Dear Doctor
I’ve had acne issues for 2 years. A doctor prescribed medication (Epiduo gel) to use.
Dear Patient
Epiduo Gel
Epiduo Gel is a combination medication used to treat acne which consists of 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.
Adapalene is a retinoid which increase the turnover and rate of shedding of the skin cells. It also reduce their cohesiveness and this helps treat acne by reducing the clogging of the skin pores.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antibiotic which reduces the population of the acne causing bacteria P. acnes. It also peels the skin.
Side effects of epiduo gel include dryness, stinging and burning sensations on the skin. Epiduo gel can also make the skin more sensitive to sunlight which can lead to sunburns. Its use should therefore be combined with that of a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pore) sunscreen like EltaMD SPF 46 Sunscreen. Epiduo gel can also bleach hair and clothes.
Epiduo Gel Acne Treatment
I recommend the following regimen to clear your acne:
Use an anti-acne face wash twice a day
Use an anti-acne face wash to wash your face in the morning and evening. Examples include Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash with Salicylic Acid which contains Salicylic acid.
Add Clindamycin in the morning
Get a prescription for Clindamycin gel to apply to your face in the morning after cleansing it.
Continue with Epiduo gel at night
Continue applying Epiduo gel at night after cleansing your face.
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