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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January 17, 2008

Pros:

It is clearing up breakouts a little faster than normal.

Cons:

But is it really doing anything at all? little bumps all over my face, and now small whiteheads on my forehead, that i NEVER had before. And it is really really drying out my skin.

Can anyone tell me if there is something else I should be doing? I am washing my face in the morning then putting on clindamycin, and then lotion, then at night, I am washing my face putting on a thin layer of the differin, and then lotion. But I cant seem to escape the dryness, no matter how much or often i moisturize. Its been almost 10 weeks and nothing really seems to be getting better. Any tips? Did I mention that it is so drying I can only use it every other night.
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January 11, 2008

Pros:

Does not smell strong like some creams and gels do. Easy to apply and seems gentle on the skin.

Cons:

Slow to work..does not seem to be doing anything for me but will keep using it and hope it starts to clear up these pesky red pimples and blemishes that are currently on my cheeks.

Try it, it may not be for you but worth a try. I went to see my derm who prescribed this to me - not great as my doctor prescribed this to me on my first visit but when i went to see my derm he said to use this as it will should help with the whiteheads. I have been trying it but its not that great to be honest will keep using it and see how i get on with it. Off back to see my derm beg of March if things getting any worse im hoping to have accutane - as i have used practically everything diannette,anti biotics, differin, bp gel and creams, vitamins, better water intake.. you name it i have tried everything to achieve blemish free skin but find that the only thing that will solve the problem for good is accutane. I have been on it once before and boy my skin was so clear its just upsetting and depressing seeing it go from clear and non greasy back to greasy and spotty..boy does it suck! But hey thats life..my advice see a derm and have patience!!
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December 24, 2007

Pros:

i dont think theyre are any

Cons:

my face is red, and peeling, and swollen, and my acne is wayyy worse than before.

I've only used this for two months, and i know its supposed to get better before it gets worse, but this bad?? i dont think its worth it. i guess i'll keep using it, but im not expecting anything to come of it. dont buy this
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December 6, 2007

Pros:

fairly good so far

Cons:

skin is much drier, havent been moisturising because im scared this might make either of the two differin or benzique not be as effective. does any1 know when the best time to moisturize while using the differin at night and the other in the mornin?

only tried it for two days now and skin is already much drier though i havent seen any more new pimples, and it actually seems to be helping the redness and bumps. in a month i will give more info on how it has worked for me but i am using the gel 1% and benzique face wash in the morning alon with an antibiotic.
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December 2, 2007

Pros:

I have only been on it for about a month. My face broke out real bad at first but is completely clear right now. My skin texture has improved a lot.

Cons:

I didn't have a lot of the bad reactions that others have had. My face is a little redder then before, but I think only I notice that. When I started I would skip a day if I thought my face was getting too irritated and that would help.

I hope this continues to work but in my experience with time every treatment stops being effective once your skin gets use to it. Right now I am happy with the results that I have. I think it's a little expensive. My prescriptions are usually $10 but this cost $59.
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December 2, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use and no side effects.

Cons:

Didn't do anything for me.

My doctor prescribed Differin for my acne and I really excited at first. I read a lot about it online and basically everyone said it works really well but you have to use it for awhile. Well I used it for over two months twice a day and it did absolutely nothing for me-very disappointing.
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November 28, 2007

Pros:

Works well under make-up and glides on well.

Cons:

I'm breaking out all around my lips, chin and neck! It clears the odd pimple fast but i just continue to get new pimples!

Trying Doxyclyin and hoping Differin and the antibiotic will work together!
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November 25, 2007

Pros:

Acne diminished significantly.

Cons:

I still had breakouts while using Differin, though they weren't as ugly as they'd been before. My skin dried and flaked, and this problem became quite painful and hard to deal with in the winter. Also, my skin felt more sensitive. Kinda pricy.

Differin is worth a try for most people. I have *extremely* sensitive skin, and found it somewhat irritating, even when used in combination with a very gentle moisturizer. That's why I stopped using it. Also, it didn't work as well after the first several months.
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November 25, 2007

Pros:

After a year of use, it started to keep my acne at bay, I guess.

Cons:

This made my acne a billion times worse, for nearly a year. My face is really scarred because of it.

I don't know if this is a good product or not. It took my skin a looong time to adjust to this medication, and now I'm afraid to go off of it. I really don't get many pimples anymore, but my face is so scarred and blotchy from all the pimples it initially gave me, that my skin still doesn't look good.
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November 23, 2007

Pros:

Clears pores, brightens skin (I thought so!)

Cons:

Did not completely clear acne

I used the 1% differin with clindamycin and my face improved. (Previously I had just used BP) The differin does take a while for its effects to be apparent. Generally, pores which were clogged up were opened and cleared and although this regimen was not enough to totally clear my acne, my skin improved and my acne at least receded. It's worth trying, and if your skin isn't completely clear after 3 or so months, move on to something else.
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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