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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3.3
1633
5
17.9%
4
31.4%
3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

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December 1, 2008

Pros:

absorbs quickly

Cons:

none that i can think of

ive been using differin along with duac for a little over 2 months now and ive seen a lot of improvement. i was also taking an oral antibiotic with the topicals until about a week ago. i still have a prescription left but im doing good, if not better, without it. At the moment i am completely clear but i didnt experience zero breakouts until i hit month 2. Right now i use differin every night and duac every other morning because using them both everyday is too drying for me. I never experienced the "purging", it was all just slow but consistent clearing. I would definitly recommend this, you just need to be patient and consistent in application. I used to use DKR for over a year and never got completely clear, but this cleared me
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November 27, 2008

Pros:

I have seen improvement in one month of use.

Cons:

It takes a little while to work.

I dont know if it's because i am using Benzoyl Peroxide and ingesting a pill along with Differin, but whatever it is, it works. So there.
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November 19, 2008

Pros:

Read the bottom line

Cons:

None, really

This is the real deal. The doctor told me it would take up to 6 months to clear everything, and sure enough, it did. I still have the occasional break out, but Differin keeps it under control. The only problem is, I use a little too much of it. They say that can be bad for your skin and that it'll make it worse, but I haven't had any problems. I use it on my forehead, chin, sides of my nose every night before I go to bed, because that's where i notice breakouts the most. It is definitely worth a try, especially for those who haven't had luck with store products.
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November 19, 2008

Pros:

I've been using the .1% formulation for about a monthy and my skin has really improved. I have almost no acne (they still pop up occasionall) and my face just looks rejuvinated in general. Only minimal irritation and sensivitity.

Cons:

For me, the cons were minimual. You must use sunscreen during the day (I use L'oreal with mexoryl, which has broadcast uv protection) and not on top of other products (especially other acne products!).

Magic in a tube...use it with patience but it worked great for me! Print out the $25 rebate for the first prescription.
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November 13, 2008

Pros:

Results seen after 2 applications, clear in 2 weeks. Got rid of all cystic pimples and now if I get a pimple it comes to a head really fast with no scarring. Worked wonders for blackheads on my nose too!

Cons:

Kinda expensive but if you think about it clear skin is worth any cost!

Use with 5% benzoyl peroxide on top of differin application. I use the cream, the gel apparently will dry you out like crazy. AMAZING RESULTS AND I GOT NO INITIAL BREAKOUT PERIOD!
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November 8, 2008

Pros:

Worked very well for about a year..... Then stopped working all together.

Cons:

stopped working after a year

Very good but stops working after about a year. Which is very disappointing.
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November 5, 2008

Pros:

Worked VERY well - continued use is definitely minimizing scarring

Cons:

very expensive

After trying everything from strong benzoyl peroxide washes/creams and salicylic acid washes and creams, Differin made the difference for my son. He had moderate to severe cystic acne on his face with significant 'crusting'. His skin felt like really rough sandpaper. He used the .01% gel for a while and saw moderate results, so the doctor increased him to the .03% gel and what a difference! Not only are his breakouts gone, the reddish purple scarring is starting to decrease after just 3 months. The doctor tells us that continued to use will help to decrease the icepick scarring and the purplish cast to his skin but it will take at least 6 months to a year to see drastic results. I'm willing to stick with it - his skin has become very soft and smooth as a result of this medication. Stop wasting money on the TV ad products and invest in great dermatological care. The tube of differin gel lasts about 6 months.
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October 31, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my skin completely, made it look healthier, easy to use.

Cons:

none. except for price (some people probably have better health care then me so don't let my brokenness stop you) and waiting forever in doctors office. but it was definitely worth it.

I tried almost everything out there over the counter to stop my acne, but in order for this to work you must follow these steps: 1. Use an exfoliate (salicylic acid most likely) in the morning along with benzoyl peroxide (the doctor told me you will get the best results because of the chemical structure or something). But don't over do it. If you do get dryness make sure to use an oil free lotion. Make sure to use only a pea-size amount of differin. Keep away from your cheeks and the ridges beside your nose. 2. Don't be bummed all day about your acne, just live life to the fullest. 3. Don't smoke weed. It messes with your hormones and it turned me into a dumbass, but I've been clean forever and it's one of the best decisions I've made I've never written a review about anything expect for this, but i felt people need to know that if you use it correctly it will work.
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September 29, 2008

Pros:

I am post acutane patient of one year and my acne and oily skin began to come back so I tried diffiren. Its clearing my skin back up very quickly. TRY BEFORE TRYING ACCUTANE!!!!!

Cons:

NONE so FAR. TRY BEFORE USING ACCUTANE!!!!!! THIS IS THE TOPICAL FORM OF ACCUTANE and you can avoid the side effects.

I completed a 6 month acutane treatment witch has been the most effective treatment I have used for acne. My acne is and has always been more of a pussy clogged poor that white greasy stuff comes out of when I pick at my face; I rarely have inflamed acne, unless I picked at it, than it looks inflamed. Acutane was successful and I was placed on tazorac after my treatment for maintenance. Tazorac made my skin ichy and oily but did keep pores somewhat clear. Acne began to come back and I gave up on tazorac. Did not use anything for a while, and skin got pretty bad. My dermatologist recommended that I try differin before I try accutane again because of the side affects (which are true, I lost weight, energy, and mood changed significantly and joints ached not to mention horrible dry lips). DIFFERIN WORKED FOR ME!!!! Its quickly clearing out my pores and my clear skin is coming back!!!! Give it a TRY BEFORE ACCUTANE!!!!
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September 24, 2008

Pros:

Not overdrying (I have no dryness at all, no flakes finally!!!!), makes skin glow, not smelly, reasonably priced with insurance plan

Cons:

Absoluetly cannot miss one night of application, otherwise you will get a pimple or two, scars are not healing well yet, takes sometime to work, but well worth the wait!!!!!

I have used sooo many products over the counter and precribed. I have fought acne for ten years, and finally have found something that is perfect for my skin! I have better self-esteem and enjoy my skin now!
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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