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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January 10, 2011

Pros:

Clears Skin
Doesnt crust on your face
Actually works

Cons:

Initial break out is bad

This prescription works guys. The reason why most people say it doesnt work because they get so sick and tired or the initial break out, so they quit using it. Over the first month of using .01% concentration, my forehead broke out like a little 14 old boy hitting puberty again. I have found the optimal solution to cure your acne for good. I am 25 years old and I tried it on my little brother as well and he is 13. Here it is: 1) Never miss one night of using your differin solution. 2) It is going to get bad after the first couple of weeks but it will go away after a month of using it. 3) Go to you nearest Trader Joes or order online, a small bottle of 100% pure tea tree oil. 4) Buy 100% pure aloe vera gel, it has to be 100%. (they sell it at walmart) 5) In the morning after you wash your face and at night after you put differin on, place a quarter size of aloe vera in your hand along with 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil. -Tea Tree Oil is using for bacterial and fungi infections which will help you fight the acne on the surface. Differin will help eliminate the acne that is very very deep down. It make your skin thiner. I am also a victum of painful acne on my cheeks and chin area after I shave. Tea Tree Oil and aloe vera has completely eliminated this problem along with other few things. Hope this helps you guys as much as it changed my life.
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January 10, 2011

Pros:

Wasn't on it long enough to see

Cons:

Takes AGES to work
The WORST initial break-out I have ever seen - my acne turned from moderate to severely severe over night!

I stopped using Differin after 2 months so I didn't really see results. I went back to my doctor for the 4th time that year and got Duac (The most freaking amazing stuff EVER!) - try it :)
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6 user(s) found this helpful

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January 7, 2011

Pros:

Cleared cystic acne
Lessened blackheads

Cons:

Takes adjustment
Dry, dry skin
Not affordable without insurance

After about a month this cleared my cystic acne and from there it has been fading the red marks I've had for years - with only minimal drying requiring the use of moisturizer. BUT for the first month it was hell. I wouldn't recommended starting this if you have a big event or something planned - for the first few weeks my skin broke out like never before and my eyelids were a flaky mess (despite not putting the product anywhere near my eyelids.) Also, as others have noted, keep this stuff away from your neck or it will itch like crazy. Even with those weeks of hell I would highly recommended this to anyone who has tried many other treatments unsuccessfully.
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January 3, 2011

Pros:

Price (with co pay)
Small amount used for entire face

Cons:

Turns old scars bright red

I've been using adapalene for a good month now and I am not completely satisfied with the results but i read how everyone says it takes a long time so I'm still hopeful. One thing I HATE about this cream is it turned my old scars a bright red, they look awful because they are so prominent now.
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January 3, 2011

Pros:

Makes skin softer and smoother.
Clears spots after a while.
Improves skin tone.
Used with Zineryt can produce miracles.

Cons:

Leaves skin flaky and dry.
Can make skin sensitive to other products.

Ok, so after reading a few reviews I decided to carry on with my treatment of Differin. I was originally on the gel 0.1 but that caused my skin to become so sensitive I couldn't even put moisturiser on without my face stinging like crazy, so I got my doctor to switch me to the cream which I got on prescription and paid £7.45 because of the NHS in England. After using the cream for about 2 weeks my skins stopped being sensitive and I can now put anything on my face without it stinging. After a week of using this stuff I got an IB including 3 HUGE spots on my chin which I couldn't resist popping, They were just tooo big. Im left with 3 dark marks now =( but the cream seems to be lightening them. The flaky skin was a big problem for me and after much experimenting with oil free moisturisers Im now using Diprobase, which is an emollient but stopped my skin flaking after 2 days. It has become my miracle product. No more flaking skin.. yay =) Im also using this alongside Zineryt lotion, twice a day which I think maybe producing better results than the Differin itself. I like Differin but I think you have to be patient with it and dont give up when your skin starts flaking. Also I stopped using my face wash which contained SA, That made me skin ultra sensitive. Just make sure to use a good moisturiser and id highly recommend Diprobase for the flaking skin and exfoliating (If you can stand it) with exfoliation gloves and a gentle face wash. So although I still cant go out without a full face of foundation on because of dark spots from previous spot scars it ha made my skin tone much more even and smooth and my spots are clearing slowly but theres a huge improvement.
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December 30, 2010

Pros:

Large active spots deactivated
Soft skin with a glow (eventually)
Helps milia spots to surface
Brings up most blackheads (for a short time)
Softens scars

Cons:

MAJOR itching and irritation
Gave me a month of severely dry skin
It 'moves' throughout the night
'Burns' delicate skin
Didn't actually prevent my spots
Makes scars red before softening them.

I had read the reviews stating the devestating effects of Differin and started to use it with caution - it totally lived up to bad reviews and unleashed havok on my skin. I can only describe it as a burn, red, patchy with deep dryness and an incredible itching once my skin was naked against the air. I wouldn't have been able to go work but thankfully I work from home. All products irritated my skin until I found an oily non drying face pack that I left on all day to soothe. This and Differin were the only things to stop the overwhelming itch. I made the mistake of puting it on my neck and chest - DON'T EVER USE IT ON THIS AREA - it will burn you badly. Differin likes to move around and will pool around the delicate skin about the eye. To stop it moving use a barrier eyecream before applying Differin. It will also creep around the lips so barrier those too. Also, use less than a pea size amount. Differin did not stop me getting spots but does help reduce them once they appear. I will stop using it when I have an alternative. For me it was not worth the initial discomfort but I trudged through the dark days in the hope it would be my cure, but it wasn't. ME: 20's dry-ish skin, mild acne, mainly on chin. I used Differin Cream 1%
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December 29, 2010

Pros:

goes on clear, seems to work overnight (my acne seems to disappear when i wake up), it takes a little longer on bigger pimples but clears all the smaller bumps right away, no smell

Cons:

leaves my skin a little dry, but if you consistently use a skin lotion (i use aveeno) this problem can be easily solved

this is my miracle cream, I LOVE IT
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December 23, 2010

Pros:

The gel gives a cooling effect on inflammatory acne. Also I like that it dries acne up and leaves a scabish thing that flakes off in a few days. But that isn't instantaneous. I notice that these scabs form over a course of days. I like that it's not as extreme as tazorac because tazorac caused me to flake like there's no tomorrow even when using less an a pea sized amount. Differin works gradually to help repair the skin from underneath and as well prevent future breakouts.

Cons:

Slow and gradual process but if you have acne like mine... it's worth the wait!
Can be drying and you definitely might consider using a light moisturizer.

I haven't ever had an acne problem. Only dealt with a maximum of 3 to 4 pimples at one time. But suddenly this past november i broke out with hundreds on my cheeks and forehead. I'm also taking doxycycline 2 times a day (100mg) and Yaz birth control to help normalize my hormones (DHEA-S levels are at 5770 and testosterone at 101) which are really high for an adult female who's 22 years old. I may have pcos but I need further testing for that. All in all give Differin a shot. It may just help control your acne from getting worse. And if you have inflammatory acne it definitely helps the healing process but very gradually. Otherwise if you have zits I would go for it because it'll dry those suckers right up! Good Luck!
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December 18, 2010

Pros:

better skin in a week
the lotion goes on clear
smooth skin
all pimples come to the surface
decreases size of pimples overnight

Cons:

dries out skin

I love this stuff. My derm gave it to me about a week ago and i use it along with prascion(facewash), and duac (in the morning), and a pill called dioxycylcine. My friends and family are commenting on how great my skin looks (which is awsome cause i used to have RLY BAD acne). all in all I love my regimen and highly recommend it to others. The drying out can be annoying but if u bring miosturizer with u its not a problem at all (i recommend CeraVe)
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December 8, 2010

Pros:

cleared acne
faded scars

Cons:

it gets worse before it gets better

I love it!!!! give it 2 weeks you will have amazing skin!!!!
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6 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