Adapalene (Non-prescription)
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Adapalene is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation in...

Adapalene is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation in the skin.

Non-prescription adapalene is available only in 0.1% strength.

Adapalene is topically applied usually once a day before going to bed to all acne-affected areas of the skin, and not just on individual pimples themselves.

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5
17.9%
4
31.4%
3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

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November 25, 2007

Pros:

After a year of use, it started to keep my acne at bay, I guess.

Cons:

This made my acne a billion times worse, for nearly a year. My face is really scarred because of it.

I don't know if this is a good product or not. It took my skin a looong time to adjust to this medication, and now I'm afraid to go off of it. I really don't get many pimples anymore, but my face is so scarred and blotchy from all the pimples it initially gave me, that my skin still doesn't look good.
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November 25, 2007

Pros:

worked for a week... or so i thought

Cons:

i went from mild acne to severe acne, even after sticking with it for 7 months! it also gave me hundreds of whiteheads. now i have acne completely covering my face and tons of scaring from the months for increase worsening.

differin=social suicide. dont even try it when there are many other topical options to chose from. i followed the regime religiously according to the website and tried not to give up hope, but instead it only made my acne 100x worse and made me more self conscious.
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November 25, 2007

Pros:

Effectively clears acne.

Cons:

Takes a while to work, can dry skin a bit.

I got prescribed this along with tetracycline & the results so far have been quite good. My skin has definately improved since I've been on it. I think the people that say their acne got worse by using this may be applying it wrong. You don't put it on your full face, just the affected areas. And also it doesn't dry my face as I moisturise twice a day so I'd say definately moisturise if your going to use it. I use Neutrogena Visibly Clear oil free moisturiser which is working well. Overall a good product :)
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November 23, 2007

Pros:

Clears pores, brightens skin (I thought so!)

Cons:

Did not completely clear acne

I used the 1% differin with clindamycin and my face improved. (Previously I had just used BP) The differin does take a while for its effects to be apparent. Generally, pores which were clogged up were opened and cleared and although this regimen was not enough to totally clear my acne, my skin improved and my acne at least receded. It's worth trying, and if your skin isn't completely clear after 3 or so months, move on to something else.
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November 23, 2007

Pros:

Gentle on skin, as compared to Duac.
Visible results in 2 days
Helps dry skin

Cons:

Has to allow it to dry before sleeping

I'm currently on Doxycycline, Duac and Differin. Initially, i was prescribed with Duac, to hlp clear up my acne and also to hlp lighten the red acne marks all over my cheeks. At first, this was a good combination - cleared my acne and hlp dry my oil-field-like skin. But after 2 months, my face started getting used to Duac. I went back to my doctor as I started breaking out again. He gave me Differin and told me to switch it between Duac when I felt I needed to. I went home researched about Differin and came across this forum. I was freaked out because everyone seemed to mention a huge breakout for the first 1 mth. I can't afford that because I'm going on a holiday next week. So i decided to try it jus on the lower half on my face - my chin and neck where there were acne all over. To my surprise, the next morning, I can see that the redness in my acne is GONE! And my skin is dry again! No more oily skin! I would recommend it to ppl with really oily skin. Use
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November 23, 2007

Pros:

Those little white bumps I had all over my face are clearing! The pimples I do have are healing and drying faster, and not causing such bad scarring. The stubborn pimples that just wouldn't go away are going away. My skin actually has a glow to it

Cons:

For the first month of use, severe peeling, dryness, tightness, flaky skin, redness, and discomfort. But, after about a month and half, using it religiously with just a mild cleanser and a moisturizer, the redness and dryness is subsiding.

I think it takes time and patience to see results. The first few weeks had major breakouts, and even now there are bad periods, but each time the inflamation goes away and it gets better and better.
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November 20, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

Horrible product dried out my skin and made my acne 10000000x worse even after continous use.

dont buy this product unless you wnat cystic acne that wont go away. this product made my acne continually worse.
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November 15, 2007

Pros:

doesn't burn, no peeling, it's less servere than other stuff. i have sensetive skin, so i got the cream.

Cons:

dryness, a tiny little spot where i acidentally put it too close to my nose. in the beginning, your acne will get much, much worse, so be prepared, and optimistic.

ok well, i've only had it for about a week. But, although i have a lot more acne than i used to, it's not the bad, big evil hurting acne. just some colorless, reddish bumps. i have very sensetive skin, so i have some dryness, but i'm happy that it's light, it doesn't burn, and it doesn't peel if you put it on right. i am optimistic, and if you're planning to use it, start of easy. i would by a moisurizer that doesn't clog your pores, and a face wash. good luck, and be PATIENT. the week is taking much less time than i imagined, and i will write again in about a month.
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November 15, 2007

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

dries skin

I used this product for 6 months, day and night, EVERY day and night, and was very persistant. But it did not help nor hinder my mild acne. All it did was dry up my face VERY much for 6 months. Trust me it is a waste, definately not the acne cure.
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November 14, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

made worse... doesn't work

dont waste ur time
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website