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

• 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."

• 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."

• Bsm...
• July 16, 2014

For Acne "Have applied very lightly once a day for 3 days now. And it's completely unbearable. Where my skin was perfectly fine before using is now red, scaly, and itchy. Absolutely everything hurts my face, even water."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2019

For Acne "I've been on Epiduo with antibiotic pills for 7 weeks now. In the first couple of weeks, I had horrendous itching, and my skin peeled. Now, in the 6th and 7th week, I've come out with cystic spots that are painful and swollen, and my skin looks worse than it has ever done. I'm hoping it'll start to clear up now, as I've heard good things about this stuff."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2019

For Acne "Worked very well for my moderate acne. After 3 months of continuous use, I saw drastic improvements, after 6 months, my acne was gone. Only complaint is that it caused severe itchiness on my earlobes. So severe that it wakes me up at night and bothers me throughout the day. It’s worth it though compared to the alternative."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2020

For Acne "I don't think I've ever had such a bad experience with a product. Epiduo Forte left my skin dry, red, peeling, itchy, and burning. It was incredibly painful. I had to switch from using it nightly to using it every other night to using it twice a week, and nothing helped. I have a friend who had no issues with it and had wonderful results from it, but that definitely was not my case. To be completely honest, I do have sensitive skin, but no other product I have used in my 19 years of life has ever had a reaction like this before or anything like it. I had to throw it out."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 17, 2019

For Acne "Age 42. I had bad cystic acne on my chin for years. I have used this gel for 2 years on my chin and no longer have acne. It is the best! However, I can’t wax my eyebrows anymore because this gel thins your skin (your whole face), not just the areas you use it. I got my brows waxed, and there was a lot of bleeding and scabbing. Now I just use tweezers."

• The...
• May 7, 2013

For Acne "I'm 13, and I have been using Epiduo gel for about a month now. At first, I used it, and I couldn't stand it! I thought I would rather have acne, but then I started liking someone, so I wanted to look good. After a month, it is just amazing. For pretty much everyone, it does itch and peel, but those side effects go away. The redness is the last thing to go, not the best thing, but it's better than peeling and not being able to put makeup on. It does hurt while using it, so 9/10."

• Sop...
• February 10, 2017

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo for maybe 4 months now. I use a pea-sized amount all over my face every night. I have to say, it didn't do wonders for my skin. It caused peeling, dry patches, and super sensitive skin. Whenever I wash my face with Cetaphil, it burns. Moisturizing my face burns as well. I know it's supposed to get worse before it gets better, but I've just seen no improvements. It wasn't for me, but maybe it'll work for you :)"

• Mrs...
• February 8, 2017

For Acne "When I say I've tried almost everything on the acne on my chest, I really mean it. I broke out all over my torso, upper arms, and forehead on holiday when I was 13 and have been in and out of dermatologists ever since. I've tried pills, lotions, changing my diet, etc., and had no results. I've even been on Accutane for four months. I tried one last time, and my derm gave me Epiduo. I'm not going to lie, my skin was unbelievably itchy, red, and irritated for a while, but I began to see results quite quickly. I've been on it for 3 months now, and I can honestly say I've never been this clear. Going to see if every other day will keep it going. Might not work for everyone, but certainly worked for me."

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2016

For Acne "WARNING TO ALL! If you have sensitive skin, this is not for you! I informed my doctor over and over again while at the office that my skin is sensitive and to prescribe something safe for me, and this is what I got. I got peeling, burning, redness, itching, painful skin as a result and have had 2 months of my skin like this! I thought acne was bad, but I feel so ugly with such tomato red peeling skin. A coworker asked if I went on vacation because she thought I got a sunburn. My face looks like it's shedding skin, and my skin feels paper thin, and overall I'm angry and sad that my skin sucks right now. It decreased some whiteheads on my forehead, but I still have pimples. Going to the derm this Friday and asking to get off this awful product!"

• Pag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2017

For Acne "Wait it out! I'm a 32-year-old female who began suffering from adult cystic acne just over a year ago. For some reason, only the right side of my face really broke out, and the acne was deep and painful. After using Epiduo for the recommended 3 months, I wasn't seeing results. The itchiness and peeling stopped after only two weeks of using it, so I thought the product wasn't even working for me at the 3-month mark. I stuck with it anyway, and now at 4 months, I have no more active acne, and my skin is baby smooth! The downside to this med is that it caused post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which takes time to fade. But I'm happy that until then, my skin feels good, and there's no more acne!"

• Ann...
• January 29, 2016

For Acne "I'm 19 and have been on Epiduo for around 3 weeks and have so far seen no improvements in my acne. I have more blackheads now than I did before starting the treatment, and the burning and itching sensation will not go away even when the product is washed off. It seems to have made my skin hypersensitive, and I'm hoping that if I stick with it, it will be worth it in the end."

• Loo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2015

For Acne "My uncle (who is a doctor) suggested Epiduo and take a medicine called Minocycline/Akamine. I take the mino twice every day, and the production of acne reduced in the first few weeks. At the same time, I clean my face every night with a gentle cleanser and put moisturizer on. Afterwards, I put the Epiduo on the infected area. People have been saying that it hurts/burns, but for me, it was only the first night. I was itching badly, I couldn't sleep. So I put a lot of moisturizer on my face. Afterwards, it didn't hurt/burn ever. I don't put Epiduo on my face every day, but when an area of my face is only infected. I've been using it for 5 months, and it's heaven. No acne at all. Epiduo only helps clear the acne on your face, it does not clear it, the medicine does."

• pea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2017

For Acne "So I started on Epiduo around 8 weeks ago. My skin reacted quite severely to the gel at first. Red, burning, itching, and extreme peeling. As the weeks went by, my acne got a fair bit worse and constant. But I was reluctant to give up now I was in the 'purging' stage. I'm now near the end of week 8 and am finding I am just left with scarring. I haven't had one breakout in over a week, which is a miracle for my skin! I really hope this is the Epiduo working."