epiduo forte side effects

[hiltop86]

I was recently prescribed epiduo forte to treat acne. This is my second day using it and I’ve developed these dry, itchy, red patches on my skin. Is this normal? I read that these are common side effects but this seems more extreme than I imagined. Has anyone experienced anything similar? If so what did you use to treat your skin?

[TrysBeautyItems]

@hiltop86 Are you applying to the neck?

Two days in a row usage? If so, back off to a few times a week only. The skin needs to adjust, adapalene is a strand of retinol, standalone spf is a must daily. Also don't apply right after washing, wait at least 30 minutes, then wait again and moisturizer. Use only a pea sized amount of epiduo. It does contain benzoyl peroxide, besides drying can cause a chemical burn. I've experienced the burn, from a different BP, even though BP was once ok. If you know you react to BP, stop all together.

Differin is just adapalene, no BP, as an alternative.

[hiltop86]

Thank you for the info, I was spot treating on my neck. Yes I did use it two days in a row! I have since stopped using the product until the burning goes away. Do you think Epiduo is effective at treating acne in the long run? I am considering giving this product another try, my skin is very sensitive and dry under normal conditions. I’m hoping my skin just needs time to adjust, I haven’t found anything OTC that works for my acne.

[TrysBeautyItems]

@hiltop86 Definitely don't use it as a spot treatment, it's not made for that. Yes, long term results are seen. Generally 3 months of religious usage to start seeing results, with active ingredients. Otc is very limited in ingredient choices and can contain irritants. 

When you start back up, only apply to one area of the skin, as to patch test, then any reaction is controlled. You will need something to counter the usual and new dryness, like a facial oil and/or hyaluronic acid which binds moisture (not acid) use before moisturizer. Your skin may be too dry/dehydrated to tolerate BP.  Also skip the hot water = excess dryness.

I currently have just adapalene,  my hypersensitive skin is ok with it. But do listen and watch your skin and adjust accordingly.

Which cleanser do you use?

[Anonymous]

Do you have a facial oil or hydraulic acid cream you would recommend?