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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July 29, 2008

Pros:

Reduces redness, seems to work

Cons:

- Expensive
- Causes peeling first week
- Runs out fast if you use it for a large area like the back or chest

A dermo put me on Differin (the cream version) at night and Benzaclin in the morning. I'm not sure which one is doing more, but my face and back acne look better. I didn't have amazing results the first few days like some people; instead, it's been a slow and steady improvement over the past two weeks. I've had only two new pimples on my face since I've started. The red spots on my cheeks have faded considerably... only to reveal dozens of icepick scars :( Without insurance, Differin is $145.00. Thank God my insurance works for this!
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July 27, 2008

Pros:

It seems to work for *most* people who give it time.

Cons:

Doesn't work for everybody, seems to have annoying side effects for most people, expensive in most countries.

I have used Differin for 4 months now, which is longer than the packaging suggests it will take to get results. While I don't deny that my skin has improved, it took about 3 months to make a 10% or so improvement. I've started using azelaic acid with the Differin, and it has helped a lot. My skin is maybe 35% better now, which is a start. I'll be honest, I'm not really happy. For 4 months, I expected it to have made a huge difference. Instead, I still get acne frequently (even with the antibiotics that I'm on), and my skin complexion has worsened slightly since taking this medication. I am in the minority here, but Differin gives me really oily skin. I've never had oily skin before, but now my skin is terribly oily. Most people report it drying their skin, but not me. It's expensive for most people, but it's subsidised here in New Zealand. Give it a try, but if you don't see any improvement within 4 months, it's unlikely that this product will be of any us
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July 26, 2008

Pros:

Differin seems to be working really well. it reduced the size of breakouts within the first week and things seemed to be almost flawless by the third week of use.

Cons:

made skin pretty dry with a little redness and sensitivity.

I've been using differin with benzaclin for about a month now. I'm not totally sure which is making the differnce but my skin looks great and i love it!
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July 25, 2008

Pros:

seems to make the redness go away from patches acne seems to get better especially a cyst i had

Cons:

i used it during the beginning of the school year and it made my face super red so i stopped using it but ive been using it for about two weeks now with antibiotics and so far so good

good product and in the long run seems like i wont have acne flair ups anymore. The only reason i have it now is because i went on proactiv (bad idea) and then off it and i had this HUGE acne surge it went from like two zits to a billion so i hope the differin clears it for good.
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July 25, 2008

Pros:

it's clear, dries fast, easy to apply

Cons:

very drying, peelings

i've used this product usually at night with some moisterizer. along with the benzaclin during the day also with moisterizer...and i haven't seen much of a difference. i still get big zits, i'm peeling, and just sad that it doesn't work for my whole face. still get pimples all the time...:(
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July 24, 2008

Pros:

Smooth Clear skin works well with nodule acne helps clarity as well.

Cons:

Can irrate skin in the beginning, but after that it works wonderful!

Okay, I've dealt with severe acne for most of my twenties and have tired everything from over the counter to Proactiv to many different prescrpition medications. I get deep nodule cystic acne; especially when stressed or before my period. I also break-out with whiteheads and blackheads and have large pores this and benzoyl peroxide is all that works on me (oh and Acnomel). Differin actually changes the condition of your skin and I am proof of that. I had to go off of it after using it for about a year because I didn't have insurance and my refill ran out and couldn't afford to go to the doctor to get a scrip. BIG MISTAKE!! After being off of Differin for 3 months--bam--a couple of weeks before my period I get a huge nodule that swelled up on my cheek almost the size of a quarter! Needless to say I went back to the doc and she gave me the new stuff .03%, it took my skin a few months to get used to, but NO MORE PIMPLES! Be careful in the sun, if u get too red go off a few days.
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July 21, 2008

Pros:

it works pretty well at first

Cons:

after about a month or 2 of using it, differin stopped working as if my skin became amune

if you want to get rid of pimples fast it good but i wouldnt be surprised if it didnt work forever
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July 3, 2008

Pros:

did not hurt my skin and cleared a small amount of acne

Cons:

it did not clear all of my acne and stopped working at all after about 4 months. Also, even with insurance it was expensive.

It did not do what I want. I used it for a long time because my dr said that it won't work right away but really after a long time it stopped working at all! there are many times of skin, but for my type it did not work.
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July 2, 2008

Pros:

works quickly on acne, quells early breakouts

Cons:

dries my skin out. Burnt the heck out of my face at first--it looked like I was sunburned. Have to use extra moisturizer.

It works, but side effects can be nasty. I mean seriously, I look like I've been in the sun for three days straight and I live in Hawaii. So apply sparingly, and use a good moisturizer.
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July 1, 2008

Pros:

clears your acne quickly

Cons:

flakes, your face stings , and your faces gets red.

i would not reccomend this topical for long term treatment. But for a quick fix it is perfect.
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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