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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August 1, 2009

Pros:

dryed acne up AT FIRST.

Cons:

VERY itchy skin, peeling. Didn't work fully as I hoped (but I have also tried everything.)

If your Derm. tells you he is going to put you on it, save your time and money and ask for something else. I have spent WAY to much money at the Dermotologist over the years. SKIP IT. Because, it works like the rest of the ones you've tried, trust me. I have tried everything. I recommend M.D. Forte facial cleanser and the gel that you put on your acne that goes with it (1% Salicylic Acid) , your derm SHOULD be able to either give you a perscription or you can buy it in their office.
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July 31, 2009

Pros:

Limits breakout and somewhat fades macules caused by past acne

Cons:

Very slow to work and never completely healed my acne

I have been a religious user to Differin for 8 months now and am about to leave the product for accutane. I used a .1% cream every night for that duration and have had noticeable improvement, but still far from perfect. I never noticed any severe dryness or any peeling whatsoever, which actually is a disappointment. This product is still a cornerstone to prescription acne and must be tried before moving into more severe treatment options. I sincerely hope that this product works for you and that you experience far better results than I.
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July 27, 2009

Pros:

Reduces inflammation almost immediately. Not overdrying.

Cons:

it costs more than other products I was originally using.

Differin helps existing pimples, but I find it doesn't prevent the acne from forming. My face doesn't get dry or red. Overall I am satisfied with the results.
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July 24, 2009

Pros:

My skin did not get any BIG pimples for a long time and some of my white heads also disapeared.

Cons:

As with most things I've tried, It didnt completely clear my skin (though it helped a lot) Also skin is very sensitive so dont even think about waxing and stay out of the sun or wear a hat.

My mother is a dermatologist, and I have had problematic skin since I was 11. from 13 to 16 it was truely at its worst. I got perscribed Differin Gel at 17 along with contraceptive pills (Diane 35 or Dianette) So Im not really sure what caused my skin to get better. The first few weeks of using Differen I could really see my skin was getting better. However, as more weeks passed I noticed it got to a point where it just would not get any better. In the end I stopped using the gel as my skin was irritated by sun and waxing and I was fed up. My skin didnt get any worse from stopping the gel, actually I felt it got a bit better and less dry. I would recomend it for short time use like 1-2 months.
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

No scent too it.

Cons:

Burned my skin like crazy. Didn't help my acne at all. Also didn't help prevent any future breakouts.

I tried this product for 2 weeks and saw no difference accept my skin was irritated.
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July 15, 2009

Pros:

Sometimes can be used as a spot treatment, reduces swelling and redness, works pretty quickly.

Cons:

Differin's weird, sometimes it works really well, like within hours for me, and sometimes it takes days and days to clear up a stubborn breakout. Really dries out my skin.

I think Differin probably works better for some people than others. I use it twice a day (morning/night) instead of just once, and more often as a spot treatment. I feel it works better that way. Also, the clear "gel" kind is a lot more drying than the white "cream" kind. If your skin is oily, get the gel, and if your skin is dry, get the cream. Still. . . you'll need a good moisturizer!
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July 15, 2009

Pros:

helps reduce acne

Cons:

won't clear up your skin completely, better if use it with Erythromycin, need to get prescription.

I loved it when I tried it a year ago; my skin improved a lot, but after a few months acne came back and I'm tired of spending money on doctors and treatment, so now I'm trying baking soda and apple cider vinegar as a toner. I recommend it because compared to how my face looked like before the treatment, I saw a big difference, and felt comfortable again when going out in public.
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July 12, 2009

Pros:

reduces acne, scentless

Cons:

doesn't completely clear skin, very drying, makes skin extremely sensitive

overall, good results, but it won't give you perfect skin and you'll definitely experience dryness
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

Seemed to dry up my skin. Didn't irritate my skin too bad the first few weeks. Easy to apply. Works well for back and chest area.

Cons:

Applied it just like it said. Avoiding the eye area. Got my eye brows waxed, and my skin came off with the wax strip. My eye lids were peeled and scraped. My skin is sensitive now too.

It should have said "no waxing" but it didn't. It thins your skin I was told after by the pharmisist. It's a good product to use a few times a week. And it has helped with oiliness. But I am very careful now when using the product.
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July 7, 2009

Pros:

lost a little redness

Cons:

UNCONTROLLABLE BREAKOUTS
CLEAR SKIN ONE WEEK, HORRIBLE BREAKOUTS N REDNESS THE NEXT

bad product. started gettin acne last summer. got on differn gel and kept breakingn out. now its scarring and zits got on tazorac now its a little better i guess accutanes the next step :( but differin didnt work after about 8 months... and the derm. just kept saying stick with it, didnt work man!
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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