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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May 9, 2008

Pros:

It works, could see results in two days.

Cons:

mild burning of skin especially when exercising and slight drying around chin area.

First thing that has worked for me after spending hundreds of dollars at beatitians on various treatments and products. I am a 36 year old mother of two girls and stay very fit and healthy and was feed up with having bad skin constanly.If you find yourself in this situation see your doctor you wont regret it.
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May 5, 2008

Pros:

Been only using it for over a month and I've been seeing significant improvement.

Cons:

It can dry out your skin quite a bit for the first couple of weeks.

I've been suffering from acne for a very long time and this medication is the best I've used so far. I use Differin XP at night and Neostrata Toning Solution with Clindamycin in the morning. I use a very gentle cleanser (Clean and Clear Facial Cleanser for sensitive skin) and a very light moisturizer(Neutrogena Moisture Oil-Free for sensitive skin). My skin is really clearing up and if I do get any pimples, they are very small and barely noticeable. My scars are also fading. I am very satisfied with the results so far and I look forward to the next couple of months. I recommend it to everyone who has been suffering from acne for a long time like myself.
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May 4, 2008

Pros:

I get it on the NHS so no costs. The only cream to work so far and I have no redness even though I use it twice a day and have dry skin.

Cons:

None for me.

Really helps get rid of existing spots, but takes time.
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April 25, 2008

Pros:

Great. Great. Great. Cleared me up when nothing else worked

Cons:

None really. It dried me around the mouth at first but nothing major.

I used sooo many products and wasted so much time. My derm gave me a sample of this and I demanded a presciption the next day.
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April 9, 2008

Pros:

It Does Work!
Havnt Had any cysts since started using it

i have cystic acne (anyone with it will know its a nightmare, especially the scars) iv been using differin for 6 weeks and its brilliant. i still have spots but very small. easily covered with make up (the doctor told me i wont see results untill after 8 weeks so it should get even better!) i havnt had any cysts (i got one about 2 days after i started using differin but it was only very small & went after a few days! i normally have them a few weeks) i would recommend differin!
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March 23, 2008

Pros:

affordable, effective but it takes too much time so you have to wait and see the effects U_U

Cons:

lot of pimples for the first weeks

It's been my 5 weeks already from the time when I started using differin, at first --- geez all of my pimples worsened than usual, I got lot of pimples (bigger and smaller ones) no space on my chin that doesn't have a pimples and I thought they got irritated or what. Then I've tried to read all of the reviews here on this site, and my doctor was true ' at first it will become worsened and afterwards it will become clear already. Well I've patiently waited for that time even I lose my hope already and tried to give up on that product and use another types of medication. Somehow I've thought that those breakouts caused also by the soap that I'm using ' before I'm using the kojic soap to clear the dark spots, and I've switched to the previous soap that I'm using ' Clearasil daily wash soap and changed the clindamycin to 2% clindamycin, and at last all of my pimples got dried and right now I cannot see any visible pimples ^_____^ im soooo happpppy right now........
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March 20, 2008

Pros:

- The only acne product that gave me real results so far (i tried dozens of over-the-counter products).
- Doesn`t smell like most acne medications
- Not only helps to controll active acne, but also clears red spots and makes your skin tone bett

Cons:

- Takes a while to work
- Gave me a small initial breakout (which is normal)
- Dries the skin a little (but far less then Benzoyl Peroxide products do!)

I have been using this product for a couple of months now, and i want to slap myself in the face for not seeing a doctor earlier to get this product! I recently quit my 5-step AM and PM regimen because differin just makes me stop worrying about my face! This product cleared my face completely (i had moderate acne) and i am now using it on my shoulders aswell. Ask your doctor to prescribe it in combination with an topical antibiotic product like Eryacne to controll the initial breakout you will get. (The initial breakout is normal and believed to be caused by comedones that are allready there, so you would have gotten the zits anyway but differin speeds it up). It took a month or two to really see results. I think that is the reason for some people not to like this product... maybe if they sticked to it they would also have had the great results i had. In the netherlands, the product is completely covered by health insurance. (I Used the differin 0.1 ge
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March 5, 2008

Pros:

Has helped a lot so far. Been on it for only four days, ee! So, I hope it'll do the job! I, like so many other people, have tried just about everything. I have FIVE face washes alone in my shower! I'm always desperate for something that'll work!

Cons:

It is pretty drying, but no where near anything like benzoyel(sp?) peroxide. yuck. But other than that, i'm happy so far!

If you're like me and tried alot of things, just about everything- try this. The funny thing is, when i was in the eighth grade i tried this. But, i'm being more patient and it's going to pay off i think. keeping my fingers crossed! Good luck to you all as well! :)
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March 5, 2008

Pros:

It prevents me from getting more breakouts. It shortens the "life span" of active pimples.
No more ingrown or inflamed pimples. There aren't really any bumps on my face anymore. I have only some scaring but Differin is speeding up the fading proce

Cons:

None that I can think of.

It's a good product. It proscribed by my dermatologist. I tried proactive and a couple other products but they didn't work. I also use Fougera and it helps clear up the active pimples I have. Both were proscribed by my dermatologist.
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January 29, 2008

Pros:

Differin gel works! I use it in combination with Duac at night, along with prednisone and septra D in the morning. When used with cetaphil wash and mosturizer, I have no new acne and my face is actually healing FAST!

Cons:

There was some dryness and a few flakes in the first 3 days. Skin tighness and itchyness, the Prednisone took care of that though.

I have tried everything! Proactiv, which made my skin worse. Laser acne treatments, which cost $1500, made my skin the worse i have ever seen it. Nothing the dermatologist did seemed to help. I switched to a new doctor and she put me on everything listed before and it has been 2 weeks and my skin is what i consider "clear" i have some old scars and some old acne that is healing, but my skin is smooth. I can't even remember ever looking this great. Differin has really helped my skin! I can't believe I went this long without it. If you are struggling with acne, don't give up. I thought I would grow out of it and luckily i wont have to find out.
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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