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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February 26, 2008

Pros:

I'm using Differin 0.3%.  I have cystic acne on my cheeks. It's day 20 and it's clearing up great.  No new pimples/zits have formed since I started using this.  Helps fade the red marks/scars. Non-irritating.

Cons:

None for me.

I've had pimples since I was 11 and I'm 30 now.   My acne seems to have gotten worse as I got older. I've tried everything: OTC meds, all prescription meds except accutane.   I've tried Differin 0.1% gel two years ago,it worked well but seemed to stop after a while. Recently I broke out on the right side of my cheek which left red marks/scars and I was so embarrassed and self-conscious that I went back to my Dermatologist and I was against using Accutne so she prescribed Differin 0.3% gel, Doryx, and Klaron.   My face is clearing up so well and my scars are fading.   No new pimples have surfaced since I've been on this regimen.   Differin does not irritate my skin at all.
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February 22, 2008

Pros:

Reduced cystic acne to where I'll have a minor breakout every month due to PMS.

Cons:

It took two months of consistent use to clear up the severe cystic acne that I had on my chin. Redness and drying of the skin (nothing that can't be covered up with makeup).

The first two months were the worst. I felt like differin brought out all the underlying cysts. If anything, I would recommend doing differin along with an antibiotic so that the first couple of weeks aren't too bad. By the time the differin begins to really clear your skin, you are getting off the antibiotics. Differin is an absolute must in my skincare regimen.
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February 19, 2008

Pros:

Really gentle, gets rid of small blackheads within a few days, and doesn't smell bad like other acne medications. Also helped with dark spots and scarring.

Cons:

Expensive, takes a while to kick in. Sometimes makes your face oilier than normal.

I think that anyone with mild/moderate acne should use this product! I was surprised that I didn't break out more in the beginning, like a lot of people said they did which was a plus and it really helps with dark spots on your face. Really worth it, and it can't hurt to try it :]
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February 14, 2008

Pros:

Acne All gone!!

Cons:

None

Used it for four months and all my pimples gone!! Works great.Double thumbs up.
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February 5, 2008

Pros:

Gets rid of severe acne, shortens the lifespan of regular "zits". significantly lessened the qty of breakouts

Cons:

does nothing for blackheads and cloggged pores

I was put on accutane 3 times over 5 years(didn't do a thing except dry out my skin. It was a living hell). I've been prescribed every antibiotic and topical cream, gel, liquid, soap you can buy. Nothing worked for me. I'm 36 years old and my doctor gave me differin gel to "try" 4 years ago> I never looked back. It's not miraculous but i rarely have severe cystic pimples anymore. I'm talking maybe once a year. I used to have them all over my cheeks, forehead and chin. I still get clogged pores and teeny whiteheads but nothing horrendous. Interestingly enough, I read that this is supposed to help with blackheads and those are the least of my worries but I've noticed it doesn't help me at all with them. YMMV.
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February 5, 2008

Pros:

Stops most pimples from occuring..gives a nice even skin tone and does not overdry my skin. It's my favorite spot treatment! Seriously, try differin as a spot treatment. I used to get white pus filled pimples..and now i don't get any.

Cons:

Expensive

Differin worked amazing for me, but I have mild acne. It probably wouldnt be that effective on severe cystic ance.
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January 29, 2008

Pros:

It gets rid of the little pesky pimples that i hate the most and it helps those stupid ice pick scars or whatever you call them1!!!!

Cons:

makes my face super oily, takes a long time to kick in,

I would reccomend it for people who have patience. This product took many months to work.
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January 23, 2008

Pros:

really helps with red marks

can dry out your face so make sure you use a MILD cleanser. i was using cetaphils daily face wash for and that was too harsh, which made me breakout very badly, then i switched the cetaphils gentle skin face wash and everything has cleared up
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January 22, 2008

Pros:

Didn't dry out my skin and worked very well at first. Kind of died out after a while, even after getting bumped up to the .3 stuff it still stopped working.

Cons:

Wasn't as permanent as I would have liked.

Works for mild to moderate acne. Doesn't work immediately, but give it time and it should do you some good. For me it stopped working after a couple years, but it was cheap and works.
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January 21, 2008

Pros:

Gentle, non-drying, good for mild acne (small bumps or fading old ance marks)

Cons:

none, except it takes a LONG ass time to kick in. seriously, it takes months! i almost gave up on this stuff... but give it time, it's just your skin getting adjusted to it :]

I would say get this is you have mild to moderate acne. My dermatologist always acts shocked when I say I wanna keep using Differin... I think he's anti-Differin, who knows! :p It is verrrry gentle, doesn't dry at all, but I would not reccomend this forthose big nasty blemishes (I use Benzaclin that <-- that junk's a miracle :]) Doesn't cause facial redness. Only bad part, like I said, is it takes FOREVER to start working... about 9 months for me, but I've been using it for 4 years now. Good stuff!!
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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