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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March 22, 2011

Pros:

-Gets rid of the majority of acne

Cons:

-Dries your face out a bit
-Makes your face red
-Makes your skin sensitive to the sun's rays
-Makes your skin (more) sensitive period

All of you guys freaking out about breaking out horribly for like the first month need to realize that that's how this works. It brings everything to the surface first. I was on Differin for 3 years and it worked very well. It got rid of almost all of my acne. Of course I would still get some around that time of the month, but I've yet to find anything that gets rid of every last zit for the rest of your life.
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March 9, 2011

Pros:

- CLEARS SKIN EXECPTIONALLY; EXCELLENT RESULTS!!!
- gets 2 times worse before it gets better BUT ITS ALL WORTH ITT!!
- DEFINTELY FADES SCARS
- you will recieve soo many compliments about your skin onces it really starts healing
- heals pimples FAST

Cons:

- dry skin; some peeling
- a little bit of irritation near eyes; irritating to wear contacts

BEFORE i started using Differin 0.3% i had moderate acne and complete low self-esteem! hated going out, even to school! Once i STARTED using this treatment, the first two months without a doubt were the worst!! my skin was never as bad as it was during these months! In fact, i encountered people, including my boyfriend tell me how worse my skin got. One major element that i noticed was that most of my whiteheads grew out and that's what made it worse!! however, once i entered the 3rd and 4th month, my skin started to look SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER! and my self- esteem started to booost! i just felt MUCH better than i did when i first started. It has now been 6 months since i've been on Differin, and it is a miracle worker, HONESTLY! you must give it a try esp. if you have moderate acne. THIS REALLY WORKS!! my skin hasn't looked THIS CLEAN ever!!!! i completely recomend itt. One thing though, it will only work this well if you use it every night and when you first go on it, do not be scared to see yr skin looking worse because that is just the first step in the healing process! also, it does take some time so be patient but it is REALLY REALLY WORTH ITT! i wanted to share my experience with you, b/c i was scared as well before i started, but it is really worth the fear! DO TRY IT! =D
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February 21, 2011

Pros:

Clears my skin up and keeps it clear, gives skin a nice texture, nothing else works as well for me, my copay is very low

Cons:

You have to be careful about the amount you use because it can burn you, can take a week or so to work

This is a great product that has softened and cleared up my skin. It prevents new breakouts and clears up existing pimples pretty quickly.
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January 30, 2011

Pros:

Clears skin
Softens skin
Works quickly

Cons:

Drys skin out
Can be painful
Skin become sensitive

I've been using differin for three weeks now and the difference it has made to my skin is remarkable. Im 19 and have never had severe "traditonal" acne, but I do get little cysts all over my forehead and jaw. I also have alot of blackheads across my nose and cheeks, within two weeks I could see my skin smoothing out and my dark spots and scars lightening. Initially, the cream was painful to apply but it only burnt for a few minutes then it went away. My skin was very sensitive and sore for the first week or so. My eyelids and earlobes flaked skin something crazy. Even though I didnt apply the cream there!? Get a good oil free moisteriser to use in the morning and throughout the day. I work in a busy office so I found it a must to apply moisteriser every few hours to keep my flaking skin at bay. It also helped sooth the irritated skin. DON'T WEAR MAKE UP!!! its far too painful to remove. While it can be painful for the first two weeks and your skin goes abit crazy the results are totally worth it.
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January 22, 2011

Pros:

Clears Skin! It Works!
Gel is easy to apply and isn't oily

Cons:

Expect an Initial Breakout!
Some Flaking/Dry Skin

About 4 months ago I started using tretinoin. I stuck with it for about 8 weeks, had a horrible initial breakout, and experienced little success. I went back to the dermatologist and switched to Differin. Today, I've been using it for 6 weeks and I've seen great results for the past 2 weeks. My skin is clearer with occasional whiteheads that fade quickly. The only thing preventing my skin from being nearly perfect are the red marks from past acne that are always stubborn. Here's my advice if you plan to use Differin (or any other retinoid for that matter): 1) Strongly urge (or demand) your doctor to also put you on an antibiotic when starting a retinoid. This will help with the initial breakout, which can be HORRIBLE! 2) Really really don't pick at any skin. You're skin will be thinner and more prone to scarring. This is another good reason to try and get antibiotics before starting. 3) Develop a routine and stick with it! Wash your face, apply a small amount, and use moisturizer. Even with moisturizer you will still probably experience dry, flaking skin, but hang in there! It will get better. 4) Don't expect immediate results. Avoid getting discouraged in the first month of use. Just smile and be confident! I've been taking Doxycycline and Zinc since I started Differin, and I believe that these are also both worth researching!
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January 10, 2011

Pros:

Clears Skin
Doesnt crust on your face
Actually works

Cons:

Initial break out is bad

This prescription works guys. The reason why most people say it doesnt work because they get so sick and tired or the initial break out, so they quit using it. Over the first month of using .01% concentration, my forehead broke out like a little 14 old boy hitting puberty again. I have found the optimal solution to cure your acne for good. I am 25 years old and I tried it on my little brother as well and he is 13. Here it is: 1) Never miss one night of using your differin solution. 2) It is going to get bad after the first couple of weeks but it will go away after a month of using it. 3) Go to you nearest Trader Joes or order online, a small bottle of 100% pure tea tree oil. 4) Buy 100% pure aloe vera gel, it has to be 100%. (they sell it at walmart) 5) In the morning after you wash your face and at night after you put differin on, place a quarter size of aloe vera in your hand along with 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil. -Tea Tree Oil is using for bacterial and fungi infections which will help you fight the acne on the surface. Differin will help eliminate the acne that is very very deep down. It make your skin thiner. I am also a victum of painful acne on my cheeks and chin area after I shave. Tea Tree Oil and aloe vera has completely eliminated this problem along with other few things. Hope this helps you guys as much as it changed my life.
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December 29, 2010

Pros:

goes on clear, seems to work overnight (my acne seems to disappear when i wake up), it takes a little longer on bigger pimples but clears all the smaller bumps right away, no smell

Cons:

leaves my skin a little dry, but if you consistently use a skin lotion (i use aveeno) this problem can be easily solved

this is my miracle cream, I LOVE IT
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December 18, 2010

Pros:

better skin in a week
the lotion goes on clear
smooth skin
all pimples come to the surface
decreases size of pimples overnight

Cons:

dries out skin

I love this stuff. My derm gave it to me about a week ago and i use it along with prascion(facewash), and duac (in the morning), and a pill called dioxycylcine. My friends and family are commenting on how great my skin looks (which is awsome cause i used to have RLY BAD acne). all in all I love my regimen and highly recommend it to others. The drying out can be annoying but if u bring miosturizer with u its not a problem at all (i recommend CeraVe)
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November 23, 2010

Pros:

*Started working the first few days
*Cheap (with insurance)
*Doesn't dry skin
*Only have to apply it before you go to bed

Cons:

None

I'm 20 and I have had acne since I was 13, used just about everything, over the counter stuff, home remedies, you name it. I finally went to the doctor after I just couldn't look at myself anymore without crying. The doctor prescribed me differin and doxycycline, after the first few days I could see results. I was so excited and I couldn't believe it. I eventually stopped taking the doxycycline cause it made me feel horrible and sick after taking it but I kept using the differin every night and besides for old acne scars...my face is clear.
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October 14, 2010

Pros:

Cleared my skin after just 3 months after 2 and a half years of suffering with acne.

Cons:

Dry skin.

I've suffered with acne for 2 and a half years and it's been hell. I was prescribed this 3 months ago, along with Tetraysal tablets and a Panoxyl face wash. I'm 100% clear now and thanks to this. It does dry out your face at first so use a moisturiser. I used Nivea sensitive moisturiser which took out the redness and I could walk around without a bright red face. Amazing product, not many people have faith in it but read my lof if you want it in depth. [link edited out]
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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