Teenage girl with acne

Not an actual patient. Individual results may vary.

What causes acne?

In order to treat acne, you may need to know what causes it in the first place—a combination of oil and dead skin cells that clog pores and allow bacteria to grow, resulting in pimples and acne flare-ups on the face, including the chin and forehead. The type of acne you’re experiencing can range from mild acne to serious acne. Mild acne tends to respond well to regular cleansing and over-the-counter treatments, but more serious acne (moderate to severe) often requires a stronger, prescription approach.

If you have multiple bumps and blemishes, you may have serious acne. And because almost all acne scars (99%) come from inflammatory lesions, even patients with mild acne can suffer from scarring.3,4

How can you treat acne?

If your acne lasts longer than expected and over-the-counter options aren’t giving you the results you want, Epiduo® Forte (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.3%/2.5% may be right for you. Ask your dermatologist about Epiduo Forte Gel, a powerful treatment option for hard-to-treat acne.

About Epiduo Forte Gel

Boy playing basketball

Not an actual patient. Individual results may vary.

Picture of boy before acne treatment with Epiduo® Forte gel. Picture of boy after acne treatment with Epiduo® Forte gel.

Before and After Treatment Not an actual patient, individual results may vary. Results are simulated to show average improvement as seen in clinical trials.

What can I expect?

How quickly your skin begins to improve depends on your skin type, severity of acne symptoms and how committed you are to the daily application. Introduce Epiduo Forte Gel as part of your daily skincare routine. The more consistent you are, the clearer the possibilities.

Ready, set, routine! Track your acne treatment progress and set your daily skincare routine with the myForte App.

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Acne FAQ’s

Life is busy and full of surprises, so staying with a consistent skin care routine can be difficult, but it is essential in the battle against acne. Speak with your dermatologist about a skin care regimen that includes regular washing5, getting a good night’s sleep6, proper diet and exercise7,8, and using the right skin care products9. Treating and helping to prevent acne begins with a healthy skin care routine9, so find one that works for you and make time daily to care for your skin.10

It can be tempting, but prodding pimples and acne may make it worse.11 Hands are full of oil and bacteria, and poking, squeezing and picking at pimples only drives bacteria deeper, and may increase the risk of getting an acne scar.12

Two simple lifestyle alterations can greatly improve your skin’s health: exercise and healthy eating. Exercising increases your body’s circulation, and delivers vital nutrients to your skin that help keep it healthy. Before working out, be sure that your skin is clean and that you’re wearing sweat-wicking workout gear, which helps keep your skin dry and unirritated. Always wash up with a warm shower after a workout, and give your body some time to cool down and dry off before getting dressed.14 You can help improve your skin through diet by avoiding foods that cause your skin to break out, and replacing carbs, sugar and starches with lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.15

Sleep is incredibly important in combating stress and keeping acne in check, so be sure you are getting 7-9 hours of shut-eye. Sleep helps keep your immune system strong and helps relieve stress and anxiety.16 If you’re feeling stressed, call your dermatologist to discuss how stress is affecting your skin, and ways you can better manage your stress and anxiety. Stress is a huge acne trigger, so better stress management can help you manage your acne and improve your skin’s health.17.

Did you know that a skin tan is actually your body’s response to damage?18 Tanning and increased time in the sun can lead to early skin aging. Sun-damaged skin may look dry and wrinkled. Skin damage can also increase your chance of having skin cancer!19 Make sure to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen before you leave the house. Apply sunscreen no matter what time of year it is, how old you are, or what skin type you have.20 Broad spectrum SPF 30 is perfect for most skin types, and some body moisturizers even contain SPF 30.21

It’s best to be delicate when maintaining your facial hair. Choose a non-irritating shaving cream and let it sit on your face for at least a minute before you shave.22 Shave in the direction of your hair growth to reduce irritation.23 Don’t be afraid of using an electric razor, either. They won’t provide a perfectly clean shave like a razor blade, but electric razors are far less irritating on skin. If you do use a traditional razor, make sure to change the blade every 5 to 7 shaves.24 After shaving, rinse your face off with cool water, which will help reduce irritation and rinse away any excess shaving products.22

Healthy skin is clean skin, so when it comes to makeup, it’s best to use less.4 Avoid products containing fragrances and oils. Instead, use makeup products that are “non-comedogenic,” which just means that it was designed to be easy on your skin, and not clog your pores.5 Boost your cleanser by following it up with an alcohol-free toner and moisturizer. And don’t forget to keep your makeup brushes clean by washing them with your face wash!25

  1. Amazing Facts About Your Skin, Hair, and Nails . Retrieved from www.aad.org/public/kids/amazing-facts.
  2. Lynn, D., Umari, T., Dellavalle, R., & Dunnick, C. (2016). The epidemiology of acne vulgaris in late adolescence. Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 13. doi: 10.2147/ahmt.s55832.
  3. [Tan 2017 Natural History/p567/Abstract/para3/Results/Lines 3,4]
  4. [Tan 2017/p101/col1/para1/Lines6-13]
  5. Matsuoka Y, Yoneda K, Sadahira C, Katsuura J, Moriue T, Kubota Y. Effects of skin care and makeup under instructions from dermatologists on the quality of life of female patients with acne vulgaris. The Journal of Dermatology. 2006;33(11):745-752.
  6. Hirotsu, C., Albuquerque, R. G., Tufik, S., & Andersen, M. L. SLEEP AND DERMATOLOGY.
  7. Chiu A, Chon SY, Kimball AB. The response of skin disease to stress: changes in the severity of acne vulgaris as affected by examination stress. Archives of Dermatology. 2003;139(7):897-900.
  8. Pedersen BK, Saltin B. Exercise as medicine - evidence for prescribing exercise as therapy in 26 different chronic diseases. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2015;25:1-72.
  9. Del Rosso, J. Q., Gold, M., Rueda, M. J., Brandt, S., & Winkelman, W. J. Efficacy, Safety, and Subject Satisfaction of a Specified Skin Care Regimen to Cleanse, Medicate, Moisturize, and Protect the Skin of Patients Under Treatment for Acne Vulgaris. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2015;8(1), 22–30.
  10. Baldwin HE. Tricks for improving compliance with acne therapy. Dermatologic Therapy. 2006;19(4):224-236.
  11. Zaidi Z. Dispelling the Myths and Misconceptions of Acne.The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. 2009;59(5):264-265.
  12. Tan, J. K. L., & Bhate, K. A global perspective on the epidemiology of acne. British Journal of Dermatology, 2015;172, 3-12.
  13. Adams BB, Lain E, York JP, Rueda MJ. Efficacy, Safety, and Patient Satisfaction with a Combined Acne Treatment Regimen for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Adolescent Student Athletes. J Gen Pract. 2016;4(1):1-7.
  14. “Dermatologists Share Home Remedies for Dry Skin.” Employment and Benefits | American Academy of Dermatology, 5 Dec. 2013, www.aad.org/media/news-releases/dermatologists-share-home-remedies-for-dry-skin.
  15. Bowe, W. P., Joshi, S. S., & Shalita, A. R. (2010). Diet and acne. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 63(1), 124-141.
  16. Poli F, Dreno B, Verschoore M. An epidemiological study of acne in female adults: results of a survey conducted in France. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2001;15(6):541-545.
  17. Chiu A, Chon SY, Kimball AB. The response of skin disease to stress: changes in the severity of acne vulgaris as affected by examination stress. Archives of Dermatology. 2003;139(7):897-900.
  18. Sunscreen and Prevention of Skin Aging. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2013;158(11). Seité S, Fourtanier AM. The benefit of daily photoprotection. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;58(5).
  19. American Academy of Dermatology. (2018). Sunscreen FAQs [webpage]. https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs Accessed 22 September 2018.
  20. Sunscreen and Prevention of Skin Aging. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2013;158(11). Seité S, Fourtanier AM. The benefit of daily photoprotection. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;58(5).
  21. Farberg, A. S., Glazer, A. M., Rigel, A. C., White, R., & Rigel, D. S. (2017). Dermatologists’ perceptions, recommendations, and use of sunscreen. JAMA dermatology, 153(1), 99-101.
  22. American Academy of Dermatology (2018. Tips for men: How to shave. [webpage]. https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/tips-for-menhow-to-shave. Accessed 22 September 2018
  23. Elsner, P. (2012). Overview and trends in male grooming. British Journal of Dermatology, 166, 2-5.
  24. American Academy of Dermatology (2018). How to shave. [webpage]. https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/how-to-shave. Accessed 22 September 2018
  25. American Academy of Dermatology (2018). I have acne. Is it ok to wear makeup? ([webpage]. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acneand-rosacea/makeup-with-acne. Accessed 22 September 2018

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