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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December 31, 2008

Pros:

Differin does work, but it works in time. It smooths out your skin and makes it soft in the end.

Cons:

There is definitely peeling and irritation. Leaves acne marks behind at times. Takes time to clear those marks up after. It sometimes leaves a shiny glow which is not so great, especially around the T-zone area.

Differin is a great product to use especially if you have moderate or severe acne. In the beginning it does dry out your skin and increase irritation, but in my opinion that means its working. Just like any other product. You must have patience and hope that it will clear up or else youre only gonna make it worse!! In time with using Differin my skin cleared up and people began to notice. My confidence increased. It took about one year for my nodular acne to clear up completely in which i had about everywhere around my face. It is worth it, but just like any other product it may not work for everyone and only some.
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

No nasty odor like most over the counter cremes. Leaves no visible film. I only used this for 2 months, but noticed that my cystic acne seems to be less severe.

Cons:

Using this product alone may not work for severe cystic acne sufferers.

It's worth a shot. Do not let others stop you from trying this medicine. What may not work for one person, may work for a another. Everyone is different! Please be informed that regardless whether its Retin A, Tazorac, or Differen, etc.., severe drying, irritation, and breakouts ARE NORMAL during its initial use, but should eventually subside as your skin just has to get used to it. Give it a chance!
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

It works...eventually

Cons:

It breaks you out seriously for a few weeks-I had more acne than ever but they started clearing out about 3wks later! still breaking out, but it's reduced. DO NOT WAX any part of your face or you will get layers of your skin peeled off.Happened to me

Hope it finally gets rid of the acne. Takes too darn long!
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December 24, 2008

Pros:

it makes acne go away, making my skin soft and smooth

Cons:

even though i don't pop or scratch my acne i still get dark spots where my acne was, it takes a LONG time to work

My doctor had prescribed the cream version to me since i have sensitive skin. I started using it but noticed that it takes about 3 to 4 weeks for it to work, but i guess in the long run it was worth it cause i have nice skin now. This product really tested my patience, but it was worth it.
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November 30, 2008

Pros:

It worked at first, with the oral antibiotics

Cons:

NOW it just aggrevates the skin, and every time I try a little it either reduces one night and inflames the next

Try it, it worked at first. You never know with your skin which product is the best for you. I think that it is worth a try.
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November 28, 2008

Pros:

helps blackheads a little bit, whiteheads too. also found it helped pimples.

Cons:

made me vveerryy dry, flaking, peeling skin, ect..

it hasnt been the best thing ever, i still have ance, but it helps. be patient!
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November 17, 2008

Pros:

Makes acne go away & new one's from forming.

Cons:

A little peeling & makes face sensitive.

Thus far I love this stuff. Well I am using with BP and the combo is working great. I was on Retin-A for about 7 wks and that stuff stayed on the IB so when I got on Differin I had very little IB. I have no pimples forming except bumps on the forehead which go away w/ in a day or so. I think this is really working and my face is getting smooth again. I think, again, "think" it's even helping w/ my scarring. But I'm going to give it more time to see if that's it. I'm not sure about the cost yet because the derm gave me samples to use first.
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November 5, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin, lightens hyper pigmentation.

Cons:

oily skin, bad initial breakout, dries out skin for the first week, redness, cant go out in the cold.

i used to have horrible acne that started when i put tanning oil on my face!! it was baadddd!! after using a dozen different products i started to use proactive in the first week of august and after picking at my face like it was the end of the world i was left with cysts!! it was bad and sad. :( thankfully i went to the derm. in october and she gave me differin and i started tanning and now my acne is almost gone you HAVE to use cetaphil gentle skin face wash so your face doesnt dry and peel!!!!!!! theres still places where it could be better but ive only been using this for a month!! i hope it gets better and im 100% clear!! wish me luck!!! :)
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October 31, 2008

Pros:

besides the first month, it kept my skin smooth for 3 months. it doesn't burn or over dry your face. doesn't smell

Cons:

my face exploded with acne within the first 3 weeks of use. around the 4th months of use, from my cheek down to my neck got huge zits. (I NEVER used to get zits on my cheeks or neck)

differin takes awhile for you to notice the difference, but in the end, it might not work. try to find something better if you can.
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October 24, 2008

Pros:

It helped clear away smaller breakout

Cons:

Caused large breakouts, more redness and didnt clear my skin

Differin didn't really help anything, and it made my breakouts worse and more severe
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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