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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November 23, 2007

Pros:

Gentle on skin, as compared to Duac.
Visible results in 2 days
Helps dry skin

Cons:

Has to allow it to dry before sleeping

I'm currently on Doxycycline, Duac and Differin. Initially, i was prescribed with Duac, to hlp clear up my acne and also to hlp lighten the red acne marks all over my cheeks. At first, this was a good combination - cleared my acne and hlp dry my oil-field-like skin. But after 2 months, my face started getting used to Duac. I went back to my doctor as I started breaking out again. He gave me Differin and told me to switch it between Duac when I felt I needed to. I went home researched about Differin and came across this forum. I was freaked out because everyone seemed to mention a huge breakout for the first 1 mth. I can't afford that because I'm going on a holiday next week. So i decided to try it jus on the lower half on my face - my chin and neck where there were acne all over. To my surprise, the next morning, I can see that the redness in my acne is GONE! And my skin is dry again! No more oily skin! I would recommend it to ppl with really oily skin. Use
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November 7, 2007

Pros:

It doesnt burn and after the initial breakout it really does seem to work.

Cons:

It does dry out the skin but using a non-comedonic mosturizer will help

It works on moderate acne, but if you acne is extremely bad this may not be the best type of med for you.
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November 6, 2007

Pros:

"Purges" your skin of the little bumps all over

Cons:

Gets a little worse before it gets better, but that's understandable and worth it.

Everyone on here is complaining so much about the dryness caused from using Differin. If you are like me and have always had such oily skin, the drying out is a good thing.
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November 6, 2007

Pros:

Very gentle, no peeling or flaking or irritation.

Cons:

expensive, took a long time to work, didnt clear my skin 100%

basically, its a very gentle retinoid. others like retin A or tazorac can cause lots of irritation or flaking or peeling. but differin didnt cause any of that for me, I used the 0.1% gel. I did have a breakout after using it for a week, but it went away quickly. After that, it took about 2-3 months to see the full effect. It didnt clear up my skin completely but it did make a huge positive difference! And it didnt dry out or irritate my skin, which is saying something, since most OTC acne medications dry you out, and other Rx ones irritate. Definitely worth a try.
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October 9, 2007

Pros:

Eventually gets rid of facial acne if used properly.

Cons:

Takes a long time to work. The first few weeks of using this product, it seemed like it caused me to breakout more. In time the breakouts stopped, but I still get one or two every now and then.

I had moderate facial acne. Initially dried the heck out of my skin and took forever to work. I am currently taking Doxycylin twice a day so I am not sure which treatment is more effective. Been on this for about 2 1/2 months now. I think I may want to switch to a stronger dose of this gel.
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

pure doesnt aggrivate skin

Cons:

not always a nice finish

always cleanse brushes with antibacterial wash after each application
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

Was easy to use. didn't get the burning flaky redness as I did with other products

Cons:

must use sunscreen on treated area

I love this product. i havent had cloged pores or any blemishes since my second week of using it.
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September 9, 2007

Pros:

eventually gentle for sensitive skin, zaps whiteheads quickly, gives skin a wonderful glow once it starts working

Cons:

The IB is very unpleasant. I used the cream in Aus/Canada ran out In Korea and was off it for 4 weeks. Only gel is available in Korea and it burned like hell for the first three months of nightly application. Got a long IB again too!

It can take a long time to work and the initial breakout if you have one can be miserable. But better out than in your skin, right?
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September 8, 2007

Pros:

helps clear up exsisting pimples and prevents new ones from forming, closes open pores,no more whiteheads forming, prevents wrinkles, gets rid of some red marks left by acne,

Cons:

skin feels raw, bad breakouts, tightness feeling, which is also associated with dry skin, peeling, redness but usually goes away after two months of CONTINUAL usage.

I believe that Differin works. The thing is you have to use it continually cause if you miss a day your skin may breakout and you will be at point one again. You have to put it ALL over your face NOT just on the zits.PUT DIFFERIN ALL OVER YOUR FACE,besides the mucous membranes!! this is very important for differin to work. The way i used differin is i applyed a thin film(layer) for the first weeks then build up each month to a little thicker layer. Also on the package it says NOT to put on the corners of the nose( the part on the sides of the nostrils) Personally i put it there because i build a tolerance to differin, some peoples skin in that area may be sensitive, so try to avoid that area if that is you. This is not approved by the FDA, but my dermatologist said it may prevent and get rid of wrinkles on skin, because it is similar to a r-tena(forgot how to spell it). I wouldn'tknow if it cleared up wrinkles because im only seventeen.
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September 4, 2007

Pros:

easy to put on. doesn't smell. doesn't stain or bleach anything. doesn't itch or burn. works very well!

Cons:

makes my face more greasy

it's working great. i'm almost all cleared up. i used proactiv for a really long time but this is actually working better. i just use it with an over-the-counter face wash. so much easier...
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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