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

• Lan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2019

For Acne "I have started using Epiduo for the last few months, so far, so good. It's normal to have the breakouts for the first 2 weeks, I was already aware since I've been reading a lot of reviews before I took it. It did enlarge my acne, but just trust the process. After that, I kept on getting better results, my acne started to shrink. I use moisturizer before applying it since it really stings, and it helped a lot to prevent so much flaking of my skin. Epiduo is a great product. Not sure why it doesn't work for everyone, but I recommend trying it first and seeing the result yourself."

• Ceo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2014

For Acne "I've had the worst acne and blackheads since I was 12 or 13. I use Cerave Hydrating Cleanser to cleanse my skin, followed by Epiduo in the morning. I moisturize with Cerave A.M. moisturizing lotion. At night, I cleanse and scrub off dead skin and use Retin-A Micro Gel, followed by the Cerave P.M. moisturizing lotion. Let me start off by saying that I got discouraged the first week because my skin burned, started to peel, got flaky, and just plain looked like a red tomato. My first thought was I will not use this no more. I stopped for two days and just moisturized to heal my skin. I started back up again and told myself pain is just a physical feeling that the mind can overcome. I'm pulling through it and guess what? It's working!"

• Ceo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2014

For Acne "I've had the worst acne and blackheads since I was 12 or 13. I use Cerave Hydrating Cleanser to cleanse my skin, followed by Epiduo in the morning. I moisturize with Cerave A.M. moisturizing lotion. At night, I cleanse and scrub off dead skin and use Retin-A Micro Gel, followed by the Cerave P.M. moisturizing lotion. Let me start off by saying that I got discouraged the first week because my skin burned, started to peel, got flaky, and just plain looked like a red tomato. My first thought was I will not use this no more. I stopped for two days and just moisturized to heal my skin. I started back up again and told myself pain is just a physical feeling that the mind can overcome. I'm pulling through it and guess what? It's working!"

• nyc...
• July 23, 2018

For Acne "Epiduo Forte is probably one of the most effective topicals I've used to date (suffered from hormonal cystic acne for 8 years now) and definitely more effective than Epiduo. I've never written a review for an acne medication before, so trust me when I say I rely on Epiduo Forte as an effective spot treatment. I find this topical to really help in thwarting those angry cystic pimples and stop them in their tracks. If I get them early and apply the Forte, they usually go away or just turn into a regular, smaller pimple with a head. The only thing I hate about it is that it makes the area where you apply the Epiduo Forte EXTREMELY dried out and flaky, which sucks for a foundation-wearer like myself. The flaking doesn't fully subside until about a week, so if you want your makeup to look smooth, try not to apply the night before or just apply a very thin layer."

• Anonymous
• May 2, 2017

For Acne "It took a good couple of months for me to start seeing noticeable results. When I first started using it, my skin was so red and started peeling and flaking off, it also made me break out so much. Make sure to use plenty of moisturizer and hydrating products (I use Dermalogica Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion, would recommend it as it helps a lot with the dryness but doesn't leave your skin with a greasy feel). After about a month, the redness and peeling stopped. It's taken a little less than a year for my skin to get to where it is now, it is so clear and has very minimal redness, it's also helped with the scarring. You have to have a lot of patience when using this product, but it's 100% worth it in the end."

• Anonymous
• May 2, 2017

For Acne "It took a good couple of months for me to start seeing noticeable results. When I first started using it, my skin was so red and started peeling and flaking off, it also made me break out so much. Make sure to use plenty of moisturizer and hydrating products (I use Dermalogica Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion, would recommend it as it helps a lot with the dryness but doesn't leave your skin with a greasy feel). After about a month, the redness and peeling stopped. It's taken a little less than a year for my skin to get to where it is now, it is so clear and has very minimal redness, it's also helped with the scarring. You have to have a lot of patience when using this product, but it's 100% worth it in the end."

• cjj...
• June 20, 2014

For Acne "I've had super clear skin until the last week of eighth grade! Now it's summer, and I needed something to help my sudden breakout before high school. My doctor recommended Epiduo. At first, I was using it twice a day because I thought it would get rid of the acne faster. It didn't. I couldn't wear makeup because my skin was dry and peeling and way discolored. So I stopped for about 3 days and just moisturized. My acne got a little worse after that. I am 5 days past the 1-month mark, and my skin is actually just starting to clear up. I used it once a day at night with the Cetaphil face wash. I only have it in the middle of my forehead near my hairline and on my cheeks. I was getting very discouraged, but the medicine needs about 3 months."

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2017

For Acne "This is the one and only thing that has helped my acne. I have tried both oral and topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics helped for a while, however, my body became used to the drug and the effects wore off, and my acne returned. At one point, I was considering Roaccutane, but I am so glad I didn't. The two things with this cream are time and persistence. At first, it will seem everything is worse: dry, burning, peeling skin, which is red raw. Only apply minimally at first (1 small blob) and allow your skin to get used to the cream, otherwise, your skin will burn. After time, you can start to apply more. I have been using it for 4 months now, and I apply twice daily, but still have to be careful not to apply too much, otherwise, I do feel the ill effects."

• Mar...
• July 12, 2013

For Acne "I got prescribed this product last August after visiting a dermatologist. Acne was always one of my insecurities, and it had gotten pretty bad, but about 4 months of using Epiduo, my face had cleared. The first few weeks are going to be miserable, my face peeled, became red, and hurt to even touch. To help the dryness, I found using Eucerin's Aquaphor completely saved my life. I highly recommend this product, go see your dermatologist."

• Gee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2015

For Acne "I started using Epiduo last Monday. I did not have any side effects until day 5, my face peeled, but nothing I couldn't exfoliate off when I washed my face. No peeling after day 5. On day 6, my face stung a little when I put the lotion on a few minutes after the Epiduo. After that, my face still stings a little around the eye area only, but nothing that I can't just get over right away... Very mild. My face looks about 50% better already!! I am so happy, and my husband, kids, and coworkers have noticed. I'm afraid of the 'purge' to come since I have been on it for about 11 days now and see positive changes. I will update you guys again in about a week. I wanted to post because I am not having the negative experience most people are posting."

• 161...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2015

For Acne "My experience with Epiduo is amazing. I am 13 years old and had lots of acne and occasionally pimples on my nose area, cheeks, forehead, and chin. This lowered my self-esteem, especially when I was in a class full of kids with clear skin. It was a pain, and I usually hid my face. One of my mum's friends said to go to the GP and get a cream or something as it got worse. So my mum took me to the GP, and he told me to try Epiduo, he also gave me another cream called Cetaphil. At first, I had a stinging sensation, especially on my nose area, and my skin was peeling, but I continued, and it's been a month, and my face is clearing up. I occasionally get 2 pimples when I'm on my period, but nothing I can't handle. IT'S AMAZING !!!"

• Lbl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2014

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo for a couple of months now. It's cleared my skin completely, I couldn't be happier! In the first week, I had red spotting on my face and tingling when applied, but whatever you do, don't overdo it, use a pea size and use it on only the affected areas! People that write negative comments about the burning and the irritation, read the instructions, it does inform you that they are common side effects! It strips your skin (due to the dry skin and flaking), and as for the people that are breaking out on it, don't lose hope, gels like Epiduo will bring up the bad stuff only to make it better. As for the people asking if it bleaches, just make sure it's massaged in and dry, because you go putting your head on your pillow."

• Diz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 2, 2019

For Acne "This is the only product that works on my face. I have used it for several years, and you do not have to use it every day! When I did that, that’s when my face started to burn and get red, so I changed to every other day to every 3 days, only at night, after I moisturized! Keep skin hydrated, and if you notice your face is burning really bad and peeling, spread out your usage of it. It did the same thing to my son, so we spread it out, and it worked great without getting all those irritations."

• EIM...
• October 2, 2019

For Acne "I am a 24-year-old female who has suffered with mild to moderate hormonal acne for the past 10 years and comedonal acne for a good 5 years that, up to recently, was only getting worse. Just under 4 weeks ago, I went to a dermatologist for the first time, who recommended I try the Dretine birth control pill (also known as Yasmin) combined with Epiduo as the external treatment. For the first week, I had no burning, peeling, or really any symptoms, and my skin didn't really change. During week 2, my skin got significantly worse, with more cystic deep spots than I would normally have and my closed comedones coming to the surface even more. By the end of week 3, the burning sensation really started to kick in, and it was beyond itchy after every application for a good hour after. I am now coming to the end of week 4, and although the burning is still very much present and the dryness and peeling around my mouth has finally gotten noticeable, my skin is looking DRAMATICALLY better!"

• mim...
• November 15, 2012

For Acne "I remember being horrified by looking at myself in the mirror. Crying nonstop, but ever since I started using Epiduo, my confidence is back. I haven't been this happy in months, and Epiduo really did the trick for my skin. It may have burned at first and peeled a lot, but my face is a lot clearer, and I recommend it to everyone with acne problems!"

• acn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2016

For Acne "Have been on it for about 4 weeks and have certainly noticed a difference in my skin. The first couple of weeks were pretty uncomfortable, but getting a no-alcohol moisturizer certainly helped with the burning sensation. For the first week, I looked like I had a bad sunburn, and my skin is still peeling a bit, but not nearly as badly. Side effects calm down, and so does your acne! Just stick with it."

• Jan...
• June 6, 2019

For Acne "I have never had a problem with my skin while I was growing up until I got to the age of 21. Then I came out covered in spots on my chin and forehead area, really bad! I tried everything, all good brands, none worked. I got facials, which made them worse. I got a TC peel on my chin, which ruined my skin, don’t do it - it took layers of my face off! I am now 22, tried Epiduo gel, which burns my face a lot and makes it red and peel! I have been on this cream for over 10 weeks, and I have really started to see a difference only in the last 3 weeks. My face has really cleared up, the side effects aren't the best, but I can live with it as long as I am getting my clear skin back. I still have the odd spot coming through, but nothing like it was. Moisturizing isn’t the best as I had to stop the peeling, but it’s burning when I do it. I use Kiehl’s products, which are really good, but I have seen reviews that people are using Cetaphil while on this cream, so I am gonna give that a go and see how I get on."

• Lea...
• July 31, 2014

For Acne "I've never had acne as a teen, my skin was usually oily, but nothing a little oil control toner couldn't fix. I had pretty clear skin. I'm 25 years old and have had my first baby, and that's when it started. I could not believe how I broke out with severe acne. I tried a lot of over-the-counter acne washes, but nothing worked. I went to a dermatologist who prescribed me two pill medications and acne night gel. It didn't work. I went to my family physician, and she prescribed me Epiduo, thank God. It worked right away after a week of using it only at night after washing my face with Cetaphil. I've had clear skin, a little burning after a week and peeling, but it sure was worth it. I love this stuff. Acne free. Thank you."

• Dai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2017

For Acne "My 14-year-old son was prescribed Epiduo for his moderate acne about 3 months ago. I myself am 36 and have suffered from acne my whole life (since the 5th grade!!). Anyway, I decided to try it with him, and I'm so glad I did. At first, it made both of our skin break out and was red, itchy, peeling, and irritated. So we started using it every other night instead (also, only use it at night and AVOID THE EYE AREA!!). After about 2-3 weeks of using Epiduo, I noticed a dramatic improvement in both of our skin. Now my son may have a few tiny little pimples here or there, but nothing like it was before, and I don't have any at all! Not only am I pimple-free, but my melasma/dark spots are almost completely gone!! I highly recommend!!"

• Ned...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2024

For Acne "It is almost 1 year since I got acne on my face. Firstly, it was only on my forehead, later, it spread to my chin and cheek and developed severe acne. I used Deriva CMS gel 0.1% adapalene alone on my face for almost 6 months, hoping that it would cure my skin, but it did not. Now my doctor prescribed Epiduo gel along with AHA Glow face wash and Clear gel. Now I am using Epiduo gel for almost 6 weeks. I don't see any visible results after 6 weeks. My acne keeps coming like I'm not using any medicine. I have dry, flaky, burning skin, and it's itching like hell every time I use this medicine, even after 6 weeks. I thought of giving up this many times. But after coming across many positive reviews, I feel to continue this and wait for 4 months, still hoping for results."

• 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."

• Ros...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 13, 2020

For Acne "Epiduo Forte has literally changed my life, and I'm so thankful to my derm who prescribed me this cream. I had cystic spots on my cheeks, bumps on my forehead, and blackheads along my jawline and chin. For 1 year, I tried using expensive skincare and getting microdermabrasion/facials, but nothing worked, so I decided to see a derm (which I should've done in the 1st place, but in my country, it can take up to 6 months to get an appointment with a derm). For the first 2 months, I had breakouts and itchy, red, peeling skin. I stuck it out and also used Cetaphil moisturizing cream and SPF 50+ sunscreen every day, and after 3 months, my skin was completely cleared of acne. It's been 12 months since I started using Epiduo Forte, and I now use a small amount every other night if I feel like I need to. Take pics of your face each night to track your skin's improvement!"

• ony...
• January 21, 2021

For Acne "I am on my 8th week of using Epiduo. The first 1-3 weeks were awful. It felt like my entire face was severely sunburned, and my skin was peeling so much my masks and clothes were covered in dead skin (this is still happening, but it's not as bad as it was at first). Moisturizer helped relieve the pain, but no other symptoms. I am on week 8 now, and I am worried because I have acne scars still from the 6-week mark that will not go away? I have noticed I only have blackheads and whiteheads on my face and no more cystic acne or pimples, but I am very concerned that the redness and irritation and acne scars will not dissipate. I will continue going to the 3-month mark, but I am upset with the results because my skin is still peeling, red, and I'm having scars."

• hel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 20, 2016

For Acne "My daughter has been on Epiduo since 8th grade (12), and she is still on it now in junior year (16), and it really does work wonders. Her skin is completely pimple-free, with the occasional 1 or 2 pimples here and there. This product really does work. The only problem is the occasional burning, flaking, and dry sensation. They started about one year after taking the product, although it does vary depending on your skin type. For all the people suffering from this, I suggest first completely washing your face, then applying a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil. After, apply a very thin layer of Vaseline on your face (trust me, it works), then apply the Epiduo with a pea-sized amount. IT WON'T FEEL LIKE BURNING OR FLAKING."

• 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."