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How does Epiduo work?

In acne, skin pores get blocked with a combination of excess greasy sebum and shed skin cells. Acne bacteria grow in the blocked pores. This causes blackheads and whiteheads.

Epiduo combines two ingredients: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide.

Adapalene belongs to a group of medicines known as retinoids which were originally developed from Vitamin A. Retinoids control skin cell shedding and so reduce the blocking of pores and acne.

Benzoyl peroxide reduces bacteria on the surface of the skin and also softens and peels the surface layers.

The combination is more effective than either ingredient used on its own.

Who is Epiduo for?

Epiduo works best for people who have mild acne with blackheads and whiteheads. It is recommended at step 3 of the Dr Fox acne treatment plan. It can also be used on the skin alongside taking antibiotic capsules like lymecycline.

Who should not use Epiduo?

Epiduo is not suitable for children under 9 years or over 65s and is only available online from Dr Fox to over 18s. Epiduo should not be used if there is known kidney or liver disease.

How to use Epiduo

• Use Epiduo at bed time.
• Remove makeup.
• Wash and dry the area of acne affected skin.
• Using the fingertips, apply a thin film of Epiduo gel over the whole affected area (not just to the pimples and spots).
• Keep the gel away from the eyes, lips, and nostrils.
• Wash hands after applying Epiduo.
• Ensure the Epiduo is dry before it comes into contact with clothing, towels, pillows, and hair as it can cause staining or bleaching.

Side effects and cautions

Epiduo commonly (more than 1 in 10) makes skin dry and sensitive. This may lead to reddening and scaling. It is a good idea to try a test patch before applying the gel to larger areas and when starting treatment use on alternate days for the first week or longer. If the dryness, reddening, and scaling is severe or doesn’t settle then Epiduo should be stopped.

Other side effects are less common, and include itching and increased sensitivity to sun.

• Do not use Epiduo on eczema, cuts, grazes, or sunburnt skin.
• Do not use at the same time as drying or peeling/exfoliative cosmetic products.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Epiduo should not be used by women who are pregnant or who are at risk of becoming pregnant.

Epiduo can be used by women who are breastfeeding as long as it is not applied to the chest.

Other acne treatments

Benzoyl peroxide on its own is available from pharmacies in various strengths as a non-prescription medicine, and also in combination with the antibiotic clindamycin, in the prescription medicine Duac.

Prescription only Differin cream and gel contains adapalene on its own.

Antibiotic treatments for acne - Zineryt topical skin lotion or lymecycline capsules are available from Dr Fox through the acne treatment plan.

The combined contraceptive pill can also be an effective acne treatment for women.

Dermatology specialists can consider Roaccutane (isotretinoin) tablet treatment, if acne is severe, scarring, or causing significant distress.

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