Simplifying OTC Acne Care: Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, FAAD, on How to Maximize Differin Epiduo Gel’s Success

The recent FDA approval of Differin Epiduo Acne Gel (Galderma) for over-the-counter use marks a notable shift in acne management, bringing a long-standing prescription-strength combination of adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% directly to patients with mild to moderate acne. As access to evidence-based treatments expands, dermatologists and advanced practice providers have a new opportunity to simplify care pathways while reinforcing the importance of proper treatment use and adherence in acne.

In this Q&A, Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at the UHealth SoLé Mia Medical Center in North Miami, Florida, discusses which patients may benefit most from this newly available option, strategies for managing early treatment-related irritation, and how clinicians can help patients navigate an increasingly crowded skin care landscape shaped by social media trends and complex routines.

Dermatology Times: Which patient profiles do you think would benefit most from Differin Epiduo Acne Gel, specifically as a first-line recommendation?

Woolery-Lloyd: This is a great option for people 12 and older with mild to moderate acne, especially people with persistent acne, who feel frustrated by complicated routines. In my practice, I often see patients layering too many ingredients and unintentionally irritating their skin. What I like about this formulation is that it is a simple once-daily treatment and offers clinically proven efficacy with ingredients dermatologists know and trust.

Dermatology Times: How should clinicians educate their patients on managing the initial dryness, irritation, or "purging" phase so they don't abandon the treatment prematurely?

Woolery-Lloyd: I always remind my patients that consistency is key when treating acne. Some may notice improvement in as little as 1 week, but meaningful results take time and continued use. Early dryness or irritation can happen when using a retinoid like adapalene, and this is something we commonly manage in dermatology. Gentle skin care, an effective moisturizer, and daily sunscreen are essential when using a retinoid. I often tell my patients that the goal is to support the skin barrier while staying consistent with treatment to see the best results.

Dermatology Times: As patients are highly influenced by social media trends and viral multi-step routines, how can clinicians ensure that patients are correctly adding this into their current regimens?

Woolery-Lloyd: People today are more engaged in skin care than ever before, but they’re also navigating an overwhelming amount of misinformation online. In my office, I often see many patients using overly complicated routines or combining too many harsh ingredients at once. There’s a real need for clinically proven treatments that simplify routines while still delivering strong efficacy. Differin Epiduo is designed for a simple, one-pump, once-daily application on the full face, which makes it easier to build a consistent routine. It can be used in the morning or at night, so people can build a routine that fits their lifestyle.

Dermatology Times: With a gold-standard combination therapy now on a drugstore shelf, how do you foresee this shifting the daily patient mix and workflow for dermatologists and advanced practice providers?

Woolery-Lloyd: The approval of Differin Epiduo over the counter expands access to a dermatologist-backed acne treatment for people who may not be currently under a dermatologist’s care and are experiencing mild to moderate acne. It also offers dermatologists an effective over-the-counter option for patients who may not be able to get prescription acne medications through their insurance. However, if acne does not improve with consistent OTC treatment or is severe, painful, or scarring, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist.

Dermatology Times: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience today?

Woolery-Lloyd: What excites me about this approval is that people dealing with acne now have over-the-counter access to a highly effective acne treatment that dermatologists have trusted for over 15 years. Having a clinically proven combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide in one formula is incredibly valuable because it targets multiple causes of acne at the same time in a simple, once-daily treatment.