all the pimples and bacteria that was lying beneath the surface of my face's exterior surface level. So after sticking with it for those grueling 2 months, I saw my scars fading, blackheads and cystic pimples slowly disappearing, and my face is more clear and smoother. Don't even need to use makeup anymore!"

10 / 10
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  • bre...
  • January 12, 2015

For Acne "It's saved my life. Literally, been using it for 5 days now, and my family and I have noticed a huge change in my skin. I've struggled with acne, zits, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, and everything else for years. A little bit of dry skin, but nothing to complain about, and I have not experienced any burning or redness. Couldn't be happier. My doctor recommended I use Cetaphil Oil Control Foam Wash and Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer, so I use that twice a day (when I wake up and before I go to bed) and then apply Epiduo also before I go to bed."

10 / 10
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  • Acn...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 31, 2017

For Acne "It's true. The first two weeks really are horrible. So make sure you don't start this if you have big plans coming up. I broke out in huge spots, my face was red and tender, and my skin was flaking off in big pieces. You cannot wear makeup at this point. If you get cracked corners of your mouth like I did, hydrocortisone 1% really is your savior. Cleared it up in two days. I moisturized throughout the day with Cetaphil and cleansed every morning and night with Cetaphil cleanser. Two weeks later, my skin is almost clear. My dryness is almost gone, and the scars are fading. Stick with it. It really works. It just gets worse before it gets better."

10 / 10
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  • kay...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 19, 2015

For Acne "I love Epiduo! I was covered with acne on my face, and my dermatologist recommended it. After two or three months, I was clear. Within the first week, I saw improvement! It did leave my face a bit dry - nothing that moisturizer couldn't fix, though. After about a year of using Epiduo, I am proud to say that I am proud to go out without any makeup. (cons - nothing!)"

10 / 10
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  • Nic...
  • August 23, 2015

For Acne "My acne isn't cystic, it's literally just little pimples, but whatever kind of acne you have is still annoying and makes you feel disgusted with your face. So this time round (this is my second acne nightmare), my doctor has given me Epiduo. On the first week, I saw a huge difference - most of the pimples had gone or reduced in size. However, my skin went horrifically dry, and I struggled to wear makeup because my skin would literally just flake off. My skin would also get an awful burning sensation, but I found applying moisturizer before applying Epiduo helps stop it from burning as bad. On roughly the third or fourth week, my acne got a lot worse, and my skin got a lot drier, but that soon passed, and my skin is now looking better than ever!"

7 / 10
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  • Ell...
  • December 29, 2017

For Acne "I waited 6 mos. to write an accurate review. I understand the struggle of battling acne and how unique each case is to the individual. I am an Asian 28 y.o. woman who dealt with acne in my high school/college years (oily/combination skin). My acne cleared up, but in my late 20s, hormonal acne plagued my mouth/chin area. Horrific. I always wore makeup because acne left marks, but with this hormonal acne, I REALLY piled it on. I used some Dr. Dennis Gross acne pads, which REALLY were working. They burned, but after about 2-3 weeks, I could see a difference. Then, my dermatologist prescribed Epiduo. I stopped using the pads, and Epiduo worked its magic. I went through extreme dryness, but my skin got used to it. Last week, I went barefaced."

9 / 10
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  • Gol...
  • July 2, 2017

For Acne "I started using Epiduo after getting severe cystic acne on my jawline. Firstly, I used way too much and too often, and my skin became red, raw, and flaky. For this to work without redness, use it very sparingly, one drop on your index is plenty, and don't rub it in vigorously. I use it once a day after I shower before bed, and it works wonderfully. I do still suffer a few spots on my menstrual cycle, but they aren't as bad as what they were. The only problem is we are planning for a family in a few months, and this can't be used during pregnancy, which is a shame because my hormones will be crazy. Be patient when using this product, it does take about four weeks to work, but it's worth the wait."

9 / 10
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  • lov...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 21, 2015

For Acne "I got Epiduo the summer of 7th grade because my acne was horrible, and nothing seemed to clear it up. I went to the dermatologist, and he gave me Epiduo and a facial wash. By the time summer was over, I had very clear skin. Although it took a while to kick in, as long as you are consistent with it every night, you will see results. I also had to use a night cream because it made my face dry, but I just used an over-the-counter one, and it worked just fine."

10 / 10
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14 Report
  • fas...
  • August 29, 2013

For Acne "This cream works wonders. I had very red acne, especially in my T-zone on my face, and after a few days of using it, I noticed great improvements! My skin became less dry, I did not get fresh pimples every day, and the redness was starting to disappear. I've been using it for nearly 3 months now, and my skin is actually smooth now, I no longer feel the bumpiness of having acne all over my face. However, when I first used it, my skin dried SIGNIFICANTLY. My face felt incredibly tight, and I felt like I couldn't even move my mouth because it was so uncomfortable! So I checked with my doctor and was told that it was normal, so don't fret if your skin starts to dry greatly upon first use. I definitely recommend this, my confidence has improved."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 11, 2014

For Acne "I saw results with this product within three days! I had really bad acne on my chin and forehead, and it is already almost cleared up, and it's only been about a month. I didn't get any redness, however, after I apply it at night, it burns a little bit. Nothing too extreme. It also makes my skin on my chin flaky, but not on my forehead. I would not recommend stopping the use of this product if you just have a mild burning sensation afterwards because it really does work. I am so happy that I found this cream, and a little really does go a long way. I only use a pea-sized amount on my entire face, and the tube it comes in lasts a little over a month."

9 / 10
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  • Lbl...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 19, 2014

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo for a couple of months now. It's cleared my skin completely, I couldn't be happier! In the first week, I had red spotting on my face and tingling when applied, but whatever you do, don't overdo it, use a pea size and use it on only the affected areas! People that write negative comments about the burning and the irritation, read the instructions, it does inform you that they are common side effects! It strips your skin (due to the dry skin and flaking), and as for the people that are breaking out on it, don't lose hope, gels like Epiduo will bring up the bad stuff only to make it better. As for the people asking if it bleaches, just make sure it's massaged in and dry, because you go putting your head on your pillow."

9 / 10
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13 Report
  • Ejg...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 16, 2014

For Acne "I have had bad spots for a couple of years now, seemed to get worse the older I get, but isn't quite acne. Went to the doctor, was prescribed Epiduo. Have been using for 4 days now, and I'd say my spots have reduced by around 50% already! I have really dry, sensitive skin already, so was a little worried about the reviews stating burning/redness. There is a slight tingly feeling, but nothing unbearable, and only had redness for the first 2 days. I've used loads of face washes and creams over the counter, but nothing had ever worked so quickly and effectively on my skin. So impressed with this and would definitely recommend for anyone feeling insecure about their skin like I was."

10 / 10
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18 Report
  • Kim...
  • September 1, 2017

For Acne "Epiduo has changed my life. I am a 30-year-old woman who always suffered from acne breakouts, especially at that time of the month. My doctor prescribed me Epiduo 3 months ago to use once a night. He advised me it wouldn't work overnight and to give it time. Within 4 weeks, my skin completely cleared up, and I haven't had another spot since. The first week, I suffered red, dry skin, so I used Sudocrem and persevered. My skin soon got used to it, and now I use it every night as part of my routine. I hardly have any dark red marks left, and I've never been happier. Give it a go and give it time. :-)"

10 / 10
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10 Report
  • Cin...
  • February 20, 2013

For Acne "I was having severe acne on my cheeks and had to see a dermatologist. The following was my treatment plan: Aczone cream in the morning and Epiduo at night. I was also given Doryx pills to take in the morning. My skin immediately started to get very dry, but I used Cetaphil moisturizer. I also used Cetaphil foam face wash twice a day. I only had some very slight burning the first two weeks. My acne was so bad I wanted to cry and hide my face from everyone, but my doctor's treatment plan worked great, and I am so happy."

10 / 10
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  • Joj...
  • April 17, 2017

For Acne "I've been to dermatologists over the years and allergists also. It wasn't until I was prescribed Epiduo that my skin started to improve to the extent that I no longer wear any makeup. I haven't been able to do that for years. It may still dry your skin a little, but a bit of moisturizer in the morning and clear skin makes it all worthwhile. I am very appreciative to the doctor that prescribed it for me."

10 / 10
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  • Bir...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 5, 2018

For Acne "We are now in December, and I started my journey in June! I was really worried about the whole experience and journey to the dermatologist! I tried every medication, antibiotic, and cream from the GP, and I was worried I had to go straight on roaccutane! My skin wasn’t the worst, to be truthful, but I had constant yellow-headed spots on my chin and forehead that would never go! She said, try Epiduo! And so far, it’s been amazing and saved me from roaccutane! I did get dry skin, especially in the cold weather, but nothing some good moisturizer wouldn’t sort out! I’m amazed, I definitely think you should give it time! Listen, when the dermatologist says to introduce it slowly, because sometimes it has burnt my face! I do know this stuff works, when I don’t use it and get a pimple, I stick it on, and it goes! Give this a go!!!"

9 / 10
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  • Ned...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 31, 2024

For Acne "It is almost 1 year since I got acne on my face. Firstly, it was only on my forehead, later, it spread to my chin and cheek and developed severe acne. I used Deriva CMS gel 0.1% adapalene alone on my face for almost 6 months, hoping that it would cure my skin, but it did not. Now my doctor prescribed Epiduo gel along with AHA Glow face wash and Clear gel. Now I am using Epiduo gel for almost 6 weeks. I don't see any visible results after 6 weeks. My acne keeps coming like I'm not using any medicine. I have dry, flaky, burning skin, and it's itching like hell every time I use this medicine, even after 6 weeks. I thought of giving up this many times. But after coming across many positive reviews, I feel to continue this and wait for 4 months, still hoping for results."

5 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.