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 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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17.5%
4
30.4%
3
22.6%
2
17.1%
1
12.4%

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November 22, 2011

Pros:

I feel like my face is revealing new fresh skin

Cons:

adjustment period and it is expensive

I've been using differin for the last 2 weeks. the first week i used it 2-3 times a week, then I felt like my face adjusted so i started using it every night after i wash with cetaphil sensative skin cleanser. so far so good. i'm looking forward to weeks to come. ill keep you all posted soon.
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December 23, 2010

Pros:

The gel gives a cooling effect on inflammatory acne. Also I like that it dries acne up and leaves a scabish thing that flakes off in a few days. But that isn't instantaneous. I notice that these scabs form over a course of days. I like that it's not as extreme as tazorac because tazorac caused me to flake like there's no tomorrow even when using less an a pea sized amount. Differin works gradually to help repair the skin from underneath and as well prevent future breakouts.

Cons:

Slow and gradual process but if you have acne like mine... it's worth the wait!
Can be drying and you definitely might consider using a light moisturizer.

I haven't ever had an acne problem. Only dealt with a maximum of 3 to 4 pimples at one time. But suddenly this past november i broke out with hundreds on my cheeks and forehead. I'm also taking doxycycline 2 times a day (100mg) and Yaz birth control to help normalize my hormones (DHEA-S levels are at 5770 and testosterone at 101) which are really high for an adult female who's 22 years old. I may have pcos but I need further testing for that. All in all give Differin a shot. It may just help control your acne from getting worse. And if you have inflammatory acne it definitely helps the healing process but very gradually. Otherwise if you have zits I would go for it because it'll dry those suckers right up! Good Luck!
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December 3, 2009

Pros:

brings clogged pores to surface so you can easily wash away dirt

Cons:

reddness, flushing, rosacea, still broke out, sunburn-like face 24/7

I used differin from March 2009-June 2009. Every bad side effect, I had. The worst is the 24/7 sunburn look and the fact that my face was itching/burning all the time. When i'd put lotion on my face it would be very oily and shiny. I had no idea what lotion to buy.. i nearly bought all the lotions people told me to get.. spf 50 and one was spf 70+. And, when i'd put lotion on all it does is make me have a very white (ultra pale) skin. I have a fair complexion to begin with. I tried using it sporadically, but that did nothing. I still had the sunburn like effect. I was also very sensitive to the sun, indoor sunlight.. you name it! I stopped using Differin in June 09 and I still have reddness and of course acne and acne scars. I have no idea what to do.. I thought BP and Proactive would work but it hasnt done anything for me these past few months.
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November 26, 2009

Pros:

feels good on skin, doesnt smell terrible like other products, isnt overly drying,

Cons:

does cause mild dryness, differin being a topical retinoid it does cause an initial breakout but even then im not breaking out as much as normal

ive only been using differin for two weeks and it seems to be helping although i am stil in the initial breakout stage, ill continute to use this product for the recommended time frame of eight to twelve weeks..
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November 25, 2009
I was on accutane for 6 months about 5 years ago which completely cleared my skin and then 2 years later it started getting bad again but not nearly as bad as it WAS. My derm prescribed Differin which I used twice a day, sometimes once a day if my skin was extra dry and I went on levora birth control pill. I did not notice a huge difference at all. I would say my face went from 6-7 pimples at a time to 3-5 pimples at a time. Needless to say I lost my insurance and it became VERY expensive so I stopped the Differin after almost a year but stayed on the birth control. It did not get any worse so I'm think it was the levora more than the Differen.
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November 22, 2009

Pros:

Goes on easily, does not make skin dry, and washes off easily.

Cons:

Makes acne worse before it gets better. Causes a little bit of redness on cheeks and nose area.

I have been using Differin for about a year and a half now, and i like it. It doesn't irritate my skin and i have cleared up very nicely. I still get occasional breakouts and have had to go on Clindamycin and i just started acanya to clear up my t-zone. Other than that, the results were great.
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November 15, 2009

Pros:

Because I have sensitive skin I am using the cream rather than the gels. Using a pea sized amount does not make my skin feel dry, tight, or burned, as other products invariably do.

Cons:

Have not noticed any improvement - skin has rather worsened.

Before using this I used Proactiv for over a year and it worked well, after the initial redness and extreme dryness. I was encouraged and thought (as I am nearly 20) that perhaps my skin did not need Proactiv any longer. So I started using Cetaphil. Hello, acne! I was reluctant to begin Proactiv again because that would require going through the extremely embarrassing redness and dryness phase, so I stuck with Cetaphil and added differin and an antibiotic, Doxycycline to my regimen. Here are the results: My skin is overly pink/slightly red (ugghhh!!) and much more oily than while using Proactiv. I continue to break out in areas that had previously not given me problems. It is extremely discouraging, but I have decided to stick it out until the 3 months have passed (15 more days in my case). If my skin hasn't improved, I'm switching back to Proactiv. Doesn't acne SUCK? Bottom line: stick it out for the 3 months recommended, just so you absolutely know whether or not it works for you.
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October 30, 2009

Pros:

It works pretty well but doesn't do a full 100% percent job on treating my acne.

Cons:

Makes my face dry and turns white when I start working out and sweating.

Its just a mediocre product, I would recommend giving it a try but don't be surprised if it doesn't work perfectly for you.
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October 28, 2009

Pros:

Didn't pay anything for it, large tube lasted a while so didn't have to keep going back for more.

Cons:

Does little or nothing for stubborn spots. If used too generously can sting a lot, incredibly dry skin.

Didn't do anything worthwhile for my acne. I've tried a lot of products over this years but this might just top the most useless charts. Prescribed by the doctor a few weeks ago but hasn't improved the situation under any circumstance. I will stick to the benozyl peroxide as that is faaaaar better!
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October 1, 2009

Pros:

Will help clear your skin.

Cons:

Must put in the time, may cause an initial outbreak, will make you more sensitive to sunlight.

First of all..if you are in your teens then please don't panic. This is not the end of the world. Acne or not, your life will continue beyond high school and college will not be as hard as you think. You are not alone. This part of your life is such a small part in relation to your entire life. I used Differing .1% and .2% growing up with little success. Then I went to Clindamycin lotion which is good then to the solution. The lotion is best. 1) Use a good soap. I used Dove Sensitive Skin for years & like it. I switched to Neutrogena face wash but made my face oily. I am now trying Cetaphil. Seems good but too early to tell. Remember to give new soap 15+ days to start working. 2) Use an electric razor. I used braun but switched to Norelco because the three head blades. Your face takes 15+ days to acclimate. 3)Give meds time,15-30 days they don't work go back to derm, try something else. Now am on differin .3% & Minocycline. Clindimycin & doxycycline didn't work.
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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