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

Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:

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November 11, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my black heads

Cons:

Didn't clear up my acne, dry face

My doctor perscribed me Differin to clear up the many black heads on my cheeks, nose, and chin. My cheeks were especially job. After using Differin my cheeks were completely black head free, even after I've stopped using it for a month. Bottom Line is there's no 100% acne-be-gone formula, Differein did its job in clearing up all the black heads on my cheeks and reducing my visible poors. It reduced the black heads on my nose and chin some, but no medicine will rid that completely. Right now I use off-brand Proactive found at Wal Mart and it works great.
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September 17, 2007

Pros:

clears up acne if you stay on it for 3 months

Cons:

it comes right back!

at first when i started using it i thought it was crap i got more acne, but after using it every single night for 3 months my acne was COMPLETELY gone, but came back 2 or 3 months later worse then ever. Not worth it, try something else
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

Helps to keep new acne from forming, dries out excessive oil, easy to apply.

Cons:

Peeling, redness.

Although it does help to clear up your face, it still makes it a bit red after continual usage. I used to be on Tazorac, and Tazorac did a much better job of clearing my face up; however, Tazorac also made my face red as a tomato. So that's why I switched to Differin; it had been fine for quite a while, but now, after my 3rd month's usage, my skin's getting red again--especially when I laugh, my face turns so red. I've even been asked if I had been drinking because my face was so red. I think that it's just better to either go with Tazorac and get a red face anyways (and have much clearer skin than Differin can hope to give) or just got with the more gentle Retin-A.
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May 19, 2007

Pros:

decreases some little bumpie ppimples.

Cons:

peeling, dryness, makeup looks gross with peels.

IT CAN REALLY HELP IF YOU STAY ON IT FOR OVER 6 MONTHS, IT WILL CLEAR LITTLE BUMPY PIMPLES AND REDUCE PORE SIZE, DOESNT CLEAR SKIN ALL THE WAY THOUGH.
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May 13, 2007

Pros:

I got it in France so it was very cheap. Dries quickly, doesn't need a lot.

Cons:

First week I didnt have any breakouts and all of a sudden the 2nd and 3rd week i broke out with some nasty cystic zits and also have TONS of new little blackhead type bumps on my cheek that I never had before.

I'm hoping to god that everyone is right by saying that it ges worse before it gets better, so we shall see... i'm on my 3rd week or so, i dont know what to think yet, but i'm in my 20's and this is the first time in my whole life that ive had acne this bad.... arghhhh definitely helps to say that it will go away and to pray! positive outlook is so important even if its so embarassing!!!!
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February 24, 2007

Pros:

Clears skin up REAL quick. Way better than benzoyl peroxide. Did not seem to dry out my skin as bad as BP did, it actually seems to exfoliate.

Cons:

EXPENSIVE!!!! My insurance did not cover this and it costed me 130$! Try online pharmacies though, they are cheaper.

If benzoyl peroxide hasn't worked for you or you have gotten resistant to it, defiantly try differin. I have been getting moderate-severe acne since i ve been 8 years old and for it to clear my face so well now at 18 years old is amazing.
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November 6, 2006

Pros:

None.

Cons:

It made my acne worse. Also it totally dried out my skin. (To the point where it hurt to smile! I felt like I had just gotten Botox or something... Lotion didn't really help this problem either. Might have been my lotion though.)

Bleck. I hate this stuff. It made me break out in places I've never broken out before! I only used it for a week and a half so maybe if I had stuck with it...just maybe...it might have cleared up my skin. However, I wasn't willing to take that risk. This is one of those products that either works for you, or it doesn't. And I could tell right off the bat that this wasn't going to work for me. Luckily I didn't spend any money on this product (my dermatologist let me have a few samples). If you're thinking about trying this product I'd suggest sampling it first to make sure that this is the right product for you. BOTTOM LINE: It didn't work for me...but that doesn't mean it couldn't work for you.
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January 4, 2013

Pros:

Easy to apply
Works great as a spot treatment for my cousin
Easy to use bottle

Cons:

Drying
Peeling
Didn't work for me

Works for people with an occasional pimple not for people with full on acne.
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July 14, 2011

Pros:

-Clear
-No scent
-Comes in a tube, easy to apply

Cons:

-Watch out folks, it doesn't work for everybody

After two weeks of using this product I am getting the kind of breakouts I've never experienced in my life, even in my teenage years! When I started using Differin my skin was already on its way to recovery but I got this just to speed things up a little... and boy was that a bad call. I know it will work on some of you, but if you experience bad breakouts, then don't bother. Walk away and try something else. In the first three days of use my zits got so big they needed their own phone numbers.
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November 29, 2009

Pros:

makes swelling go down a little.

Cons:

drys out skin terribly.

its okay. doesn't sting.
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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