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

Brand names: Epiduo, Epiduo Forte

Reviews for Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Jen...
  • November 26, 2018

For Acne "I have had very bad acne, but after discovering Epiduo Forte, my face has definitely cleared up. I like how strong it is, and I love how quickly it works. The only downside to this medicine is that it makes your skin very, very dry, sometimes so dry that my skin would flake off, and it would sting to use lotion."

8 / 10
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  • Lea...
  • October 20, 2015

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo Gel for 4 weeks now, and I'm starting to see good results this fourth week. First week, I had itchy skin, and my face felt dry and red. Second week, I started peeling, with no real noticeable changes. Third week, I started to notice my acne shrinking and became less red. Even my family and work friends mentioned how much better my face was looking. Now, being in the fourth week, I only have a few acne spots, and my face is less red. I will be continuing on with it due to seeing good results. I recommend this acne product if you are serious about getting rid of those annoying spots! It does take a lot of patience, but I promise, it is worth it! Stick with it."

9 / 10
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  • 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!"

9 / 10
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  • Cou...
  • February 12, 2014

For Acne "I had pretty bad breakouts when I first started using this product, but now that I use it, my face is so much clearer! Any time I'm having a breakout, I put some Epiduo on it at night, and it's already better in the morning. The only bad thing with using this is it dries out your skin. So, I have to use plenty of moisturizer! But it's great!"

9 / 10
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  • Wes...
  • September 5, 2017

For Acne "This is only my 3rd week on the cream. Based on the other reviews, I am almost out of the 'storming phase.' I have seen an overall improvement and only got a few days of bad breakouts. Initially, I stopped wearing makeup because I wanted the gel to soak in. I tried wearing makeup yesterday and it stung so bad I had to take it off. My skin has gotten very dry, and this morning, for the first time since using this product, I'm seeing the dry patches. I used the Cetaphil daily moisturizer that everyone was recommending, it stung initially but visually took all flakes away! I am very hopeful and am already noticing a decline in acne! I will write again in another few weeks!"

9 / 10
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  • Wes...
  • September 5, 2017

For Acne "This is only my 3rd week on the cream. Based on the other reviews, I am almost out of the 'storming phase.' I have seen an overall improvement and only got a few days of bad breakouts. Initially, I stopped wearing makeup because I wanted the gel to soak in. I tried wearing makeup yesterday and it stung so bad I had to take it off. My skin has gotten very dry, and this morning, for the first time since using this product, I'm seeing the dry patches. I used the Cetaphil daily moisturizer that everyone was recommending, it stung initially but visually took all flakes away! I am very hopeful and am already noticing a decline in acne! I will write again in another few weeks!"

9 / 10
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  • JDi...
  • May 28, 2016

For Acne "I am a white teenager with combination and sensitive skin that flares up really badly at the slightest of things. My dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo, and I tried it for nearly three or so months, but I found that it did nothing but dry out my skin and caused it to turn red. My acne did not go away, so I looked for other things. If you have skin like mine, look for things with salicylic acid. I have a set of facial wipes with 1% salicylic acid and Clinique Acne Gel with 2% salicylic acid, and this, in addition to a normal Clean & Clear facial wash, has cleared up my acne entirely. Hope this helps."

3 / 10
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  • Kiz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 30, 2018

For Acne "I have brought so many “acne remedies” from such high-end and low-end shops. I tried increasing my water intake and wearing no makeup, and nothing would clear my spots and scars. Then my GP prescribed me Epiduo, and within a month, all my spot scars and spots completely cleared up! I feel so much more confident in my own skin now, and for such an affordable price! The only downfall is that it will dry your skin out, so I used to use it every other day and on other days use normal moisturizer."

10 / 10
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  • Gra...
  • May 1, 2016

For Acne "Epiduo is the only thing that has worked for me. I had pretty bad acne for two years in high school. I tried lots of things (Proactiv), but finally, after begging, my mom purchased Epiduo, and it was a lifesaver. For the first month and a half, it really dried out my skin and didn't seem to help much at all, but soon after that, I saw a complete transformation in my skin. I no longer have acne like I used to, to this day. But even the weeks that I've eaten terribly and slept in my makeup all week (I know I need to stop this), my 'acne' is only a few very small pimples that are hardly red. All my friends love it too! Highly recommend this."

10 / 10
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  • KK-...
  • January 4, 2017

For Acne "Epiduo saved my life!!! Can't believe I didn't know about this before. I have been using Epiduo for about two weeks now, my skin cleared the first week. The first few days, I used a lot and dried my skin. Now I don't have one spot!!! I recommend this product. I don't think this product works for everyone sadly, but it's worth the try! I have my confidence back and will use Epiduo for as long as it works."

10 / 10
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  • Ell...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 12, 2017

For Acne "Having tried several different acne medications and what seems like hundreds of acne creams by brands like Clinique, Kiehl's, Neal's Yard, Mario Badescu, and Clean & Clear, my dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo. The 'purge' phase was awful, my skin got a lot worse before it started getting better, so bear that in mind when starting the cream. I am so thankful for this cream, it completely cleared my acne within one month! However, the side effects can be quite painful and frustrating. Still, after six months, I experience extremely dry skin and occasional burning of the skin. These side effects haven't gone away for me as I continue using it. Just bear in mind that, at the expense of curing your acne, you will experience side effects long-term."

8 / 10
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  • 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."

8 / 10
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  • emi...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 3, 2019

For Acne "This stuff is magic! I am eighteen and never had a problem with acne before until this January (2019). My face developed cystic acne that was painful and that I could not cover up with makeup. Four months later (May 2019), my face is perfectly clear besides a few scars that should go away in the next six months or so. Seriously, try this! If it appears your acne is getting worse from it in the first month, keep using it. It may take a little bit, but it is SO worth it. Also, make sure to moisturize after using this. It can make your skin dry."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 9, 2010

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for about a week. I have a lot of stinging and itching, and my skin is very dry. Giving up was my next step until I read your comments. I will continue using it along with a moisturizer and Neosporin, if necessary."

8 / 10
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  • Ab ...
  • August 25, 2013

For Acne "I previously used Epiduo, and I absolutely loved it. It really helped keep my skin clear, and while some people have had issues with over-drying or flaking, I find that it brings my skin to a 'normal' state, and I just have to use a mild moisturizer (CeraVe is my personal preference). Anyway, when I ran out, I couldn't get back to the dermatologist right away, I started breaking out again. So, you do have to be really consistent with it. Put it on every night! You will see results. I just got a new bottle three days ago, and already my acne is less red and noticeably smaller. Love this product."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • September 10, 2014

For Acne "I do not have sensitive skin. The first time I tried using this product, it dries up my face, causing redness and flakiness. Now it hurts so much I have to discontinue this product. My face is so dry and red now."

5 / 10
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  • sff...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 23, 2015

For Acne "Been on Epiduo for about a year. Maybe a bit less. 11 months or so. Use it in conjunction with Doxy pills. Ever since I was about 13/14, I have had moderate acne. Mainly whiteheads. Bad enough to notice, but not bad enough to take up too much time as a teen. Didn't go away by the time I was 21, so decided to go see the doc. First week of Epiduo: no difference at all. Second to fourth week: breakout central. Avoided looking in the mirror at all and got through the days telling myself it would get better. From there, it has gotten much better. Still get a few, but this would have gone down maybe 70% from what it was. Don't recommend it for those with dry skin, though. When I started, it was oily, and now I have to use moisturizer every day for dry skin."

7 / 10
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  • 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."

8 / 10
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  • jem...
  • October 31, 2011

For Acne "I've seriously only been using Epiduo for four days and have seen a huge improvement. My skin is a little dry, but I use Cetaphil moisturizer to balance it out. I am also using doxycycline along with the topical treatment (Epiduo), and my acne is getting soooo much better. Love it!"

8 / 10
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  • Dan...
  • February 1, 2016

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo for only a few days. It dries your skin out, but all you need is some lotion, and it's fine. I've been seeing good results already. I recommend Epiduo for people with horrible acne to not horrible. It works quick, and for anyone, my friends tried it and liked it."

7 / 10
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  • K94...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 7, 2019

For Acne "Epiduo worked, except it didn’t make my subclinical forehead acne go away in the long term. I didn’t have any redness or flakiness, it was great, but I’ve used two rounds of this, and I understand you have to use it every day. But there’s been a day here and there I’ve accidentally missed, but have been fairly religious with it, as I noticed a massive difference, just haven’t seen the forehead acne disappear forever, unfortunately. Trialing more natural products ATM."

7 / 10
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  • bza...
  • June 24, 2017

For Acne "I cut my Accutane medication short one month because of the damage it did to my lips. For the most part, my crazy acne cleared, but I still had mild breakouts (especially during my menstrual cycle). My dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo and a certain wash. I'd recommend applying it around 3-4 times a week before bed because YES, it does dry out the skin, but that's how it clears the acne and renews your skin. After a couple of days of use, you will feel a burning sensation, but it's tolerable--just keep your face hydrated the next morning by moisturizing (I find Moroccan oil or vitamin E cream helpful). Overall, GREAT product that does the job and makes you feel confident again. No pain, no gain! Results within a month!"

10 / 10
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  • Oli...
  • January 17, 2016

For Acne "I've had acne since about 6th grade when I was 11. I am now almost 18, and I am happy to say I have gotten almost completely rid of my acne. It's amazing, and it's all thanks to Epiduo, seriously. I still have some acne scars, and this medication did make my skin extremely dry for the first month or two, but it was worth it. I had these little under-skin bumps all over my cheeks and chin, and now they're completely gone. I'm so happy I can now wear makeup around my guy friends and even crushes sometimes, it's crazy. My skin is not 100% clear, but it's sooooo much better! I feel confident, and I'm glad I finally found the right medication for my skin, and just know I have tried at least 20 different things!"

9 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 19, 2018

For Acne "I have bad acne. I tried birth control, which didn't help. I then tried Purbac (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim antibiotic) that helped a little, but my doctor said it isn't a long-term solution. I then tried Epiduo. The first two weeks, I had no side effects, but then my third week, my skin went super dry, it was red and peeling. This was a horrible experience, however, I saw it already started making a difference, so I continued, but I put a fragrance-free lip balm around my eyes, mouth, and nose, and it helped with rehydrating my skin. I'm on my sixth week now, and my skin is almost completely clear. Epiduo is definitely worth using!"

8 / 10
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  • pup...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 20, 2015

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for about a month now, and I have to say it is the most gentle acne med I have ever been on. I was expecting the horror stories of flaking and dry skin that I have read about, and I have had zero irritation since using it. Overall, it seems to work well, but I don't think it can tackle my severe nodular cystic acne, so I think I will have to go back on Accutane sadly. Please don't let people scare you away from trying this med, though. If I didn't have these huge cysts, I would rate this a 10, but as most people know, topical can do little for cystic acne, which is not this med's fault. Overall, my skin is super smooth, and I would highly suggest this medication."

9 / 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.