Epiduo Forte and Dryness: What Users Say

• Poo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2019

For Acne "My 17-year-old daughter started using Epiduo Forte last September. It was very drying at first and did sting a bit after she applied it. She used Aveeno moisturizer and was consistent with the Epiduo Forte use. She almost gave up several times because her acne got worse in the first few months. But she stayed the course. Eventually, there was a small improvement. Fewer pimples that didn’t last as long. After 1 year on Epiduo Forte, my now 18-year-old daughter is in her freshman year of college, rocking her completely clear skin! Not a pimple in months, and her hyperpigmentation has faded as well. I’m so thankful for this product. I’m convinced her next step would have been Accutane, and I’m so glad she kept going even when she was completely discouraged in the beginning. My advice, just keep using it! Don’t give up!"

• 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."

• Lov...
• October 19, 2020

For Acne "I have been using Epiduo for close to two months now. I had never had really bad acne until about a year ago, and I decided to go to the doctor to get some help. She put me on a month of doxycycline, new products, a change of birth control, and Epiduo. I was worried because I read reviews about Epiduo that everyone seemed to experience awful dryness, peeling, burning, and purging of their skin. I started only 3x a week because I was scared of this, but I didn’t have any issues the first few times. Then, as I worked up to every night, I still didn’t have any burning sensation at all. I have seen a dramatic difference in my acne also. I barely have any pimples and just have fading scars. I use simple Cerave products and use Epiduo every night, but my doctor recommended that I wash my face, moisturize, then put the medicine on and rub it in with a bit more moisturizer. No idea if that had something to do with preventing the hard part of this cream, but I see amazing results."

• kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2016

For Acne "I have mild acne with redness and blackheads. I started using Epiduo Forte, and it took only 2 weeks for my skin to look 100% better. I used a VERY small amount (even less than a pea size to start). My skin did get dry, but I moisturized a lot and then increased the amount to an actual pea size. My skin, which is actually very sensitive, adjusted pretty well to this, and I'm very happy with the results. Wait 20 minutes after you wash your face to apply the Epiduo, and then after applying it, wait another 20 minutes to moisturize. This helps eliminate the burning sensation that might occur...it did for me."

• mom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2018

For Acne "My daughter's dermatologist prescribed this after she went off of Accutane and started getting breakouts again. Accutane cleared her skin up amazingly, but we didn't want to put her back on it if it wasn't necessary. Epiduo Forte really does work. She has been using it for 10 months, and her skin looks as clear as it did after 6+ months of Accutane. She does still get breakouts, but nothing like before. And she has tried many prescription topical treatments and pills over the years, and none of those worked. She has also managed to make one bottle last 10 months, so she's probably not using enough, but she does say it is very drying. It's very expensive, so be sure to ask your doctor if they know of any rebate programs for it. We get it for $75 after the insurance discount and rebate."

• Ano...
• September 9, 2018

For Acne "I struggled with a sudden burst of cystic acne on my cheeks for about a year before I finally went to a dermatologist. She prescribed Epiduo Forte along with a foam cleanser and sunscreen. The first two to three weeks were hell on my skin, it was dry, red, scaly, and after that, my skin got a few more breakouts. It wasn't until about two months of use that I really started to see my skin change for the better. Overall, after using Epiduo for six months in total, my face is completely clear and about 85% of the scarring the acne had caused is gone."

• 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."

• Oli...
• May 15, 2018

For Acne "After high school, I developed mild-occasionally moderate-acne all around my mouth and chin. Doxycycline helped clear it up, but it just came back after I stopped taking it. My doc prescribed Epiduo Forte, and I have been using it for five months in my mouth area only. It took a decent while to work-initially fluctuating between good and bad skin-before gradually but consistently getting better. BEWARE! You need to ease into it. I started out using it every night, and about a week later at the beach, the sunscreen and salt water made my face burn so badly. Occasionally now I get a similar burning when putting on moisturizer, in which case I just don't apply the Epiduo for a night. It has also made my skin a lot drier and flakier, but I put up with it because overall it has really improved my acne, and I am happy with the outcome. Ease into it, stick with it (if it isn't too harsh for you) for at least a few months to see results, but read your skin day by day to adjust your routine."

• Sar...
• April 21, 2021

For Acne "I've been using Epiduo Forte for 2 weeks. The first week and a half was torture!!! My skin would burn so bad after washing it, putting lotion and makeup. I only use it around my jawline for cystic acne, it somehow affected my neck really bad. My neck was itchy, red, and super dry, it hurt to even touch it. My skin has been clearing up, and the burning has stopped (thank goodness). I was wondering if I could go any longer. I'm also on doxycycline, spironolactone, clindamycin/phosphate gel (morning use only), this combination seems to be working for now."

• nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2020

For Acne "I don't think I've ever had such a bad experience with a product. Epiduo Forte left my skin dry, red, peeling, itchy, and burning. It was incredibly painful. I had to switch from using it nightly to using it every other night to using it twice a week, and nothing helped. I have a friend who had no issues with it and had wonderful results from it, but that definitely was not my case. To be completely honest, I do have sensitive skin, but no other product I have used in my 19 years of life has ever had a reaction like this before or anything like it. I had to throw it out."

• Kas...
• June 3, 2020

For Acne "I’ve had clear skin all my life. But when I moved from the desert to Texas, my skin freaked with all the humidity. I was breaking out all over my face. My dermatologist gave me Epiduo Forte and, after using it as prescribed, my face was so dry, red, tight, and uncomfortable. I apparently have perioral dermatitis too, so the gel made the skin around my mouth and eyes dry and peel. All the dry skin would get on my pillow, and then to my neck, and I was getting these horrible red rashes all over my neck. I couldn’t exercise because sweating made my face burn like crazy. I had to stop. Fast forward 6 months and nothing was working. So I tried Epiduo Forte again. I am so glad I did. I switched from using it at night to applying it in the morning so I can moisturize during the day. My skin did crack and peel for a week. And it’s not completely clear yet. But, after less than a month of using it consistently, my skin is the clearest it’s been in a year. I wish I’d stuck with it months ago!"

• KKD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2017

For Acne "I'm on my 10th week of the drug, and it usually takes 12-16 weeks to see the full effects. I apply it at nighttime and sometimes apply a layer of moisturizer 15-30 minutes afterward. It dried me out so much in my first month and a half of use that I had to start skipping nights and use three layers of moisturizer. My skin burned when I would put on my lotion because it was that dry. I now use it every day and still have 2-4 active breakouts at any given time. I also get a lot of small whiteheads (those may be from shaving my face though), and I extract them myself, which probably isn't a good idea. My skin is definitely better on the medication than off, I just hope the results are better in 2-4 additional weeks of use."

• 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!"

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2018

For Acne "I have had pretty bad acne and hyperpigmentation for well over 20 years, and have pretty much tried it all. I recently made a last-ditch effort and went to a new dermatologist who prescribed Epiduo Forte. She also preceded my treatment with a chemical peel and recommended that I not begin using the cream until my face had completely cleared from the peel. One week later, I started using Epiduo Forte, and I have been on it for a little over a week. The effects have been unlike anything I have ever encountered. While my face has not completely cleared up, all my acne is gone, and the severe hyperpigmentation has lightened substantially. I have never encountered a treatment that has had such an immediate effect as this - and I have done chemical peels and laser treatments to little or no avail. The cream is very drying, so be advised that you will need to moisturize. I would definitely recommend, but be conscientious about your skin's reaction to the treatment and adjust accordingly."

• Ela...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2018

For Acne "My dermatologist prescribed me Epiduo Forte a little over a month ago. I have been taking doxycycline with it as well, but feel like the Epiduo is what is most effective! At first, it was sort of burning my skin and making it extremely dry, so I cut back to every other day, and my skin slowly got used to it. When I first started, my face was entirely cleared up in a week, and now my acne is normal, but applying this to the breakouts really gets them working. I am really happy with this product so far, and it is supposed to take 6-8 weeks for full results, so I’m hoping I’ll see those soon! Strongly suggest."

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2020

For Acne "I am currently on my third month using Epiduo Forte. The first month was quite problematic as I started out using it every night, terrible idea. My face was extremely irritated and was dry and peeling. Since then, my acne has only been getting worse. I've been taking weekly pictures for comparison (which I recommend for everyone on acne medication), and the further I go backward, the better it looks. I don't know if this is part of the process, but I am just going to continue until the entire pump is empty. On the positive side, pimples that do pop up appear smaller and disappear faster, but that's it. Hope this improves, my face is literally just a big blob of scarring, which is absolutely terrible."

• Soo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2016

For Acne "I'm a 33/f with cystic acne my entire life. I've been using Epiduo Forte and Aczone for over 4 weeks now. I started using the Aczone daily in the AM and Epiduo every other night along with doxycycline. My face started clearing without any dryness. Then week 2, I began using the Epiduo every night, and within 2 days, my entire face broke out. But this was expected, and I knew purging might occur. However, the pimples did not last long. Only about 2 days or so and came to a head quickly. I'm pretty confident the pimples dried up quickly because of Aczone. My face got pretty dry, though. So now, I use a daily exfoliant, hydrating serum (put on before meds to combat dryness/irritation), meds, and CeraVe (AM/PM) lotion. Works great! Just have to be patient!"

• Nic...
• December 8, 2015

For Acne "I've been dealing with moderate to severe acne for well over 10 years now, but I never wanted to go on Accutane. Epiduo Forte works! I saw results in 1 week, with less and less acne coming through. It even is starting to reduce the red marks that I have from old acne. People complain that it burns and dries out their skin, but in my case, it wasn't that bad. My skin was a little sensitive, burned only a little, but did get dry. It felt like a tight pulling at times, and my neck was very flaky. My skin is very oily, which may cause it to not be as dry as a result of the medication. I'm working on my 5th week on Epiduo, and again, I am very impressed. I have my follow-up in a few weeks, and I am excited to share the results with my doctor."

• VAG...
• December 4, 2017

For Acne "I'm a little over a month using this cream to help clear mild acne. The first few weeks were horrible. Face would sting, especially around the mouth and corner of eyes. Skin was peeling and super dry, with dry patches appearing during the day. I use it every night and, if needed, would take a night off. However, I stopped feeling them around week 3. My routine is: exfoliate face with Philosophy exfoliating wash, followed by cleansing with their face wash. I apply a vitamin C serum (Trueskin is the brand), leave to air dry for 2 minutes, then I use CeraVe daily moisturizer, applying a generous amount. Wait 5 minutes, then apply one pump of Epiduo Forte gel on cheeks and chin. My skin looks drastically clearer. Still get breakouts around cycle, but they don't last long at all."

• ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2017

For Acne "I've had stubborn acne for years and have tried so many different products. This gel hasn't totally cleared up my skin, but it has definitely improved it. At first, I piled it on problem areas like a spot treatment and didn't follow the instructions to apply a thin layer all over every night. It didn't work that way, it needs to be used consistently. When I started using it properly, my skin got dry and irritated, especially around my mouth, but it adjusted pretty quickly (I skip a night when needed). My old hyperpigmentation has started to fade a bit, and new breakouts go away faster, but it's not a miracle cure for me."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2021

For Acne "I started using this product for VERY oily skin. I had occasional acne breakouts, but the constant oily skin made me feel self-conscious about my face. I am 2 months into using this product, and my skin is significantly less oily; my skin feels soft and smooth. I am experiencing a bit of purging on my chin and dryness around my nose, so I am careful to avoid putting this product around my nose. Overall, I am happy with this product and look forward to seeing how my skin looks after the purging period."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2021

For Acne "On the 24th of August, I went to the dermatologist to FINALLY do something about my adult blackheads on my chin. They sent it to my door 2 days later and started that night! It’s now the 8th of September, and they are basically all gone! What they say about the side effects of redness, itching, SMALL breakouts around the affected area is true (for me). I had one more pop up, and I took care of it immediately. It does burn a tiny bit, that’s what benzoyl peroxide does! Your skin may get dry and flake (thanks to masks for covering up that) and feels dry. What they also say is true: it’ll get worse before it gets better-the redness, itching, etc. I wouldn’t recommend lathering this all over your face like my derm told me to do. I only did the affected parts! I had results in a couple of weeks! Impressive!"

• Sha...
• January 10, 2021

For Acne "This is the second time I have been using Epiduo gel. The first time I used it, it took me nearly a month to get my skin used to the gel. Later, it worked fine, and I stopped using it. After a few years, it is the second time I am currently using it. It took nearly a month again for my skin to get used to it. My acne was moderate but bad, like tiny lumps all over my cheeks. My skin eventually went through a process of irritation, dryness, and breakouts. But then I took better care by moisturizing my face and keeping my diet healthy and face clean. I must say now it has gotten better. I'm still using it. My face is almost clear. And once it is, I will stop using it. I have handpicked hyperpigmentation because I was very rough with my skin. But hopefully, it goes away this year. I decide to not pick on my face this year."

• Car...
• May 4, 2020

For Acne "I have had severe acne for most of my life, to the point where my face was always red and covered with acne. My mom took me to the dermatologist in January of 2019, and I was prescribed this. I noticed little difference the first few months, but after using it consistently for about 6 months, I noticed a significant improvement in my acne, to the point where 90% of my acne had disappeared and I only had fading scars. Since then, I've continued to use it, and I would 100% recommend it to another teenager suffering from acne. However, there are some drawbacks. My face burned almost every night after using this (especially for the first month), and my face and lips would get really dry without moisturizer. At about three or four months, my face got used to the medication and the pain lessened. However, despite the side effects, I would definitely say the improvements to my acne were worth it."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2017

For Acne "I started this topical ointment back in February. Skin takes quite a while to get acclimated. I'd say a month+ before it stops burning. I'd apply Epiduo, followed by Aquaphor, to combat the dryness, and it just seals your face up for a good 20 minutes. I peeled a lot in the beginning, but I did not purge. I notice it actually makes skin much oilier since the pores are now unclogged. If I wear moisturizer under makeup, I'm an oil slick by noon. I try to avoid moisturizer now. I still have gotten pimples and a cyst, so I'm not sure how amazing this is. Also, someone said to use this in the morning. Please don't do that."