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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October 20, 2006
ive been using differin along with clindamycin gel and doryx tablets for 2 months now. i was really discouraged for about the first 6-7 weeks because it didnt seem like my face was getting better, and i didnt believe that it ever would. but everybody was right...you just need to be patient and give it some time because it is definitely well worth the wait! of course, im sure it doesnt work on absolutely everybody, but youll never know if you dont try. my face is now 99% clear, and im expecting perfection in the very near future!!
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October 17, 2006

Cons:

1. it will get A LOT worse before it gets better, and you cannot expect results quickly - at least 2 months are reccomended to see effects

2. will dry out, redden, irritate, scalify your skin - and my derm told me to avoid cream moisturizers

I had moderate acne on the cheeks and occasionally on forehead and chin - I am indian and that comes with a lot of oily food and very oily skin! I waited (i'm stupid) about 3-4 months during which time i basically did everything from pick at it to use alcohol (please don't try any of these things!) and made it worse. I went to my derm and he put on a 5% benozyl peroxide 2X daily wash - and differin gel. He said it would get worse before it gets better b/c it brings out the pimples you cant see yet and he was right - but after the 4-5th weeks, i noticed that my left cheek was almost clear 0 all I have are some spots, which may be just remnant hyperpigmentation, I have to go for a revisit and i'll see what he says but i'd say that it worked pretty well. i've used for about 1.5 months now and am fairly happy - though shaving is a bit of a problem b/c of the skin irritation. if the sun cannot be avoided, use gel based moisturizers and sunscreen - avoid any other severe treatme
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October 11, 2006
i used this for a few weeks and my face got really dry and super red, but it was like the differin had unearthed all the acne hiding deep down. after a week or so, my face went back to normal, except completely clear, and with no acne. watch out! don't go tanning... i took a 15 minute nap outside and got a bad sunburn
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October 10, 2006
I have moderate acne on chin and cheeks. I used Proactiv and for a month it seemed to get better then acne started to come back with full force. I had some diferin samples I had gotten from my mermy and wasn't sure how to put it on so I JUST PUT TINY DABS JUST ON THE PIMPLES and not the whole face or surrounding areas. It worked wonderfully without any side effects. Of course since I just put it on the pimples (mostly cysts) it doesn't help prevent new ones but it sure works on the ones that are already there. It does not dry up my face since I don't put it all over. I think Proactive was too strong for me. My face was all scaly and noticed I had more cysts beneath my skin then ever before. However overall texture did get smoother so I think I will still use Proactive perhaps once or twice a week along with diferin.
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October 5, 2006

Pros:

HealthNet covers it as a medicine not a cosmetic - otherwise it is $100 a tube or so out here.

Cons:

No measurable improvement after 9 months.

I'm in my 30's, mixed race with olive skin. I don't have "pimple" acne, mostly blackheads, blocked pores, etc. I don't use makeup. After using Differin for several months, I got scaly, red almost painful hive-like lesions on my chin and the skin around my hairline got bumpy and the skin peeled and now I have more scars. In the months prior to this nightmare, my skin was as oily and blotchy as when I started. My skin is so dry now that even with lotion, skin flakes and lifting scabs are visible. My doctors didn't even tell me the "worse before better" line, they just keep telling me to use it. I just got a prescription for topical Clyndomiacin today since I have so many raw patches - I don't scratch, the skin rubs off - and will use that while I look for another dermatologist. It is impossible to think that this is the only and best acne medicine out there.
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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