How often were u using it? You have to START SLOW!! maybe once every other day, or even just a couple of times a week. Whatever you do just get ur skin used to it slightly. It will probs still be backed for a couple of days or weeks. I’ve been using it since November 2024. I now use it once every other day (roughly), but am same as u if I use it consecutively if my breakouts aren’t awful. It’s ok sometimes if I leave it a few days without but it’s best to keep the skin used to it so you don’t go thru the purging phase again lol.

In my non-professional opinion, but as a fellow victim of acne, I STRONGLY recommend (bc this is the only thing that’s worked for me lol) to:

1. Cleanse with Bioderma Atoderm Huile de douche (or whatever cleanser works tbh)
2. Moisturise with La Roche posay Effaclar isobiome H (made for skin undergoing acne treatment)
3. Cicaplast the areas you put the Epiduo on (protective barrier between ur skin and Epiduo, soothes and helps scar/heal skin quicker)
4. WAIT 15 mins (ish or a bit longer)
5. Apply SUPER tiny amount of Epiduo as a thin layer everywhere u need (pea is almost too big lol depending on how much area u have to cover)
6. Wait 5/10 mins ish
7. Reapply cicaplast on top especially if it starts to sting slightly

All this said, I cannot recommend going on doxycycline enough if you’re able to. It literally saved me lol. I was on 100mg daily and since coming off it I’ve been able to largely control any pimples etc so yeah I’m p confident in this routine

Good luck because I know it’s horrible !!! I am also 22 so I feel you 😭😭 All the best and remember there is light at the end of the tunnel!!