Adapalene (Non-prescription)
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
3.3
1633
Read All About Adapalene (Non-prescription)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
17.9%
4
31.4%
3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
March 24, 2007
I'm 28 years old and i'v had acne on and off since jr highschool... i had great skin until i got into 10th grade and that's when the hormones got to me... mysteriously it all went away within months without treatment.. it never came back didn't have a spot on my face till about 3 years ago and it's slowly been getting worse and worse... went to derm 3 weeks ago and he put me on mino benzoyle and differin... it's cleared about 85 percent of the face but for me it can't work fast enough... acne is hell and i can't believe my skin got this bad... it's made my life into a jail cell and i hate it... i pray to god everyday to heal my face... i hope god is listening... it's been working well so far and i hope i can finally get passed me for good... good luck to ya'll...
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 19, 2007

Pros:

seems like it worked at first.

I've been using differin for about 8weeks now, it seems like it was clearing up but I still get breakouts. Should i stick with it or give up?
This Was Helpful

Report
February 14, 2007

Pros:

Clears up skin pretty well
Convenient, easy to use
Fairly inexpensive with insurance

Cons:

Caused dry, flaky skin
Takes three months for full effect
Still get occasional break outs

Didn't do much initially. Starting works around three months in and it worked great. Everyone complimented my skin, it was as nice as it had ever been. Unfortunately, it seems that the cold winter air makes the medicine almost ineffective or something. Since the air has been getting dryer, my acne has been getting worse. Using more of the ointment only dries out my skin more and causes it to flake. If the same thing as last year happens, it'll clear up in the spring. The cold months are still annoying, however.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 8, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use once a night, smoothed out skin

Cons:

Didnt help prevent any new acne from forming

I used this stuff for 9 weeks on my moderate acne and saw no improvement. I was also using this in conjucntion with Duac and Minocycline and still saw no improvement. It is pretty easy to use, you just have the be consistent and wait for awile for results, if you have any. I have heard from alot of people that this can work, but it just didnt for me. I will still recommend for people to give it a try.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 27, 2007

Pros:

no film residue, no burning, easy once a day application

Cons:

Caused redness, tightness, blotchyness, flakes and burning with most moisturizers

I have used it beofre (6 years ago - I'm 27 now) and LOVED it!! I used it along with BenzaClin for spot treatments of breakouts. I did have the initial breakout, but after that it was clear-sailing! I just started using it again. It is doing it's job of clearing my face, however now it is causing the "cons" listed above. I'm getting pretty frustrated! I'll try some of the suggestions above.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 25, 2007

Pros:

really good on forehead, i had lots of little bumps and now they are slowly dissapearing, a couple of bumps at a time.

Cons:

red skin!!! i try not to use on my cheeks because differin works by bringing pimples to the surface,till there is no more to bring up, and pimples on my cheek scar so i dont want more scarring.

works ok, im sick of the red skin though
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 17, 2007

Pros:

doesn't smell or irritate skin

Cons:

my skin is breaking out so bad

I had a laser treatment done 3 weeks ago and started using the differin afterwards and my skin looks horrible. my dr said it would make my skin "purge" and it really is. I'm hoping that when its finished purging it will clear up because i'm miserable right now.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 7, 2007

Pros:

uhhh

Cons:

uhhh

question: does this really help with spot scars? and does it cause them? i noticed when i used this that the old spot scars SORT of faded away, but then after i get new pimples (and they turn into huge whiteheads because of the differin) when they finally heal they just turn into spots...and i do not want any of those...someone please answer
This Was Helpful

Report
January 7, 2007

Pros:

It has made my skin 85% better, and I've only been using it for one month
one tube lasts a long time

Cons:

Causes dryness (moisturizer fixed this)
price ($35 for one tube, but it's a matter of having the cash all at once, because one tube does last a long time)

I think it is worth it to give Differin a good try of several months. It has made slow but steady progress on my skin, and I didn't notice any change (bad or good) for 3 weeks. My doctor said it could take as long as 8 weeks to see a change. Now it is working and the pores on my nose are beginning to get smaller and when I do get pimples, they disappear much faster than they used to.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 5, 2007

Pros:

My skin does seem clearer, though not perfect. After years and years of bad skin, "clearer", for me, means, "better."

Cons:

A little dry and itchy at first, but get a good moisturizer during the day to counteract it.

It's not a miracle medication, but it helps.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 22 23 24 25
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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