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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16.4%
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11.3%

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December 25, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up over 95% of my acne (whiteheads and cysts).

Cons:

Still have blackheads and occasional pimples. Redness and uneven skintone. During the wintertime, dryness and a little flakiness.

I have used over-the-counter products, prescription oral and topical antibiotics as well as Retin-A. This was much more gentle than Retin-A (which left bleach marks on my medium/darker skin tone), and was way more effective than topical antibiotics. It probably took about a month and a half to two months to really work, but now my skin looks so much better! Not entirely flawless, but close enough.
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December 25, 2007

Pros:

It has cleared all the bumps on my jawline and forehead.

Cons:

It gets my very dry but it's nothing compare to the dryness I used to get when I was on Retina-A.

I've been using adapalene for the 17 days now. My skin is much clearer and luckily I did not get the initial breakout. My skin got very dried though and it is peeling, for that I am using Ionax scrub and all the dead skin goes away (it does wonders). I'm also taking tetracycline 300 mg daily.
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December 22, 2007

Pros:

Clears skin, does it's job!

Cons:

A little bit of redness, and initial breakout, but it starts clearing up after that.

I've been using this product for 20 days, and I already see big improvements! I broke out almost everywhere on my face, and then I got the initial breakout, which everyone gets, but it only lasted a few days. Then I saw improvements fast. I see less pimples, and my skin is softer. I'll keep using it longer to see if it gets completely clear (I hope!) =]
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December 21, 2007

Pros:

Clears skin, diminishes scars, and prevents pimples from ever coming back

Cons:

very drying & takes a while to work & it also gets worse before it gets better

this stuff is amazingg, although you really have to be patient with it, it won't cure you in a week. it takes it's time. but the wait is worth it, because after all, ultimatelly you will acheive beautiful, clear skin. i used to get gross whiteheads and big black heads all over my cheeks and now they're all gone, and not only are they all gone, the scars are gone too! this stuff=miracleee!
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December 17, 2007

Pros:

My skin has really cleared up! My dermatologist also says that Differin will help with wrinkles, age spots, and elasticity... definite pros!

Cons:

The first week or two, the topical creams (including differin) made my skin dry, itchy, and it would burn for about 30-40 minutes after application. Other than that, I also hate how it bleaches my clothes.

I would recommend this product to anyone struggling with mild acne. I've never had severe acne, but after using my regimen of Differin and Duac I only see a few pimples every now and then. Stick with it, it may be a little frustrating at first but you WILL see results!
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December 8, 2007

Pros:

Covered by my prescription drug plan.

Cons:

Bleaches your clothes. I tried benzamyacin first, that eventually stopped working. Differin worked for about 2 weeks, dr. said to keep using, did for several months to no avail. Eventually quit all scrip meds. Ended up with scarring & cysts daily.

Everyone needs to try different things to find out what works for their skin. We are all different; I have very sensitive skin, to sunlight, to pollens, etc., using a bunch of different meds really jacked up my skin but thus far, I am very happy with the results from the basis bar, benz peroxide 5%, alpha hydroxy moisturizer and the neutrogena sunblock.... If that changes I'll be back to complain... :o)
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December 4, 2007

Pros:

haha NONE.

Cons:

you'd want ppl to say it's good and that it works for you to feel good about it.
but no absolutey had no effect for me.

people with severe acne like me, who took accutane as a last resort and yes it did work for me. DIFFERIN is not for you. dont BS your time, just skip to accutane and get things over with.
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November 29, 2007

Pros:

improves texture, reduces redness immediately, pimples heal faster, fewer and less severe breakouts

Cons:

expensive without insurance

I was nervous about the huge breakouts I had read about in the first month of use, but I didn't have a horrible experience. I had a few more pimples than normal,and more severe in new places, but within a few weeks it began to change. All of the tiny whiteheads were clearing, and the larger bumps were healing quicker. I live in a moist climate and have oily skin, so I didn't experience all of the redness and flaking that others mention. I have quite sensitive skin and I feel this medication is very mild. It is oderless which I appreciate, and the cream is less drying than the gel. I highly recommend the regular use of moisturizers and sunscreen. Under eye cream has been nice too. Make sure you have oil free products! This helps make the product more effective.
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November 26, 2007

Pros:

Well...I am probably older than a lot of you...I started getting acne on my jaw line and cheeks at age 25...Proactiv made it worse, and the antibiotics made me sick. But Differin cream .1% once a day in combination with Cetaphil and moisturizer=yah!

Cons:

Pricer than some products, but with insurance it's affordable. You don't need expensive face wash, just gentle, and DON'T FORGET TO MOISTURIZED.

It cleared up my skin, and that made me soooo happy, I've been using it over a year now and it doesn't prevent EVERY breakout but makes it less intense and it goes away more quickly.
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November 25, 2007

Pros:

Effectively clears acne.

Cons:

Takes a while to work, can dry skin a bit.

I got prescribed this along with tetracycline & the results so far have been quite good. My skin has definately improved since I've been on it. I think the people that say their acne got worse by using this may be applying it wrong. You don't put it on your full face, just the affected areas. And also it doesn't dry my face as I moisturise twice a day so I'd say definately moisturise if your going to use it. I use Neutrogena Visibly Clear oil free moisturiser which is working well. Overall a good product :)
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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