Do acne medications prescribed by dermatologists have downtime? A report on using 3 types [Epiduo Gel 2.5%], [Epiduo Gel 15g], [Dalacin T Gel 1%]

This is Dekotan.

I always get acne around my mouth before my period, when I'm stressed, or when I don't remove my makeup for a long time.

People often say you should go to a dermatologist when you get acne, but this time, I'd like to report on my experience using three types of acne medication actually prescribed by a dermatologist.

First, let me start with the conclusion.

They heal things quickly and cleanly, but the process in between is hell!

Dalacin T Gel 1%

The pharmacist explained to me that Dalacin is basically a medication used for red acne. You apply it twice a day, morning and night. It is an antibiotic that targets the acne bacteria inside the pimple and calms the inflammation.

When I actually used it, a painful red pimple with a lump gradually shrank over about a week and eventually became flat.

There are almost no side effects, so I recommend it!!
However, since the dermatologist explained that it can only be applied to red acne, it might not be effective for smaller whiteheads.

Bepio Gel 2.5% & Epiduo Gel 15g

Bepio Gel is a medication applied before Dalacin that has antibacterial effects against acne-causing bacteria like "acne bacteria" and "staphylococcus," and it bleaches the skin.

Bleaching the skin means it promotes the turnover of old skin cells. In short, your skin peels. Epiduo is a stronger version of this Bepio Gel. Apply it only at night.

The downtime for this medication is quite intense, so I took photos and will share them.

※Warning: Graphic content※

Three days after continuously applying Bepio Gel 2.5% & Epiduo Gel 15g

The area under my mouth is the reddest because the acne inflammation was severe there, so I was applying the stronger Epiduo Gel, while I applied the weaker Bepio Gel above my mouth and next to my nose.

From the second day, my skin became irritated and looked like it had atopic dermatitis, and the medication started to sting.If you endure the stinging and apply it every night before bed, your skin will start to peel around the 3rd or 4th day.

Even if you perfectly peel off the loose skin with tweezers, the skin will be peeling again two hours later.

Once the peeling cycle begins, it's the signal to stop the medication.

Switch to a moisturizing cream like Vaseline or an ointment to calm the peeling skin.A product with a firm texture is recommended.

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Moisturizing Cream 106g Vaseline Purchase
Price 650 yen

The next day

By calming it down with cream, the skin settles down this much by the next day.

The area next to my nose is clean as if the irritation from yesterday was a lie, and the irritation under my mouth has also improved significantly.

Actually, at this point, the acne that had been raised and bumpy has flattened out. All that's left is to moisturize thoroughly with cream and skincare until the redness and flakiness subside.

5 days later

By the 5th day, the redness had faded this much!
The remaining blemish-like marks are acne scars, so you can say the acne itself has healed!

My cheeks have a glow I've never had before, and my pores have closed.

Points to note

However, as you can see from the progress, there is something like a rather intense downtime.

I do not recommend this if you don't want to show your peeling skin at work or if you have a date planned.

Please expect about 4 days of downtime due to skin peeling.

Although I am reporting mostly on the progress of the downtime this time, there is no doubt that all three are excellent items that effectively treat acne.

Not very effective for whiteheads

I had heard from my dermatologist that Epiduo is also effective for whiteheads, but honestly, whiteheads were more stubborn than red acne.

However, at the dermatology clinic I go to, there is no medication more effective for whiteheads than Epiduo, and I was told that they can only prescribe Epiduo.

If you apply the medication patiently every day, it will get a little better, but that's about it.

Some dermatologists will pop them at the clinic, so having them popped might be the fastest way.

Summary

・Dalacin is a topical medication specifically for red acne, and the acne gets smaller and smaller in about a week.

・Bepio is a turnover medication that has downtime involving skin peeling. Epiduo is a stronger version of Bepio, so downtime is more likely to occur, but for severe inflammatory acne, applying Epiduo will heal it faster.

・When the skin peeling becomes severe, it is best to stop using Bepio or Epiduo and apply a thick moisturizing cream.

・Even if you apply medication from a dermatologist, it is not very effective for whiteheads.

I wrote this note because I wanted to convey that just because it is medication from a dermatologist, it doesn't mean the acne will naturally shrink on its own, and there is definitely something like downtime involved.

I hope this is helpful to you.

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↑ I have summarized my skincare routine here!