Adapalene (Non-prescription)
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Side Effects

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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4
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3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

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September 25, 2007

Pros:

No severe side effects.

Cons:

The effects are not very helpful. Acne has gotten worse.

Useless. Removes the top layer of skin and worsens the acne by spreading it. Results in tender, reddish skin. Not recommended.
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September 21, 2007

Pros:

Dries out top layer of skin cells promoting the sheding of the outermost layer of skin preventing buildup.

Cons:

It doesn't control facial oil, takes months to work, aggrivates skin, doesn't kill bacteria, and just a burden...

Not worth the time, effort, and money. My dermatologist (supposedly the best skin doctor in town) tells me that this is the best stuff... I'd love to slap him across the face a couple of times... Differin doesnt do anything but promote peeling of the skin. Acne is mostly caused by build-up of oil and bacteria deep beneath the skin around the hair folicles. So removing the top layer of skin isn't going to do much... You can go to [link removed] and look at the "before&after" pictures, and see that even after 6 months of use, the acne still appears.
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September 17, 2007

Pros:

clears up acne if you stay on it for 3 months

Cons:

it comes right back!

at first when i started using it i thought it was crap i got more acne, but after using it every single night for 3 months my acne was COMPLETELY gone, but came back 2 or 3 months later worse then ever. Not worth it, try something else
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September 15, 2007

Pros:

i liked what it did to my face, really cleared things up

Cons:

it didnt work on the pimples i had on my buttocks. i didnt ask if it would help when i went to the dermatologist but i decided to try it anyways. very red where i put it.

dont use on your under carriage intense burning and redness
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

pure doesnt aggrivate skin

Cons:

not always a nice finish

always cleanse brushes with antibacterial wash after each application
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

Worked for a short time

Cons:

It worked well for a few weeks and then all of the pimples came right back.

I used both the cream and gel at .1%. My doctor said that the gel is a little different and was more potent. The gel did not help my face and the cream did not either. I used it in conjunction with Duac and neither one of the medications helped my face.
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

Helps to keep new acne from forming, dries out excessive oil, easy to apply.

Cons:

Peeling, redness.

Although it does help to clear up your face, it still makes it a bit red after continual usage. I used to be on Tazorac, and Tazorac did a much better job of clearing my face up; however, Tazorac also made my face red as a tomato. So that's why I switched to Differin; it had been fine for quite a while, but now, after my 3rd month's usage, my skin's getting red again--especially when I laugh, my face turns so red. I've even been asked if I had been drinking because my face was so red. I think that it's just better to either go with Tazorac and get a red face anyways (and have much clearer skin than Differin can hope to give) or just got with the more gentle Retin-A.
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

Was easy to use. didn't get the burning flaky redness as I did with other products

Cons:

must use sunscreen on treated area

I love this product. i havent had cloged pores or any blemishes since my second week of using it.
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September 9, 2007

Pros:

eventually gentle for sensitive skin, zaps whiteheads quickly, gives skin a wonderful glow once it starts working

Cons:

The IB is very unpleasant. I used the cream in Aus/Canada ran out In Korea and was off it for 4 weeks. Only gel is available in Korea and it burned like hell for the first three months of nightly application. Got a long IB again too!

It can take a long time to work and the initial breakout if you have one can be miserable. But better out than in your skin, right?
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September 9, 2007

Pros:

Diminishes wrinkles?

Cons:

Makes every area on which it is used EXTREMELY greasy - to the point of nearly dripping. And this is skin oil, not the product itself!!! Unlike anything I've ever experienced before.

The product almost tricks you into thinking it's working - I used some samples from my dermatologist before deciding to take the plunge and actually fork over some money for it. The samples seemed to reduce the redness of my cystic acne (I went off birth control pills for the first time in 15 years and my face looks hopelessly disgusting - worse than anything I experienced as a teenager). After seeing the improvement in the coloration of the acne on my face, I decided it was worth a try, so I kept it up. BUT, what seems to happen is that the color will lighten, and if you have a scar or recent open area, that will improve, too - until you continue to use it, and then the same cyst actually grows back bigger and more painful than it was the first time (although you thought it was nearly gone). I've stopped using it for about 3 days now, and things are looking much better (I may have red spots, and they may hurt, but they're not growing and taking over).
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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