Tuesday 30 October 2012

Epiduo Review Acne Treatment | How to Cure Acne

Epiduo Review 
Acne Cure 

Before and After
Epiduo Gel
adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide Gel 2.5%

Background: Prior to being prescribed Epiduo I had used Duac (topical benzyol peroxide) and oxytetracycline (oral antibiotic). Whist these helped my skin a little, it went no where near curing it. I was an emotional wreck, I suffered two years under relentless skin problems. My self esteem was extremely low and I felt like I was running out of options. 

I had moderate acne including some cystic acne. It was extremely painful and persistent. At any time I would always have at least 8 active white heads and many red marks and scars. My dermatologist prescribed me this as a last resort before a course of Accutane.

My skin prior to Epiduo but during topical treatments

During Treatment: When I first started using Epiduo, I was using it morning and night. I assumed that if I used it twice as often my skin would recover twice as fast. By doing this I was completely ignoring the directions of my dermatologist. She is a doctor, I was a salesperson but I knew better because I'm a latent genius. The results... My skin was so chapped and raw that I was crying, my tears stung my sore skin and that made me cry more. 

I started using it as prescribed after that. Initially, my skin was very dry and very red (see photo below). My skin would go from visibly clearer, getting fewer spots over the course of a week... Then getting much worse again. It was really frustrating and disheartening. I kept thinking "I knew another topical wouldn't work, why can't they just give me roaccutane?!"

Wearing make up was a real issue, my skin was so chapped and dry around my mouth that foundation would chap off within minutes. That was really hard - my skin was very noticeably red but covering it looked worse. 

After about two months, my skin started healing and was relatively clear. I still had indented red marks and scars so I couldn't truly appreciate it. I started using exfoliation and lemon juice topically to fade the scars. Within three months I was totally clear

Epiduo Results
During treatment - red raw and chapped

 After: It's been 14 months since I started using Epiduo and since that point of my acne clearing, I can count the amount of spots I've had since on one hand. And I can always account for those (going on holiday, not drinking enough water or just plain not using Epiduo). 

I do still use this every night and I think that if I didn't, my acne would possibly come back. I'm not willing to take the chance... Epiduo really was my acne cure and I'd never be without it. 


I will add a *disclaimer* that everyone's skin is different and what was my cure may not be yours. Just be patient and know that there is an end to what you're going through

Epiduo Results
my skin now (2012)

Summary: I didn't have high hopes for this; I've used creams with Benzoyl Peroxide with much higher percentages. The active ingredients are adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide Gel 2.5%. However I highly recommend this, it made such a difference to my self esteem as well as the way that I look. 

The only downside is that I have to wait a while for it to dry before I apply my moisturiser. Solution to this is using a hair dryer on my face. 

In the UK it's available on the NHS for £7.65 for a tube which lasts me around three months. I will say that you only need to use a very thin layer, I've found that using a thick layer makes absolutely no difference other than it running out faster. 

Good luck with finding your cure for acne! 

There's more detailed information on the epiduo website: 



Edit: I've filmed and uploaded a video review to Youtube, please feel free to check it out!




77 comments:

  1. Wow! Your skin looks so much better now. It helped a lot that you followed the dermatologist’s directions in using the product prescribed for your skin. I can clearly notice the changes – and they are pretty astounding! Your face looks younger, smoother, and healthier. You’re glowing!

    >Marc Bryan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marc. Thank you so much for your comments! Epiduo really worked well for me, I'd send that company flowers if I could! Merry Christmas. xx

      Delete
  2. your skin looks great! i have been on for 23 days and its been pretty frustrating. i have read a lot saying that epiduo clears everything out from underneath before it gets better ( i have all little bumps all under the skin that seem to be surfacing) is this what you experienced? when was it that you started to notice a significant difference?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Three weeks into the treatment I was experiencing a lot of peeling, redness and a bit of a break out. After two weeks I started to see an improvement, then I broke out again. It was very disheartening to say the least! I stuck it out and at about 7-8 weeks things got a lot better; no more spots after 9 weeks. The red marks and scarring lasted a little longer but revisiting my photo diary kept me humble and thankful! Good luck with your treatment, I hope that Epiduo is the cure for you that it was for me. xx

      Delete
  3. Hey Abi, thanks so much for your blog. You look fanastic. Your story is what motivates me to continue on with Epiduo. I have been on it for about a week. The first few days I had no redness or stinging, I thought everybody who complained about this product was a wuss. Day 3 stung like the worst sunburn I could imagine. Now I have the chapped face. It doesn't help that it is -25 C here and windy as anything. Anyways my question for you is did you find that there were any products that helped with the dry skin/chapping? I use Cerave but it isn't really helping.
    Thanks a bunch.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mila, thank you so much for the feedback!

      I did use Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream to try to combat the chapping but it broke me out... I used a heavy duty moisturiser but I think the chapping and dryness is just a result of your skin getting used to the product. While I was going through it, it felt like the dryness would last FOREVER! But after eight weeks, it all went away and I'd forgotten all about the pain, stinging and chapped skin due to the absolute jubilation for having clear skin!

      Have you seen any improvements in your skin so far?

      I just uploaded a youtube clip of this review, I'd really love it if you checked it out and gave me some feedback as to whether I should post more videos about coping with acne and suggested remedies....?

      Abi xx

      Delete
    2. Hey thanks so much for your quick response. I will check out your YouTube video as soon as I get a chance. My skin does look like it is improving, I had a lot of closed comedones which have decreased in number and size. I have a stubborn nodule and a cyst which will take some time to clear, but I haven't had anymore come out. I am hoping not to get the dreaded initial breakout that I hear about. I don't know if this will help anybody else, but I have been using Missha BB Cream, and it goes on top of the red, chapped skin and does a great job of hiding it. I really hope Epiduo will work for me as it has worked for you. I am 33 years old and I really feel too old for this nonsense. I had perfect skin as a teen, and when I hit my 20s the acne started, and has been getting worse and worse as I age. I don't want to be covered with zits and wrinkles all at once lol. Anyways thanks again love, you are too sweet for doing this.

      Delete
    3. It is me again. I watched your video, your story sounds very similar to mine. I still have the burning redness/chapping from epiduo but I think I might have found my salvation, and it is going to sound silly I am sure. Plain old Vaseline. I put a small amount where the skin was the reddest and most chapped, and it really settled it down. I haven't had any breakouts where I applied it, supposedly it is non comedogenic, so we'll see.
      You look so beautiful in your video, the brown hair suits you more than the blonde I think. And your skin is flawless! Keep your fingers crossed that this will work out just as well for me!!

      Delete
    4. Hi Mila, thank you for checking out my video! I've just made another today so will edit and upload tonight hopefully!

      How do you find Missha BB Cream? I've heard so many good things about it, I'm thinking about trying it out.

      I really hope Epiduo works for you, I always thought that acne was for teens, both my mum and I didn't get acne until we were in our 20s. Life isn't always kind hey?!

      Vaseline is a great tip! Something I used to settle the redness is Sudacream, although it was slightly drying which is the last thing you want when you're all chapped and flaking!

      One more thing, it really helped me to keep a photo diary. I initially had no intention of sharing it with anyone, it was just to help me see the improvements and keep me motivated. Seeing your skin getting better with comparisons can really help your morale, is it something you'd consider doing...?

      Thank you for the hair compliment, I was blonde for ten years so it was quite a big change! xx

      Delete
  4. Hi Abi Girl, I'm curious about your routine with epiduo. I'm currently on it and do the following. I wash with Purpose in the morning. In the evening I wash with Purpose and apply Epiduo. When I wake up I will put on moisturizer for an hour or so. Then I'll wash it off.

    Do you use a moisturizer in the morning and then after applying epiduo?

    ReplyDelete
  5. I want my acne to go away permanently without getting irritated, red, and dry. My bumps are over my forehead, my chin, and the sides of my nose.homemade skin treatment.They aren't red and big but it's like really bothersome bumps you can't squeeze well. What's the best acne curing system? Proactive?

    ReplyDelete
  6. I know questions about acne have been asked a million times. But I have pretty severe acne, pimples and cysts, and I'm wondering what kind of treatments have worked for everybody else. pimple in ear. I'm talking about either home remedies or store bought acne treatments that have worked for you in the past. And don't say apply toothpaste, I've tried with terrible results. Any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
  7. I cant seem to find the right acne treatment for my skin... let me know what has worked for you.. and try to keep it cheap and simple... exposed skincare treatment

    ReplyDelete
  8. I heard from a friend that toothpaste helps clear acne. Is this true?Also, what are some other home remedies for clearing acne?Thanks! pimple on eyelid

    ReplyDelete
  9. Abi,
    How often did you intitally start using epiduo. once every other day? once every day? Did you apply mositurizer after? I dont remember the instructions used 2 times and stopped because it was making my face red. Please help

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was browsing the net and I found your site, I enjoyed reading every lines of your review. This is very informative.
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    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello, abi Girl, sorry if you do not understand very well, it's because I'm from Brazil and not mastered English. Well, I have to say that your skin is beautiful, just like you. I have one question regarding my purchase of products that I am in doubt. Which do you think best Differin or Epiduo 0.3%, which in addition also has adapalene benzoyl peroxide?

    Que Deus te ilumine.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Had worst experience with epiduo. My skin looks black now where ever i have applied the gel. i am so very depressed !!!! first 5 days were good...after that i got red rashes with immense itching. later it dried up fully and started to flake. now redness became very dark brown.My face looks horrible :(. whats next? almost 2 weeks now.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello! You look great, I'm really happy for you! What you have now is every girls dream! I started using Epiduo a few days ago and I've experienced that my skin gets really dry and itchy. Did you experience something like that? My doctor was aware that I had sensitive skin but still gave it to me, so maybe it's normal? I don't have huge outbreaks of pimples I only have the so called "invisible ones" that are under the skin so it feels really bumpy when you feel over it.

    -Kate

    ReplyDelete
  14. This post is completely brilliant in the end I ended up going to the doctors and it was the best decision he prescribed me Tazorac Generic and my face was completely cleared within 3 days I recommend Tazorac generic to all patients of acne.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  15. My experience was almost exactly the same as yours, without the purge. If you'd like to read my experience on EpiDuo or check my blog out it would really help me- being a new blogger and all :)

    Amber xxx
    http://ambertypes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/how-i-cleared-my-acne-epiduo.html

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Abi!! I am really happy for you.. You look great! I just wish my skin would clear up like yours with Epiduo. I just started to use it today actually and I feel pretty nervous. I hope it will also work on me. I previously used Tretinoin and Duac. It worked for me for more than a year but didn't really clear my skin as much as yours. It was working quite well until about a month ago I started breaking out.. I agree with you that having these acne just destroys everything! Sometimes I just want to stay home because I am too ashamed for people to see my face. I hope and pray that Epiduo will work for me too. Wish me luck!

    And oh by the way, have you tried tretinoin cream before? Coz like you said, Epiduo was your last resort before Accutane.. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi Abi,
    Am really happy with the way ur acne has disappeared!!! Because my case seems to be the same except that I got them on my cheeks. My question to u is, Have u used any facial hair bleaching creams while on this medication? I just wanted to lighten my facial hair, Is it safe to use Sally Hansen facial hair bleach cream while using Epiduo? Ur suggestions greatly helps me. :) Thx.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Abi, I find your web blog very helpful esp. to all ladies out there. This is truly awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  19. It’s really an amazing and informative article regarding acne treatment. I appreciate your post because you have mentioned some important tips to protect skin from the harsh effects. Thank you for sharing this well described article.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It’s really an incredible and educational post relating to zits treatment method. My spouse and i value your publish since you possess pointed out a few significant suggestions to safeguard pores and skin in the harsh outcomes. Appreciate it with regard to giving this kind of effectively identified post.
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    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for your post
    I thinks the best acne treatment in the world is no treatment.
    "Natural acne remedies" are a cheap and accessible alternative to legally acne treatments. While they may not work for everyone, they can effectively clear up mild to reasonable blemishes and enhance the texture of skin. There are three the most effective recipes for natural Acne Remedies.
    If you want to natural cure for acne, you can go to my video : Natural acne remedies

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    ReplyDelete
  22. Citrus Clear products have been a HUGE lifesaver with my random pimples that pop up. It quickly reduces them and gets rid of them completely. Even my cystic pimples have healed faster (with less scarring!) when I put this on it at night. I highly recommend for you. . .

    ReplyDelete
  23. thanks a lot for sharing your experiences on this topic..

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for sharing the video. There are many anti-acne products so it’s usually difficult one that we can trust and will not ruin our skin. For me, anti-acne products at Kallony are the best.

    Also, thanks for sharing the before and after pictures! We can really see the difference.

    ReplyDelete
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  26. I have been suffering from acne around my nose for years, and it comes on and off. My skin is very sensitive, and whenever I try beauty products in a store I come away with something bad. I started using the Citrus Clear products - and I was so impressed. I use Citrus Clear Wash twice everyday, and it is helping clear out the acne. I love that its all natural too. . .Yes it is drying, but there are moisturizes that cure that

    ReplyDelete
  27. I read your blog back in October when I was first prescribed it for hormonal cystic acne. I was 38 years old and was hiding in my house. I experienced terrible breakouts in the first 6 weeks and was ready to give up. I remembered the results that you had and I stuck with it. I am now five months in and my skin is virtually blemish free. My only issue is dealing with some residual scarring but heck, that is not a big deal after you have had terrible acne.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Abi, I'm Stephanie

    I'm 23yrs old and i've been suffering from varying severity of acne for the past 8 years. It has become particularly bad over the past 4 years - large hard lumps underneath chin and around my mouth which are incredibly itchy. I was recently prescribed the contraceptive pill dianette which is supposed to help with acne - despite my best attempt I couldn't handle the strong effect this had on my mood. I now have epiduo to try.. but I'm very nervous to start using! Abi - in your experience how long before the redness calms down? You mention that you now use the cream every day, does it stop having the flaking/drying effect on skin or does this continue but the blemishes disappear? Apologies if you've answered this elsewhere! Thanks for your help.

    ReplyDelete
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  30. I struggled with adult acne, which is different than teenage acne. My skin is very sensitive and prone to dryness and the Citrus Clear Sensitive Wash & Moisturizer are the only products that dont irritate my skin. I also use the Citrus Clear Spot Treatment - but i use it all over my face - not just in specific areas. This works the best all over the face. Its the only thing that managed to control my adult acne, without irritating my sensitive skin. . .and my skin is sensitive!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi I'm using this now, but I'm confused over what moisturiser and face wash to use...I'm using clinique anti blemish but the epiduo leaflet says not to use other treatments while on it?
    What face wash and moisturiser did you use? What do u recommend

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Abi,

    Thanks so much for your detailed story. There are loads of reviews out there but non of them are as clear as yours. So thanks a lot for putting this out there. I still have little breakouts but I'm also in the process of getting clear. The problem is that I have loads of red marks left on the skin. You said you used lemon juice to get rid of these. How exactly did you do this?

    Cheers
    Nina

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great review for acne treatment.

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  34. Hi Aby., do you continue using epiduo everyday or not? and..what is your skin routine now?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
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  36. Hi Abi, I just want to say that you so much for your blog. Until I was 23, I had perfect skin, it literally was flawless and I didn't appreciate it at all..! Then when I was 24, I my acne started out of no where. I know it's different to the epiduo you use (doesn't seem to have benzoperoxide) but I've just been prescribed adapalene 0.1% gel. I used it last night and haven't seen any redness/soreness, I just want to know how long it took before the gel made a difference? Even if it made it worse? I'm so desperate and it's really getting me down. Thanks again

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm now 26 and sick of acne! up until now, I've been using the La Roche Posay Effaclar Range, helpdesk slightly but nothing noticeable

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  38. Hi!
    My doctor told me to apply Epiduo 2.5 twice a day, morning and before I sleep.
    I didn't burn my skin or anything AT ALL, I just felt itchy but that's it.

    Should I use it twice a day? Because the reviews I read online says to put only once at night..

    ReplyDelete
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