Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
This topical retinoid medication provides partial relief at higher prescription dosages, but don’t look for complete clearing. Relatively affordable and comes with less side effects than tretinoin, the other affordable topical retinoid. As a bonus, it improves the look of skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles a bit too.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
Adapalene is available in strengths up to 0.3% by prescription. Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one. Adapalene is also available over-the-counter in 0.1% strength. Here are some places you can find it online.
Used Adapalene? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
April 2, 2010
Cons:
-pricy
-it leaves a scar but i thhink it will fade away soon.
thumbs up for spot acne use only i didn't try yet for my whole face, i'm scared to try it.
March 26, 2010
Pros:
(for the .1% gel)
-works well when used properly
-does not sting or burn
-a single tube can last you months
Cons:
-outrageously expensive without insurance
-can severely worsen acne if too much is used at once
-may dry out your skin
-requires 8-12 weeks for real results, according to their website
I first used Differin over a year ago, for a total of eight weeks, during which time my acne only worsened to a horrifying degree. Before use my acne was light. After use, my skin became incredibly tender and began to peel and scale over, and the pimples multiplied and multiplied with each week. I did not see a dermatologist for this but rather was mailed the medicine with an informational packet through Kaiser. After halting that treatment I started to take a doxycycline antibiotic first once and then twice daily to repair the damage. Months later after my skin was more in control, a separate dermatologist recommended I use Differin again while continuing with the antibiotic. They stressed the importance of starting with a small amount to allow sensitive skin to adjust. Following those instructions, I washed my face every night with Cetaphil and applied a miniscule amount at first. Over two weeks I built up to the pea-sized amount you are usually told to start with. If your skin is sensitive at all, DO NOT start with a pea sized amount. This was the amount that make my face explode the first time. Be careful, be patient, and let it go to work. I am now about 3 months into my second round of Differin and still taking doxycyline twice daily. Though I still get fresh pimples, they are white and blackheads, few in number, and not the painful swollen ones I used to have. The many dark spots left by past breakouts have paled significantly, and some have completely disappeared. My skin feels smoother. The Differin does dry me out a bit, but I apply a moisturizer/sunscreen every morning and the problem is easily solved. Though results take time, I am confident that my acne is slowly getting better. Patience is key when using Differin, but if applied in the right amounts, it works very well.
March 15, 2010
Pros:
- Cleared up most of my acne
- Makes you sesitive to sun making it easier to get a tan
Cons:
- I had to use moisturizer to keep my skin from peeling
- Very sensitive to sun
I found that this product worked better in the summer when the sun was on my face. I got burned easily so you have to be carful. I would recomend this product. Also didnt take very long to see results, about a week.
March 11, 2010
Pros:
-Worked very well at clearing small, forehead blemishes.
-Worked pretty well to keep my face clear(ish)
Cons:
-Somewhat drying but not extremely
-It's not a miracle. It doesn't completely clear acne.
-Didn't help my PIH (post-acne marks)
This stuff is WAY better than Epiduo.
Along with Doryx, I'd say I was 70% clear.
The only moisturizer that did well with my oily skin with this was Formativ Oily/Combination Moisturizer by Ulta. Takes about a month to kick in. Don't get discouraged if your acne gets slightly worse in the first week or two weeks of use.
I liked this stuff, but I think I'll try Benzaclin.
March 7, 2010
Pros:
works well, esp skin with mild-moderate acne (whiteheads, blackheads, etc.)
doesn't irritate too much if you use recommended dosage! (pea size amount!)
one tube goes a long way
Cons:
takes several weeks to begin to see results
may cause a slight increase in acne before getting better (even with use of an oral/topical antibiotic)
expensive if you don't have insurance
I was skeptical of trying this product, especially because it would cost me about $200 since my insurance had a $250 brand-name deductible. I was also nervous about the infamous initial break-out. But after being on this product for just over a month, I strongly believe that this product is worth it. If you are worried about the initial break-out, ask your doctor to prescribe an oral/topical antibiotic. This lessens the intensity of the breakout immensely. However, you will still get a few extra pimples here and there even if you do take antibiotics. But for me, there was no "breakout" but rather a consistent amount of 2-4 pimples/whiteheads on my face for about 3-4 weeks. My face didn't break out all at once, but it was a little frustrating seeing another pimple appear right after another one disappeared. If you have oily skin like I do, I recommend Clean&Clear's Oil Absorbing sheets. They work wonders. If you're concerned about the red marks and hyperpigmentation left by acne, I recommend MaMa lotion (now called M2 lotion). It's a bit expensive, but you can it works! If you had consistent acne like I did (constant whiteheads) before starting on Differin, you'll be pleased to see a clear face after 1-2 months after use.
March 5, 2010
Pros:
It worked for me!
Only thing that came close to completely clearing me up.
Cons:
Pretty strong chemical/ not natural.
Can be expensive
makes skin a bit more sensitive
I have used this in the past, and it worked within weeks. I went from having acne all over my face to just a few minor whiteheads, for the first time in years. It does make skin more sensitive and dry, my skin was very flaky at first but it could have been because I was using this with Clindoxyl. Once I stopped the clindoxyl my skin flaked less but acne didn't get worse. I decided to stop using this in pursuit of a more nature friendly product. We'll see if I can find it. Otherwise, I'm very impressed. I have used benzaclin, salicylic acid, proactive, and none of them were close to the results I achieved with this. It helped with redness and scars too and made my skin smooth.
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!!
February 5, 2010
Pros:
gets rid of my dryness
smoothness
everything i love it
Cons:
it will take time like any other stuff
very costly
i love it! it cleared my skin up in a week or so . my dr also gave me benza clin to go with it, this is great!!!!
January 25, 2010
Pros:
Does clear up acne, is easy to use and acne doesn't really come back after you stop using it.
Cons:
Takes a while (about two months) to work, you have to be patient!
My doctor prescribed this to me after I had suffered from moderate acne for about 2 years. He told me to only use it every second night for the first 2 weeks because otherwise it can cause redness and peeling. I strongly suggest you do this too, because I can see how it may cause these side effects. Also, just be patient because (for me at least) Differen really helped clear up my acne! I still get the odd pimple, but nothing like I used to have and I haven't used Differen for about a year.
January 18, 2010
Pros:
It really worked for me. However i still have a few pimples, but for me its great to say i have a "few" pimples, since prior to this medication i had many .
Cons:
It takes awhile to see results
I would recommend this. It is very important to stay with your routine and be patient with this product. In addition be careful where you apply it due to the drying nature of this product. Oh and keep in mind i used this with oily/combo. skin and i used this in w. monodox antibiotic pills.
Pros:
good for sensitive skin, dries acne faster, for me no irritation because i only use it in one pimple only that is inflamed(big?).good results in time