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

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February 13, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Price
Makes skin dry and red
Severe peeling of skin
Doesn't work

I used Differn for 4 months. It did absolutely nothing to help my acne. In fact, it seemed my breakouts grew worse and more frequent. My skin became dry and red. It made my skin peel terribly. I felt like I had a bad sunburn the whole time. Do not use this product!!! It is over priced and does not work.
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February 9, 2012

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

worse IB ever
red red red inflamed pimples
red red skin

AHHH. dont ever use differin. i used differin every day for 6.5 weeks and my skin just got wayyyy worse than it ever was, which i know it typical but my face made so much progress over this last year it was such a HUGE step backward. my skin was semi-clear before and i wanted to get rid of pigmentation and ahhh all my acne came back, i cant believe it. the derm said this i typical of differin, wtf would anyone prescribe it. i was using tretinion before and my skin wasn't perfect but it was soo much better i actually miss it. i'm now going to start accutane because of differin, the most annoying thing ever. one acne med making you need accutane. it's unbelievable. please stay far the hell away from differin. i mean i guess it could work for some people but i wouldn't want to find out.
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February 6, 2012

Pros:

Dries out the excessive oil on the skin

Cons:

Doesn't work!
Makes acne worse
Excessive redness

This product did not work in my case - it actually made it worse.I used it sparingly, as recommended, and it still caused my skin to be excessively red and dry. My acne became worse almost immediately and did not improve at all over time. I have now switched to a benzoyl peroxide cream (10%) and have found that to much more effective and cheaper. I would not recommend people to waste their time and money on Differin.
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February 6, 2012

Pros:

Clears skin!
Helps control breakouts!

Cons:

Can be a bit drying
May make skin a bit red for a few minutes
Expensive without insurance

I've been using this product for a few years now, and I have to say that it's made a HUGE difference! Because it is a little drying, I'd recommend using a moisturizer in combustion with it. I used to have very severe acne, but now Its very light. I'll get a few pimples here and there, but it's nothing compared to what I used to have. I'd definitely recommend trying it. It may not work for everyone, but I know those with acne are willing to try most things at least once.
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February 3, 2012

Pros:

Works fast
If you have combination skin it doesn't dry your skin out too much.

Cons:

Price
Application time

This product has to be used at night. If used during the day it will worsen your acne. Sunlight, sweating etc. is a really horrible combination with this product. Believe that this product is going to work for you and it will. Don't stress. Acne is hormonal and cause due to overly active oil production in the skin. Stress causes and increase in the production of androgens. Androgens cause the oil glands in your skin to raise the amount of sebum/natural oil in your skin causing your acne to get worse. It's a good product, try it. Depending on your country it can be very pricey. I paid a god awful lot for mine.
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January 30, 2012

Pros:

-Gets rid of under the skin tiny little pimples (closed comedones?)
-Stops the nasty pus/red pimples from forming!

Cons:

-Could possibly cause massive breakout, scarring...
-Drying on sensitive skin

I have a strange combo oil/dry skin. Differin HELPED so much with the tiny little pimples on my forehead (I had about 20-30 tiny little ones -__- so annoying!) My forehead broke out when I first started using it (i got 4-5 cysts..I've never had painful cysts before in my life). I'm now almost at 2 months & my forehead is SOO smooth and clear! Except for a lot of PI marks.. but they are easily covered with makeup and are fading!!! *BIGGEST MISTAKE: I really do not recommend this if you have dry skin. My forehead is extremely oily, so putting differin on it got rid of the oil, cleared my skin up, and prevented new pimples. BUT I made a HUGE mistake that I have regretted very much. One day I noticed about 5-7 tiny little pimples (barely noticeable) on my cheek. I never get pimples on my cheek, so this really freaked me out. I put differin on that area and it dried that area up SOOO BAD. That area on my cheek broke out LIKE CRAZY! Now I'm left with 4-5 huge scars...just because I wanted to get rid of tiny little bumps that would probably have gone away by themselves. My right cheek will REALLY never be the same. Now it's constantly breaking out... ....but Acne.org regimen is working :D
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January 26, 2012

Pros:

cleared up most of my acne

Cons:

none

has worked great for me, no side effects, fabulous results.
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January 21, 2012

Pros:

Got rid of recent "scars" within a week

Cons:

initial breakout
dryness (eye lids)

I started this while on winter break. Since i had 5 weeks off and my acne isnt as bad, I thought I had enough time to get clear, boy was I wrong. It really did help with hyperpigmentation and got rid of a few pimples, but then all of a sudden I broke out like there was no tomorrow (even after I stopped using it, a week later I was sitll breaking out). Btw, I know there has to be an initial breakout. Im going back to school on Sunday and got off differin around 2 weeks ago. My skin IS significantly better from all the breakouts i had but its bc ive been consistent with my skin care routine these past two weeks. Im now back on BP and ill stay on this for a while. In the future id like to give differin a full try bc i do have hope in it but not while im in school.
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January 18, 2012
I would not recommend this for anybody. I would be really mad if I would have paid more than 35 dollars for it. I have really bad acne on my chin and it has not gotten any better. I have been on this for almost 6 months and the only thing it has done is dried out my skin. My skin peels and flakes and the acne has not gotten any better. I'm actually going back to the doctor to find something else.
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January 6, 2012

Pros:

Really stops whiteheads from getting any bigger
Stops infection

Cons:

Dont apply too much: this will result in large patches of flaky/dry/sensitive/irritated skin
Dries out skin a bit (use moisturizer!!)

Differin gel really helps to keep the whiteheads under controll. I've used it for over 6 months now and I don't get any whiteheads anymore, if I do, I immediately apply some differin and they are gone the next day. It's cheap, it works, but dont use too much and only use it on whiteheads! This was my experience, thanks for reading!
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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