Day 1:

So my name is Shanice and I suffer with moderate acne. A few weeks ago I visited a dermatologist and was prescribed Epiduo. I have used basically everything you could think of to relieve my acne. Clean & Clear, Proactiv, Neutrogena, and most recently the system from Acne.org. Since I have recently been using the Acne.org system which pushes the use of benzoyl peroxide (BP), I wasn't too excited about using Epiduo. Epiduo consists of 0.1% of adapalene which is a gel and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, the main acne fighting ingredient. I did notice however, when I used the BP from Acne.org it helped to clear up my acne, but it left my skin dry, splotchy red, and irritated. In the systems it encourages you to use a moisturizer, but with my oily skin it is impossible for me to do so without turning my face into a slip n' slide. 


In this blog I just want to track each use of the Epiduo and the condition of my skin (whether it worsens or betters). So let's begin...

So this is what the Epiduo packaging looks like. It comes in a plastic tube and like I said before it contains 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. On the tube it says that Epiduo is for topical use only and it contains a net worth of 45 grams, each gram containing the amount of medication listed above.

Day 1: Acne flareups as always. 

As you can see, there are red spots on my forehead, cheeks, and chin, essentially everywhere.

                                                             

So I always wash my face before applying any product to it. Before applying the Epiduo I will always use Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser for sensitive skin. This is an oil-free formula that I buy in an 8 oz. bottle for about $3 at Walmart. 

When I wash my face with the facial cleanser I try to get a really good lather going so my hands slide softly across my skin. Usually when I wash my face with a cleanser I'm used to it making my skin pretty dry and giving it an elastic feel. I thought that's what clean was supposed to feel like. With the Clean & Clear cleanser it does not dry out your skin and it might take some time getting used to. It might not feel like your skin is completely clean, but because it is for people with sensitive skin it leaves some moisture in your skin so as not to irritate it. 

My next step is to let my face completely dry before applying the Epiduo. When I do apply the product you want to make sure not to use too much, or too little. The directions given to me with the medication say to use a pea size amount on each area of the face. So I used a pea size amount on each cheek, my forehead, and my chin. Then I gently caress the medication into my skin. You don't want to rub it in or use any vigorous motion so as not to irritate your skin. 

After applying the Epiduo I let it completely dry before continuing on with the rest of my day. Some people when using an acne regime like to use moisturizers after applying the main acne medication. Since most moisturizers are lotions I cannot use these due to over hydration. What I have noticed with the Epiduo is that it contains the Adapalene gel, which helps to hydrate your skin and keep it smooth, and that is exactly what it does. I noticed immediately afterwards that my skin was much softer and even the next day, it did not feel oily or greasy and my skin was still soft to the touch.

After use close-ups: