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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January 9, 2009

Pros:

Only 1x daily application

Cons:

Didn't seem to do anything except possibly making my skin worse.

I'm glad it's working for so many people but not me. I have tried Differin (the cream and the gel) at two 3-4 month periods in the last three years and it didn't work. I applied the ultra thin layer every night and I always woke up with a layer of grease on my face that I normally don't have. I know it isn't supposed to do much about the existing acne, but it didn't seem to be preventing anything either, even after three months of using it religiously. I had the worst breakout of my life about a month into using it and I still have the red marks. I was trying to be patient about it because I know it can take months to work, but I've put in the time and seen no results twice now.
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January 9, 2009

Pros:

it works every now and then but mostly at first . After continues use the only time it works is when you apply alot but it then makes your skin flaky. there is no win win

Cons:

Its absolutely expensive and it really dries up your skin making it over sensitive.

I have been using it for a year ( 3percent) and my skin and eyelids are super dry. I feel my skin will get older sooner because of all this dryness and sensitivity. I use it every other night. my derma told me the dryness around my eyes is because I have too much of the meds ( differin) and to stop using it for a month and only apply mosturizer. WHAT!? I tried a week and I was alreay breaking out, so I use every other day, until the tube runs out. Not worth it for me
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December 30, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my skin a little bit.

Cons:

Caused my face to become itchy (rash) and more acne prone with large pores, especially on my chin. I have tried to follow the instructions carefully to no avail, and moisturize as needed.

I tried the 0.1% that was given as a sample from my dermatologist. I stopped using Differin and decided to just use Benzaclin. The itchiness went away and I haven't had a big breakouts since then.
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December 29, 2008

Pros:

I can't think of any

Cons:

Made my acne worse
My skin is cracking and peeling and it HURTS. I actually cried because it hurt so much and no moisturizer would make the sting go away.

I HATE IT! even though it's only been a few days, my skin has never been sensitive until this came along. and now my skin is also red, and inflammed and horrible with breakouts. I have a party to go to in a few days and I'm going to die of embarassment
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December 27, 2008

Pros:

Got it as a sample, so it was free.

Cons:

Burns, drys skin and made me break out.

I used this after getting a sample from my dermatologist and regret ever using it. It made me break out in the areas I applied it and caused my skin to be very dry. It also changed the pigment of my skin. Horrible!
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December 26, 2008

Pros:

Uhm... it comes in a gel??

Cons:

Doesn't work. Made me break out even more. Dried out my skin a lot. Can only get it by prescription. Annoying commercials (lol)

After using this product, I woke up the next morning very hopeful. And when I looked in the mirror, I was ready to throw a fit. I noticed all of these little whiteheads starting to grow and my acne was really inflammed. I know that the directions on it said that your pimples would appear to be worse at first, but then clear up right away, so I believed it and decided to use it for a few more weeks in hopes that it wasn't lying. Turns out it was. I had to stop immediately when things got way too bad, and after reading different reviews on this, I've noticed that a lot of other people have had this same problem too. There is no chance in hell that I would ever recommend this product.
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December 23, 2008

Pros:

clears up little blackheads and makes your skin from dry 2 oily

Cons:

There is no cure 4 acne whatever you use...the secret is if u find what works u continue using it even if your face clears up,keep using 2 keep the acne at bay.adapalene is worth a try though it takes 4ever 2 work you have 2 b extremely patient...

I have suffered acne since i was 16,i tried almost everything over the counter nothing seemed to.. i tried proactive solution it worked well for a few months then stopped even as i continued 2 use it it made my skin soo dry it gave me wrinkles under my eyes so i stopped using it, i went 2 my dermatologis n he prescribed roaccutane 4 me for 4 months it worked wonders my skin cleared up really well i was acne free 4 a good 10months then from no where started 2 break out again i became soo depressed even after my doc telling me that after roaccutane i wont have 2 use anything else ever...anyway i went back 2 him n asked him if i cud take accutane again b'coz it worked well but he sayed i cudent b'coz it was safe as it was a strong antbiotic n so he prscribed ADAPALENE 4 me i have bn using it 4 a month now n it has dried up my little blackheads on my 4head though it made my face worse for the first 2 weeks its not completely clear but it seems 2 b working i just hope it clears up everytim
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November 29, 2008

Pros:

It helped some.

Cons:

Took FOREVER to work. Not worth it.

Dont get it.
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November 16, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made me breakout even worse, each day a couple of new cysts would surface.

I tried to be patient and gave differin the benefit of the doubt and stuck with it for 2 months. My skin got worse and I continued to use it because I thought that it might get worse before it got better. I would never use differin again!!!
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November 11, 2008

Pros:

didn't make my acne worse

Cons:

Itched the hell out of my skin

I didn't notice any changes in my acne in the first month, they say it takes 3 mos to start working but I had to quit using it after 1st month because of this itch! Also, they say the side effects will subside after few weeks but it only got worse for me so I quit. I know theres other ways to combat my acne without having to scratch my face off. This was just way too uncomfortable.
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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