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 14, 2011

Pros:

- Gentle and clear gel
- Does not irritate my skin
- Clears up my face
- I am happy with the results

Cons:

- Can cause dry skin for some people
- Applying it properly so that it will work is tedious and must be done every night, no exceptions, otherwise it's useless

Before I tried Differin I had tried all the over the counter stuff, most of which did nothing or in some cases even made my acne worse. So I went to my doctor and she put me on antibiotics for a while with Differin. This was in November of 2010, and it is now June of 2011, so I've been using Differin for about 6 months. I am happy with the results as my skin has largely cleared up. I still get the occasional pimple, but I don't get the terrible break outs I used to get. In the rare instances that I do get a pimple, I simply apply the acne.org BP to it in the morning, shower/cleanse at night, apply the Differin, and then it's usually cleared up within 1-2 days. In the daytime I use the acne.org moisturizer. So overall my skin looks and feels a lot better, and I feel that this product helps in addition to other things I did to improve my skin tone, such as a diet change and drinking lots of water. The only problem is that I still have some small acne scars left over, but if I'm at the point where that's my biggest concern, then it must be working well. As for dry skin, this doesn't seem to be an issue for me, so I don't even moisturize after applying Differin. I use the Differin alone at night with no issues and then I wash it off in the morning cleanse. People who are prone to dry skin will need to moisturize with it, but if you do, wait at least 30-40 minutes before you do that as the gel takes a while to set in. So for me, this works well. Unfortunately, it will not work for all, as there's no one solution fits all when it comes to acne. However, if you are going to start Differin, my advice is ... - Read the instructions! - Apply it every night! - Apply it to your entire face! And if you find it's working, yes, you still need to apply it to your entire face to prevent future break outs, no exceptions or it will not work! Bottom line ... Differin seems to get the results I want when I use it proper
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June 10, 2011

Pros:

*Can eventually make your skin look amazing.
*Can eventually lessen the severity of your acne.
*The Answer for those of us that have sensitive skin but need acne topicals that work.

Cons:

*Can cause awful IB, so initially worsens your condition-and this worsening can continue if used inconsistently.
*Can take up to 3 months to work.
*Works better if you use it right (and using it right is real inconvenient).

I've consistently used the .1 differin gel for about 5 years with varying results. Right now I am getting the BEST results I've ever had with it because I'm no longer moisturizing before I apply it (see routine below). Here's what I've learned: It doesn't matter what kind of acne you have (hormonal or otherwise) this stuff WILL eventually help to improve the situation (it will lessen the severity of anyone's breakouts and help to improve overall skin texture). Follow these steps for best results: 1. Wash your face. 2. Apply a topical disinfectant/toner (you can even use a homemade 5% tea tree oil solution or BHA). Whatever you do, DO NOT MOISTURIZE yet! 3. WAIT 30 minutes before applying your Differin. 4. Apply the differin, and please, this will work so much better and faster for you if you apply the differin to your NAKED SKIN and wait another 30-45 minutes to apply your moisturizer. 5. Wait 30-45 minutes then apply moisturizer or anything else you want. This is a pain in the ass, I know, but doing this routine consistently has made a HUGE difference in my results (and my results weren't so bad the "wrong" way). And remember: You have to keep putting it on the same areas of your face every night---even after these areas become acne-free! I can't stress this enough. Failure to do so will just result in more IBs, and you don't wanna go throught that, right? So do NOT use this as a spot treatment. Apply it ALL OVER any areas where you think you could get acne. And for god's sake, continue to apply it to the same areas even after they appear acne free.
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May 29, 2011

Pros:

First week was amazing...no oil and acne started to disappear.

Cons:

After my skin cleared up - IT GOT WORSE THAN EVER BEFORE!

I started using Differin Gel after telling my doctor - at 42, I am still breaking out! She prescribed Differin Gel. I started to use it at the beginning of Jan 2011. My first week was wonderful. I noticed immediate results! Skin wasn't as oily, and my problem areas seem to shrink and started to flake away. Then I got into the 3rd week with this product. I started to break out horribly! Worse than when I was a teenager. The product started to burn my skin, make it red and start to peel, as well as bring every other zit I would have IN A YEAR to the surface at the same time. It was BAD! At one point I counted 28-30 zits that were truly visible. Huge blind zits, massive oil pockets. I didn't want to leave the house, I didn't want to make eye contact with people at work because I thought they were all looking at me thinking - what the hell happened to her skin!?? I googled the side effects so I knew about the "initial breakout".., I just never thought it would be that bad! Every website says when it does start working, you'll have the best skin ever...so I kept using it everyday thinking the next day would get better....it didn't. I used the product up until May 9th, so over 17 weeks. When I went off it I started to use Benzamycin Gel to try to clear up the problem spots, which at this point was my whole face! The moment I stopped using it I noticed an improvement. My face stopped peeling and breaking out for no reason...now it's May 20th and I have 3 small remaining issues that can easily be covered with makeup. I could actually go to the store without makeup (not that I would want to) but I would be able to hold my head up high and not be embarrassed! I am not sure why this didn't work for me...others have had success. I just want to let you know that the initial breakout is HORRIBLE! so be ready. If you have success with this product, congrats. If you try it and by month 4 your still breaking out like crazy, GET OFF IT! and
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May 21, 2011

Pros:

smooths skin, non irritating, glowing skin

Cons:

acne does get worse, then better

It works, give it time, you wont see results overnight, but it works. My dermatologist prescribed this in addition to Finacea.
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May 20, 2011

Pros:

Unclear whether it helped with renewing skin.

It's unclear whether my red marks healed more with or without this product.

The cream helped non-inflamed, non-red acne on my forehead.

Cons:

My skin rejected this cream. I put it on and it formed disgusting white inflamed pimples. I have never had white pimples before so I am the white sh*t is from this cream.

Definitely do not use on existing inflamed pimples, it will make them bigger and then they will fall off and make your face bleed and mark.

It's not worth it to use on post inflammatory pigmentation even if it increases cell proliferation because new pimples will form as a result of this cream.

I should have read the reviews. I have been through 5 months of misery with this sh*t. Use a very little amount on non-inflamed acne. Otherwise, stay away from this sh*t!
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May 2, 2011

Pros:

Very gentle on skin.
Reducess inflammation caused by various acne.
No odor, dye, or fragrence.

Cons:

Effective for only about 3 months then stopped.

This product was pretty good for me, but eventually seemed to stop working. My dermatologist told me that she was afraid that would happen because of the severity of my acne. She told me that Differin .3% gel was a synthetic retinoid, so it was not considered a true retinoid in her eyes. I was instructed to continue using Differin, but to use it in the morning. She also prescribed Tazorac .5% gel and instructed me to use it in the evening before bedtime.
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April 30, 2011

Pros:

Easy to apply

Cons:

Expensive
Caused my acne to get worse
Made skin more sensitive to the sun/scaring

I was prescribed this product by my dermatologist due to my mild/moderate acne. At that time, I had been using benzol peroxide and my face was fairly clear, but I wanted to to be 100% clear. My doctor told me this was the answer and I stared using it the next day. I followed the instructions carefully and put on plenty of moisturizer daily. MY skin began to get worse after the first week and became gradually worse over the course of 12 weeks. I stayed positive, as my derm. said it takes 3 months for it to work. Well, after 3 months my face was MUCH worse than it was when I started. I wasted 3 months of my life feeling self-conscious and will face another few months trying to get my face back to normal using benzol peroxide (again). STAY AWAY!!!! Waste of time and money.
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April 14, 2011

Pros:

Skin cleared up within 2 months - blemishes, spots and scarring
Skin feels smoother and soft
Noticeably fairer complexion - radiant and glowing

Cons:

Skin does become very sensitive
Does cause a bit of dryness on some days - just use lotion during the day

When i first started using this cream i was also put on roacutane for my acne, so even though my skin did clear up, i wasn't sure if it was the cream that worked or not. But now i'm off roacutane but still using this cream. I can definitely say that this cream works, for me at least. Remember that everyone is different and will therefore have different reactions to this product. I've been using just the cream (without the roacutane pills) for over a year now and i have not had any breakouts. In fact, it has actually reduced marks and blemishes left over from when i had acne and every morning, my skin is practically glowing and i can really see an improvement. Yes it can get dry and my skin is often left very sensitive but as long as you use a mild soap, soothing cream and use sunscreen everyday, then you should be fine. I'd like to just point out that, like every medical/beauty product, this does have side effects that can occur and it might not work for everyone - but it definitely worked for me, so just try it out.
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April 12, 2011

Pros:

Easy to put on, was easy on my skin, no side effects.

Cons:

Didn't improve acne at all.

I went on this for about 5 months and while on it my acne actually managed to get worse.
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April 11, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

Bright red spots, acne worse

The dermatologist put my 13 year old daughter on this. She had an initial breakout which she is still recovering from after 5 months. She kept with it because they said it would get worse before it got better. After 5 months we have seen no improvement at all and now she has bright red spots on her face that she never had before. May be worth a shot but didn't work for her at all.
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23 user(s) found this helpful

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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