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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Katie

October 14, 2010

Pros:

It works

Cons:

May take awhile; like 6 months. It works from the deeper levels of your skin, not superficial.

People...this product is a very slow working product that is intended to be used long term. You have to slowly start using it...a small amount every other day or every other other day. Use a light moisturizer to combat dryness and DO NOT apply it and then go in the sun without sunscreen. In fact apply it at night, in the morning wash your face and apply a topical antibiotic then sunscreen. If you experience a horrendous break out in the begining ask your Dr. for a short term script of oral antibiotics.

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eleo

August 23, 2010

Pros:

removes acne
fades away scars

Cons:

dry skin
itchy and irritating sometimes

im 16 had moderate acne so i was perscribed diffren with evoclin and solodyn my acne was removed within a couple of weeks and so were my scars but my skin was left so sensitive that i developed aresia and it sux because i play baseball and im always out in the sun. but nevertheless i recomend it its an awesome way to get rid of acne but works better wen perscribed with evoclin and solodyn the ultimate combination

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Dr Michael

August 4, 2010

Pros:

Excellent results in the long run.
Persistence is the key.

Cons:

Initial exacerbation of acne.
Dry skin.
Price (Aus $35 tube which lasts ~ 2-3 months).

As a doctor with a special interest in dermatology, I thought I'd have all the answers for treating male adult-onset acne, which only struck me in my early twenties after a relatively blemish-free puberty. Unfortunately I found treating my mild-moderate facial acne very stubborn and resistant to treatment, and difficult to swallow when I was attempting to treat my patients for acne! I'm now in my early thirties and have spent years trying a range of treatments, from standard western medical treatments, to experimenting with naturopathy, cleansing diets, etc. After failing to see results with all of these (unfortunately including Dan's regimen), I eventually saw a dermatologist colleague of mine who put me on Accutane for about 8 months. It took about 6 months to work, I was only clear for about 3 months, then symptoms returned about ceasing treatment. I had tried Differin before, albeit only for about 3 months before getting fed up with it. I went to a derm talk just over a year ago where an international expert said it takes about 10-12 months for Differin to take full effect (about 10% improvement in acne per month he quoted). Unfortuantely most patients give up long before this. After this, I re-commenced treatment and persisted through the dry skin and flare-ups, determined to get results. After 6-7 months, things finally started to improve. I am now over a year into treatment, and things have only got better. It is working brilliantly for me, and even the dryness is only mild and easily treated with a good moisturiser. I will definitely be persisting with Differin, and am now telling my patients to do the same. I concede its possible many treatments may actually take that long, and I've quitted on others too soon, but I urge all Differin users that persistence is the key, at least it was for me. If your experiences are anything like mine, you won't be disappointed. Hope this helps.

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Daniel Murphy

July 9, 2010

Pros:

It works, and nothing else did.

Cons:

My face is slightly itchy.

I use the lotion, and at almost 200$ a bottle it seemed expensive. I have ben on Differin for about seven weeks now. With my very persistiant acne basically cleared up and 2/3 of the bottle left it seems worth it to me. I am now struggling with the hyperpigmentation, but that can be helped with make-up unlike the bulging inflammed pimples that I had. So the 200$ realy breaks down into less than 70$ a month and in reality I was spending more that 70$ a month on over the counter crap that didn't work and antibiotics from my primary care doc. The slight itching my derm said is normal because it is drying out your pores. I said I would pay anything and do anything for something that worked, and it worked. I am counting my blessings that something finally did!

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fieldhockey1

July 4, 2010

Pros:

WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Cons:

takes a really long time!

i left a message on the boards because i didnt know how to get it on this page so check it out but be patient everyone! it really does work dont worry!! i know its really hard but it works!!!

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Achairis

June 29, 2010

Pros:

-clears acne well
-prevents future breakouts/stops small ones overnight
-fades scars
-does not dry skin

Cons:

-takes a couple weeks to start working
-skin looks worse in the first few weeks because it is bringing up the impurities in your skin

I used this once when I was in high school on my acne, and it cleared it up thoroughly and as long as I kept using it, my skin stayed clear. As my skin became clear, I needed less product, and breakouts become very rare, so I eventually stopped using it and had clear skin for 2 years. My acne came back after that period of time, probably because of stress, and Differin worked once again, when other less expensive kits and topical medications, even natural treatments (baking soda, drinking only water...) did not work. Differin does make your skin look worse in the first few weeks, but now it has only been two months, and my face is almost clear and smooth again.

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Sandy

June 7, 2010

Pros:

Clears acne
Reduces scars

I had acne that seemed to be getting worse with all the different treatments and at home remedies I would try. My boyfriend got Differin prescribed to him and his skin is flawless so he let me borrow his. After using a week it seemed to get worse but I kept up with using it every night. Its been 2 months using and I havent had a serious breakout for over a month! I had horrible scarring on my chin and had to wear a lot of makeup but my scarring cleared by 90%. I occasionally get small whiteheads that clear up in a day. I heard some people have a bad reaction to it but I haven't, everyones skin is different. If you have a prescription you can find it cheap online.

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Malf

May 13, 2010

Pros:

-easy to use / uncomplicated
-Completely cleared my acne (blackheads, whiteheads, pustules) in 2.5 wks
-no residue
-works well with moisturizers

Cons:

-Dries out the mouth and chin area for a
few days but not a big deal considering the benefits.
-Too expensive
-concerns about long term effect on skin since it dries it out so much.

Best acne medication ever. Got prescription last year from Dr but didn't getit because it was too expensive. A new doctor prescribed ot last month and now I regret not doing it earlier because it is AMAZING! I was worried at first because I didn't notice much of an improvement but thanks to other reviewers, I decided to stick it out and be patient at least for 5-8 weeks, because apparently that's how long it should take to work. I am now in the middle of week 3 and I woke up today with beautiful clear skin. It worked like magic and even my flakes are gone. Even my acne scars on my cheeks are disappearing. I have some bombs on my forhead but now I am confident these will disappear! As everyone who's suffered from acne knows, it's an amazing feeling to recognise your own skin and know it looks beautiul again! Here's my doctor's advice - might work for you: - first she approves my use of Boscia clear complexion cleanser and Korres White tea cleanser. Both are as natural as could be and work perfectly. -next, she told me to use Differin at night (small amount around area. I use it on all my trouble areas: cheeks, forhead and chin) - moisturizers: my doctor recommended SkinMedica Ultra Sheer mositurizer (one she uses herself) and for daytime she recommended Aveeno positively radiant with SPF30. both hve worked perfectly. I used to be very sensitive to all low- and high-end moisturizers and especially those with SPF but Aveeno works well and so far there is no trouble. This system worked for me. Everyone is different but I hope this will work for at least one more person. Good luck!

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Kayla

April 10, 2010

Pros:

-Works wonders
-Lasts long
-Makes skin soft

Cons:

-Pricey
-Works after 2/3 weeks

I've been using this for about a month now. It didn't work for about 2-3 weeks but now it works and I'm amazed. My face is so clear and it helps fade previous acne scars. I've been getting compliments on my skin which is definitely a plus! I wash my face at night with Cetaphil, after I put Oxy pads on it with a Neutrogena toner. About 30 mins later I apply this gel on my spots and go to bed. I wake up to what use to be a big pimple, to a tiny pimple. Amazing stuff! I recommend this.

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JordanTL

March 18, 2010

Pros:

Completely got rid of my acne. I had pretty moderate acne and from time to time got a cyst. After using this product for around 5-6 months all my acne was gone. I was lucky and did not get dry, or have an initial breakout.

Cons:

Costs alot without plan
Takes along time to work (5-6 months for me)
After I stopped taking it my acne came back really bad

I would recommend it aslong as you keep going with it and don't give up.

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