What is Epiduo?
Epiduo is a prescription gel that contains adapalene, a retinoid, and benzoyl peroxide and is used as a treatment for acne.
What is Epiduo used for?
Epiduo is a prescription gel used to treat mild to moderate acne. If taken with an oral antibiotic, it can be used to treat moderate to severe inflammatory acne.
For more information on what acne is and how to treat it, click here.
How does Epiduo work?
Epiduo gel contains benzoyl peroxide and adapalene, a retinoid. Benzoyl peroxide works as an antiseptic, to reduce the skin bacteria which contribute to acne development. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Adapalene works by increasing the turnover of skin cells which helps prevent them building up within hair follicles to cause spots. It also helps to reduce the dark marks left on the skin when the acne heals.
It’s important to use the gel consistently as prescribed as it may take several weeks before you start to see any improvement.
How to use Epiduo?
Every evening, gently wash and fully dry the affected area before applying a thin film of gel using your fingertip. Make sure you only use as much as you can rub in easily. Wash your hands afterwards.
Try to avoid a build up of the gel around your nose, eyes and mouth. Make sure not to use any other medicated skincare products while you’re using Epiduo, unless this is on the advice of a healthcare professional.
Epiduo dosage
How much Epiduo you use depends on the size of the area you need to treat. Use enough to apply a thin layer of gel to the affected area. You should be able to rub in the gel easily. If you’re finding it difficult to rub in the amount of gel you’ve applied, use less gel.
Is Epiduo effective?
It can take some time for skin to improve so it’s important that you should use Epiduo regularly as prescribed. If used consistently, you should see some improvement in your acne between six to eight weeks.
What are the main side effects of Epiduo?
It’s common for Epiduo to cause a mild burning sensation, skin irritation or drying when you apply the gel. If this happens, use an unscented, oil-free or non-comedogenic moisturiser when your skin becomes dry or starts to peel during your treatment.
Because it can take a while for your skin to get used to the medication, we recommend that you start by using it two or three times a week at first, and then build up gradually to using it every night over time.
For more information about using Epiduo and possible side effects, see the Patient Information Leaflet.
What else should I know about Epiduo?
You should not use Epiduo if you’re pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are trying to conceive. Because Epiduo can harm the foetus, we recommend using effective contraception such as the pill, implant or coil if you’re sexually active with a man.
Epiduo can be used safely when breastfeeding but should not be used to treat skin on the chest. This is because of concerns that topical retinoids might be harmful to developing babies. If you become pregnant while on this treatment, please stop using it.
Epiduo can also make your skin more photo-sensitive so it’s important to avoid exposure to sunlight and artificial UV light during treatment. Make sure to wear sunscreen when going outside.
What are alternative acne treatments?
There are other acne treatments that can help you clear your skin if you don’t want to use Epiduo. Different types of prescription creams and gels are available which can be either used alone or in combination with an antibiotic tablet, if suitable for your needs. Combined contraceptive pills can also be helpful for some female acne-sufferers.
For the different types of prescription treatments we offer for acne, click here.
What are the non-drug alternatives to Epiduo?
If you don’t want to take prescription medication for your acne, there are things that you can do to help your skin improve.
- Avoid trying to squeeze spots. This can spread infection, slow down the healing process and increase the chance of scars forming.
- Clean your skin daily using an oil-free, unfragranced cleanser with lukewarm water. Make sure to clean your skin no more than twice a day to avoid irritation.
- Try to avoid using heavy or oil-based make-up and cosmetics. If your skin is dry, use an unfragranced, oil-free moisturiser.
- Although It is not thought that diet has an impact on your acne, make sure to drink plenty of water.
