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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June 23, 2014
Patience and Work
When started using this treatment, it would worsen the acne on skin, which caused some trouble eliminating them, but later on, it would start to fade and lessen the appearance of the scarrings. But you will really NEED to wait for it to work. However, considering the price and the time needed to work, it isn't that worth it...
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January 7, 2014
Ineffective

Pros:

Didn't make acne worse

Cons:

Ineffective
Kind of harsh on the skin

I have moderate-severe cystic acne on my cheeks, I used this product persistently for three and a half month, nothing really happened. Made my skin dry so I had to use a moisturizer, but the acne didn't go away. When I stopped using it and only used tap water instead, my acne didn't change at all, so it was a waste of money.
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January 5, 2014
Did not do anything for my skin, but is very gentle

Pros:

no negative side effects (like peeling, burning, dryness)

Cons:

my acne did not improve

I have had mild to moderate acne for three years when I was prescribed Differin. After having applied it every evening for about 5 months, my acne has not disappered or decreased. But Differin also did not dry out my skin or made it burn, it basically had no effect on my skin at all. I give it two stars because even though it was not strong enough for me, it was very gentle and my skin did not suffer from any side effects like peeling or burning. That's why I would still recommend trying it because IF it helps you, you probably won't have any problems with dryness etc. which makes it a good option to treat mild acne.
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October 22, 2013
itchhhhhhhhh
it leaves your face red & itchy (it burns like hell) & it makes your hyperpigmentation worse
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September 25, 2013
Did not work

Cons:

Flakey skin
Made my pimples sore
Dried my face out

Sad to say this product did not work for me. At first i thought my acne was getting better but then things took a turn for the worst and my acne flared up so bad! I stayed on the product for two months but things just seemed to get worse. I quit using it and it is starting to get better.
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SRHT
December 7, 2017
Takes at least 3 months for the treatment to work properly.
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June 18, 2013
Mild retinoid

Pros:

Inexpensive
Effective for light acne

Differin is a starter topical in my opinion. I started using this right when I started to get acne. It worked for awhile and when I quit using it my very light acne came back with a vengeance and was now moderate to severe acne. When I started differin again it wasn't able to clear me up so I had to switch over to retin a and oral antibiotics.
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SRHT
December 7, 2017
Acne will come back if you stop the treatment, this isn't a cure it's a temporary relief until you grow out of acne by natural means.
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SRHT
December 7, 2017
Acne will come back if you stop the treatment, this isn't a cure it's a temporary relief until you grow out of acne by natural means.
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December 10, 2012

Pros:

Clears skin for a while

Cons:

Dries and reddens skin
Makes skin sensitive to sunlight
Stops working after awhile

Worked great at first. Had clear skin for about a year then had to switch to stronger tazorac, as my cysts came right back regardless of having upped my dosage of this.
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September 5, 2012

Pros:

Cheap

Cons:

No major results

Pretty ineffective. If you have cycstic acne or puss nodules this product will not work a stronger cream or preferably oral medication is necessary. However that said it can be useful in helping to clear some acne. But the bottom line is that I wouldn't recommend it! Benzyol peroxide is better.
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June 17, 2012

Pros:

Cleared minor acne flaws
Refines skin
Tighten pores
Fades scars
Smooth application
Wears well under makeup

Cons:

Major breakout within first few weeks
Takes awhile to really work (2 months)
Still get some horrible pimples
Didn't do anything for clogged pores
Initial flaking
Didn't dry my oily skin to the extent I wanted
Won't do anything for major acne (cystic, nodules)

I was really excited about using this product. I have horribly oily skin, get bad acne on my t-zone, and occasional painful pimples on the rest of my face. After the first week or so of application, I got a horrible breakout that was all over my face. It was so bad that I didn't even go to school for a week, and it was painful acne that was under the skin. It took about 6 weeks for it to clear. Luckily, the scars quickly faded, which I attribute to the Differin. The next month or so, my skin was the clearest it had ever been. Then, I started to get lone pimples. Not majorly, but there were still pimples on my face, enough that I went back to the dermatologist and requested a new topical. This product would be great for someone with light acne, as it's gentle on the skin and quite refining, but if you have more severe acne, I wouldn't even bother wasting your money.
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May 31, 2012

Pros:

- still waiting for pros, maybe spots are less frequent
- no initial breakout, although I was on Retinol A before this, so maybe that is why

Cons:

- if you have dry skin, this just dries it out to a new level
- red, flaky skin - halfway through the day my skin starts to peel even under tonnes of moisturizer
- if Retinol/Retinol A was too strong for you and your dermatologist thinks this will be more gentle, it probably won't
-

If you have dry and sensitive skin, this is probably not your best bet. I'm sorry! I really wanted this to work for me - I'll still give it a couple more weeks and - if any noticeable changes, improvement or absolute horror - I will do a second review. Applying it exactly as my derm suggested - once only at night, no other cosmetics (i.e. toner, cream...) - was not best for me. I ended up washing my face, applying toner, then cream, and then Differin. Slight improvement. The dots are less frequent - at least this week - but overall, my complexion is a mess. Not because I have more acne!! It's just you want clear, healthy, skin. Not less acne different skin disorder ... skin. Basically, without makeup my skin is dry and flaky and red because it's so dry - not because of the initial burning irritation. OH! Something I have read is that you should apply benzyl peroxide in the morning alongside this product - I don't have that, but I have been using Salicylic acid and that is also what has been helping with the very minor improvement. - NEITHER ON THEIR OWN WORKED, COMBO HAS BEEN OK.
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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