What is acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin, and sometimes hot or painful skin.
Acne is common when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. This leads to the formation of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes more severe forms like nodules or cysts. It most often affects the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.
Although acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment. If you develop mild acne, it is a good idea to speak to a pharmacist for advice.
What causes acne
Acne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked. In acne, the glands begin to produce too much sebum. The excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells, and both substances form a plug in the follicle.
Normally harmless bacteria on the skin can then contaminate and infect the plugged follicles, causing papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.
Several factors contribute to the development of acne:

• Excess sebum production

• Dead skin cells

• Bacteria

• Hormonal changes

• Inflammation

• Diet

• Stress

• Genetics

• Medications

Skincare products

Symptoms of acne
Acne most commonly develops on the:

• face – this affects almost everyone with acne

• back – this affects more than half of people with acne

chest – this affects about 15% of people with acne

Types of spots
There are 6 main types of spot caused by acne:

• Blackheads – small black or yellowish bumps that develop on the skin; they’re not filled with dirt, but are black because the inner lining of the hair follicle produces colour

• Whiteheads – have a similar appearance to blackheads, but may be firmer and will not empty when squeezed

• Papules – small red bumps that may feel tender or sore

• Pustules – similar to papules, but have a white tip in the centre, caused by a build-up of pus

• Nodules – large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful

Cysts – the most severe type of spot caused by acne; they’re large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring

What is Epiduo Gel
Epiduo Gel is a topical medication used to treat acne, particularly in moderate to severe cases. It combines two active ingredients:

• Adapalene (0.1% or 0.3%) – A retinoid that helps prevent pores from clogging by promoting skin cell turnover. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce acne-related redness and swelling.

• Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%) – An antibacterial and keratolytic agent that kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin and reduces oil production. It also helps shed dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores.

How does Epiduo Gel work

Adapalene helps prevent acne formation by keeping pores clear and reducing inflammation.
Benzoyl Peroxide kills bacteria on the skin and helps to remove excess oil, which can prevent acne from worsening.
How to use Epiduo Gel
Apply a thin film of gel evenly over acne-affected areas once a day at bedtime, avoiding the eyes, lips and nostrils. The skin should be clean and dry before application. You should wash your hands thoroughly after you have used Epiduo.
Epiduo is only intended for use in adults, adolescents and children aged 9 years and over.
Always use this medicine exactly as your prescriber has told you. Check with your prescriber or pharmacist if you are not sure.
What does Epiduo Gel contain
The active substances are: Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. 1g of gel contains 1mg (0.1% w/w) adapalene and benzoyl peroxide hydrous, equivalent to 25 mg (2.5% w/w) anhydrous benzoyl peroxide.
The other ingredients are: docusate sodium, disodium edetate, glycerol, poloxamer, propylene glycol (E1520), Simulgel 600 PHA (copolymer of acrylamide and sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate, isohexadecane, polysorbate 80 (E433), sorbitan oleate) and purified water.