Acne.org Products
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Prescription and over-the-counter adapalene share the same efficacy percentage due to non-specific research, but prescription strength likely performs better.
Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
This topical retinoid medication provides partial relief at higher prescription dosages, but don’t look for complete clearing, especially at over-the-counter strength. Relatively affordable and comes with less side effects than tretinoin, the other affordable topical retinoid. As a bonus, it improves the look of skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles a bit too.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
December 31, 2008
Cons:
There is definitely peeling and irritation. Leaves acne marks behind at times. Takes time to clear those marks up after. It sometimes leaves a shiny glow which is not so great, especially around the T-zone area.
Differin is a great product to use especially if you have moderate or severe acne. In the beginning it does dry out your skin and increase irritation, but in my opinion that means its working. Just like any other product. You must have patience and hope that it will clear up or else youre only gonna make it worse!! In time with using Differin my skin cleared up and people began to notice. My confidence increased. It took about one year for my nodular acne to clear up completely in which i had about everywhere around my face. It is worth it, but just like any other product it may not work for everyone and only some.
December 31, 2008
Pros:
my pores look smaller and skin looks "dewier" when I use this every night.
Cons:
it doesn't seem to have any effect on my cystic acne.
i can definitely tell a difference on the nights i forget to apply differin. i've used numerous topical applications (including retin a, cleocin) and this is the only medication that doesn't make my skin red, peely or irritated. i use differin in conjuction with an oral med. it would never work on it's own. i've used differin for about 5 years.
December 31, 2008
Pros:
It works...eventually
Cons:
It breaks you out seriously for a few weeks-I had more acne than ever but they started clearing out about 3wks later! still breaking out, but it's reduced. DO NOT WAX any part of your face or you will get layers of your skin peeled off.Happened to me
Hope it finally gets rid of the acne. Takes too darn long!
December 24, 2008
Pros:
it makes acne go away, making my skin soft and smooth
Cons:
even though i don't pop or scratch my acne i still get dark spots where my acne was, it takes a LONG time to work
My doctor had prescribed the cream version to me since i have sensitive skin. I started using it but noticed that it takes about 3 to 4 weeks for it to work, but i guess in the long run it was worth it cause i have nice skin now. This product really tested my patience, but it was worth it.
December 17, 2008
Pros:
None
Cons:
Made skin VERY greasy. Clogged pores enormously.
Had a few minor pimples. Used Differin for a week -- it clogged pores that were once clear and did not help pimples that were already there. It looked like all the pores that Differen had touched were clogged-- blackheads. Derm advised to discontinue use. Two months later, the blackheads unstablized and became nodule-like-- large, hard bumps with no head. I have never had pimples like that before. I had almost perfectly clear skin before I tried Differen to get rid of 3-4 small whiteheads. Now I'm dealing with the consequences of an adverse reaction to Differen.
November 30, 2008
Pros:
It worked at first, with the oral antibiotics
Cons:
NOW it just aggrevates the skin, and every time I try a little it either reduces one night and inflames the next
Try it, it worked at first. You never know with your skin which product is the best for you. I think that it is worth a try.
November 29, 2008
Pros:
It helped some.
Cons:
Took FOREVER to work. Not worth it.
Dont get it.
November 9, 2008
Pros:
i couldn't find one.
Cons:
For the first few days acne will get worse. Thats what happened with me. Use this if you have a lot of patience.
It might work for mild acne sufferers but defenetely not for moderate or severe sufferers.
November 5, 2008
Pros:
Clears skin, lightens hyper pigmentation.
Cons:
oily skin, bad initial breakout, dries out skin for the first week, redness, cant go out in the cold.
i used to have horrible acne that started when i put tanning oil on my face!! it was baadddd!! after using a dozen different products i started to use proactive in the first week of august and after picking at my face like it was the end of the world i was left with cysts!! it was bad and sad. :( thankfully i went to the derm. in october and she gave me differin and i started tanning and now my acne is almost gone you HAVE to use cetaphil gentle skin face wash so your face doesnt dry and peel!!!!!!! theres still places where it could be better but ive only been using this for a month!! i hope it gets better and im 100% clear!! wish me luck!!! :)
November 4, 2008
Pros:
Has no oder Seems to be working Easy to use
Cons:
Does make your skin peel and can make it red and It will get worse befor It gets better
I have only ben using this product for about 4 weeks and in the first few weeks my skin was so horrible!!! It was dry and peeling very badly! But by the 3rd week it was looking better. I'm really hoping to see more improvements soon!
Pros:
Differin does work, but it works in time. It smooths out your skin and makes it soft in the end.