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

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2017

For Acne "I have mild redness and swelling of pimples and scarring due to stress that I just could not clear up with over-the-counter products. I decided to go to a dermatologist, and they prescribed me Epiduo (cream) and Minocycline (a pill) to help with the inflammation. I do have sensitive skin, and each day I use it, it does burn when I put it on and leaves my face red and very dry! But.....I already see an improvement in my skin! They did say to use Epiduo gel every OTHER day if the redness and dryness continue. I am also using CeraVe lotion afterwards to moisturize (their recommendation), and it does not leave an oily residue like others I have tried, and it truly is a great lightweight lotion! I have faith in this acne product! Keep using it! :)"

• Anonymous
• August 14, 2013

For Acne "I started using Epiduo about 21 days ago. I'm not the type of person to apply it every night because I'm lazy. But my mom said that she has noticed a difference and says that my acne looks like it is going away. I am also a person who picks my face a lot, which I know is really bad. Epiduo did make my skin dry, but not that badly. I would highly suggest if you touch your face and use this, try as hard as you can not to touch your face. Also, I would suggest to make sure you apply it every night and wash your face. If I applied Epiduo every day for the past 21 days, I'm sure my skin would be so much better and almost clear. I will most likely write back soon to update on my skin progress."

• Ano...
• September 9, 2018

For Acne "I struggled with a sudden burst of cystic acne on my cheeks for about a year before I finally went to a dermatologist. She prescribed Epiduo Forte along with a foam cleanser and sunscreen. The first two to three weeks were hell on my skin, it was dry, red, scaly, and after that, my skin got a few more breakouts. It wasn't until about two months of use that I really started to see my skin change for the better. Overall, after using Epiduo for six months in total, my face is completely clear and about 85% of the scarring the acne had caused is gone."

• lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2016

For Acne "Epiduo Forte is a great topical! My dermatologist put me on it about two weeks ago because I have mild, non-cystic acne. I also have oily skin. She said to wash my face with Cetaphil moisturizing cleanser and use a pea size amount of Cetaphil facial moisturizer mixed with the Epiduo to make it easier to spread around and prevent total dryness of the skin. She also informed me that the first four weeks would make my skin worse before it got better, so if you're trying it and you see this, don't worry. In the morning, I use Clinique Moisture Surge on the areas that are most dry, and it really helps. I can't say much about the full results yet, only because it's my third week on the stuff, but so far it is trustworthy. Hope this helps!!!"

• jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2016

For Acne "This stuff is so good! Wow-at first, my face was so dry, red, itchy, and burning that I could hardly wash it and spent days inside with ice and aloe vera on my face. But when I pulled through, all the tiny under-the-skin spots had completely disappeared, making a flawless complexion! Now I just use a tiny bit on my clear skin once every two days where I break out and get redness, as I am extremely acne-prone. Don't give up! It's so worth it when you get the results!"

• Kat...
• August 19, 2018

For Acne "I started using Epiduo Forte almost 8 weeks ago. I used as prescribed (slowly increasing use over time). For the two weeks or so, my skin purged and got worse (more pimples in the areas that normally broke out), but at about that 3-4 week mark, I started to really see a difference in my skin and got super excited. But now, for the past two weeks, my skin is pretty much right back to how it was before I started. Not terrible, but definitely not good, perhaps maybe even worse than before. I’m not sure what I may have done wrong, but if this is how my skin will continue to look using this, I’m going to stop. Also, this medication is extremely drying (especially around the mouth area) and causes your skin to flake and sometimes itch and slightly burn. I’m disappointed, but hoping to give it two more weeks before throwing it in the trash."

• leb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2014

For Acne "I usually suffer from very bad acne and have tried strong medications, including a Zineryt zinc roll on my face, which gradually lost its effectiveness. However, this medication is super effective. I could visually see the improvement in about 4 to 5 days. The thing that stops me from giving it a 10 is the dryness it causes, it's changed the sensation in some parts of my face. Other than that, it's fab."

• BTa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

For Acne "I have had moderate acne for about 3 years (currently age 19). I tried Lymecycline for approx. 8 months, and it helped, but not much. I used Epiduo for about 2 months now, and my skin is almost clear for the first time in years! There was some slight dryness/flaking after a few weeks, but it cleared up with moisturizer. Great product."

• Gia...
• November 21, 2016

For Acne "I had acne on my forehead only. It was like small bumps all over. When I first used Epiduo, I initially experienced the acne looking a lot worse and feeling really horrible. It was itchy, dry, and red, almost inflamed. At the time, I was away on vacation, so I decided to stop using it for the time being. When I came home (4 weeks later), I decided to give it another try. This time around, it worked AMAZING. After two days of using it, ALL of the acne on my forehead has gone away. My forehead has never been so clear before. I am also using Aczone 7.5% in the morning. It seems like everyone has different experiences with this product, but it really worked for me!!"

• 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."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2013

For Acne "Since my first year of college, I started breaking out badly. I would get so frustrated that I would pop my pimples, and so I would get countless acne scars. After three years of adult acne, I decided to finally go to the dermatologist. She recommended Epiduo to me. At first, it really dried out my skin, especially around my nose. However, after a week or so, the over-drying of my skin subsided. I would actually wake up with really oily skin, and I still do (but that could be from a lot of different things with my skin). After using it every night for three months now, my skin has changed dramatically. The only reason I didn't give this gel a 10/10 is because my skin isn't perfect, but whose is?"

• Kir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2017

For Acne "I am on the 7th week of using this product. At 28 and having always suffered hormonal acne breakouts, I was desperate to find something to be rid of my acne without using contraceptive pills. I used Epiduo at night, spreading sparingly and only on the affected areas. Yes, it gets dry, but it does clear the spots. Week by week, my skin appears better, then not so good, then better again. I'm persevering as it's recommended that over 8 weeks it will improve. I feel positive about this product, it hasn't caused burning or redness but can be slightly itchy against my pillow, so I apply early evening and sleep on a clean towel over my pillow. I would recommend this product, but be sure to give it time."

• Epi...
• May 31, 2016

For Acne "I have been on this medication for over three months for moderate acne. It got rid of most of the acne, but the first two weeks were almost unbearably painful. After three months, I didn't give up yet, but I still get big red and under-the-skin pimples that are super noticeable, along with whiteheads. My skin is covered in acne scars that faded slightly from the exfoliation of Epiduo, but my skin's texture is hideous, it is dry and crusty, and on top of the extreme dryness, it is oily! This medication is very hard to deal with, and as soon as I stop using it, I know I'll break out again. I think Epiduo will work wonderfully on foreheads, but all over the face completely killed my skin. I hate my skin only slightly less now :/"

• 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)."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2015

For Acne "So far, Epiduo has been great on cheeks. Made my face really dry, but it's worth it. Now that acne is no longer being formed on my face, I'm starting to get acne on my neck. But overall, Epiduo is great. :)"

• Dez...
• April 15, 2017

For Acne "I have tried so many products. I've seen different dermatologists, and when I got prescribed Epiduo, I don't know why it took so long to get this as it was a lifesaver. I'm a 32-year-old adult, and whenever I get a breakout, I use it once at night and I clear up quickly. It is a little drying, but I just moisturize before putting it on. It worked amazingly for me."

• Anonymous
• January 21, 2016

For Acne "I have been breaking out terribly since as long as I can remember. The amount of medications and creams I have been prescribed is not even countable. My dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo after I changed insurance companies, and I figured the stuff would work because of the price. It took a couple of months before it really started to work, but my skin is so clear. During those few first months, I hated the stuff because I broke out even more and my skin was dry, but I kept using it because the doctor said with Epiduo, your skin does get worse before it gets better. I love my skin now, and I highly recommend it!"

• lew...
• November 25, 2015

For Acne "I am 32 years of age, and I have tried everything, I mean everything. I started using this, and my skin is now amazing. Yes, the first week, my skin was red in the evening when I put it on, but it has to settle at night and was fine the next morning, a bit dry, but just use a good hydrating cream and serum or rosehip oil after, and it settles down. After a week, the redness at night disappeared as my skin got used to it. After a week, I had no new spots, and my old ones were clearing up nicely. It's now been 3 months, and I'm on my second bottle and can't rate this stuff enough. My skin is 99% clear apart from that once-a-month flare of one or two, and that's it. I also use MD Formulations glycolic cleanser and a hydrating serum morning and night."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2015

For Acne "My experience with Epiduo has been phenomenal. It's been 2 years, and I have developed a solid skincare routine based on it, my skin is looking better than ever. I have recommended this product to two of my friends, who have also seen results. Epiduo is very drying to the skin. I recommend asking at your doctor’s/pharmacy for a deep moisturizer, I made the mistake of using over-the-counter brands such as Simple and E45, which could not help my extremely dry skin. I recommend Cetraban. Epiduo is amazing, definitely worth a try."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2018

For Acne "2nd month into Epiduo with no acne and few post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks. The marks are fading fast and no new spots. My skin is almost clear after years. I experienced the dryness around the 2nd week, but it’s better now. I have also taken Accutane a few years back, but this is better for acne and dark marks. Sunscreen is a must."

• Ari...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 17, 2020

For Acne "Pros: Clears acne, mainly teenage acne vulgaris in an amazing way, it should have got a 10 grade. Cons: Dries your skin, and if you have dry skin, then you will have problems in the winter months. Tip: Use a pea-sized and a half amount for the whole face, don't overuse it, and you won't have dryness. It completely deserves its money, it's a lifesaver."

• lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2017

For Acne "Epiduo is fantastic. I've only used it for 3 weeks, but my skin is so much clearer (I had moderate acne). However, it is a prescription treatment, and you have to be careful with it: use it sparingly and just once a day, more won't work faster. The best way to do this is to buy a gentle cleanser and moisturizer (Cetaphil and Eucerin are fantastic as they're formulated for skin undergoing acne treatment). Cleanse and moisturize morning and evening, and follow with a very thin layer of Epiduo every evening. The dryness and flaking disappear after 10-14 days, so be patient. If your skin is sensitive, the best thing to do is to apply Epiduo after your moisturizer has sunk in. This creates a barrier, but the treatment works just as effectively."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."