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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March 26, 2009

Pros:

Works after about a month and keeps skin clear and even toned. I was amazed since nothing else had EVER worked for me.

Cons:

It made my skin worse before it got better, but my doctor told me that would happen. Have to put it on when face is dry at night, or it will get irritated and itchy.

Get it. It really works, but you have to be patient. Do it when you will be comfortable with the wait. I did it during summer so i would be nice and clear for the new school year. :D
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March 25, 2009

Pros:

easy to put on and light and dries easily

Cons:

makes your skin dry but it warns us anyway before hand on the packet.

is good cossum of the marks have just disppaeard but the one's that i want do disappear has yet stil not gone but i think theyev gone smaller. i guess the deep acne scars takes a bit long only dries your skin and that is it. you have to make sure you only put ti on the effective areas or else it wil get red.
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March 23, 2009

Pros:

acne bumps gone
nice skin!

Cons:

takes up to 3months to see change
dries skin out at first
makes skin worse BEFORE better

overall, it will make skin seem worse but its just getting all the gross acne out. over time it will make skin seem much more better and you will see an improvement...
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March 19, 2009

Pros:

It clears up acne for me in about a week if I use it twice a day. It really does work; however, I have to stop using it due to cons below (pain, too dry etc).

Cons:

Intensely dry up my skin so much that I cannot even move my face after a shower. It also leaves my face super shiny like glossy plastic. Makes my skin red too. Relatively painful. Doesn't prevent more acne from developing though.

It's good! I would recommend it to treat acne temporarily....
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March 16, 2009

Pros:

*I have oily, ethnic hyperpigment combination skin*
provides a glowing, fleshy and rosy tone
reduces inflammation of active spots, and helps the appearance of dark residual spots. I've noticed that it evens out the oiliness in my skin

Cons:

adjusting to what amount works for you.. my derm provided free samples, and i used one tiny tube per night.
people who have dryer and more sensitive skin may consider differin for only spot control

keeps my face under control. i can tell the difference without one night's use. i notice my face is even in tones, oiliness, and it might be individual results, but it causes appropriate rosiness. (I appreciate not having to use blush. other people may disagree)
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March 14, 2009

Pros:

Works for those who have patience, doesn't dry my skin out, does not smell, no residue

Cons:

Expensive

With Differin gel, your face will get worse before it gets better. You need to use it at least three months before you see results. That said, I was frustrated with the initial breakout, but remained determined to stick it out for at least three months. I'm really glad I did. I'm using Differin with BC pills and antibiotics to great effect. Whereas I used to get 3-4 new pimples a day, now I only get one a week and sometimes none at all. Without new pimples constantly forming, my red spots can properly fade. I'm very happy with Differin and find that I can even use it with BP (at the same time) without my face drying out or becoming irritated.
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March 13, 2009

Pros:

This medications wasnt greasy or oily or anything. It didnt leave my skin shiny after i applied it (unlike the regimen on acne.org did). Made my skin clearer and softer. Had big scars and they started disappearing and getting less inflamed.

Cons:

Leaves skin with a TIGHT feeling-kind of like how botox must feel- it leaves your skin tight and you cant move your face muscles much-but thats why i out it on at night.

This medication worked pretty well. i mean it completed its goal-which was for me to clear up my big red pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, and fade them away. pimples went way almost instantley, whiteheads disapeared altogether with blackheads, and my brown spots have started to fade. CLEAR SKIN HERE I COME!
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March 10, 2009

Pros:

IT WORKS!
Takes about 6-8 weeks to see any changes but they tell you that up front.

Cons:

PRICEY!

If you have the patience then use this product. I have the 0.3 and I love it. It doesn't dry my skin.
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March 7, 2009

Pros:

Doesn't dry out your skin
smooths out the bumps
heals the acne

Cons:

Small amount of purging

I have mild to moderate acne with some light scarring and hyper pigmentation where old acne has healed. Differin has healed most of my acne in the three weeks I have been using it, applying it before bed to both face and back. My back is almost completely clear, though the purging there was much much worse than it was on my face. However, I will continue to use this religiously, as it has helped me so much!
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March 4, 2009

Pros:

It's really been clearing up every type of acne that I have. The whiteheads, blackheads and cysts are all drying up

Cons:

My entire face is peeling for the past two weeks and is extremely red

I would recomend the .1% not the .3% that im on it's too drying!
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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