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 31, 2007

Pros:

Clears skin, minimizes pores, gentle, cheap (in Australia)

Cons:

Small initial breakout

I was always scared of using a topical retinod because of the whole initial outbreak. However, Differin has been amazing. I use the cream version and have no peeling, dryness or redness at all. It works slower than Retin-A or Taz but is just as effective. In Australia, a tube of Differin only costs $40 so it's fairly cost effective and will last 5-6 months. I had a small initial breakout but nothing more than usual and no where near as bad as I have had in the past. Currently, I have no active acne whatsoever and healing red marks. I feel that it is a little slow in healing/improving pigmentation of existing pimples. For pimples that show up while using it in the first few weeks heal really quickly.
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January 20, 2007
hey i love his use it just damn use it
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December 15, 2006

Pros:

Not irritating, cures the causes of acne, not the symptoms. Lasts for very long.

Cons:

Price (though not as much as I saw in other posts - see price paid), in some cases may make acne worse in few first weeks of using.

I recommend using on night and during the day - benzoil peroxide.
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December 8, 2006

Pros:

Doen't leave residues, feels good on the skin, no-smell

Cons:

may cause a little bit of dryness

Well, i'm using differing for a week, the dermatologist also told me to use benzac AC 5 (benzac one night, then the other night differin and so on, being careful of using just the little of the product as i can), and well, i was a little scared before using this products because i had red they could bring new breakouts, besides leaving your skin red, dry and worst, well i took the risk and know that i have a week in the treatment the results are better than i thought, my skin it's just a little dry and the acne dissapears more every day, i hope to see improvements soon, and a little advise when you have the skin dry use a little of honey and leave it 30 minutes in the skin, this helps a lot, and have a natural antibiotic too that kills bacteria
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November 24, 2006

Pros:

Very good results

Cons:

dry skin, reallly itchy, red spots acne a bit worse horrible for the first week

Take it for more then a week and your will see great results, give it a chance
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November 8, 2006

Pros:

for those of you who say it makes your skin worse, it makes it worse for a week because it's working on acne that is below the skins surface...meaning it is working!! after the initial few weeks...it is AMAZING and clears up your skin by 6 weeks.

Cons:

nothing

don't quit after 2 weeks....differin is working if your skin gets worse! after that you will be amazed at what it does.
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October 29, 2006

Pros:

made my skin a little worse than before (not a very big difference), but eventually cleared up with time.

Cons:

you have to use it all over your face, not just the problem areas.

I used it on the problem areas and ended up getting pimples where i NEVER EVER had problems before. the derm said it's b/c if you only use it on the problem areas, it's basically "pushing the pimples to areas that were clear before". It was horrible to have that happen, and what's worse - my skin scars SO easily, even when i don't pop anything so i now have 3 scars due to that. otherwise works very well. i only use it once at night and i like it. i still have a few little pimples monthly, but not nearly as bad as what i had before using the medicine.
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October 10, 2006
I have moderate acne on chin and cheeks. I used Proactiv and for a month it seemed to get better then acne started to come back with full force. I had some diferin samples I had gotten from my mermy and wasn't sure how to put it on so I JUST PUT TINY DABS JUST ON THE PIMPLES and not the whole face or surrounding areas. It worked wonderfully without any side effects. Of course since I just put it on the pimples (mostly cysts) it doesn't help prevent new ones but it sure works on the ones that are already there. It does not dry up my face since I don't put it all over. I think Proactive was too strong for me. My face was all scaly and noticed I had more cysts beneath my skin then ever before. However overall texture did get smoother so I think I will still use Proactive perhaps once or twice a week along with diferin.
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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