Acne vulgaris, more commonly known as acne, is caused by the overproduction of sebum – an oily substance made in the glands near your hair follicles. Sebum is useful in small amounts to stop your skin drying out, but too much can mix with dead skin cells and clog-up your pores, creating painful spots and skin inflammation.
It’s often linked to changes in hormones, which is why acne is so common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age. Typically found on the face, back, and chest, the symptoms of acne include different types of spots, oily skin, and skin that can feel hot or painful.
Epiduo gel contains two active ingredients – adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% – that work together to treat acne and prevent further outbreaks.
- Adapalene is part of a group of medicines known as retinoids. It regulates skin turnover to stop dead cells building up and clogging pores.
- Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial that attacks and kills bacteria on the skin. It can reduce outbreaks of painful spots and calm, red irritated patches.
Epiduo is a topical treatment that should be applied to the affected area once a day before bedtime. We recommend following these steps:
- Wash the affected area with a non-comedogenic cleanser and pat dry
- Use a pea-sized amount of gel to spread a thin layer across the affected area
- Avoid contact near the eyes, lips, nostrils or other sensitive areas
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying Epiduo gel
Epiduo should not be used on damaged, broken or sunburned skin, and you should avoid using it anywhere you have eczema.
Epiduo acne treatment can cause side effects in some people but not everyone will experience these. The most common are:
- Irritation of the skin
- Mild burning sensation
- Dry skin
- Local skin rash
- Redness and scaling
These symptoms should settle down after the first week of treatment, but if you continue to experience problems, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They might suggest that you use a non-comedogenic moisturiser, use Epiduo less frequently, take a break from using it, or stop using it completely.
If you experience the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a tight throat, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or trouble breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Epiduo gel should not be used:
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant,
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed
- In children under nine years of age
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide can make you more sensitive to light so try to avoid exposure to strong sunlight, UV lamps and sun beds. Where this isn’t possible, we recommend using sun cream and wearing protective clothing.
Epiduo can stain – avoid contact with anything coloured, such as hair and dyed fabrics, as it could cause discolouration or bleaching.
For a complete list of side effects and cautions, see the patient information leaflet.
How long does it take for Epiduo to work?
You should start to notice a difference after eight weeks of using Epiduo cream. It’s important to be consistent in your use of Epiduo for it to be effective. Try to maintain the treatment for as long as you can, but if you don’t feel like your acne is improving then speak to your doctor, who may be able to recommend something else.
Will Epiduo help my acne scarring?
Epiduo works by killing bacteria on the skin and preventing the build-up of dead skin cells that can clog pores causing blackheads, whiteheads, hard lumps, and cysts. By reducing these spots, you should notice a decrease in any future scarring.
Can I still use make-up with Epiduo?
You can use make-up with Epiduo, but try to use cosmetic products that are non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t clog up your pores. Be cautious of using anything that dries out or exfoliates your skin as this could cause irritation.
Is it safe to use Epiduo while breastfeeding?
Epiduo (0.1 / 2.5) gel can be used while breastfeeding, but if you are using the gel on your chest take care that it doesn’t come into contact with your infant.
Speak to your doctor before you begin treatment.
Can Epiduo be used alongside other medication?
You should always seek medical advice before you start any treatment, if you’re already taking other medication. Epiduo should not be used alongside any other topical acne medications, especially those containing retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.
Can you buy Epiduo gel over the counter?
Epiduo gel is a prescription only drug available to buy from registered pharmacies, like Post My Meds. Before we process your order, we will ask you to complete a short online consultation, so we can make sure that this treatment is suitable for you.
We only sell prescription drugs where we believe it is safe to do so, and if we think there is an alternative treatment better suited to you, then we will let you know.
How do I buy Epiduo gel online?
It’s quick and easy to buy Epiduo gel in just a few simple steps:
- Browse our range of acne treatments
- Complete an online consultation form and select your treatment
- Buy securely with fast delivery
If you order before 4pm on a weekday or 11am on Saturday, we will dispatch your order the same working day. Orders placed after this will be dispatched the following working day. We offer free Royal Mail first class delivery for all prescription medication orders.
All our products are shipped in unbranded, generic packaging to protect your privacy.
Is it safe to buy prescription drugs online?
Online pharmacies, like Post My Meds, follow the same laws as high-street pharmacies. We are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and everything we sell is approved by the UK regulator for medicines and healthcare products (MHRA).
