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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May 21, 2008

Pros:

It purged the acne that was deep within the skin and once that was over, my face cleared up considerably. (in conjunction with climdamycin)

Cons:

The first week my skin was super dry, flaky, and no matter how much lotion i put on my face it wouldn't go away! My lips were dry too!

The first week and half it seemed that my skin was getting worse! I started breaking out in places that usually didn't! But after that the little bumps on my skin started going away, the flakiness went away, and my skin was smoother. [ i have mild acne btw] The first time I tried Diffin (couple of years ago with the .01 dosage) it did not work for me, because I had very bad acne. This time around because of the milder state it seemed to work. I would not recommend this to someone with aggressive acne.
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April 30, 2008

Pros:

IT WORKS...IT REALLY DOES

Cons:

drys out skin, lots of peeling, and CRAZY expensive without insurance. I have insurance, but without it it would have costed me $203.00

I have had acne, seriously, for as long as I can remember. I've never seen my face without pimples. I recently went to a dermatologist for the first in my life after years of being prescribed medication that never worked from my doctor. I've been using differin for about 3 wks and it works for me. I use differin 0.3 only at night and never experienced the "inflamed" stage maybe because my acne always been so bad I didn't notice it I'm also using an Oscion Cleanser 3% (sort of like Triaz), clindamycin pledgets, and I'm also taking zinc supplements. My face is significantly clearing up. I've suffered with depression and was very antisocial, but in these last few weeks I've been gaining confidence.
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April 21, 2008

Pros:

It dries out your skin.

Cons:

It doesn't really work instantly and i didn't see any improvement over long usage.

I don't thinkit helped at all, i did not see any improvements within 3 months! I still have the average amount of acne i had BEFORE i started using Differin.
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January 15, 2008

Pros:

Prevents Breakouts, kills those evil red invaders!! lol

I have Health Insurance, so the price is severely dropped from over 100 bucks a month to around $7.50

Cons:

Sunburn hurts....bad. I find that whenever I have a soccer tournament, I get sunburnt pretty badly. Makes skin alot more sensitive.

ok, I'm currently using Differin .3% and it's working fantasticly for me. I'm using it with: Nic730 (Nicomide Supplement) and Duac (All Prescribed) I havn't had a single breakout since I've been using these products together, and it's been about 5 months. If you are going into the sun, PLEASE WEAR SUNSCREEN OIL FREE!!!!!! This is what I've learned after these past months.
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

Worked for a short time

Cons:

It worked well for a few weeks and then all of the pimples came right back.

I used both the cream and gel at .1%. My doctor said that the gel is a little different and was more potent. The gel did not help my face and the cream did not either. I used it in conjunction with Duac and neither one of the medications helped my face.
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July 20, 2007

Pros:

less inflammed, pimples go away sooner. slight improvement in number of zits

Cons:

dried me out a little at first. Broke out for a small while when first started

I've had acne since the seventh grade, currently entering the eleventh. Tried many things and my skin seems to love this stuff so far. I had very inflammed acne..this reduced inflammation alot!
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April 27, 2007

Pros:

smaller spots and less of them. My skin is not as oily!! YAY!

Cons:

doesn't really get rid of spots but shrinks them to a pin prick size, which really isn't very noticeable.

Well so far i have only used Differin for roughly 3 weeks,but i have noticed a signicant improvement in the surface and inflammation of the acne prone area. The first week is slightly stressful as your skin begins to become tighter and dry but then after, for me, the medicine seemed to work it's magic. THANK GOD THERE IS A CURE TO THIS EVIL DISORDER Plus another great thing about it is, if you live in the uk, you get the medicine free!
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July 10, 2012

Pros:

Easy to use

Cons:

Made my skin 1000x worse. Thought it would help but could not deal with it and now am left with spots ALL OVER my face. Terrible. I am so depressed.

Do not use this product.
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November 16, 2011

Pros:

Relieved my acne within months. My skin is acne free for the first time in my life

Cons:

Dries out your skin drastically. Make sure to ditch your existing cleansers and scrubs with added medications (ex. salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide) and switch to a mild foaming cleanser. Mine has added feverfew to calm the skin. Get ready for the dryness (even my eyelids started to peel) and make sure you apply as needed regularly.

Like many here, I have tried a ridiculous amount of acne creams, cleansers, lotions etc. Differin has, hands down, been the most effective medication in relieving my acne. Now I'm just left with some post-acne scarring. I love this product and would urge anyone to give it a try.
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October 31, 2011

Pros:

- Really does clear up skin
- Smooth Skin

Cons:

- Breakouts at beginning
- Can leave scars
- Very drying at first
- Can sting at first

I started Differin about a year ago, and it's definitely been a wild ride! The first few weeks are no fun. Your skin gets bad before it gets better. When I read all these reviews written by people who gave up after a month I just want to scream! You have to COMMIT to medications, even acne meds! My recommendation is to go out and buy a VERY high quality moisturizer before you start differin, and religiously apply it for a week before you start using differin, and continue using it. Your skin will be dry, Your skin will break out, Your skin will be sensitive. But if you're not willing to put up with it in the hopes of getting real results- then you're not really committed to getting clear skin, you're looking for the easy way out! Nothing works miracles, but differin has had amazing results for me! My skin isn't perfect, but it looks so much better. Now i'll have a single pimple, a few days with none, and then another one will pop up- but it's nothing that can't be covered with concealer! Just small red bumps that don't even really need to be hidden. Differin has restored my confidence, and I recommend everyone give it a chance!
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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