Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical and Peeling: What Users Say

• Abi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2020

For Acne "I've only been using it for 5 days, but the first 2 days it was fine. However, I have now developed a burning sensation, leaving red marks on my cheeks and making the skin around my cheeks, nose, and mouth really dry and flaky."

• tad...
• October 9, 2014

For Acne "This stuff is amazing! At first, I had my doubts because in the first week, my face became red, sore, dry, and flaky. However, that is something that you have to put up with for a week or two. My skin is almost completely clear, and I am up to about month 4 of using the gel. My advice is do not give up on the gel, keep using it, and you will see improvements!"

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2015

For Acne "I was worried about using this product after reading mixed reviews. The first three weeks were the worst experience ever. It started working in the fourth week. Now at 6 weeks, I am so glad I stuck through it. It was worth the burning, peeling, red skin, and the emotional pain. If you are reading this comment, then you are in the same spot as I was 6 weeks ago. Trust me, I lost hope but continued to use it. Now my skin looks great. Happy I didn't give up, and you shouldn't either."

• Zoe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

For Acne "I left a review after the 1st week of using Epiduo, and I said I was positive about this product. I think I’m right. The first two weeks, my acne got worse, my right eye was swollen, and my whole face is burning like sunburn. I got huge and painful bumps on my forehead and parts that I don’t usually get acne, but I’m so glad that I didn’t give up. It’s been over a month now, and I only have some acne scars left to clear. I still have 1-2 bumps on my chin since I sleep late, which I think is normal. I can’t put on any makeup since it still gets super flaky. I didn’t use any moisturizer because my skin is already oily, instead, I use niacinamide 12% in the morning and Epiduo at night. Use it once every two days if you think it’s too strong for your skin. Yeah, girls, it will get worse before it gets better, don’t give up. Don’t use more than 1 pump, my face was almost ruined by using more than a “pea size” amount. DON'T DO IT, follow the instructions."

• May...
• June 27, 2020

For Acne "My dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo Forte two weeks ago. I’ve been on doxycycline for five weeks, and around week three is when she prescribed me Epiduo Forte for my acne. I heard, “it gets worse before it gets better,” but for me, it just got better... like... immediately. Given, I do use strong products on my face like retinoids and chemical peels often. My face has been purging since late March, I feel that I’ve gone through the purge stage already. Then I was left with these horrible dark spots, pinpoint scars, small acne, and red spots from the old acne. Washing my face with a gentle face wash every night, then using a small amount of my Epiduo on my troubled areas, and then you wake up... and it’s literally completely different than the night before. It’s what you need if you have cystic acne or scarring or a mixture of both, like me. I’m giving it a nine because my neck is peeling and burning from it, and I’m not sure how since I’ve never placed it down my neck."

• Niq...
• May 25, 2015

For Acne "I never had acne until I hit 19. I let it go for a while, thinking it would go away. Then I tried a whole variety of home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, supplements, and stopped wearing makeup, and NOTHING was working. I went to my GP, fed up and with low self-esteem, and she prescribed me Epiduo! At first, I was skeptical, after all, it was just a cream, but then I began to use it. For the first month, I had terrible irritation and burning, my skin would crack and peel, but I was so determined to clear my skin I pushed on. Around the 50-day mark, a miracle happened! Not 1 pimple! And I haven't had one since! My skin is just amazing now, people are complimenting me all the time about it, and I feel fantastic!"

• bba...
• January 19, 2021

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for 17 nights. Initially, it made my skin super smooth, with no breakouts, burning, or purging. However, after about a week, it became extremely painful, and my skin burned like crazy. Dry patches appeared around my eyes and mouth. I moisturized with Bria Organic Balm, and it cleared up within 2-4 days. One thing I will say for those who experience dry patches, burning, and peeling is to protect them while they heal. Put on a thin layer of thick moisturizer, massage it into the affected area, and cover it with Vaseline. Vaseline acts as a barrier, and therefore the benzoyl peroxide won’t travel to the affected areas. Vaseline is your friend in the fight against burning. Also, a handheld fan - or really any fan - is the best to just point at your face and sleep with! When they say a pea-sized amount, they mean it. You want as little as possible, but don’t worry, it will still work."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2009

For Acne "I started using this medicine about a week ago, and I've already noticed significant changes in my skin. Prior to use, I had a very bad breakout of acne all over my face: small bumps and big ones. Now, I have very, very few bumps, and also the scars left behind from old bumps are also beginning to clear up and lighten my complexion for a more even tone. The only downfall is the stinging that occurs sometimes, along with minimal peeling. But other than that, it gets the job done, and I'm pleased with what I'm seeing thus far. Hopefully, it continues to eventually make me acne-free."

• Qui...
• July 15, 2019

For Acne "When I first began applying Epiduo, I had a lot of breakouts coming through, but nothing I hadn't seen before. I have light acne, generally speaking. Using Epiduo at the beginning turned that light acne into moderate acne, which I understand to be the skin purging bacteria below the surface as the skin gets acclimated to the drug. Fast forward to two weeks in. I have clear skin. Tiny, texturized bumps that were there yesterday have vanished. I still have an active scab from a pimple I popped on my jawline, but I have never been more confident in this product. I am going to keep using it consistently so I don't disrupt this progress. I did/am getting a lot of dryness and flaking around the mouth and eyelids, but I am using CeraVe moisturizer to combat. Also, when I first started Epiduo, I was getting a TON of burning, and putting on moisturizer only made that feeling worse. That, however, is no longer the case after two weeks of consistent use. It doesn't burn at all anymore."

• Mar...
• January 15, 2021

For Acne "I started using Epiduo in November 2019, and back then my skin wasn’t very good. I had mild to moderate acne at the time and started using Epiduo once, maybe twice a day. The first month was horrible, and my skin started to get way worse. My breakouts were way worse than when I started. I didn’t have a burning sensation, however, my face started peeling like crazy. I had to use moisturizer all the time, and makeup would never cover it up. At the 2-3 month mark, my skin started getting slightly better with pretty bad scarring. However, when I reached the 6-month mark of this medication, I was VERY pleased with the results. It got rid of my scarring drastically, and my breakouts now are a lot better than they were before. I still have acne here and there, but nothing compared to what it was before. It doesn’t work for everybody, but it worked miracles on my skin."

• xze...
• June 20, 2013

For Acne "I'm 18 and have always struggled with hormonal acne. But for some reason, the past few months have been terrible. It was everywhere, and I felt so insecure. I went to the doctor, and she recommended Epiduo. Best decision ever! At first, I hated it because my skin is dry, itchy, flaky, and burns. But I finally found out how to put it on so it doesn't. Try this and see if it works: First, wash your face GENTLY with a NON-MEDICATED cleanser. Now this is the key. You have to wait for your face to completely dry between layers. Wait at least 10 minutes. So once that's dry, apply the Epiduo in a thin layer all over your face. Let dry for 15 min. Then apply a ton of moisturizer. My skin is so clear now!"

• sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2017

For Acne "Honestly, don't give up on this cream. I had acne since I was 13 years old, trying all sorts to clear my skin, but nothing worked, so I just dealt with it every day, covering myself in makeup. I'm now 21, and my skin is as clear as it has ever been. I started to use this cream 6 months ago, but after 2 weeks on it, I broke out in spots even more, and my skin started to peel to the point I couldn't even touch my face because it hurt. So I gave up the cream for a few weeks, but then decided to read some reviews, and I took on the advice of what people were saying to stick to it. I went back to the doctor's, got the cream again, 3 months on, the redness/peeling stopped and my skin is clear. I no longer wear makeup and feel confident! STICK IT OUT!"

• Anonymous
• September 28, 2010

For Acne "I started using this medication on September 7th, 2010, and today's date is September 28th, 2010, and boy, have I noticed a big difference. The first couple of weeks, I felt like giving up because the burning and peeling were unbearable. But now my face is a lot clearer, and the burning and peeling are gone. It still has some ways to go, but it's so much better. My advice to you is to hold on and wait a little while longer because you will see awesome results once you get past that stage."

• Ale...
• December 12, 2014

For Acne "I'm so thankful for Epiduo! It works wonders! Yes, there is the downfall of dry, flaky skin, but that can be cured with Cetaphil oil control moisturizer. Other than that, my face feels and looks amazing!"

• Jaz...
• January 27, 2015

For Acne "I have been on Epiduo for about 3 weeks, and it seems like every time I apply the gel, I turn red and breakout more. Then it's accompanied by dry, flaky skin. I think I'm going to stop the use of the Epiduo gel."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2017

For Acne "Epiduo hurt. And stung. It hurt when I put it on, it hurt when I put on lotion, and it hurt when I tried makeup. I only put it on at night; washed my face, put on the Epiduo for 15 minutes, then covered myself in Nivea Soft lotion (the one that stung the least, $4.99). Today is day 18, and I am THRILLED! I only have scars, which are fading day by day. My skin is still peeling and stings! But it's tolerable. I haven't worn makeup to college or work for the past 3 days for the first time in my entire life, and I looked fine. A guy even hit on me in the parking lot! I will continue to use Epiduo even if the peeling face never goes away. It's done wonders! I'll wait another month and post on here again for the same results. STICK TO IT! TRUST!"

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2015

For Acne "I love this acne treatment. I have been using Epiduo for 5 months now, and my face has never been clearer. I didn't have severe acne before, but I had acne. I've tried different things like Proactiv and Neutrogena face wash, and nothing worked. I finally went to a dermatologist, and he prescribed me Epiduo. I have normally really dry skin, so within the first week, I had really dry, flaky skin, but I laid off the medicine for about a week and just moisturized, and after that, I applied every other day till my skin was used to it. Only took about 3 months to completely clear my face up. I love Epiduo. It seriously works wonders. I recommend this product to anyone struggling with acne. It's so easy, and as long as you are consistent, it really works!"

• may...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 21, 2015

For Acne "I love Epiduo. I've been using this acne medication for 3 years now and have flawless skin. It does make your face dry and flaky when you start using it, and it does take about 6 or more months to completely clear your face up, so be patient. Always remember to wear sunscreen when using this product."

• tee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2014

For Acne "I was getting a lot of pimples due to being sick, so my doctor gave me 2 small samples of Epiduo. I used the product twice a day for less than a week, which led to my skin peeling, being dry, and irritated. I stopped and used moisturizer instead, which helped out a lot. In the end, I continued using that small amount of Epiduo once a day, and daily moisturizing helped my acne go away really fast. I've been using this for less than 2 months now, and overall, the product is great, BUT you have to apply the gel according to instructions. A small amount goes a long way!"

• Yoo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2013

For Acne "Update: My skin initially cleared up for the first week, but then the next 2-3 weeks were horrible, with a lot of breakouts! For the first 3 weeks, my skin was so red, painful, dry, and peeling. Then, all of a sudden, everything went away... My acne is minimal, almost completely gone after a little over a month, and my skin feels so hydrated! Such a great product!"

• ron...
• December 3, 2014

For Acne "My dermatologist gave me Epiduo with some antibiotics and a cleanser. I was told to apply it every night before I go to bed. My skin did become red, flaky, and irritated, but after 1 month of using it non-stop, my skin started to clear up. Thanks, Epiduo."

• Laj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2015

For Acne "I recently just started using this product because my face was really breaking out with large pimples, and I can tell you all from life experience that it works! My face has already cleared up after a week, and even though my face is peeling badly, I still rate the product almost a 10."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2015

For Acne "So I'm 16, a teenager with acne, as usual. I used this product from my dermatologist, and I have to say I love it! I didn't get any peeling, redness, or pain at all. I really noticed a difference after the first day. It smoothed my skin and took away some scars. I love this product and would definitely recommend it for other teenagers like me dealing with acne."

• Ann...
• January 14, 2015

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo (as prescribed by my dermatologist) for a couple of months, and it's the only product I've tried that really cleared my acne. Be careful on applying a thick layer because it might cause redness, and the skin will also peel. Just keep using it, and you'll see the great effect for a couple of weeks."

• som...
• February 25, 2017

For Acne "One word, WOW. I was really depressed about my skin, and I decided to go to a dermatologist after finishing my exams. She gave me Epiduo and another medicine. At first, my skin got irritated, and for 2 days it was really red and peeling. I talked to my derm, and she told me to stop the other medicine and use a moisturizer before applying Epiduo. I continued using it every other day, and the results after a month were amazing. Now I have less acne, and every 2 months I do a deep cleanse, which is called HydraFacial. I don't really use much makeup like I used to before, I'm not applying foundation, and relatives and friends are surprised too. Thanks, Epiduo. By the way, I'm still using it, but I just apply it once or twice a week."