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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September 7, 2011

Pros:

-prevents large future breakouts
-relatively clears up skin
-skin less oily

Cons:

-small breakouts still occur
-little bit of flakiness and sensitivity

It's a great product if your acne is out of control and the off the shelf products are not working. Keep in mind that it may not completely get rid of all your acne, but it does prevent it from getting worse.
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September 7, 2011

Pros:

Helps keep acne under control
Makes pimples go away faster

Cons:

REALLY EXPENSIVE!
Makes red marks take longer to fade
Dries skin out
Can stain clothes

This kept my acne under control at first when it was moderate to severe. But now that i'm using tea tree oil and I've stopped using Differin, I'm begining to suspect that it was the Differin that made my acne form red marks that lasted for ages. But if you want your acne to be kept under control mostly (by that I mean reduced to light acne, not cleared completely), then I would recommend this.
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September 6, 2011

Pros:

Doesn't make your skin worse

Cons:

You have to avoid sunlight
You can only use peasize amounts when putting it on your skin
No change in acne

Didn't work for me. Used it for 6 weeks.
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August 16, 2011

Pros:

Less acne, clearer, fresher, healthier looking skin

Cons:

a little sensitvity and flaking on the acne itself

So here is my experience. I have been on it for 3 months today. It took exactly 8 weeks to see a difference in the acne. but for 4 weeks now my skin looks and feels so good. I did have a small breakout(which was much less than before and healed much faster) and what my dermatologist said it sounded like hormonal caused. So she prescribed me Spiro. I know that there may be some side effects but I will do anything to keep from getting a breakout again. I can handle a zit now and again but hope it doesn't happen.
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August 14, 2011

Pros:

Didn't make me breakout (or if it did, I had too much acne to notice)
Helped to prevent breakouts
Cleared my skin

Cons:

Had to use with Clyndoxyl and Diane35 (I can't REALLY say that it's a con since it worked for me)

I used this product with Clindoxyl gel and I was also on Diane 35. I know that Diane 35 didn't clean my skin alone, because I started to use it a long time before I started to use Differin and Clindoxyl but it didn't really help. Clyndoxyl alone could'nt do it because it is a spot treatment so it doesn't help to prevent other pimples. I must say that it's not only Differin that helped me, thought. While Clyndoxyl was treating my actual pimples, Diane 35 was stabilizing my hormones and Differin was preventing another breakout. Those 3 products cleared my skin, ALL OF IT. I only have a few pimples sometimes (and acne scars too, but I think that it's because I used too strong products on my face), but those pimples totally normal since I'm 17 :P
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August 13, 2011

Pros:

Clear, beautiful skin
Lightens pigmentation scars
Gave me a better self esteem
Worked the first week

Cons:

Burns for 10-20 minutes after applied
Flaky areas

I feel as if I'm one of those really lucky few who saw results the first weeks and completely skipped the initial breakout. I am 15 years old and have had acne pretty bad since I was 11, it brought me to tears to see myself finally with clear skin! Acne does so much to a teen girls self esteem its overwhelming with a world full of beautiful girls. I would never lie by saying the product worked wonders for me and is improving my entire lifestyle. Before I started using it, I was really scared about all the bad reviews, but I've been through so much I figured it was worth a try. Night one, I applied it and the next morning woke up to results, not big ones, but noticeable. Every night this continued and with every day there were better results. I only got 2 new pimples over the course of using Differin and it was because I picked at 2 of my little bumps:P I know, not smart. I completely understand that this product doesn't work for everyone, but what else can you expect when everyone has their own different skin with it's own special needs. If your considering trying Differin, I say go for it since it certainly helped me out. I'm sorry for anyone it doesn't work for but just give it some time and I'm sure improvements will come. Differin beat up my acne and I will forever love it!
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August 12, 2011

Pros:

none

Cons:

it may seem like its working but it actually caused more scarring and ive never had that before. It just makes my buttons scab up, they heal n the button is still there under the skin and forms again. this stuff stucks. ive tried it for 5 months to no avail and ended up with way more acne than i ever had. all i wanted was to get rid of a few blackheads, n now im pock marked like never before

beware. if it seems to not work after 4 weeks, please do not persist, your skin isn' puging, it's just being irritated. for those that it worked for, congrats...but seriously, dont lie to yourself n try to get through the "initial breakout". An initial breakout doesn't last 5 months... just sayin'. Plus this crap cost alot of money...and my insurance does not cover. vunda-ba
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August 10, 2011

Pros:

-It got rid of the tiny oil bumps

Cons:

-Didn't get rid of the pustules and papules I had on my chin and cheeks.

When I began using this product I immediately saw results. Unfortunately, this lasted only for about one week. My skin soon returned back to normal. It did get rid of the tiny oil bumps I had on my forehead which was great but didn't get rid of my big pimples. This product didn't work well for me but I still recommend this product because it vanished my tiny pimples.
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August 9, 2011

Pros:

it will work on your skin but after a couple of weeks

Cons:

too expensive

I will use differin for ever
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August 4, 2011

Pros:

Cheap with insurance.

Cons:

No change in acne.

Plain and simple, this did nothing for my skin as a teen and did nothing when I was once again put on it.
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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