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 19, 2009

Pros:

After over a year on Differin, I am almost completely clear of any major blemishes. In combination with a topical antibiotic and AHA, I am more happy with my skin that I have been in 13 years. It's not perfect, but Differin has changed my skin.

Cons:

Takes a long time to work, and breakouts don't completely go away. You MUST BE PATIENT.... it took four months for Differin to really work for me.

Differin worked for me.
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January 17, 2009

Pros:

Reduces the severity of most nodules. Increases the rate of healing. Moves most acne lesions closer to the surface; forms a pustule on most blemishes and they heal the fastest, usually.

Cons:

Does not halt the breakout rate (so far). Still get one to two new pustules per day on the average. Still getting flareups after six months. Skin seems to itch or sting slightly. Sometimes seems to increases oiliness overnight.

This product is said to take as long as a year to maximize its effectiveness. It is said to reduce the sebaceous gland size and/or activity. This product has been noted as reducing sebaceous hyperplasia; although, It may take many months to see an improvement. If you can stand the side effects, it might be worth holding out for the long haul.
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January 8, 2009

Pros:

Using the .3% for about a month and I am still getting new pimples but they do not stick around as long or seem as severe. This is strong stuff, it does take some getting used to (I have very sensitive skin.) And don't forget the SPF!

Cons:

Very dry skin (though that may also have something to do with the time of year) and some flaking at my chin and around my eyes. I've been taking care of this with good moisturizer and Aquaphor on the flaky parts at night over the Differin.

I was using this at night with Klaron during the day but it turns out I am allergic to sulfur. I only use the Differin at night (my derm suggested I use it every other night if the flaking gets bad or painful, I haven't really had to do that yet). The people who complain about increased acne a week (or even a month in) have not read the prescription information. It takes time for your skin to adjust to the medication. She told me to give this at least two or three months and that's what I'm going to do. I'll admit that it was rough for the first week or two but it worth it to stick it out. (side note, I've noticed that the flaking isn't as apparent when I don't wear a ton of creamy make-up. Try powder for a while instead.)
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January 5, 2009

Pros:

It works fast. A little goes a long way.

Cons:

It makes skin worse before it gets better. Can hurt/burn sometimes while the acne is getting "worse before getting better".

If you want something that will help you skin in the end, ask for this - but if you want something to work overnight, this isn't the product.
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of acne along my jaw line. Made my skin feel very soft and smooth. When I do breakout, the breakout goes away very quickly.

Cons:

drys out my skin and makes it very sensitive.

I would reccommend this product to try. Everyone has different skin types so I am sure it wont work for everyone.
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

Seems to be working

Cons:

None yet

I think a lot of people didn't follow the directions on this product. You are supposed to use an extremely minimal amount and only on the affected areas once per day. Also you need to continue with that for a few months for it to work. It is not magic. I'm currently on day 3 and it's already working quite well. I am taking antibiotics while on the Differin for my skin.
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

my pores look smaller and skin looks "dewier" when I use this every night.

Cons:

it doesn't seem to have any effect on my cystic acne.

i can definitely tell a difference on the nights i forget to apply differin. i've used numerous topical applications (including retin a, cleocin) and this is the only medication that doesn't make my skin red, peely or irritated. i use differin in conjuction with an oral med. it would never work on it's own. i've used differin for about 5 years.
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December 30, 2008

Pros:

prevents breakouts..

Cons:

doesnt clear acne...

2 months++
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December 29, 2008

Pros:

Smoothed out my oily, large pore, cystic acne prone skin. Not 100% but a huge difference

Cons:

Etremely drying for the first 3 weeks or so..actually made an emergency visit to my dermatologist to make sure it wasn't going to totally ruin my skin...he promised me that it would smooth out my skin and it did but it is rough at first

Yes, I agree with some, Differin is very drying, Def NOT as bad as Retin A. so if you have very oily skin this may give you better results than it did for me. My cousin is using Differin as well and her skin is absolutely flawless, but her skin continues to be very oily even while using both Duac and differin. She has extremely oily skin. Overall I'm pleased. Differin has been keeping my cystic acne at bay. I've broken out with 2 cysts since using Differin and both have gone away after approx. 2 weeks. Without Differin they usually last a month or more before going away completly I have very large pores on my cheeks, before using Differin my pores looked almost stretched out and those have improved greatly - defferin has NOT closed them completely so I still have those annoying little holes but they do not look as stretched out. I wash with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide in the AM & moistruze with Clindamycin (sp). Wash with Cetaphil and apply Differin to my big pores
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December 28, 2008

Pros:

AMAZING FOR BLACKHEADS ON THE NOSE IN PARTICULAR

Cons:

MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO NORMAL ACNE

Use only on the nose where your blackheads are in conjunction with Clearasil Deep Pore Treatment lotion - i spent 6 years using every available anti biotic and every available cream or gel, the ONLY one which made any difference was this lotion made by clearasil!!!!!
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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