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

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February 20, 2007

Pros:

Clearer skin

Cons:

Tightness, dyness and itchiness.

Whe i started using this product i used it twice a day. It made my skin relly dry and tight. It made me quite itchy aswell but then i started using it once on a night before bed. I now mix the differin with E45 cream so that it moisturises at the same time. It really works and my skin looks alot more clearer and i will carry on using it. I would definetly advise it to anyone with acne problems.
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February 20, 2007

Pros:

It's working, it's pretty cheap. The cream is odorless and doesn't burn putting on.

Cons:

Takes at least a month to notice a difference. Flaky, dry skin around mouth even with moisturizer. Without a doubt gets worse before it gets better.

My derm told me to use mild soap twice a day and Differin at night. The first month was hell, I'm not going to lie. Flaking was bad around my mouth and my acne got worse. I was also on an oral antibiotic (this didn't help). I'm on my 5th full week and now using Cetaphil Daily Cleanser instead of soap. The large lesions on my face are healing and the redness is slowly going away. I'm confident that my face will look much better in a couple of weeks. I stopped the oral meds a few weeks ago and my skin is still improving.
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February 16, 2007

Pros:

My dermatologist said it would take about 3 months to start getting the full benefit. I've used it for 2 months and my skin is clearing up nicley.

Cons:

Takes a while to start seeing results.

Excellent product.
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February 15, 2007

Pros:

It does clear skin. Skin looks healthier.

Cons:

Initial breakout the first 1 to 2 weeks. Works really slow.

I have a very bad blackhead problem and the Differin alone is helping to slowly reduce the size of them and the amount. I am pleased so far. It will take time for the medicine to become fully effective, as with almost any drug. My insurance covered most of the cost, my co-pay was only 10.00.
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February 14, 2007

Pros:

Clears up skin pretty well
Convenient, easy to use
Fairly inexpensive with insurance

Cons:

Caused dry, flaky skin
Takes three months for full effect
Still get occasional break outs

Didn't do much initially. Starting works around three months in and it worked great. Everyone complimented my skin, it was as nice as it had ever been. Unfortunately, it seems that the cold winter air makes the medicine almost ineffective or something. Since the air has been getting dryer, my acne has been getting worse. Using more of the ointment only dries out my skin more and causes it to flake. If the same thing as last year happens, it'll clear up in the spring. The cold months are still annoying, however.
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February 14, 2007

Pros:

cleared up my skin without drying it out

Cons:

can't think of any

i'm allergic to BP, so Dan's regimen was out of the question. My derm recommended Differin instead. I've used it persistently for almost a month now. there was a slight initial breakout the first week i started using it, but my skin just got better after that. i've not noticed any increased redness, in fact i believe after the purging period was over i had a tremendous reduction in redness. I would say Differin is not at all pricey in Malaysia (RM40 per 30g tube) and does not require a prescription. I find that it is very mild, no peeling or dryness (I don't even use a moisturiser) and has no objectionable smell to it.
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February 12, 2007

Pros:

Works well... much more mild than other retinoids. One tube of medication provides an insanely large number of uses.

Cons:

Causes dryness and initial breakout period was a drag.

I've been undergoing treatment for moderate cystic acne for nearly 20 years. Tried almost every topical and oral medication available (Retin-A, Accutane, Benzamycin, etc...). Most recently was using Erythromycin solution twice a day with 500mg of Duricef antibiotic orally. That worked well until the last year when my cystic acne began to return. My derm switched me to Differin and Minocycline at night, followed by Erythromycin solution in the morning for the last 6 weeks. I had a pretty disappointing initial breakout period during the first three weeks (was about to quit and go back to my derm early), but since then everything's been great. My pores have been reduced and the frequency and intensity of my acne has decreased dramatically. I haven't had any cysts in over three weeks and my skin is now almost completely clear. Very pleased with these results!
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February 11, 2007

Pros:

Skin looks great, only the occasional breakout

Cons:

Skin is pretty dry now.

Differin can take up to 3 months to REALLY start working because it works on pimples that are already forming underneath your skin. It basically pushes those pimples to the surface so your skin can "purge" all the bad stuff. That's why your acne will get worse in the first few weeks. But if you stick with it, you'll start to see a difference. My skin wasn't very bad before, but it still looks so much better. The only bad side is that my face has gotten so dry. The winter air might be a part of it, but my skin is never this dry. That's nothing a little moisturizer can't fix. My dermatologist told me I could but moisturizer on first, and then put Differin on on top of that. That really helped.
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February 8, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use once a night, smoothed out skin

Cons:

Didnt help prevent any new acne from forming

I used this stuff for 9 weeks on my moderate acne and saw no improvement. I was also using this in conjucntion with Duac and Minocycline and still saw no improvement. It is pretty easy to use, you just have the be consistent and wait for awile for results, if you have any. I have heard from alot of people that this can work, but it just didnt for me. I will still recommend for people to give it a try.
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February 7, 2007

Pros:

I only have to use it once a day at night, doesn't dry out my skin

Cons:

A little pricey

Along with the antibotic Bactrim and Cleocin Pledget pads, my skin is starting to look so much better. I went to the dermatologist about 6 weeks ago and these were the first medicines that were given to me. My skin got worse for about 2 or 3 weeks, but then it started to clear up. I suffered from severe acne on my cheeks and I am now left with just scars. My doctor is going to give me my first chemical peel treatment to help get rid of the scarring faster.
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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