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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August 15, 2007

Pros:

Clears acne, Makes skin smoother, cheap on precription

Cons:

Makes skin slightly red and dry

I started using differin two month ago. My acne is mild to moderate but it really gets me down at times and i don't wanna go out anywhere. Its horrible. I was using dianette the contraceptive pill which worked so well it was great but began having extreme IBS and doctors adviced me to come off it. It did really help but of course my acne came back worse. When i started using differin gel my skin was slightly red for three weeks. The skin was also dry and tight. After a month my skin really improved and acne really cleared up at a slow pace. My chin started to become really red and sore it was really horrible and i didnt want to go out so i stop using the gel. I was to be blamed as was very impatient and started putting gel on more than once and i wasnt moisterizing. I have now started using again as chin went back to normal.I moisturize twice a day,only apply thin layer at night and its working wonders and i have only been using it for a week. PATIENTS and MOISTURIZING is the key.
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February 22, 2012

Pros:

Don't have any :(

Cons:

Burns, Peels and didnt fix anything. The area around my nose started to rip and peel very badly. I've been using this product for almost 4 months.

I wouldn't buy this product again.
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August 9, 2011

Pros:

it will work on your skin but after a couple of weeks

Cons:

too expensive

I will use differin for ever
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July 21, 2008

Pros:

It really does work! Trust me xD
My dermo gave me benzaderm to use it along with differin.

Cons:

Makes your face look HORRIBLE for the 1-3 months. Makes your skin peel moderately and sometimes skin will sting when applying moisturizers.

OK, people lets be real. When I first when to the dermatologist I was skeptical about this product didn't really think it would make much of a difference. Especially, the first 8 weeks into the treatment, Oh God, I wanted to cry. I looked so bad I had bumps ALL OVER my face =[ But when the 3rd month came around... My face became 90% clear!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. Now for all of you just starting the treatment {JUST HANG IN THERE PLEASE} it takes time... It will all be over sooner than you know it. Think about the joy you'll feel when you wake up that morning and your face is clear! ::Smiles Brightly:: You'll feel like a new person ;D
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December 4, 2011

Pros:

Clears skin!
Not over-drying
Inexpensive generic

Cons:

None!

Tried this when Tazorac became prohibitively expensive, very happy I did! Great for cystic acne and otherwise.
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November 6, 2010

Pros:

-POSSIBLY helped clear my skin after 2.5 months, but only with the help of other products

Cons:

-gave me the worst acne of my life
-made my skin red and a little yellowish
-caused breakouts on my cheeks (I have never had a pimple on my cheek)
-made my acne painful

DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING THIS PRODUCT unless you are ready to endure awful, painful acne for the next 2 months! I warn you, it takes months to work and the acne in the meantime is unbearable. I am 22, in college, and did not want to leave the house the entire summer. My derm. prescribed other medications to go along with it, (another topical and Birth control) and that is only when my acne started to improve. I am convinced that the birth control solved my issue. Save yourself the aggravation and try something else!
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August 19, 2007

Pros:

Clearer, smoother, tighter skin - even seems to have lessened some of the early frown line wrinkles that had started forming

Cons:

Takes awhile to start working, things definitely get worse before they get better, and any time you have a pimple coming on, it will get worse (this med is formulated to bring it to the surface) but the more you use it the less pimples tend to form.

I have used Differin along with Doryx (Doxycycline antoibiotic) for about 3.5 months, and it took some time for it to start working. My face totally got worse when I first started using it, to the point where I actually stopped using it every day or so to give my skin a "break" from the irritation. It made my skin quite red when I'd put it on and it felt harsh but that was initially. Now, 3.5 months later, my skin is much smoother, few to no whiteheads and even when I do get a pimple it seems to go away more quickly. Word of advice for this med is that you have to be patient and just suffer through the bad part (which is NO FUN, and believe me I know it sucks to hear that if you just started using it and have yet to go through the bad stage....) All in all, it is finally worth it for me. I've been able to stop the Doryx and doc switched me to a topical antibiotic called Duac which I am still debating whether I even need to use now given the improvement I've seen anyway.
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February 19, 2010

Pros:

Soft gel goes great with skin, cheap with insurance, helped destroy acne scars!!

Cons:

after 2 months stilll have a lil left

My derma rec this product and I think it works pretty good. Its been 2 months and it has gotten down to only light acne after puttin it on though it makes your skin red for like 5-10 minutes. I would rec this ONLY if u got the balls and patience. Im in 2 months and still i have it but its gettin better. It makes your skin also feel smooth. I also took Solodyn pills with this so I dunno really which one worked so you have to see for yourself xD. I only paid $3 but i heard this is REALLY expensive!!
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May 19, 2007

Pros:

i just got differin today and i havent started it my dermatoligist said to use it. i dont have bad acne at all. i just have black heads on my nose. im really pretty and i want clerer skin so i can do modeling so im hoping it works wish me luck. :)

:) thankyou.. muahh muchh lovee
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June 14, 2011

Pros:

Acne will sometimes peel off in the morning

Cons:

Acne gets way worse!

My doctor prescribed this about 2 months ago and told me to smooth "just one drop" over my entire face before bed. Well, it's hard to smooth one drop but ok... well my skin got WAY DRY. like WOAH dry. I can't put makeup over it, either. It makes the dryness look more noticable. I stopped going out of the house (literally) for weeks. :( My acne got a lot worse. I clean it 3 times daily, I take doryx daily, use acayna gel also, clean it with sycilic acid, AHA, BHA, gyclicic acid.. all daily. And I have over 20 pimples. Rediculous. I was completely clear a month and a half ago.. anyway, for me, it made my skin too dry for me to deal with. and I THINK it made my breakouts worse (based on the other comments!)
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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