Epiduo Gel is a potent acne treatment featuring a blend of two active ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial agent, and adapalene, a retinoid derived from vitamin A. This formulation serves to address acne symptoms effectively.

Approved for individuals aged nine and older, Epiduo Gel contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and 0.1% adapalene.

What Is Epiduo Gel Used For?
Epiduo Gel is prescribed for the management of mild to moderate acne, a prevalent skin condition characterized by the presence of pimples, oiliness, and skin inflammation. It can affect individuals of various age groups.

With consistent use over several weeks, Epiduo can reduce both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne, mitigating swollen and red blemishes. It should be noted that Epiduo Gel is not designed for treating existing acne scars, but it may help prevent future scarring.

How Does Epiduo Gel Work?
Epiduo Gel employs a dual-action approach through its active ingredients: benzoyl peroxide and adapalene. Benzoyl peroxide acts as an antimicrobial agent, eliminating the bacteria responsible for acne while stimulating skin cell turnover to unblock pores and treat blemishes. Adapalene, a synthetic retinoid, combats excessive keratin, a protein that can clog skin pores.

When combined, benzoyl peroxide and adapalene effectively control and manage acne symptoms, targeting whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules.

Epiduo and Pregnancy
Pregnant individuals are advised not to use Epiduo Gel. Although benzoyl peroxide may be considered safe for limited use during pregnancy, experts generally recommend avoiding adapalene. If you become pregnant while using Epiduo, discontinue its use. Pregnant individuals should consult with a medical professional for guidance on suitable alternative acne treatments, such as those involving salicylic acid, azelaic acid, or laser/light therapies.

Epiduo Purging
Skin purging is a natural process in which your skin disposes of dead cells, oils, and acne-causing substances, often resulting in a temporary worsening of acne. While Epiduo Gel is designed to treat acne, it can induce skin purging during initial use.

If skin purging occurs when you begin using Epiduo, rest assured that it usually subsides within several weeks, leading to improved skin quality over time. On average, skin purging lasts around four to six weeks. Should this process continue beyond six weeks, consult a healthcare professional.

Epiduo vs Duac
Epiduo Gel and Duac Gel (generic name clindamycin benzoyl peroxide gel) are both acne treatments sharing benzoyl peroxide as a common active ingredient. However, Epiduo also contains adapalene, while Duac combines benzoyl peroxide with the antibiotic clindamycin.

The application of Duac Gel is similar to that of Epiduo, with both used once daily on the affected area. Although both treatments may take time to exhibit results, significant improvements are typically visible after one month of consistent use. If no improvement is observed within three months, both treatments should be discontinued. A study comparing Epiduo and Duac found no significant differences in self-assessment perceptions between the two treatments.

For additional information, refer to the Duac Gel reviews page.

Epiduo vs Differin
Differin, a branded name for generic adapalene, is a topical acne treatment that shares adapalene as an active ingredient with Epiduo Gel. However, Differin lacks benzoyl peroxide, distinguishing it from Epiduo.

Both Epiduo and Differin work similarly by unclogging skin pores, allowing oils, dead skin cells, and other substances to escape. The presence of adapalene in both treatments accelerates skin cell turnover. Both treatments are applied once daily in the evening, and it may take several weeks to observe significant improvements. Some potential side effects, such as dry skin and skin irritation, are common to both treatments.

Epiduo Gel Reviews
Epiduo users emphasize the importance of patience when using this treatment. Although acne symptoms may worsen temporarily due to skin purging, significant improvements are typically visible after approximately 8-12 weeks. Persevering through the purging stage is often considered worthwhile.

Many reviewers report minimal to no side effects. Some experience mild effects like a slight burning or stinging sensation in the treated areas, which can be managed with the use of a moisturizer. In general, online consensus suggests that Epiduo is highly effective in treating acne within two to three months.

Can You Buy Epiduo Gel Over the Counter?
Epiduo Gel is only available by prescription in the UK and cannot be purchased over the counter. A doctor's assessment is required to determine suitability for Epiduo prior to receiving a prescription.

For convenience, consider purchasing Epiduo Gel online through Oushk Pharmacy. After completing a brief questionnaire to verify your suitability for Epiduo, we can dispense the gel and deliver it to your UK address via our next-day delivery service.

 Before you apply Epiduo gel, wash your face with warm water and a mild soap or cleanser, and then dry your face by patting it gently. Epiduo should be applied in a thin layer on the affected area; once per day, in the evening. The gel should be applied over the whole area affected by your acne, not just the individual spots.

If you encounter irritation or dry skin when starting to use Epiduo, apply it every other day before increasing gradually to daily applications. Epiduo should be used continuously for up to three months.

Many individuals using Epiduo Gel do not experience side effects, and they are generally more common when you initially start using the product as your skin adapts to the treatment.

Among the more frequently observed potential side effects of Epiduo are:

1. Skin irritation
2. A sensation of burning
3. Dry skin
4. Irritant contact dermatitis, which is a skin reaction resulting from an irritant affecting the outer layer of the skin

Rare potential side effects of Epiduo comprise:

1. Sunburn
2. Itching

If any of these side effects persist or worsen, it is advisable to inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious allergic reactions to Epiduo are infrequent. However, should you observe any abrupt symptoms like:

1. Skin rash
2. Swift facial or oral swelling
3. Breathing difficulties
4. Severe dizziness

Contact a medical professional or dial 999 immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Epiduo Gel Patient Information Leaflet
For more information about Epiduo Gel, take a look at the patient information leaflet below:

Epiduo Gel patient information leaflet

Epiduo users emphasize the importance of patience when using this treatment. Although acne symptoms may worsen temporarily due to skin purging, significant improvements are typically visible after approximately 8-12 weeks. Persevering through the purging stage is often considered worthwhile.

Many reviewers report minimal to no side effects. Some experience mild effects like a slight burning or stinging sensation in the treated areas, which can be managed with the use of a moisturizer. In general, online consensus suggests that Epiduo is highly effective in treating acne within two to three months.

Epiduo gel contains the active ingredients: adapalene 0.1% w/w and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% w/w.

Epiduo Forte gel contains the active ingredients: adapalene 0.3% w/w and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% w/w.

They both contain the inactive ingredients: docusate sodium, disodium edetate, glycerin, poloxamer, propylene glycerol (E1520), simulgel 600 PHA (copolymer of acrylamide and sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate, isohexadecane, polysorbate 80, sorbitan oleate) & purified water.