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

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April 29, 2008

Pros:

Definitely helped clear up smaller blemishes and contributed to evening out my skin tone.

Cons:

Not really for cystic acne, can be a little drying if you have sensitive skin.

Works well, but you have to give it time. There is definitely an "inflamed" stage where it appears to be getting worse, but be patient! Especially if you are on a combination of treatments. Like I mentioned above, Differin definitely isn't for cystic acne, but it helps with those little pimples that can be just as annoying.
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

I saw improvement after a couple of weeks and now my skin is almost completely clear except for a few small zits and marks. I haven't had skin this clear in 5 years!

Cons:

At first it dried out my skin a little, but that was nothing a little Cetaphil couldn't fix. As the packaging states, my acne did get worse in the first 2 weeks, but don't get discouraged! Differin WILL WORK!

Over all, I'm happier about my skin than I ever have been even though I experienced some discomfort.
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April 26, 2008

Pros:

Differin really cleared up my acne.

Cons:

it's very expensive and doesn't do much for blackheads and pores

I have tried so many products and the only one that's work thus far is Differin. It has cleared up all the pimples on my face but I haven't seen much of a change in the blackheads on my nose or my pores. However, I would recommend this product to anyone that wants to see positive results. My acne did get worse at first but you have to be patient for a good two months to see results (at least that's how long it took for me to see results)
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April 17, 2008

Pros:

Differin works fast! Easy to use and no residue

Cons:

Differin tends to dry the skin out

I have been using differin for about 6 months and can see a big difference. I use it in combination with Nicomide. I have tried to stop taking it for a week and the acne came right back. Needless to say..I am back on it and saw results within two days.
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April 6, 2008

Pros:

Cleared blackheads, cleared pimples, made my skin flawless

Cons:

took at least 4-5 months before I started to see improvement, took about 7 months to make my skin perfect, after a year didn't work anymore

I had bad skin, oily and big white pimples in combination with hundreds of small pimples and blackheads on my nose and cheeks, my derm prescribed me minocycline 50 mg once a day and differin cream 0.1 at night, it took a lot of time to work but eventually my skin got perfect, however, after a year it stopped working and my acne came back, althought I didn't have the huge white pimples I used to have, I had more little pimples all over my face. I returned to the derm and he prescribed me Retisol-A, I hope it works, good luck with Differin, it does work but not for long though
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April 4, 2008

Pros:

Not as many white heads

Cons:

Dries out
Itchy
Makes red

WOW, i am only 13. but have been using it for around one month... nearly. I am waiting to see better results. It is only moderaate on my chin and down the left side of my face, like sideburns! Most acne gone except scar tissue... LOTS! which sucks,its not permanent and the doc has told me to give it 6 months. i really would like to see a bit more improvement as my confidence is still at an altime LOW. DONT wear make up (even mineral), white heads pop out from every where SUNLIGHT is fine for me, just causes the chin to get red.
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March 22, 2008

Pros:

0.3 Gel prevents both whiteheads and non-inflamed acne very well! I have mild/moderate acne with very sensitive skin.

Cons:

Somewhat expensive depending on your insurance. Also the gel can be a little bit drying.

Notice how most of the negative reviews are from people who hardly gave this product a chance? Try using it for AT LEAST 6 months before writing a review! It didn't work at its best with me until around that six month mark. At that point I became about 85% clear. I just wish this stuff was a little cheaper; I go through a tube every three weeks.
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March 19, 2008

Pros:

read below

Cons:

price if you dont have insurance

ok so i have been struggling with acne for about three years. i have tried differin, retina(tretinoin), retina-micro, differin, duac, and pretty much every known oral antibiotic that i know of. ie amoxacillin, erythromycin,doxy,tetra, etc. anyways, i started on a combo of duac and differin .3% about 10 weeks ago. i used to have about 3-10 spots at a time, which was ridiculous. trust me, as a guy you feel like sh*t when you have to wear makeup to go out and feel comfortable. but the combo seems to be working great. it took a lot of patience, redness, dryness, and worsened acne, but it is pretty much gone. i might get 1 spot a week now, which is like a complete 180. anyways for those of you with oily skin and acne that you just cant get rid of. try the new differin .3%, it works. the duac is nice too, but i think it just helps dry out current spots. just be patient becuase it took right up to about 10-12 weeks before it really clears, but when it does its great.
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March 17, 2008

Pros:

Easy to use, cheap with insurance ($15) and lasts a long time, no odor.

Cons:

My face became a bit oilier, but I had no major side effects.

I have adult acne after several years of great skin on ortho-tricyclen. Within a few months of getting off the pill, my acne came back, first slowly and then in full force after about a year. By full force I mean lots of little ones and some cystic as well. I didn't want to get back on the pill for other reasons, so I tried Differin (I should note that I also use Clindamycin lotion in the morning). Like many others my skin got worse for several weeks. This seemed pretty unbearable, but because so many others on this forum and other forums suggested waiting it out for results, I did. After 7 weeks, my skin started to improve. I'm now on week 8 and my skin is pretty smooth. I'm waiting for marks of the old ones to fade, but i currently have no new zits and a few old ones drying out. Overall, if medicine keeps things at bay, I will be very satisfied. So, my advice is to try to stick it through the 1st few months. I'm hoping that by 6 months, i'll have flawless skin again.
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March 9, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my skin a lot

Cons:

not "perfect" skin yet

i have tried proavtiv, murad, and other acne products and this is the best yet. i have sensitive skin and Differin gel does not irritate it or dry it out like the other products have! i still get the occasional pimple and i would not say my skin is "perfect" yet, but im getting there!
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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