Epiduo Gel is topical acne treatments that is used to treat mild to moderate acne. The formulation is actually a combination of two different acne medications: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide.

Epiduo can be used by teens, younger tweens, and adults with acne. It works to treat both inflammatory acne as well as comedonal acne.

How Epiduo Works:

Epiduo works to treat acne in several ways, thanks to its two acne-fighting ingredients.

Adapalene: Adapalene is a retinoid drug that works as a comedolytic, meaning that it inhibits the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). By sloughing dead skin cells, adapalene helps clear pore blockage and prevent future breakouts.

Studies have shown that adapalene significantly decreases the size and number of comedones, in part by tempering inflammation in skin cells called keratinocytes.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide acts as an antimicrobial, neutralizing bacteria responsible for acne breakouts.
Some studies reported that benzoyl peroxide reduced the number of acne lesions by an average of 44.3%, while complete clearance was seen in 15.2% to 28.6% of users.

Since Epiduo works on many of the factors that cause acne, it is an effective treatment for non-inflamed whiteheads and blackheads as well as inflamed pimples.
Furthermore, it has been shown to reduce scarring from acne.

Applying Epiduo:

With Epiduo, you apply a pea-sized amount of the gel (about one pump from the bottle) over clean, dry skin once a day. You'll need to apply it over all of the areas where acne is a problem, not just on individual pimples. By doing it this way, you may be able to stop breakouts before they occur.

Epiduo works on the face but can also be used to treat breakouts on the back, neck, or other parts of the body.

For topical use only; It is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
Apply a thin film of the gel to affected areas of the face and/or trunk once daily after washing. Use a pea-sized amount for each area of the face (e.g., forehead, chin, each cheek).

Side Effects and Warnings:

Epiduo gel can cause some side effects. Most common: Dryness, Redness, Flaking, Stinging or burning.

The side effects are typically at their worst during the first few weeks of treatment.
After your skin adjusts to the medication, side effects usually diminish.

In addition to these side effects, Epiduo may cause your acne to flare up for the first few weeks of treatment. This is known as "skin purging" and is caused by pimples that formed under the skin prior to treatment coming to the surface. As you continue to use it, your acne will begin to improve.

Useful Tips:

The ingredients in Epiduo can cause photosensitivity, so wearing sunscreen is key. Also, stay out of tanning beds and booths.

Don't have a waxing treatment done on any areas where you're using Epiduo or any other topical retinoid for that matter. It could cause serious skin irritation.

Avoid harsh or drying skincare products. This can include scrubs, alcohol-based toners, and other over-the-counter (OTC) acne products. Using too many acne treatment products at once can over-dry and irritate your skin, and it won't clear your acne up any faster.

Use Epiduo consistently and exactly as recommended. Consistency is key when it comes to treating acne. Try not to skip days.

If your skin is uncomfortably dry, use an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizer every day.
Apply Epiduo first, let it absorb for about 20 minutes, and then layer the moisturizer over the top.

Benzoyl peroxide can bleach clothing and towels, but it won't bleach skin, so try not to get it on fabric that you don't want to be discolored.