Epiduo Gel

What is Epiduo Gel?

Epiduo Gel is a combination treatment for acne. It's a topical treatment which is applied to the skin and contains two active ingredients: Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide. 

How does Epiduo Gel work?

Epiduo Gel works in two ways to combat acne. Adapalene is a type of retinoid which reduces inflammation and prevents the cells that carry acne bacteria from multiplying. Benzoyl peroxide works by decreasing the amount of bacteria which cause acne. It also dries out the skin, causing it to peel. Together, the ingredients both treat acne spots and prevent new ones from breaking out.

How long does Epiduo Gel take to work?

Epiduo Gel will usually start to work after a few weeks where you'll begin to see a visible improvement. It will take a couple of months for Epiduo Gel to clear acne completely. 

Is Epiduo Gel an antibiotic? 

Epiduo Gel is not an antibiotic treatment. It's a combination of a retinoid called Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide.

Where can I use Epiduo Gel?

Epiduo Gel can be used to treat acne on the face, back and chest. 

Is Epiduo Gel suitable for severe acne?

While Epiduo Gel is effective at treating mild to moderate acne, severe acne usually needs oral antibiotics or Isotretinoin to treat it. 

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when the pores in the skin become blocked with dead skin cells and excess oil from the sebaceous glands. The main cause of this is when hormonal changes take place, for example puberty, pregnancy and menstruation. Genetics can also be a factor. The skin condition most commonly affects teenagers but it frequently occurs in adults of all ages. 

Active ingredients

The active ingredients in Epiduo Gel are Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide. 

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients are docusate sodium, disodium edetate, glycerol, poloxamer, propylene glycol (E1520), Simulgel 600 PHA and purified water.

How to use Epiduo Gel

Epiduo Gel should be applied to clean, dry skin once a day before bedtime. With clean hands, apply a thin layer of the gel to the affected areas, washing your hands thoroughly afterwards.  Epiduo Gel can stain hair and clothing so take care to let the treatment sink in after applying it. 

How long should I use Epiduo Gel for?

Use Epiduo Gel as your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed. It's likely that you will need to use it for a couple of months for the treatment to work properly. In the first couple of weeks, your symptoms may appear worse. This is due to the gel beginning to work on spots underneath the skin. After this, you should start to notice a visible improvement in your skin. 

What should I do if I forget to use Epiduo Gel?

If you forget to use Epiduo Gel, this won't cause any issues. As Epiduo Gel is used at nighttime, it's best to wait until then to use it. The treatment is most effective when used daily. If you are liable to forget, try setting an alarm or reminder on your phone. 

What should I do if I use too much Epiduo Gel?

Using too much Epiduo Gel may cause skin irritation and redness. If you use more than advised, this won't help your acne to disappear any faster and may make your symptoms worse. 

Possible side effects include: 

• Irritated skin 

• A burning sensation where the gel has been applied 

• Dry skin 

• Irritative contact dermatitis 

• Redness 

• Scaling 

• Itchy skin 

• Sunburn 

Signs of an allergic reaction include: 

• Tightness in the throat

• Swelling in the face, lips, tongue or eyes 

• Feeling faint 

• Having trouble breathing 

• Hives 

If you experience any of these symptoms stop using Epiduo Gel and seek immediate medical attention.

Contraindications

Do not use Epiduo Gel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. 

Epiduo Gel should not be used on areas of the skin affected by: 

• Cuts 

• Scrapes 

• Sunburn 

• Eczema 

• Broken skin 

Avoid too much exposure to sunlight or UV rays while using Epiduo and take care not to get it too close to your eyes, mouth or nostrils.

Drug Interactions

Do not use any other acne treatments containing Benzoyl peroxide or retinoids alongside Epiduo Gel. You should also avoid using cosmetics or products which can irritate, dry out or exfoliate the skin. 

Is Epiduo Gel safe to use during pregnancy?

Epiduo Gel should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while you are using it, stop the treatment right away.

Can I use Epiduo Gel if I'm breastfeeding?

You can use Epiduo Gel while you are breastfeeding. Take care not to use the gel around the chest area so that your baby does not come into contact with it. 

Alternatives to Epiduo Gel

There are various options to treat acne, what works best for you may depend on the severity of your symptoms. Over-the-counter creams or gels contain benzoyl peroxide and work well if you only have a few spots. Prescription treatments for moderate to severe acne include: 

• Topical retinoids 

• Topical antibiotics 

• Oral antibiotics 

• Azelaic acid 

• The combined contraceptive pill 

• Isotretinoin 

• Co-cyprindiol

What's the difference between Epiduo Gel and other acne creams?

Epiduo Gel differs from many other acne creams or gels as it is a combination cream. It contains two types of acne medicines; Benzoyl peroxide and Adapalene which is a retinoid. These components are usually used separately to treat acne.

How can I manage acne at home?

There are steps you can take to help manage acne. These include: 

• Cleanse your face twice a day 

• Avoid over-washing 

• Avoid squeezing or picking spots as this can cause permanent scarring 

• Use makeup that is non-comedogenic and doesn't clog up your pores 

• Shower as soon as possible after exercising 

• Wash hair regularly as hair oils can transfer to your skin 

Using toothpaste to dry out spots is not recommended as this can cause irritation and damage to the skin.

How can I treat acne naturally?

There are several natural remedies that can work well for mild spots and pimples. These include: 

• Tea tree oil 

• Aloe Vera 

• Honey 

• Green tea 

• Zinc supplements 

• Jojoba oil 

• Sea salt

Does Epiduo Gel work for acne scars?

Epiduo Gel will not get rid of existing acne scars but it will help to prevent new ones from forming. 

Can I still wear makeup while using Epiduo Gel?

You can wear makeup while you are using Epiduo Gel. Non-comedogenic cosmetics are recommended so that they do not clog up your pores.

Why do I have acne as an adult?

Adult acne is common and can affect anyone. The main reason for it occurring is hormonal imbalances or hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. 

Can I buy Epiduo Gel over-the-counter?

Epiduo Gel is only available on prescription and cannot be purchased over-the-counter. We provide an online prescription for the treatment after a free consultation with one of our doctors. 

Sources

NHS> Acne https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/

NHS> Acne Complications https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/complications/

Web MD> Adult acne: popular questions and answers https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-adult-acne

Web MD> 10 tips for preventing acne https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/10-tips-for-preventing-pimples

Patient Leaflet https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/451/pil