Adapalene (Non-prescription)
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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.

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

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March 4, 2012

Pros:

Cleared up my moderate acne completely
Faded acne scars

Cons:

I had a really bad side effects in the first week. I had dry patches that turned into open wounds. I actually recently couldn't get to the doctors to get a prescription and stopped using Differin for 3 weeks. My acne came back and when I finally got time to get to the doctors and got Differin again I had the same bad side effects.

I love the product it is the only thing that managed to clearly stubborn acne. I have had clear skin for a year now and have finally got my life back, I can walk out the door without any makeup on and feel confident. For me that is the best feeling, I just don't have to worry about acne any more!!! I am so glad I sticked with it when I got the really bad side effects.
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March 1, 2012

Pros:

Good at stopping breakouts

Cons:

I think my face is a little redder that usual

I use this cream after accutane and its good at controling break outs. I.e. I started to get a small patch of pimples inbetween my eyebrows, after about 1 week of cleaning my faces and differin in this area it was clear.
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February 29, 2012

Pros:

Skin is clearing up
Skin feels softer

Cons:

Nothing so far

26, female, oily skin, cystic acne on my chin and under my eyes, blackheads pretty bad on nose and chin, whiteheads on nose and sometimes cheeks, acne for almost 2 years I was skeptical after reading the reivews for this product. However, it seems to be workimg for me. Just remember every person is different. The same acne regimen is not going to work for every single person. That is why there are so many different acne medications. With this product, I am also taking doxycyline. I feel like the antibiotic is helping a lot. I use a facial soap bar that contains benezel peroxide to clean my face. I use the Olay cleansing brush because I feel like regular cleansing leaves A LOT of dirt and oil on my face. If I use a toner after normal cleaning, I can actually see the dirt left behind on the cotton ball. To me, proper cleaning is so important when you are prone to getting breakouts. I paid $30 for the cleansing brush, and it is worth every penny of it. Hopefully the differin, antibiotic, and deep cleansing will clear my face completely and for good. I will definitely be back to update everyone.
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February 28, 2012

Pros:

-Prevents Acne
-Like Retina-A, slowly fades light acne scars and wrinkles.
-Can be used in Conjunction with Aczone, BP or Climydycin(sp?)
-Absolutely works
-15 dollars with insurance
-Skin adjusts to the Differin within a week

Cons:

If I wanted to nitpick...
-Makes sun sensitive to sunlight
-Initial Breakout
-takes 3 to 5 months to take full effect according to my Doctor.

Dare I say the majority of the people who reviewed how terrible this product is, did NOT give it at least 3 to 5 months. Yes, it has been widely stated that it takes 3 months to take effect but my Derm (who is ranked on a list of America's top-docs) mentioned that it can actually take closer to 5 months to take full effect. I definitely had an initial BP but it was not THAT bad. I broke out for about 1 week, but really, just 3-4 days of bad cystic acne. It is worth it in the long run. The 1st week or 2 my face was rather red and did peel. It would be wise to avoid the sensitive skin directly around your eyes, the cracks on the sides of your nose as your skin will really peel there. However, by the 2nd week my sensitive skin has adapted quite well. My mild to moderate acne has gone from bad to very good over the period of a year, I did see results within 2-3 weeks. But it just continued to get better... with some breakouts here and there but by week 12 my skin was looking a 100 times better. As an ex smoker it even diminished any very light wrinkles. Great stuff.. and cheap... just be sure to STICK WITH IT. Fighting Acne is about patience. You can't try almost any prescription acne drug without giving it 3 months. For differin, give it 6! Good luck!
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February 23, 2012

Pros:

Smooths out skin
Either clears or prevents (not sure which) spots
Gives you a sort of "glow"
Not as harsh as some prescription topicals

Cons:

Drying and peeling of skin
Red face

I have been prescribed this by my derm as a last resort before going on to Roaccutane. I have been using this as well as taking anti-biotics (although I don't think they have helped any as my back is still moderately pimpled) for 3-4 weeks, 3 or 4 nights a week. Works for me, but dries out my already sensitive skin. I am going to keep using it though as I can deal with the dryness and after all I am getting it for free and it is helping to smooth out my face.
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6 user(s) found this helpful

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February 22, 2012

Pros:

Clears Acne, Helps Stop Breakouts, Dries out Pimples,

Cons:

Dry, Flaky Skin

It works great, and I just use more cream to help the dry skin! I would recommend this to anyone with any severity of acne. At first, a few pimples came ot, but that was the Differin clearing out the skin. After that,I barely get pimples and I love it! Also, for my makeup, I use Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup to help cover up my pimples and it has salicylic acid to help treat acne and prevent it which is great i makeup since a lot of makeup products for the face clog pores and give you pimples. Use differin once at night and your good! Using Differin and Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup work great and I think you should use these 2 together! :)
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February 22, 2012

Pros:

Don't have any :(

Cons:

Burns, Peels and didnt fix anything. The area around my nose started to rip and peel very badly. I've been using this product for almost 4 months.

I wouldn't buy this product again.
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February 20, 2012

Pros:

works better than anything I have ever used.

Cons:

price!!

I reviewed this after only a week of use. I am now almost a month in. I currently have no acne at all which is unheard of for me. I have been through once menstrual cycle as well and nothing. This does make my face burn some but I don't care as long as I continue to get the results I am getting. Very expensive but worth it to me. No initial break outs with me which was my biggest fear. Very thankful for that.
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February 18, 2012

Pros:

- lightweight
- doesn't dry out skin
- takes away excess oil

Cons:

- takes a while for it to work
- makes my skin itchy

So I've been looking at the reviews and I've noticed that people have been paying outrageous prices for it! So the price honestly depends on your country. Anyways, my doctor recommended I used this at night and then use Clindoxyl in the morning. Because of this regimen my skin is now clear! I've been using Differin for over a year now and I'm very happy with my results. I normally don't get pimples but when I do it takes a while for my pimples to go away. I would honestly recommend this product to anyone!
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February 16, 2012

Pros:

It works
easy to apply

Cons:

Expensive

It works,ive been using this for about two months. I didnt get any dryness or peeling but my skin did burn when I washed it. My acne has cleared up I would say about 70 percent, my skin has become alot more smooth.will continue to use this product
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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