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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August 24, 2007

Pros:

Worked very effectivly. Evened out my skin tone, and got rid of pimples fast without scars. IT GIVES MY FACE A HEALTHY GLOW!

Cons:

You have to wait for it to work the first few times

ITS WORTH IT! It will make your skin look healthy, clean, pimple free and VIBRANT
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August 21, 2007

Pros:

-If you use it with Benzaclin, it works really well!

Cons:

-Doesn't work well by itself.

Differin doesn't work well just by itself. You have to use another acne product to get results. My dermatologist prescribed me both Benzaclin & Differin. In the morning, I put on the Benzaclin and at night, I put on both the Benzaclin & Differin. Together, they work like a charm.
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August 19, 2007

Pros:

Clearer, smoother, tighter skin - even seems to have lessened some of the early frown line wrinkles that had started forming

Cons:

Takes awhile to start working, things definitely get worse before they get better, and any time you have a pimple coming on, it will get worse (this med is formulated to bring it to the surface) but the more you use it the less pimples tend to form.

I have used Differin along with Doryx (Doxycycline antoibiotic) for about 3.5 months, and it took some time for it to start working. My face totally got worse when I first started using it, to the point where I actually stopped using it every day or so to give my skin a "break" from the irritation. It made my skin quite red when I'd put it on and it felt harsh but that was initially. Now, 3.5 months later, my skin is much smoother, few to no whiteheads and even when I do get a pimple it seems to go away more quickly. Word of advice for this med is that you have to be patient and just suffer through the bad part (which is NO FUN, and believe me I know it sucks to hear that if you just started using it and have yet to go through the bad stage....) All in all, it is finally worth it for me. I've been able to stop the Doryx and doc switched me to a topical antibiotic called Duac which I am still debating whether I even need to use now given the improvement I've seen anyway.
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August 15, 2007

Pros:

Clears acne, Makes skin smoother, cheap on precription

Cons:

Makes skin slightly red and dry

I started using differin two month ago. My acne is mild to moderate but it really gets me down at times and i don't wanna go out anywhere. Its horrible. I was using dianette the contraceptive pill which worked so well it was great but began having extreme IBS and doctors adviced me to come off it. It did really help but of course my acne came back worse. When i started using differin gel my skin was slightly red for three weeks. The skin was also dry and tight. After a month my skin really improved and acne really cleared up at a slow pace. My chin started to become really red and sore it was really horrible and i didnt want to go out so i stop using the gel. I was to be blamed as was very impatient and started putting gel on more than once and i wasnt moisterizing. I have now started using again as chin went back to normal.I moisturize twice a day,only apply thin layer at night and its working wonders and i have only been using it for a week. PATIENTS and MOISTURIZING is the key.
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August 9, 2007

Pros:

i can feel and see the difference- not so many pimples and worked great to clear the current ones. have not seen much difference in the blackheads on my nose and chin but will give it more time before i form an opinion about that.

Cons:

my skin feels tight and dry- almost sore.

i think that this is good and i will stick to it. the problem i have with medication is eventually i plateau on clearness... but i never get really clear skin. didnt really make it worse but did make it better.
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August 9, 2007

Pros:

great consistency, not oily or residual. very neutral scent, tube lasts forever. got rid of weird non-acne bumps on the backs of my legs. can wear under makeup...really!!

Cons:

didnt work for my facial acne

I've used differin for a long time, and I don't think it ever really worked for me. my derm said it may have been too weak, though I only have mild acne. she switched me to retin-a. i think this product has been surpassed by the newer creams.
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August 7, 2007

Pros:

It got rid of all my acne on my cheeks and most on my chin

Cons:

It gets alot worse before it gets better.

I had to wait a while before anything got better, and after talking to a few people, they have noticed a significant change in a month. Now my a big part of where my acne was a huge problem is now completely clear. The bottom line, i'm still waiting for all my acne to be gone. It takes a bit, and you need to be consistant.
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August 6, 2007

Pros:

WORKS! Can feel it working. Inexpensive (insurance).

Cons:

A slight bit of redness. Dry skin.

I really do recommend Differin. I have suffered from acne since my early teens (21 now) ranging from quite serve to fairly mild acne. I have been using Differin in conjunction with minocycline for about a week and I can already see the results. The doctor suggested it can take up to a month to see results, but already my acne is disappearing. My skin feels tighter, smoother, and starting to glow. Yes, your skin will dry out a little bit, but it is rare to find a remedy that doesn't dry out your skin. However I find if you use a good face wash (try Cetaphil) and a good moisturiser (Cetaphil moisteriser)it minimises the problems. Its honestly such a relief to finally find a reliable product, after using every over the counter product available to seeing only limited results. Fingers crossed this is the end of my torment:) And goodluck to everyone else.
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August 5, 2007

Pros:

Flawless skin after a month useage.

Cons:

Serious burning sensation for a few hours aftering applying and washing off the medicine doesn't help. Eventually this lessens. Some flaking and redness the first month.

The best product for acne I have ever used. Despite the side effects, it is definately worth it.
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August 2, 2007

Pros:

Works!

Cons:

Can dry and irritate skin

I have had acne over 10 years that won't go away. I recently tried Differin. I've been using it for 6 weeks now. I didn't have dry skin much at all (my skin is very oily) but I did experience sun sensetivity. It also has gotten worse in some ways. I have small bumps all over my face, clogged pores...which turn into zits. I don't get big zits very often but as the derm put it, the clogged pores are "time bombs" and differin set them off! My skin got worse but nothing I couldn't manage, anyway, I knew it'd get worse before it got better. I have stuck with it and I already have noticed how much clearer it is. It's a dream come true, after living with acne for 10 years I actually have confidence. Bottom line: stick with it! I don't know why everyone's saying it takes "forever" to work. Yes it takes a few months but it's better than just being stuck with acne! Be patient!
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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