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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5
17.9%
4
31.4%
3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

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June 18, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made acne go from mild to moderate

Waste of time and money, if you are looking for a solution to your acne look somewhere else because differin is not the answer.
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May 2, 2009

Pros:

Makes pimples come and go quickly.

Cons:

Pretty much everything.

I had light to moderate acne before I began using this product. After using this my acne is the worst it has even been. I know Differin is supposed to make you break out for the first 2 weeks or so, but it made me break out the entire 8 weeks I was on it. It made my skin extremely oily and made me scar very badly. I saw no signs of improvement after 8 weeks so I decided to quit using it for good. Since I've stopped using Differin my acne has gotten a little better, but it is going to take a long time to fix what Differin did to me. This is the worst product I have ever used for my acne. This was a waste of money and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
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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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November 7, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

.3% made it worse and wierd patches to form on my skin, and extreme dryness

use only at night
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August 16, 2008

Pros:

clears acne, greatly reduces redness, makes skin soft and smooth

Cons:

somewhat drying, i don't know how much it was because my mom paid for it :/

I have always gotten big deep cyst-like zits. I don't get scattered whiteheads or thick acne. My skin is sensitive and sometimes gets pretty oily. Washing my face in the shower was all that I did to take care of my skin. I would also randomly apply some over the counter spot treatment to large problem zits, which never worked too well. I'm also a picker. I pick at my zits a lot. I've always had big red marks and scabs as a result. When my dermatologist prescribed me Differin (lowest strength because of my sensitive skin), I decided to stop picking and actually follow the directions and apply Differin every day. Over the past few weeks most of my red marks are gone, my skin is much more even toned and smooth, and no new zits are sprouting. I've been using the Differin at night before bed and using aloe gel in the morning to help with the slight dryness.
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June 14, 2008

Pros:

Excellent, with no drying or redness.

Cons:

Takes four months to work.

Works better than any product I have tried in the last few years. To see results you have to be persitant, use it EVERY evening for four months. I am extremly impressed, I have the odd tiny spot now and again coming up to my peroid. But thats it.
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May 31, 2008

Pros:

It took some of my more inflammatory acne away

Cons:

Did not see any great results even after continually staying on it for over 2 months.

My first dermatologist prescribed this for me after I had tried countless OTC medications. At first, it cleared up some of my really bad acne but after almost two months it completely stopped working for me. The thing is, if I go a few days without applying any to my face, I get really horrible breakouts. It might work for you but I could never see any great results. Stupid acne! haha
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May 14, 2008

Pros:

Clears up SOME of your breakouts. Will dry out pimples, making them disappear faster than they normally would with just washing your face.

Cons:

SUPER and embarrassing dry, flaky skin ALL the time. Moisturizer is a must. Extremely expensive without insurance.

This stuff sort of works. True, it has helped my acne, but I still have blackheads and battle breakouts. Plus it is embarrassing when you have flaky skin all the time. I wash my face once in the morning and once at night and moisturize every morning with a spf moisturizer. I take care of my skin, but still i have to deal with acne. It definitely doesn't cure it.. but it helps a little bit. It would be nice to have something that worked better.. I hate having skin that is flakier than a pillsbury dough boy biscuit. I hope you've got a good moisturizer.
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January 10, 2008

Pros:

is clearing it up! NO irritation or drying AT ALL. nice, smooth, clear consistency. helps with red marks. tube lasts a very long time.

Cons:

takes time. feels tight on skin for about 30 minutes after application.

I've been using Differin for about a month. At first my skin appeared to be clearing up, but then all hell broke lose. Thankfully this cleared up mostly in the first 2 weeks, but my skin was still a little worse than when I started. At the begining of the 4th week, i got bunches of clogged pore "bumps" on my forehead. But it's only the middle of week 4 and they are already clearing up leaving very smooth, nice, LESS OILY skin. My chin is still how it normally is, but it is less oily and appears to be clearing up. I think I'll give this another month and hopefully I will continue to improve!! I started off using it just twice a week, but I've bumped my usage up to once a day (at night) and I've had NO drying or irritation at all. And my skin IS sensitive. =D
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December 20, 2007

Pros:

Very bad

Cons:

Skin became worse. I had acne, but when i started to apply Differing my skin became terrible: scarfs, red spots all around my face now. And make- up doesnt hide it now. Im so depressed.

Do not use this product! It will make your acne even worse. After 5 weeks of using Differin, i cant look at the mirror now. Totally terrible.
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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