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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April 30, 2009

Pros:

Clears small zits overnight.

Cons:

Burns at first, larger zits take longer to heal

I originally bought this in May. At first, it did not work for me, but I gave it a few weeks and now it works really good. I'd highly recommend washing your face before applying it because it's not as affective if put on while your face is somewhat oily.
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April 27, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne

Cons:

Initial breakout; red, irritated, and peeling skin (in the beginning)

This stuff is amazing, but you really have to be paitient. For the first 1-3 weeks I brokeout and my skin was red and peeling a lot, but after that I really got some great results. My skin cleared-up beautifully and became a lot smoother. I promise if you use this accordingly and for the correct amount of time it WILL work. You WILL breakout and have irritated skin in the beginning and you probably won't see any noticeable results for atleast 4 weeks, but if you just stick with it you will see results.
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April 22, 2009

Pros:

Made my skin better than it had been, but did not completely clear things up. Also, my insurance covers a good deal of the cost and with the 3-refill rebate I pay almost nothing for it.

Cons:

My skin got worse before it got better. It also got very dry esp. when used with an alcohol solution. Some moisturizers that should have been fine stung and my face peeled a bit. I also still break out on chin/jaw and have persistent spots elsewhere.

I would recommend this for less severe acne (light/very light). Like I said, a good deal of my acne cleared up in the couple of months I've been using it and I don't have little white bumps all over my forehead anymore. That was a big deal for me, because nothing I did could cover it up. However, I seemed to hit a leveling off point with Differin (which I use in combination with an alcohol solution and twice-daily doxycycline antibiotic) and my skin is not still improving. I haven't noticed any permanent side-effects, or ones that could not be dealt with somehow, but this product did not work to the point where I would consider my skin as being "good."
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

Works great! I was using Differin at night,Benzaclin in the morning & taking Doxycyclyne once daily. I had great results right away & my face cleared up in 1-2 months. I took the antibiotics for bout 2 months but I am still using Benzaclin & Differin

Cons:

Differin made my skin tight when I put it on. But I used it at night, so I didn't mind.

Invest in differin!
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April 15, 2009

Pros:

Peels away scabby marks pimples may leave behind. If I ever popped a pimple and had a scab form, applying differin would allow the scab to peel off and not leave a scar within 1-3 days. It also helped reduce old marks and spots.

Cons:

Don't use if tremendous peeling happens. Give your skin a break for a day.

Skin is dynamic. You need to know your skin. It sounds stupid but every product needs to be tested seperately on a small part of your skin before using on a daily basis. Also, closely observe your skin in the morning after you use this product to see how it changes. Good luck!
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April 8, 2009

Pros:

acne eventually clears, drying not terrible, no redness, mild

Cons:

starts out by making acne worse, much worse, drying to the point where it hurts to smile, but not at first

I never had acne, well maybe a tiny un noticible bit. So i used proactiv, after a few years of that it stopped working (my derm. says this is what usually happens) i use differin and after 2 or 3 weeks it started to get worse, and it was for a month or so. It is pushing the bad stuff out and you need to just wait it out. Now i use differin in the morning and evening and ziana in the night and i am gradually healing. To the point where my derm. said it is 50 to 60 percent better. I am pleased. BE PATIENT!!
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April 1, 2009

Pros:

Inexpensive, with insurance only $35 (dr. gave us three $35 off coupons from the company)

Cons:

Like any other retonoid, it dries out your face and makes your skin more sun sensitive, often resulting in "red face".

My daughter (12) tried this from doctor. Benzoyl Peroxide 10% wash 3 times a week and Differin after cleansing every night. Acne worse before better. 3 weeks before skin cleared and was beautiful ... for about a week. Then big breakout that lasted 2 weeks. Clear for a week, bad for two. The agony of a teenager. We've been on 2 1/2 months and will see the doctor in 3 weeks to determine if we'll stay on it or not. As an adult I use Obaji retonoid and have great results - little acne or dryness but very sun sensitive. I don't care what the costs are, I just want my baby girl's face to clear up and help her self esteem. She wants to try Pro Active like her friends but that's 1/4th the benzoyl peroxide level we're using already - it can't possibly work better.
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

it gets rid of pimples and tones your skin within a week of using

Cons:

red at first and dry skin for more sensitive skin and at first, stinging

Great product. Only use on target acne spots or it will really dry out your skin. IT MADE ME BEAUTIFUL AND I PWN NOOBS ON A DAILY DIESEL BASIS.
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

Smoother skin, less blackheads.

Cons:

During the beginning, when your skin is getting used to the gel, you may feel increased warmth when in sunlight. Slight drying.

I have been plagued by blackheads for a little over ten years. It's rare when I will actually get pimples. I have tried practically every over-the-counter medicine you can think of. Nothing worked. I have oily skin, so some items would dry my skin out, which would help moderately some of the time. With Differin, my skin was noticably more sensitive in the first week or so. I didn't have the monstrous breakout everyone keeps saying they got in the beginning. I have been using it for about a month now and I am so grateful for this prescription. My skin appears more clean, even-toned, and the blackheads have started to disappear. I know it won't work for all skin types, but I am definitely a believer. I used the name brand, so that's why I ended up paying so much; but next time I'll get generic and be able to save myself a grip of $$.
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March 29, 2009

Pros:

loss of redness

Cons:

uncontrolable breakouts!!!!!

I've been using the product for about 6 months ( 16 years old, and the acne just started showing up ) and I put it on every night. I get nervous at night, because I never know if I'm going to wake up and be a little more clear, or wake up with more zits. It's worked with getting rid of redness but I still get tons of breakouts (white heads, and P ance). Everytime I ask the dermatologist for something else he tells me that's the best and most powerful thing they have.
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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