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

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2012

For Acne "I had patches of acne all over my face, and they were bothering me, so I started using Epiduo, which was prescribed by my doctor. At first, my skin was peeling slightly, and it made my face burn so bad, like it was on fire. I toughed it out, and after a week or two, it stopped. My skin is very clear now, other than a very small pimple here or there. I would recommend Epiduo to anyone."

• 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."

• pup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2015

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for about a month now, and I have to say it is the most gentle acne med I have ever been on. I was expecting the horror stories of flaking and dry skin that I have read about, and I have had zero irritation since using it. Overall, it seems to work well, but I don't think it can tackle my severe nodular cystic acne, so I think I will have to go back on Accutane sadly. Please don't let people scare you away from trying this med, though. If I didn't have these huge cysts, I would rate this a 10, but as most people know, topical can do little for cystic acne, which is not this med's fault. Overall, my skin is super smooth, and I would highly suggest this medication."

• Kep...
• March 21, 2015

For Acne "I've only been using Epiduo for a few days, and I don't know how I'll ever go without it. I use it twice a day, and it is working wonders on my acne. Some people have mentioned that it dries out their skin and makes it flaky. I have not experienced this whatsoever because I have very oily skin."

• 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 :)"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2018

For Acne "I have bad acne. I tried birth control, which didn't help. I then tried Purbac (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim antibiotic) that helped a little, but my doctor said it isn't a long-term solution. I then tried Epiduo. The first two weeks, I had no side effects, but then my third week, my skin went super dry, it was red and peeling. This was a horrible experience, however, I saw it already started making a difference, so I continued, but I put a fragrance-free lip balm around my eyes, mouth, and nose, and it helped with rehydrating my skin. I'm on my sixth week now, and my skin is almost completely clear. Epiduo is definitely worth using!"

• 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!"

• Cas...
• July 11, 2016

For Acne "This is my 2 1/2 weeks on Epiduo. My skin is clearing up a bit. I'm still getting used to the medication, so there is slight burning and irritation, and dry, flaky skin when I wake up for work. The doctor said it will subside, so I'm just waiting it out. A bit uncomfortable, but I'm willing to see how it goes."

• san...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 31, 2014

For Acne "I've suffered from acne for 8 years now and went through all sorts of phases. Now I'm 20 years old and it's all down on the chin area with deep, painful cysts everywhere. Unfortunately, Epiduo (or any topical cream, actually) is not good for that kind of stuff. If you're a teenager, this may yield more likely results. I had an extremely oily face as a teen, so I didn't even experience the red, dry, flaky skin that most do. Sadly, it stopped being effective about 6 months in, so eventually, I quit. Recently, I've tried it again, but now it gives me persistent, painful red, dry, flaky skin and not much positive results. It may be better for other people."

• cha...
• January 13, 2017

For Acne "24 years old, I have very hormone-related acne, with oily skin. Used alongside Tetralysal and Yasmin combined oral contraceptive, works wonders. I ran out over Christmas and my skin flared up very badly (I also had exams - I am training to be a doctor - and obviously over the festive period I perhaps indulged in a few sugary treats which I'm sure didn't help...) but Epiduo sorted it out in a matter of weeks. As other users have remarked, do be careful as it can burn the skin a little and it becomes a little flaky. If this happens, stop using for a few days and moisturize the non-spotty areas which are peeling. I would also recommend lots of fruits and veggies, minimal chocolate, plenty of exercise, and regular cleaning of the face."

• 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!"

• bil...
• September 23, 2016

For Acne "I had mild acne, so my doctor prescribed minocycline and the Epiduo gel. I can safely say that the combination of the two made my acne disappear! I experienced some flaking and redness the first few days after using the Epiduo gel, but after a few days, most of my hyperpigmentation was gone! The best!"

• MKa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2018

For Acne "When I first started using Epiduo, my skin became very dry and painful. It also peeled. Within the first two to four weeks, my skin got slightly worse. However, after one month, it began to work like nothing else I’d ever used. It was great for the skin-colored bumps on my forehead and normal acne. I strongly recommend using coconut oil as a moisturizer when on this medicine. It helps profusely, and it helps minimize the initial dryness/pain/peeling that this medicine causes. It is totally worth the money and beginning side effects!!! Best thing for my acne!"

• ALo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2018

For Acne "Background: I never had acne as a teen, a few pimples but not acne. I have endometriosis, and in the last 2 1/2 years, my skin has suffered badly. I now have cystic and hormonal acne, and it hurts as well as being ugly as heck. I get it on my cheeks mostly. I have used Acnicide (benzoyl peroxide) and Duac (clindamycin + BP) when Acnicide stopped working for me, which did nothing but peel my skin, so I went back to the GP and was given Epiduo. I was told it could take up to 3 months to see a difference, which I was prepared for. I have now been using it for 3 days, and I’ve already seen a difference. My skin feels prickly and is stingy when I use my cleansers, understandably as it’s a harsh gel, but my acne has reduced by 40%, I would say, pretty much overnight! I am hoping not to have to use this for long and then top up every now and then as it’s so harsh on the skin, I don’t want to be left with horrid dry and flaky patches from prolonged use if I don’t have to."

• Emi...
• December 3, 2014

For Acne "I was prescribed Epiduo and a tablet (doxycycline), together, they work great. I've been on them for about 2 weeks, and in a few days, saw a difference. Although another few days later, it seemed to come back. I've suffered from acne for years and just want it gone, no regimes or counter creams work. I'm not giving up on Epiduo yet, I have heard great reviews. Most people's acne will clear up in about a month on Epiduo. My skin has peeled a bit, but nothing too major, just ease onto the cream, and it should be alright."

• Dec...
• July 7, 2015

For Acne "This medicine helped my skin a lot! But my face is now pretty immune to it and isn't working as well anymore, but it does work great for the times before! When I use it now, I try to avoid the sun because it makes me peel around my mouth when I go in the sun. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but it sucks and is hard to get rid of at that point, so just don't go in the sun with this stuff!"

• sop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2017

For Acne "This drug is very effective in clearing acne, which is awesome, but it has very, very harsh side effects. I used this drug two days in a row when I first got it (bad decision on my part) and woke up the next day with burning, bright red skin that was sore and hot to the touch. People asked if I had gotten a severe sunburn! It really helped with my acne and definitely cleared my skin a lot, but the side effects made it impossible for me to use. It has now been 3 days since I last used it and my skin is peeling like crazy. I am using it in conjunction with clindamycin phosphate gel, a much gentler medication, and plan to only use Epiduo 2x a week because of the horrible side effects. Make sure you moisturize and ease into using the medication!"

• 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."

• Pim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2018

For Acne "I started getting adult acne at 35. I’d never had acne in my life. It was horrible. Along my jawline, I had all kinds of acne: cystic, whiteheads, blackheads, no heads... lol. I went to a dermatologist and had chemical peels. Used expensive skincare regimens prescribed by my esthetician. $1,000s later, I tried Epiduo Forte. I have been in treatment now for 8 weeks, and I can see a remarkable difference. And it’s not just me, my husband noticed initially. Yes, it stings a little, and if you aren't using a moisturizer, you will get peeling and dry skin. I am sure to put on an extremely high SPF EVERY DAY. (Very important)"

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 8, 2020

For Acne "I absolutely loved using this Epiduo gel/cream as it worked so amazingly for my skin and got rid of my cystic acne in 2-3 days!! But there is a warning side to it; it can severely peel and damage your skin (I don’t have sensitive skin). I stopped using Epiduo as I realized my skin became used to it, and it basically stopped working on my skin. But I definitely recommend it for people who want an instant overnight result as this really does work overnight!!"

• Can...
• May 2, 2020

For Acne "I went off of birth control, and gradually my skin kept getting worse and worse. I'd never experienced acne before, but I had also been on BC for almost 10 years. I was really impatient and started out strong, using it every night and without buffering with moisturizer before applying it. My skin went crazy, it was swollen, red, and flaky everywhere. Would not recommend. But I started buffering with a moisturizer before using Tactupump, then putting a moisturizer on after too for extra hydration. That calmed my skin down, and eventually, I stopped buffering with the moisturizer as my skin got used to the medication, and I didn't want to dilute the cream anymore. It's been a month, and my skin has seen crazy good improvements. Luckily, I didn't get a very bad purge phase, and my acne is pretty much cleared up, and I've got a really smooth skin texture now. I'm just waiting for the pesky acne scars to heal, which takes time. I definitely recommend this cream, but BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU FIRST START IT."

• Meo...
• September 26, 2013

For Acne "I am 24, and have suffered from mild acne pretty much forever. I have very oily skin but was reluctant to go on Accutane. This is my second time using Epiduo. The first time I noticed it 'stopped working' and I was breaking out again, and that was only after a month or so. Going to try it long term this time! So far, my skin is dry and peeling, but the results are amazing, not one spot at the moment."

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2016

For Acne "Worst cream ever, it literally burned my face. I couldn't apply anything to my face for weeks because it was so painful. My skin became excessively flaky and sensitive, I couldn't even wash it because the skin was so sensitive. Waste of money."

• Ali...
• May 16, 2016

For Acne "I am 37 and never had acne until 7 months ago. Pimples on my jawline and forehead with acne scars started to wear on my self-esteem. I've been using Epiduo for 5 days and can already see an improvement. I purchased a mild facial wash, toner, and moisturizer with SPF 20 from Clinique to use while I'm in treatment. No irritation, flaking, or burning, just clearer skin and the scars are starting to fade already. I use my normal skin regimen in the AM and the Epiduo at night. I love this product."

• Nan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 15, 2019

For Acne "It worked great for me! I had moderate acne with lots of clogged and inflamed pores. I have been using it for 10 months now. The first month, my skin was burning and flaky, but eventually my skin just cleared up completely. I barely get any pimples or clogged pores now, and I use it every now and then when I feel that my skin is a bit annoyed and sensitive."