Acne.org Products
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Prescription and over-the-counter adapalene share the same efficacy percentage due to non-specific research, but prescription strength likely performs better.
Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
This topical retinoid medication provides partial relief at higher prescription dosages, but don’t look for complete clearing, especially at over-the-counter strength. Relatively affordable and comes with less side effects than tretinoin, the other affordable topical retinoid. As a bonus, it improves the look of skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles a bit too.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
August 20, 2009
Cons:
Didn't work for 2 months, then made my skin worse for the 3rd month.
I have moderate acne, with lots of whiteheads on my forehead (cysts on cheeks, but that's another story). I was told by my derm to use differin 0.3 on my forehead where the whitehead were. Differin 0.3 did absolutely nothing for my forehead for 2 months except dry it out a bit. Then in the last month, my acne became HORRIBLE. I got tons and tons of legit pimples on my forehead, where basically every single whitehead used to be. I'll take the whiteheads thank you very much. I thought maybe this was the "exfoliation" process of Differin, as it will "unroof" whiteheads to make way for clear skin but clearly I was wrong. Thankfully every prescription I get is covered by my insurance.
I'm going back to Duac....hope it helps.
August 10, 2009
Pros:
i have read that it will bring out, at first, all the possible pimples that will eventually surface. it will clear the deeper part of your skin, which is the mode of action of this medication.
Cons:
break-outs at first. long time of healing, usually 8-12 weeks. redness, itching and stinging sensation.
i have only used it for 2 weeks now and i am having initial breakouts. it is really irritating because what i expect is otherwise. but that's really how the medication works. it'll surface all your pimples and then clear it up. WE JUST HAVE TO BE PATIENT. DON"T EVER STOP. this might be the answer to our prayers. ACNE SUCKS!!!!
August 4, 2009
Pros:
Dont know yet..
Cons:
Very itchy & very very dry skin..!
Just been using it over a week..& omg...im having a severe breakout..! bad spots, red, and very dry skin.. but im also using clinque products..so unsure if that's why its so dry..! i have some acne scars on my cheeks so can't help but put make up during the day..which right now feels like im putting sand on my face.. im really hoping this settles and works..because i have been fighting with acne for years now and nothing works...
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.
July 22, 2009
Pros:
not sure yet...
Cons:
break out a lot when you first use it
I use differin on my forhead and chin , and when i occastionally get a pimple on my cheeks or nose i use proactive . Differin actually dries out my skin less then proactive! Using a moisterizer can help the dry skin easily.
I'm not sure if differin works for me yet.. i have been on it for about 3 months and I don't think it has gotten any better. I have a million red dots on my face where acne used to be and i still have at least 3 pimples on my face at all times... I'm sticking with it just because i really want it to work.
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.
July 14, 2009
Pros:
Used in conjunction with Erythromycin, it cleared up all my acne.
Cons:
After 1-2 years of continuous use, my acne developed a resistance to this and I had to switch to another medication
I used Differin by applying a thin film on my problem areas at night, and in the morning I would apply a thin film of Erythromycin gel. It took about 3 weeks to see results, but eventually all my acne went away. I was clear for a period of 1-2 years, but then my face started building a resistance to the medication, and the acne came back. I find that with these prescription medications, they will work for about 1-2 years and then they stop working, so I have to switch from one to the other. All these dermatologist prescribed medications do work, but they do not cure acne. They just temporarily mask it. You have to use them on a consistent basis every day, or your acne will come back. Right now, I have stopped taking all these and I am trying natural methods such as taking probiotics and fiber supplements to see if I can get to the root of the problem.
May 15, 2009
Pros:
It defiantly makes my skin much less oily then before. I can notice a difference in my skin tone and I have less break outs than before. I have gotten compliments on my skin since I began using it.
Cons:
It does hurt like hell especially around the eyes and nose. If I even touch the area around my eyes the pain is crazy and if you cry forget about it the crying makes it burn like hell. It does make your skin very dry and flaky at first.
If you switch over to a very mild face wash (I use the Acne.org one) and a great moisturizer (also Acne.org w/ Clinique super surge for the really dry areas) you should be fine if you can tolerate the burn you will get at times. I have only used it for a few weeks now but it seems to be doing better than anything else I've tried and that is a lot.
May 15, 2009
Pros:
I see a difference and it has only been 3 weeks.
Cons:
It makes my face ridiculously sensitive :(. It hurts to apply any type of lotion to my face after I wash it & it sometimes hurts when I touch or scratch an itch on my face.
I can see that its working & I feel like it helps me avoid touching my face which could also cause breakouts. I just hate that it burns and makes my face hurt.
May 13, 2009
Pros:
nothing
Cons:
everyrthing...more redness, burning, sensitivity and acne
I just want to die right now. I am so depressed. I do nothing but sit home and cry over this crap. I've been off of work for a week cuz i cant' face anybody with this well...face and i'm probably going to lose my job over it. I had a few under the skin bumps that were very annoying and i've been using this crap once a day for it and the amount of bumps have multiplied greatly. There everywhere and there is no covering them up...I have never had a breakout this bad in my life, it's hopeless
Pros:
Um...none?