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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5
17.9%
4
31.4%
3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

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April 18, 2012

Pros:

none

Cons:

doesn't clear, need I say much more?
expensive

bottom line, this product did not clear my face, made it worse, and I even used it for awhile /:
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April 18, 2012

Pros:

Get rid of acne
less irratating than Retin a Micro
It works!!!

Cons:

not being able to be in the sun! burnt the crap out of my face on vacation to Barbados

I havent had a huge pimple in months! Give it some time to work! Wait at least 2 months! I was used to proactive so just washing my face then putting this on saved me like 30 minutes! I LOVE DIFFERIN! It really works!
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April 12, 2012

Pros:

-Cleared up my skin

Cons:

-Redness
-Peeling
-Skin becomes Flakes
-Takes time to work.

I have never suffered from acne but about a month ago I started breaking out and it freaked me out because its not normal for me to get acne. Anyways I go to the dermatologist and she prescribed differin along with clindamycin and minocycline. For the first two weeks my skin got worse. It was awful I started breaking out worse than ever. It looked like I had sunburn all over my face and after that passed my skin started peeling and it was extreamly dry. Thats why you have to use moustrizers but just to warn you it will burn when you put on moustrizers. Ok so for the first two weeks I was really unhappy about this product but I remember my doctor telling me it will take about a month for me to start seeing results I was about to stop using differin but I stuck to it and I'm glad I did because it does work it just takes some time and consistency. Thats why this product doesnt have many good reviews because people stop using it when ther skin starts getting worse. But dont give up your skin will get better. I am very satisfied with this product my skin is better than before,
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April 3, 2012

Pros:

Works better for me than Retin A
Covered by insurance, ask for a coupon

Cons:

Some drying (not as bad as Retin A)
Some Initial Breakout

I used this when I was 18 and had acne. It helped clear me up, and I stopped using it. My acne had gone away. Fast forward 6 years later, I have acne again. I tried sulfur washes, Retin A, BP, etc. I was on this treadmill of topicals for 5 years. After this last time my derm saw me, he said "we need to try something different". He suggested Differin and Aczone. It seems to be working better than what I have been doing the past few years. It's not a miracle cure, but my skin is getting better.
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March 30, 2012

Pros:

Somewhat clearer skin

Cons:

Skin seems oily
Expensive
Initial breakout was terrible

I've been using Differin for 6 months now and I hardly see an improvement. The initial breakout was horrible. My forehead had a ton of little bumps, which I had never had before and now my forehead has a darker pigmentation. It is also really expensive since my insurance doesn't cover it.
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March 23, 2012

Pros:

Clears Skin!

Cons:

Drying

Clears Most Acne in 3 Months Of Use! You need to stick with it ti'l the end! It's worth it!
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March 14, 2012

Cons:

flushing and redness on face, made facial skin very "hot" and "sweaty". Could not tolerated for more than a week. Told to immediately discontinue this by the dermatologist due to my skin's reaction.

First of all this medication is meant for a certain age group of people who have acne issues. Why I was prescribed this in my mid thirties is beyond any common sense by my old Dermatologist.
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March 13, 2012

Cons:

Skin Burned
Broke out badly
Peeled
Skin became red [sunburnt look]
.Dried out my skin a lot

I was given instructions to use Differin twice a day, once at night and once in the morning. I'm taking antibiotics alongside this treament. The only thing this product has done for me is make me MORE insecure about my skin. I don't know about you, but the worst thing about having acne for me is to be constantly reminded that I have it. Thanks to Differin, this is what happened. The dry, sunburnt, skin-tight feeling on my face was a constant reminder to of my condition and it has really made me uneasy. I would definitely not use this product, as of today i've stopped using it and will be looking into alternative treatments.
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March 8, 2012

Pros:

-Reduced acne by at least 70%
-Less breakouts
-Has generally cleared and clarified my skin

Cons:

-Experienced some mild burning at first
- Caused my face to become red and inflamed for the first 10 days of use
-My skin was more sensitive to sunlight
-Skin has become more sensitive

I was skeptical of using this product, as i had tried Benzoyl peroxide, which really damaged my skin. I used the Differin gel, not the cream as i have oily skin I also got prescribed with 1000mg of Oxytetracycline as well. I used it after cleansing my face morning and evening. Moisturizing afterwards will help keep the area from drying out. At first the gel made my face sting and burn, after 3 or 4 days my face looked very red, i also had dry flaky skin. Also i noticed this was made worse by the sunlight. So i would advise an SPF. After 10 days my skin calmed down and sticking to the routine started to work, my acne has really cleared up and so has the redness that came with it. I would advise gentle exfoliation to remove any dry skin. i'm glad i decided to stick out this medication and continue to use it, although the majority of my acne, but it has increased the sensitivity of my skin, so i am constantly wearing an SPF. overall really happy to have gotten rid of most of my acne and redness. Be careful not to get any of the differin cream/gel near the eye area because it seriously burns, oops :/ 4/5
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March 7, 2012

Pros:

Cleared up acne after a month and a half.

Cons:

I'm giving it time, but my acne scars still show. Bad breakout when I started.

I started using Differin at the end of last December because my dermatologist recommended it and I was sick and tired of having moderately severe breakouts. When I first started, I had bad breakouts for about the first three to four weeks. It also created a stinging feeling on my skin when I washed my face. However, those are only temporary side effects and they eventually die down. The most important thing about this product is DON'T GIVE UP and BE PATIENT. It takes around two months before any real results start showing, so just give it time. If by three months there is no improvement, then you could inquire about it. For me, luckily, my acne has made such a drastic clearing that I only get a few new pimples every week (compared to when I used to get a few breakouts everyday). The only thing I'm still waiting for is for the Differin to fade my acne scars, because they still show on my face. Nonetheless, I have faith that it will do the job eventually.
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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