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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November 23, 2007

Pros:

Those little white bumps I had all over my face are clearing! The pimples I do have are healing and drying faster, and not causing such bad scarring. The stubborn pimples that just wouldn't go away are going away. My skin actually has a glow to it

Cons:

For the first month of use, severe peeling, dryness, tightness, flaky skin, redness, and discomfort. But, after about a month and half, using it religiously with just a mild cleanser and a moisturizer, the redness and dryness is subsiding.

I think it takes time and patience to see results. The first few weeks had major breakouts, and even now there are bad periods, but each time the inflamation goes away and it gets better and better.
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November 12, 2007

Pros:

works to stop future acne

Cons:

did have initial breakout, takes a lonnng time to actually work

I have been using this product for 7 months now, first alongside with minocylcine, after first few months stopped minocylcine due to bad stomach ache its gave me. however, have been using differin ever since just a little bit on each acne pimple, along with having lemon water every morning and evening everyday, also i have been doing a face steam with lemon in it, using a multani mitti mud mask and simple face scrub three times a week. has reduced spots quite abit and has helped to control the acne, although still do break out around time of the month! hope this is useful!!!
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November 6, 2007

Pros:

It does work after a while.

Cons:

initial breakout
takes a long time to start working
makes skin look oily

i tried this when i had mild-moderate acne, and it made my face much much worse than it had EVER been, but it then did make it better, but i didnt like how it made my face feel so i stopped using it. then my face broke out horribly. lots of cysts, pimples, blackheads, there was almost no space on my face where there wasn't acne. my face was terrible. so after about 6 months i started minocycline and differin in combination and they worked like a miracle, honestly. no initial breakout (because of the mino), and i was pretty much completely clear in about 2-3 months. i would only recommend using this if you have moderate-severe acne. it doesn't really improve mild-moderate, it just makes it worse and then brings your face back to where it was before. i regret ever using it in the first place, but it does work on bad acne, you just have to give it a little time to kick in.
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October 31, 2007

Pros:

My insurance covered it.

Cons:

Doesn't work at all.

I agree with Star from Minnesota. I used this junk for 8 weeks, and it made things worse in the first few weeks. At the end of 9 weeks, my skin may have been back to where it was before I started (not good). I used it "by the book," waited to apply, used a pea-sized amount, etc. I tried this after 8 weeks of Retin A usage, which did nothing either. I give up.
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October 24, 2007

Pros:

Able to gently treat spots; Odourless

Cons:

Takes awhile to see results and loses it's 'magic' after awhile. Can make you face quite sticky hours after application. The first time I applied it, my face started peeling which took about couple weeks til it healed, but the spots were still there.

Have been using it for a bit as a replacement for BP cream (it's difficult to find it here). And so far, my face still has spots here and there - not entirely cleared. There have been times where it seems to show improvements, but new spots emerge days after. If I had BP at hand, I wouldn't think about using this.
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October 6, 2007

Pros:

Well it worked for the first 6 mothns the last 6 it hasnt been doing sh*t. Im switching to proactive

DOSENT WORK IN LONG LONG TERM
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September 30, 2007

Pros:

no smell, doesn't burn or cause irratation

Cons:

didnt really seem to work. if im in song for a long period of time i get better acne but tahts the case with all acne

didnt improve or make ance worst. try something differnt but a good back up to have
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September 27, 2007

Pros:

Easily applied, no side effects

Cons:

Minimal if any clearing of the skin, doesn't feel or seem like its working

I have very oily skin and mild acne. This product hasn't done too much for me at all. I recently went to the dermatologist and am going on Accutane within the month, apparently since the Differin didn't work. It affects everyone differnently but my results weren't anywhere near my expectations. If you do decide to take this, use minimal gel. Good Luck!
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September 25, 2007

Pros:

No severe side effects.

Cons:

The effects are not very helpful. Acne has gotten worse.

Useless. Removes the top layer of skin and worsens the acne by spreading it. Results in tender, reddish skin. Not recommended.
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September 17, 2007

Pros:

clears up acne if you stay on it for 3 months

Cons:

it comes right back!

at first when i started using it i thought it was crap i got more acne, but after using it every single night for 3 months my acne was COMPLETELY gone, but came back 2 or 3 months later worse then ever. Not worth it, try 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