Epiduo Before and After, Review & Tips

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their personal experience using Epiduo, a prescription acne treatment containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. They discuss the initial purging phase, skin dryness, and increased breakouts, followed by significant improvement in skin texture and acne reduction over several months. Along with their journey, they offer skincare tips, including a gentle cleansing routine, exfoliation, and moisturizing to combat dryness. They also recommend using Epiduo as the last step in a skincare routine and avoiding other acne treatments during use. The video provides valuable insights for anyone considering Epiduo for acne treatment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Epiduo is a prescription topical treatment for acne, containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, and can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
• 😀 The initial phase of using Epiduo often involves 'purging,' where the skin becomes dry, peels, and may break out more as it clears underlying acne.
• 😀 The purging phase of Epiduo can last anywhere from 6 to 9 weeks, but results vary from person to person.
• 😀 After the purging phase, the skin begins to improve, becoming smoother, with fewer breakouts, and reduced redness, typically by 3-4 months of use.
• 😀 Taking progress photos can help track the improvements over time, as Epiduo’s effects are gradual and not immediate.
• 😀 Skin may appear more red and irritated during the treatment, especially where acne is present, but this improves as the treatment progresses.
• 😀 Moisturizing before applying Epiduo can help reduce the burning sensation and prevent excessive dryness or irritation.
• 😀 It's important not to use other acne treatments or cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid while using Epiduo, to avoid over-drying the skin.
• 😀 A simple skincare routine while using Epiduo includes gentle cleansing with products like Cetaphil, avoiding harsh exfoliants, and moisturizing well.
• 😀 Makeup should be reduced to allow the skin to breathe more and heal faster. If makeup is worn, choosing non-comedogenic, hydrating foundations like Too Faced Born This Way can help.
• 😀 Epiduo can be used long-term as a preventative measure for breakouts, especially around the time of menstruation when acne is more likely to appear.

Q & A

What is Epiduo and what are its main ingredients?

Epiduo is a prescription acne treatment that contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which helps to clear acne by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and promoting the shedding of dead skin cells. It is available only by prescription and is typically used for treating moderate acne.

What is the initial reaction to using Epiduo?

The initial phase of using Epiduo, known as the purging phase, can cause dry, peeling, and irritated skin. Some users may experience increased breakouts, redness, and dryness as the treatment works to clear the skin from within. This phase can last from 3 to 9 weeks.

How long did it take for the user to see improvement after starting Epiduo?

The user experienced significant improvement after about three months of using Epiduo. By February, the skin began to clear up, with reduced breakouts, less redness, and smoother skin.

What skincare routine did the user follow while using Epiduo?

The user followed a gentle skincare routine. They used Cetaphil, a mild, non-acne treatment face wash, and applied moisturizers like Cetaphil and POND's Night Cream to help combat dryness. They also used a Sonic Derm face brush to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, which is important because Epiduo can cause a buildup of dead skin.

What mistakes did the user make during the early days of using Epiduo?

The user initially made the mistake of applying Epiduo directly onto their skin without a moisturizing barrier, leading to extreme burning and swelling. This was likely due to over-dry skin and the potency of the treatment. The user learned to moisturize first and then apply Epiduo to prevent this reaction.

What makeup tips did the user offer while on Epiduo?

The user advised reducing makeup usage as much as possible to allow the skin to heal and breathe. When makeup is worn, they recommended choosing foundations that are moisturizing and non-irritating, such as Too Faced Born This Way or Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous, both of which are gentle on dry skin.

Can you use other acne treatments alongside Epiduo?

No, it is not recommended to use other acne treatments while on Epiduo. The user advises against using products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as these ingredients may irritate the skin and counteract the effectiveness of Epiduo.

How does Epiduo affect the skin during the treatment process?

During treatment, Epiduo helps to clear acne by drying out excess oil and killing acne-causing bacteria. However, it can also cause dryness, peeling, and irritation, especially in the beginning. Over time, as the skin adjusts, these effects typically lessen, and the skin begins to look clearer and smoother.

How did the user's skin react to Epiduo after using it for several months?

After several months of use, the user's skin significantly improved, with clearer, smoother skin and reduced redness. They mentioned that by February, their skin looked the best it had ever been, with no visible acne, texture issues, or large pores.

What should you do if your skin reacts badly to Epiduo?

If your skin reacts badly to Epiduo, it is important to stop using it for a while and consult a dermatologist. In the case of severe irritation or allergic reactions, switching up your skincare routine, such as moisturizing more intensely or using a gentle cleanser, can help. The user experienced swelling and burning initially, but the irritation subsided after discontinuing Epiduo briefly and adjusting their skincare routine.