Duac and Dry Skin: What Users Say

• Mee...
• January 3, 2020

For Acne "So I've always had big, painful cysts and small pimples. I turned 27 and thought I've had enough, if I haven't grown out of this now, I never will. So I went to my GP and got Duac. I started using it every morning and evening, a light layer on my face in November. It's now January, and I have never had such perfect skin. Ever. I love this product, it changed my life. There are some side effects at the beginning, but honestly, just be patient. I got SUPER dry, red skin around my mouth and chin for 2 weeks, and the acne didn't go for a month. It's a bit of a tough time, as you're sore from spots as well as dryness, but just trust the process! I switched my moisturizer to bio oil gel, which is okay to use on the face, and it helps to reduce spot scars and discoloration. It is a heavy-duty moisturizer, but you need it, especially to begin with. Everyone in my life keeps commenting on how fresh my skin looks. My only regret is I didn't use it sooner. Honestly, don't waste any time, go get this stuff. XX"

• Kir...
• January 13, 2015

For Acne "I didn't have bad acne whatsoever, it was just random spots that kept on coming and going, and I just wanted to get rid of them! I was so embarrassed to take my makeup off in front of my boyfriend and friends because I felt so ugly, which resulted in me wearing more and more makeup every day (which probably didn't help my skin much more). But once I got prescribed this by the doctors, it was the best ever! Although it left me with dry skin, it was so good. I felt fresher, and the best part was that people started to notice I wasn't bothered about taking my makeup off! I'm a 19-year-old girl, and it's all about makeup and looking good nowadays, and spots/acne are awful to have. Hope this helps!!"

• mma...
• September 26, 2019

For Acne "For those of us talking about dry skin (particularly sillylilly), I had this issue too. It was so bad that my skin was flaking and peeling, and it hurt to even touch it! After a lot of research, I found that you need to avoid any areas where the skin is especially thin, so around and under the eyes, nose, and mouth. You can use something like Vaseline, Pawpaw, or Aquaphor and apply it to those areas as a barrier."

• Acn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2014

For Acne "Great product, but the side effects are awful! I've been using Duac for a week now, and literally all of my blackheads have disappeared. It's amazing! My spots have also shrunk in size a lot and have almost healed, and my scars are fading too. The only trouble I have had with Duac is that when I first put it on, it dried my skin out a lot and made it extremely flaky. Then, when I continued to use it, applying it on most of the area of my face, I woke up the next morning and both of my cheeks were burning, bright red, and really itchy. I stopped using it for a couple of days until the redness had gone and then applied a smaller amount, but still, the burning and itchy sensation has returned."

• and...
• April 19, 2014

For Acne "I went to the doctor from experiencing mild acne, especially on my forehead. I have combination skin, oily and dry in different places. Also scarring from previous acne. The doctor prescribed the cream Duac, she told me to wear it at night before I go to bed and wash my face off in the morning. It's been a few days now, and I already see a change. No new pimples are appearing, old acne clearing, and past scars are fading. It is, in my opinion, very effective and quick. However, it does dry out your skin, but as long as you moisturize, it should be fine. I would definitely recommend this product."

• Ell...
• March 28, 2017

For Acne "I was prescribed Duac after getting very bad acne after coming off the pill. This was very unusual for me as I had never had bad spots, and it didn't run in my family. I found that my face was extremely oily all the time and was giving me large, horribly pustule spots. I was given 3% Duac as I was told the 5% would make the skin very dry and 1% may not work, so it would be reviewed and altered to see how it went. I noticed changes immediately after 1 week, and my skin has been flawless, and I've even had compliments on it! For the people saying it made their skin too dry, I could suggest maybe getting a lower % and only applying it once a day, as I do at night after washing my face. It honestly works wonders, I couldn't recommend it more!"

• Tor...
• June 21, 2019

For Acne "One word. WOW! I went to my GP for a regular health check-up, and while I was there, got on the topic of my acne, which I’ve had for 2 years. The doctor prescribed me Duac, to which, by this point, I had almost given up on everything and had no intentions of trying something else. I took the prescription and thought I’ll just try it. After spending $1000s of dollars on facials and skin care products, I had no hope at this point. After 3 days, I could see such a difference in my skin, it was already so much clearer. I’m now 3 weeks in and have no active acne and no congestion under my skin, and I can’t believe it. Such an amazing product. As far as the side effects, my face was dry the first week, and nothing you couldn’t fix without a little moisturizer. Might I add, I can now also enjoy the odd chocolate or lolly without breaking out. This product really keeps the pimples at bay. So thankful for coming across Duac. Absolute lifesaver."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2013

For Acne "Duac has a magical effect in just two days. Duac gave me very good results, but it makes my skin dry, and when I use it, the first day it makes my skin too red, but when the redness is gone, my skin is clear."

• Pan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

For Acne "If I could, I would give Duac a zero rating. Do not use if you have sensitive skin!! I only applied it twice on my acne, and it completely burned my skin. I had an extremely painful red rash on my face for 3 days. Now, on the 5th day after using it, my skin is extremely dry and scaly to the point I can't open my mouth properly or laugh because I'm scared it's gonna split and get infected. It is the worst experience ever. In agony with my face for 5 days. Hoping it will get better soon."

• Pan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

For Acne "If I could, I would give Duac a zero rating. Do not use if you have sensitive skin!! I only applied it twice on my acne, and it completely burned my skin. I had an extremely painful red rash on my face for 3 days. Now, on the 5th day after using it, my skin is extremely dry and scaly to the point I can't open my mouth properly or laugh because I'm scared it's gonna split and get infected. It is the worst experience ever. In agony with my face for 5 days. Hoping it will get better soon."

• Pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2019

For Acne "I started using Duac gel about a week ago. On the good side, I have actually seen some improvements on my forehead, however, I had to stop using it as it has really badly irritated my skin. It’s red, blotchy, dry, flaky, itchy, burning, and rough. At first, this started on my chin but has now spread all over my face and is extremely uncomfortable."

• Hhh...
• October 15, 2013

For Acne "My doctor prescribed me this gel for my mild to many spots on my face and back. The first day I applied it, the next morning my face was almost clear of blackheads, and I had noticed an improvement, however, I decided to do what may have been a really foolish thing. I applied it on all of my cheeks and basically most of my face, the parts which rarely had spots on. I woke up the next day to a stinging, bright red face. My skin was so, so dry. It was patchy orange and red, it was half peeling, and it looked like I was wearing patchy foundation."

• Ems...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2017

For Acne "I have always had the odd few spots, but being 28 and just breaking out in acne 6 months before my wedding was a bit of a shock. The doctors prescribed me Duac, and within two days, I noticed a difference and felt I could leave the house without foundation for the first time in months. The only side effects I've experienced are slightly itchy and dry skin. I don't mind this as the spots were painful, and for the first time, I can put moisturizing cream on my face."

• MSY...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2021

For Acne "Terrible cream! Before Duac, I didn’t have textured skin, fine lines, pore issues, or dryness. I could use anything without it clogging pores or causing acne. However, I do struggle with minor breakouts on my forehead and cheeks. My skin is fine most months but acts up, so I was put on Zinerty. Zinerty is good, but spots would always reappear. When I first started using Duac, I broke out, tiny little spots all over my face. I didn’t get much help from the doctors either. My skin hasn’t been the same since. I've noticed tiny fine lines near the corners of my forehead, textured skin, something which I didn’t have before, dry, and overall not the same. I used to break out and the scars would fall off, marks would go by themselves, but now, I have scars, marks, etc. Please be careful. If you’re suffering with minor breakouts, not full-blown acne, look into things before you decide to go ahead with Duac."

• Mis...
• May 17, 2014

For Acne "I've been suffering from acne for about 3 years now. I've tried so many products on my face to get rid of it, but nothing seemed to work. Last month, I went to my doctor, and he gave me a prescription for Duac and told me to apply it every night after washing my face with soap. It's been a few weeks now, and I have really been seeing a huge improvement on my face. Although it's working, I have been getting a few side effects, such as flakiness and itchy cheeks. But I am still happy about the results I've got so far."

• Use...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2021

For Acne "So I’ve been on the Duac cream for around 8 weeks now, and it started working well after 2 to 3 weeks. But unfortunately, my skin broke out at about 4 to 5 weeks, and now, in my 8th week, it’s starting to improve because it’s finished purging. I suggest people should stick with the cream because it’s normal to purge after a month of using the cream, but by the 7th to 8th week, it should start to get better, and hopefully, I will have significantly clearer skin by the 10th to 12th week. I also experienced really dry skin, redness, and because I didn't put the cream on my mustache area by mistake, it looked horrible as my cheeks and everything were red, and that area was milk white. So make sure you use the cream everywhere on your face if you want your face to be the same color all over."

• Han...
• June 22, 2015

For Acne "I have been using Duac for around 6 months, maybe a bit longer, and although I have noticed a difference with my spots, I really dislike the fact it makes my skin so dry. I would, however, recommend it to anyone suffering with acne who doesn't mind the dryness, as it does appear to clear it up."

• Cha...
• December 16, 2009

For Acne "This stuff is magical, it works really, really well. Although my skin dried out and went red occasionally, this was solved with a bit of E45 moisturizer in the morning after my Duac at night. WARNING: DO NOT GET IN EYES OR ANY OTHER MUCUS MEMBRANES (lips, mouth, etc.). I didn't take any notice and put it NEAR my eyes (just on the bags underneath the eye), and it dried out my eyes the next morning, having eye drops for 3 days. But if the instructions are followed correctly, Duac is great."

• Lou...
• February 14, 2016

For Acne "I'm 26 and have suffered from severe spots since my early teens. I've been using this cream for around 3 weeks now. I had quite severe spots on my chin that would become really sore. My Dr. gave me Duac along with tablets to take for 6 weeks. I've noticed such a massive improvement already, and I've got so much more confidence. It does dry your skin, but I've started using cleanser and a cleansing oil after washing my face, and I've got no dry skin. Only apply to areas that need it because it can make your face really red and itchy. Overall, I think it's brilliant. I'm so glad I finally went to my Dr."

• lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2018

For Acne "I was prescribed Duac 3% about two months ago by my dermatologist. Because my skin is quite sensitive, he told me to use it on alternate days and to use a different cream on the in-between days, so that's what I did. I only experienced extremely dry skin for about two days, two weeks after starting the treatment, besides that, I had no side effects. My problem was that on both sides of my face, I was having pus-filled pimples and a lot of big ones underneath the skin as well. I wouldn't say that the treatment worked fast for me, but it did work. I'm two months in, and my pimples are almost completely gone, no marks, no redness. Totally recommend this product under doctor's prescription. If you have more severe acne, you may want to ask for Duac 5%, but it is not recommended if you have sensitive skin, as it may contribute to severe dryness and skin breaks and cracks."

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2015

For Acne "I'm 17 now and had been suffering from acne during high school years. During summer, I used Duac. At first, I had side effects of my skin peeling and extremely dry skin, but it eventually got better and cleared my skin up so well! Only got blemishes to deal with now. Cleared up within 6 weeks, all clear for college. I felt much more confident."

• Gre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 5, 2015

For Acne "This is super fast, but it dries your skin out sometimes, so I add Vaseline, but it works very well. I've tried everything else besides lasers or pills. My mom and I use it. I'm a 23-year-old male with moderate cystic acne."

• Pat...
• August 16, 2016

For Acne "Had a cyst-like spot thing on my chin that lasted for 3 years. Would come and go, always raising its ugly head. I got this cream from my GP, used it for one month, and any recurring spots have not completely gone. It's been nearly a year and clear skin! Very, very happy with the results. It does cause your skin to dry out when you use it and can be a little red, but this goes down after a few days. Worth it for the end result."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2016

For Acne "Absolutely amazing!! I first got this and was unsure, but when I used it, I had no redness, flakiness, nothing. In 1 week, 90% of my acne was gone, and in 2 weeks, I was acne-free. I've been using this for months, and I feel confident and not scared to sweat or get dirty, as I used Duac at night, and all day I'm protected from acne, and I haven't had spots for like 4 months."

• Whi...
• July 16, 2019

For Acne "I was prescribed this by my doctor for some minor cystic acne around my chin (I'm in my mid-20s). I used it as instructed, knowing that due to the benzoyl peroxide, it would irritate and dry the skin initially, but after five days, I just had to stop. My skin became raw, red, flaky, excoriated, discolored, and painfully dry. It made my skin WORSE, instead of a few ugly spots, I now had angry, red, peeling patches on my face, and for nearly a week, I had to slather on liberal amounts of moisturizer and bio-oil just to keep the itchiness, irritation, and pain of my dry cracked skin down to tolerable levels. Five days of using Duac, and it took my skin over a week to get to the point where I don't have to layer on moisturizer to get through the day (still not even back to where it was pre-Duac), and the worst part was, it didn't even help with the spots! They're still there. Completely useless, made my skin so much worse. 100% would not recommend."