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

• MSR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2017

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I'm a 19-year-old male who suffered with moderate acne over my face, particularly my cheeks and chin. I had tried everything over the counter without much success. Epiduo has worked pretty well for me, greatly reduced the amount of spots I have (although I still get the odd one). The dry/red skin is the biggest side effect, however, regular moisturizing (1-2 times per day) helps to reduce that. It has taken a couple of months to get to this stage, but it definitely works well, especially if you are unable or do not wish to take antibiotics."

• Al ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2017

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Epiduo has worked for me tremendously. I was having cystic acne. It was getting bad, I had a reoccurring spot above my lip. Extremely painful. The Epiduo gel exposed the core of the infection, brought it to the surface, dried, and cleared and healed nicely. Hasn't been back since. 1. This medicine brought all reoccurring pimples to the surface, drained... sore, gross, I know. Then it dried it out, minimized the site like overnight. And I believe it helped it heal with way less scarring than without intervention. 2. It dries out skin. Sloughs off all dead skin. New pimple-free skin emerged. Years of intervention and this worked! It reveals brand new skin. I'm sure it helps with scarring and wrinkles."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2013

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I get cystic acne, so my dermatologist gave me Epiduo. It definitely helped get rid of the pain and redness and made the pimples less noticeable. BUT - if you have dry skin, beware! My dermatologist told me to put a pea-sized amount all over my face every night. I did that, and after about 3 days, my skin was flaky and painfully dry. I can only use it as a spot treatment now because it's just too harsh on my skin."

• Daw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2020

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "This has cleared my skin completely!! When I first had been prescribed the cream, I was very unsure because my skin is very sensitive and also has mild/severe acne. When I first used it, it would sting and dry my skin out, but I realized I was using too much, and you literally only need the smallest amount. I also recommend combining it with your moisturizer to help with dryness and its harshness. Your acne will probably become worse before better, but 10/10 recommended, especially for teens who have little time for a face routine."

• Sie...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 20, 2023

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I have been using this medication for 15 years. It is the only acne treatment I’ve tried that works for me. I use it once in the morning and once at night (even though it says to only use it once a day). I find that when I skip a day or don’t have it on at all times, I begin to break out a bit a few days later. This medication made my skin very dry when I first started using it, and it took a while for it to actually start working. It still makes my skin a bit dry, but I use a night cream moisturizer before applying makeup so it doesn’t make my skin look extra flaky. The best way to avoid flakiness is by never missing a day so your skin stays used to the medication. If you cannot access this drug because it is prescription only, you can use over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide and adapalene together. I do that sometimes, and I get the same results."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2017

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I had bad acne and terrible cystic bumps, especially around “that time.” I was getting cortisone injections at least 3 times a month for painful bumps. My doctor prescribed Epiduo Forte on 10/28/27, and my skin had been beautiful. I didn't even have a bad hormonal breakout, just a few small pimples that Epiduo dried right out. I love this stuff, and I am in awe of my skin. I will say that you NEED a good moisturizer because it will dry your skin. Other than THUMBS UP!"

• Lau...
• February 28, 2016

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Awful. Doesn't work, made all my skin dry and flakey. I was so itchy after using it, and my whole face turned bright red. Even water stung my face, my face is swollen and too sore to even touch. My face and back are itchy constantly all day. Wouldn't bother using this product."

• Lau...
• February 28, 2016

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Awful. Doesn't work, made all my skin dry and flakey. I was so itchy after using it, and my whole face turned bright red. Even water stung my face, my face is swollen and too sore to even touch. My face and back are itchy constantly all day. Wouldn't bother using this product."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

For Acne "This dried out my skin like no one's business. It left me with harsh dark red spots covering the entirety of my cheeks. It is so, so harsh and burns like anything. I get that people want clear skin, but this is just too much. I couldn't wear makeup because my skin was so dry, and I couldn't even apply moisturizer as it burned so, so badly. This product is truly the worst, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone! Especially those with sensitive skin!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

For Acne "This dried out my skin like no one's business. It left me with harsh dark red spots covering the entirety of my cheeks. It is so, so harsh and burns like anything. I get that people want clear skin, but this is just too much. I couldn't wear makeup because my skin was so dry, and I couldn't even apply moisturizer as it burned so, so badly. This product is truly the worst, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone! Especially those with sensitive skin!"

• ali...
• July 15, 2015

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "My dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo because my other acne medicine wasn't doing a very good job like Epiduo is doing now. When I started using it, it has worked well on my skin. I still have a few pimples here and there, especially on my forehead, but Epiduo has made them less noticeable and smaller every time I use it. But the negative thing is that once I started using it, my skin became very sensitive and dry, leaving white patches everywhere on my skin where I had used the cream."

• Anonymous
• July 26, 2015

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I'll start with some background about my acne: I had absolutely flawless skin in high school, and when I got to college, about sophomore year, I began breaking out. For the past year, I have consistently had cystic acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and extremely flaky skin. I finally broke down and went to my GP, who prescribed me doxycycline, clindamycin gel, and Epiduo. I only very recently started this regimen, but I am seeing results. The Epiduo does burn and dry out my skin, which is why I spot-apply it every other day. It sounds like some people apply it to their entire face, which I do not recommend unless absolutely necessary. Also, I paid around $20 with TriCare Standard (military) insurance. All in all, great product."

• Din...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2016

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I have had acne all my life, and I'm now 24, so getting pretty fed up with it. So I got this gel prescribed by a Superdrug doctor. Honestly, the best thing I've ever done. The first few days I used it, my spots went down dramatically, and then after the 3rd day, the redness started, although it wasn't as awful as I was expecting. My skin was very, very sensitive and did look like sunburn, but I decided to put some bronzer on my nose, and it looked like I had just caught the sun! Win-win. My skin was very flaky, every time I ate or spoke, it would crack, but I just applied Simple Spot Free moisturizer with cotton wool, and it kept it under control. Now, on my 3rd week, the redness has gone, my skin is expectedly dry, but I'm totally spot-free."

• Niq...
• July 13, 2015

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I started having really bad breakouts, and my dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo. After the first 2 days of using it, all the bumps on my face had flattened and began healing. I guess I'm just waiting to see how it will do with scarring. The Epiduo didn't begin to dry my skin until the 6th day, and it's normal and nothing too much. I think this is going to work well, seeing as I have had positive changes within 1 week. The bad thing is Epiduo is very expensive if your insurance won't cover it. Even with the discount card from the doctor, the total was $350, so I'm using the sample tubes they gave me to hold out until I can buy it."

• Gon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 13, 2015

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Age 36. I thought I had tried everything. Acne was not too bad, but I was tired of having constantly three or four spots around my jawline, neck, and forehead, sometimes more. A doctor prescribed Epiduo for me and also some tablets, which I did not take. Epiduo worked after about two weeks of initially dry skin and very dry eyes, and now I hardly ever have to use it, my skin is so much better. I never use it anywhere near my eyes, but around my jawline, two days in a row, and any breakouts have gone. Brilliant, but use sparingly and only on affected areas as it's very powerful, and ease up to once every two days till you get used to it. I think there are different types of skin and different types of acne, but it's worth a try in my opinion."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 5, 2022

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "This product worked great, and it corrected my hyperpigmentation and occasional acne. I was prescribed Epiduo back in 2017, and recently got another prescription this year (2022). I don’t remember if it reduced my skin’s oil production, but I’ll never forget how well it worked and the painfully dry skin. Yes, the dryness was painful! Like the old adage - you live and you learn - and this time around, I use it every other day, and I use a good moisturizer to prevent that from happening again. If you apply it before bed, don’t sleep on the nice pillowcases because it may fade them. This includes shirt collars too. I have white pillowcases specifically for the nights I apply Epiduo. Please follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be glad you did. Be patient; it doesn’t cure acne overnight. Depending on how severe your acne is, it may take about 6-12 weeks. PS: It will cause more breakouts in the beginning, and that means it's working. Keep using it!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2018

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I am so happy with the results I have been experiencing so far after weeks of using Epiduo! At first, I often had redness on my face and extremely dry skin as I had read in other reviews. However, this got a lot better as my skin became used to it, and it was not extremely painful, there was just a slight tingling sensation in the first week. I wasn’t sure if this product would work as I have not had success with any other spot treatments, such as Proactiv Plus. I would say that you definitely need to be patient when using Epiduo and only use small amounts per application, but it really does work! I’m a few weeks in already, and I have very noticeable changes because I have very few blemishes at all now. Would definitely recommend to anybody who struggles with spots or acne! :) (Make sure to purchase a good moisturizer as your skin can get very dry during the process)"

• hop...
• November 2, 2015

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I started this 9 days ago and I really don't break out that bad, but I was just sick of it. My doctor gave me Epiduo, and it hasn't made my skin very dry. After reading other reviews, I have high hopes because I know after about 3 weeks it will really work (right now I am breaking out because of it). Epiduo has worked great for my friends, too!"

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2021

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Started on Epiduo 3 weeks ago after being given the option to go on Accutane, yet I’m waiting a while before I do that. Sides of mouth absolutely burning, and because I have to put makeup on to cover my huge spots, it looks horrific because the skin is dry as well as spotty. Trying to put it on in the morning and moisturize at night. Acne is so hard :("

• Ssh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2016

For Acne "Much like many other individuals who posted on this forum, I experienced the same burning, peeling, and stinging feeling after using this product. However, I continued to moisturize and used drops of face oil. Only a small amount goes a long way. After a few months of using this product, the side effects went away. My skin is a little dry in the areas I use the medication, but I continue to moisturize using Cetaphil. Now my face is absolutely clear. No blackheads, no pimples. I've never been so happy with my skin. I had the worst cystic, deeply impacted blackheads and cystic pimples. Now I experience none of these. If you're experiencing the side effects, talk to your doctor, but sometimes just waiting goes a long way! Good luck!"

• Pre...
• December 5, 2015

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I started my treatment back in October, stopped my treatment because I didn't see a change. I did see a little change but became very impatient because my skin became very dry, especially around the eye area. It became so dry that every time I raised my eyes, it was painful. The skin irritation is bearable but painful. I am currently back on, when I stopped, my acne issue came back and was getting worse. I have an issue with picking my pimples until they become black, scarring my face. And yes, my skin around my eyes is very dry and painful, but no new pimples, and I have stopped picking, so we shall see. I'm also taking two other types of medication. I am supposed to apply two times a day, but my doctor told me to apply once a day if I ran into this problem."

• Anonymous
• February 26, 2011

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "Using Epiduo and oral antibiotics for 3 weeks now. No change in my acne. Made my skin burn the first few days, but not now. Have to use moisturizer now, and my neck is also dry. I have large spots as well as loads of tiny white ones, mainly on my cheeks going towards my chin and on my neck. I will stick to it for 12 weeks now. I hope it works. I am 26 and have had severe acne for about 6 years now."

• Ben...
• January 29, 2020

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I'm 52, have oily skin and problems with adult pimples. My dermatologist recommended this one for my evening regimen after applying clindamycin and moisturizer. At first, my face felt dry even with the moisturizer, but later my face became used to it. I'm on my 2nd and a half month, and so far, it helps clear my pimples and my face became a bit smoother. My dermatologist said it also has an anti-aging component, so I hope I can see results on long-term use."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2020

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical for Acne "I was actually really worried about using Epiduo on my dry, sensitive skin. I started using it for just 20 minutes every other night. It didn’t sting, and my skin went through a horrible purging phase, which lasted like two weeks. I got dry patches after about 3 weeks around my face, which I neutralized with Cetraben. Six weeks in, I realized the initial big breakout was clearing up, but now I had big, red, dry, itchy patches around my eyes. My eyelids, in particular, are really red and dry even though I never put the product anywhere near my eyes. I also noticed that the spots on my chin just keep coming back, it hasn’t actually done all that much to clear my skin up. Now I’m still spotty, with really painfully itchy, dry, red rings around my eyes. I use a really gentle hemp seed moisturizer, which even stings now when I put it on. My skin feels super sensitive and sore and not that much clearer, to be honest."