Epiduo gel is an acne treatment that can be applied directly to the area that suffers most from spots and pimples. The product contains a combination of two separate substances which work together to improve recovery from acne breakouts and reduce the number of pimples on the skin.The first ingredient in Epiduo gel is adapalene, which is similar to vitamin A in that it helps the skin to heal and renew itself. It is excellent at improving the turnover of cells, which means that you get rid of damaged skin more quickly. Additionally, adapalene has an anti-inflammatory impact on the skin, which reduces swelling and redness to make spots less noticeable. The second ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, is particularly effective at killing bacteria on the skin, which reduces the risk of developing additional spots. The substance exfoliates the surface layer of the skin, unblocking the pores and allowing the sebaceous glands to work naturally. Benzoyl peroxide also has a mild drying effect, which means that it helps to get rid of old skin cells and lets you wash away bacteria and excess oils more easily. Together, Epiduo gel helps to eliminate some of the most common forms of acne, particularly in teenagers and young adults. It is also excellent at reducing the risks of impending spots.Epiduo gel is an acne medication that is applied topically to the skin in a cream or gel form. The medication includes two active ingredients, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene is a retinoid which affects the way that cells grow, reducing inflammation and swelling. Benzoyl peroxide meanwhile is a skin-peeling agent and antibiotic that works by causing dead skin to dry and peel away. Together, the two substances can decrease the severity and number of acne pimples on the skin.
Epiduo Gel
What is Epiduo gel?
Epiduo gel is an acne treatment that can be applied directly to the area that suffers most from spots and pimples. The product contains a combination of two separate substances which work together to improve recovery from acne breakouts and reduce the number of pimples on the skin.
The first ingredient in Epiduo gel is adapalene, which is similar to vitamin A in that it helps the skin to heal and renew itself. It is excellent at improving the turnover of cells, which means that you get rid of damaged skin more quickly. Additionally, adapalene has an anti-inflammatory impact on the skin, which reduces swelling and redness to make spots less noticeable. The second ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, is particularly effective at killing bacteria on the skin, which reduces the risk of developing additional spots. The substance exfoliates the surface layer of the skin, unblocking the pores and allowing the sebaceous glands to work naturally. Benzoyl peroxide also has a mild drying effect, which means that it helps to get rid of old skin cells and lets you wash away bacteria and excess oils more easily. Together, Epiduo gel helps to eliminate some of the most common forms of acne, particularly in teenagers and young adults. It is also excellent at reducing the risks of impending spots.
When is Epiduo gel used?
Epiduo gel will often be offered as a prescription solution for people who suffer from very painful or uncomfortable acne. Usually, this medication is a treatment that is best suited for those who feel as though they cannot control their acne by themselves. It is suitable for most people over the age of nine and can be used on various parts of the body, although a doctor will often provide insights into how this medication should and should not be used.
Although Epiduo gel will get to work on reducing acne from the moment that it is applied, it is important to remember that you might not see the difference for a few weeks. Most people will need to continue using Epiduo gel for a period of at least a few months before their condition improves significantly.
How do you use Epiduo gel?
Getting the best results from Epiduo acne gel requires patience and persistence. Your doctor will tell you how often to apply this serum, and where you should avoid placing it on your skin. Before you apply Epiduo acne gel, make sure that you wash your hands and the affected area with a mild cleanser and pat the skin dry. You can then apply a very thin layer of medication to the affected skin as directed by your doctor.
It is important to use Epiduo acne gel only on the outer skin, and not on any inner lip areas, in the mouth or nose, or on any mucous membranes. Epiduo gel cannot be applied to any sunburned or scraped skin, so make sure you speak to your doctor if you have any open wounds. When applying Epiduo acne gel, make sure that you avoid getting it into your eyes. If you accidentally rub your eyes after using Epiduo acne gel, rinse them with large amounts of water, and contact a doctor if you start to notice irritation or blurred vision.
Your treatment plan for Epiduo acne gel will be dependent on the nature of your condition and how well you respond to treatment. When you first start using Epiduo acne gel, you might find that your condition seems to worsen for a few weeks, as the substance will be working on the spots that are forming on the outer layer of skin. It is important to continue using Epiduo acne gel following the instructions of your doctor, even if you think that it is not working properly.
Do not use a larger amount of Epiduo acne gel than necessary, as this will not speed up your ability to eliminate spots, and make sure that you contact your doctor if your condition worsens or persists.
What dosages are available?
Epiduo gel is applied once a day in most cases, although your doctor may ask you to adjust your dosage depending on your response to treatment. Apply about a pea-sized amount to each area of the face, such as the chin, forehead and cheek. You can also apply Epiduo acne gel to the trunk and back. Do not apply around the eyes or lips.
What are the side effects of Epiduo gel?
Most of the people who use Epiduo acne gel will not notice any significant side effects. However, if you do find that negative symptoms occur when you begin using this product, you can talk to your doctor about your options as you may need to switch to a different form of treatment.
The most common response to Epiduo gel is that your acne might get worse for the first four weeks that you are using the product. This will pass, and it could be a sign that the treatment is working. Additionally, you may notice some significant dryness in your skin, or a mild sensation of peeling or burning when you are applying the gel. Your doctor may want you to use a moisturizer with Epiduo acne gel to counteract some of the drying effect. If you notice any of the symptoms above, or you feel as though your skin is swelling or stinging and the issue persists, speak to your doctor. You should also contact your doctor if you notice any other side effects that are not mentioned here.
In some cases, people using Epiduo acne gel might notice that their skin becomes scalier or redder at the application site. These issues will often pass by themselves. While a very significant allergic reaction to Epiduo acne gel is rare, you should seek emergency medical help if you notice swelling in the face, throat or tongue, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness.
Use caution when applying Epiduo acne gel to your skin near the hairline, as it could bleach your skin, hair and clothing.
When should you not use Epiduo gel?
Before you begin using Epiduo acne gel, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any existing medications that you are using, and any allergies that you have. If you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, adapalene or any vitamin A drugs, it might not be suitable for you to using Epiduo acne gel.
In some cases, Epiduo acne gel may make you more sensitive to the sun. With that in mind, it is important to limit your exposure to the sun and avoid any sun lamps or tanning booths when using this product. You can also use protective clothing and sunscreen to defend yourself against the sun when you are outdoors. Speak to your doctor if you get any burns that lead to blisters. Wait until you recover from a sunburn before you continue to use Epiduo acne gel. Avoid any chemical hair removal products, electrolysis or waxing on the areas of skin that you want to treat with Epiduo acne gel.
Since it is absorbed through the skin, Epiduo acne gel may affect women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. It is uncertain whether this drug is harmful to women who are breastfeeding.
Does Epiduo gel interact with any other medications?
Most topical treatments, including acne treatments such as Epiduo gel, will not have any significant interactions with other medications that are given orally or intravenously. However, it is important to remember that drugs can still interact with one another in many different ways. To reduce your risk of any dangerous interactions, it is important to speak to your healthcare providers about any of the medicines you regularly use, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, supplements and herbal products.
You should not use Epiduo acne gel alongside other products that are classed as retinoids, or products that contain benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient, as this may cause your skin to become overly dry. It is also best to avoid using strong peeling agents such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid with Epiduo acne gel. Strong drying agents and acne products containing astringents and alcohols are also not suitable to use with Epiduo gel.
Where can you buy Epiduo gel?
Epiduo acne gel is currently available to purchase online and in pharmacies around the world. However, it is important that you have a full consultation with a doctor before you buy this product. Remember that there are many different kinds of acne treatment, and Epiduo gel might not be right for you.
Can you get Epiduo gel without a prescription?
In the UK, Epiduo acne gel is not available to purchase without a prescription. Your doctor will need to assess your medical history and condition before giving you this medication to ensure that you are receiving the right treatment. Make sure that you book a consultation with a medical professional to enable you to obtain Epiduo gel.
References:
Angela Palmer, 15 March 2019, Verywell Health, Online, Treating acne with Epiduo gel, [accessed on 26 June 2019], Available on: https://www.verywellhealth.com/information-on-epiduo-acne-treatment-15878
eMedicine Health, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide Topical, Online, [accessed on 26 June 2019], Available on: https://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-adapalene_and_benzoyl_peroxide_topical/article_em.htm
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP, RXlist, online, 2018, Epiduo side effects, drug centre, [accessed on 26 June 2019], Available on: https://www.rxlist.com/epiduo-side-effects-drug-center.htm