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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3
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2
16.4%
1
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August 9, 2008

Pros:

It doesn't smell. Goes on easy. Don't need to use a lot.

Cons:

Exspensive!!! Caused dryness and flakes.

I've been suffering with oily skin and severe acne since freshman year of highschool(2000) and my first ever visit to a Dermatologist was in May of this year(2008). I finally went because the acne started to spread to my neck, chest, arms, forehead and back. The first treatment she suggested I try was Differin 0.01%. Because its so exspensive she handed me a bag of free samples. I've been using it in combination with Neutrogena Acne cleasning gel (saclyic acid) and Neutrogena Astringent for about a week off and on because it really dries out my face. Hearing from other commentors that it gets worse before it gets better gives me hope because my face is not looking good at all. I have combinations of white and black heads and they are clustering up everywhere, not to mention the nickel sized cyst that just popped up on my cheek this morning. Talk about uninvited guest! I'm going to use it consistently like the others recommended. I'll be back to share my results in 4 weeks.
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July 23, 2008

Pros:

Made my skin smoother, but still acne everywhere.

Cons:

If you're exposed to the sun a lot don't use it because I got a horrible reaction that didn't go away until I stopped using it for about 2 weeks.

I used Differin with Duac and they were going fine until the 5th day I started using it I walked around downtown and the next morning my face was dry, compleatly dry and hurt and burned and everything was horrible. If I tried to use the Differin I would cry. So I stopped for a while and now I'm back on both Differin and Duac but taking minocycline also. It hasn't made any improvement at all, but it doesn't hurt. I don't reccomend this to anyone with sensitive skin.
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July 21, 2008

Pros:

Nothing yet

Cons:

EVERYTHING

I know that it's supposed to get worse before it gets better but right now my face is worse than it's been in 6 months! I've only used differin for a week so i'll use for a little longer but if it doesn't clear up i'm gonna throw it away!
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July 15, 2008

Pros:

My dermatologist said I should use it. I'm using it with two other acne medications.

Cons:

It made my skin so peely and horrible. I can't go out in the sun or in the pool, or else my whole face will be dry and I get scabs.

I don't really like it right now. It clears up my pimples, but it seems like they come back worse the next day. And i've been using it since the end of April. So, I don't understand why it's not working. Ugh.
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July 7, 2008

Pros:

it did say what it was going to do..which was making the acne worse however that was more of a con.

Cons:

made acne worse ...but it burned my face and peels and it hurt so bad i couldnt even touch it... also i put it on my chest too...and it made my acne 10X worse...and scared it.

i had to stop using it for my face because it hurt sooo much. i didnt have severe acne so i guess i could live. as for my chest(i had light acne) i had to stop i couldnt take it gettin more worse day by day...and now its scarred and i had to wear turtle necks for months (and i never even owned any at first ><) but my scars are slowly healing...since i stopped using it...but it initially was the cause of it... i think it might work if i kept on using it but i couldnt...go on...with the 10X worse acne and pain..the thing that got to me was the scarring i seriously never had it so bad in my life.. but who knows if i kept going it might have worked but theres no way im risking that torture again.
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June 26, 2008

Pros:

Non smelling, easy to apply

Cons:

DOES NOT WORK

dont buy it
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June 24, 2008

Pros:

no redness or burning

Cons:

DOES NOT WORK!!

i had very moderate acne and this stuff turned it severe! it made me have BAD break outs and before i knew it my chin and both sides of my face had an army of zits. Before i had maybe 3-4 on each side, now theres like 20-30! I know youre suppose to give it time to work, but to me thats bullsh*t, cause even if i clear up im gonna have a half a year of scars to deal with. also made my skin really flakey when i woke up. Sucks to say it but the only thing that cures acne is time
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June 23, 2008

Pros:

cleared my skin fast

Cons:

my face is so oily shine shine shine

very xpensive I have no insurance and paid $130 I use it really sparingly
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June 3, 2008

Pros:

No smell, easy to apply

Cons:

Dryness, does not work

Used this for 5 months now. My skin has never gotten better...or worse...it's like it didn't work.
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May 30, 2008

Pros:

It cleared up the acne wonderfully, and didn't irritate my forehead (which is much oilier than the rest of my face) at all.

Cons:

The gel covered my face in large patches of raised, red skin which burned, itched, peeled, and hurt unbearably.

The side effects were many times worse than the acne. No makeup would cover the red, dry, peeling, bumpy skin. Some mornings I would get rid of all the peeling layers (it frequently wasn't possible) and by night would be sloughing off skin like massive snowflakes. I had to sit on my hands to avoid scratching my face. It burned excruciatingly when I applied even the mildest of lotion to combat the dryness.
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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