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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4
31.4%
3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:

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November 26, 2010

Pros:

-pimples don't last as long and heal faster
-fewer infected pimples
-prevents some pimples from ever forming
-all your acne comes to the surface

Cons:

-all your acne comes to the surface (not pretty at first)
-i still get some breakouts, especially around my menstrual cycle
-takes a few months to really work (make sure you use regularly!)

Before i had terrible breakouts with pimples that would get infected and painful, especially on my chin and around/ on my nose. Ive been using the product for a little over 2 months, and my acne is now definitely more under control, though i still break out on my chin (pretty sure this is just all the hidden acne its bringing up from deep within my skin). Definitely heals pimples faster and helps with some scarring. With a prescription i paid 50 bucks, but it will last FOREVER because you really only use a tiny bit every night. Good product overall, takes some time to work, so be patient!
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November 25, 2010

Pros:

- it works
- cheap (bought from neighboring Malaysia from Pharmacy)
- one tube 30g can last forever, I think I can use until it expires.

Cons:

- drying
- initial breakout
- needs prescription in Singapore
- needs patience (takes months to see results)
- scarring/marks (not sure if it's 'cause of my skin natural inclination or due to initial breakout
- applying more than recommended dosage may worsen acne

Age 22, Asian, fair. Normal-dry skin with only 2-3 zits near menstrual period since teenage. Sudden adult acne from Feb 2010. (Stress + wrong use of products) Started differin gel from May 2010. Serious breakout from June-July 2010. Changed to differin cream in July. Forehead cleared since Aug 2010. Face still have persistent 5-8zits. Significant improvement now (November 2010) - face *almost* clear. Obvious acne marks still present though :( My face is still not totally clear but I have faith in this product as I do not use any other acne medicine (no other cream/oral med, wash is not acne specific). *please request for cream if possible *use AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE for best effect. i.e.apply a very thin layer as if it's smeared accidentally. It works better than the recommended 'pea-sized' dosage.
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6 user(s) found this helpful

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November 23, 2010

Pros:

*Started working the first few days
*Cheap (with insurance)
*Doesn't dry skin
*Only have to apply it before you go to bed

Cons:

None

I'm 20 and I have had acne since I was 13, used just about everything, over the counter stuff, home remedies, you name it. I finally went to the doctor after I just couldn't look at myself anymore without crying. The doctor prescribed me differin and doxycycline, after the first few days I could see results. I was so excited and I couldn't believe it. I eventually stopped taking the doxycycline cause it made me feel horrible and sick after taking it but I kept using the differin every night and besides for old acne scars...my face is clear.
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November 21, 2010

Pros:

-does clear skin (kind of)
-easy to put on
-cheap

Cons:

-slimy and kind of gross
-made my skin really funky horrible initial breakout
-DOESN'T WORK WELL AT ALL
-really bad scarring and i wouldn't scar before!

My skin was better before and although it purges the skin i would still break out. Ruined my skin and i hope it will go back to normal i'm stopping it today i've used it for 6 MONTHS. And at first it works kind of and you think oh if i stick with it it'll make my skin better but nope!
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11 user(s) found this helpful

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November 9, 2010

Pros:

Less acne

Cons:

Makes me scar, a lot!

I'm using Differin for 4 months and I recently discoverd that every zit I get while on this product, creates an indented scar! Aargh! I don't like acne... but scars are worse! Please let them go away... :-(
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22 user(s) found this helpful

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November 8, 2010

Pros:

-Prevents/clears most of my breakouts
-Has been the only medication that has actually helped me manage my acne
-Only have to use once per day

Cons:

-Very costly without insurance ($280 for 45 grams)
-Drying
-Burns/stings sometimes, even after 4 years of use

I've been using Differin 0.1% gel for about 4 years now, and although it has not completely cleared my acne, it has worked the best out of all the other products I've tried. I still get breakouts from time to time, and my skin is definitely not perfect, but it is certainly better than what it was. My major complaint is the dryness. My skin is somewhat sensitive, though, so others may not have the same issue.
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18 user(s) found this helpful

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November 7, 2010

Pros:

clears up some acne
eventually will lighten some scarring
dries up cysts in a week (where w/o it would take months)
no need of foundation

Cons:

very drying
constant moisturizing
cannot wear foundation (even though I don't really need it anymore)

I used to have numerous dots on my forehead and had acne all on my cheeks. I still get a cyst occasionally and some pimples but its all from stress or hormones, but differin takes care of it within a week or 2. *always wear SPF and moisturize. *clean your face thoroughly to wash off differin when its the daytime. I've been using it for 4 years and its been doing good.
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November 6, 2010

Pros:

-not too harsh
-easy to use
-forehead is 90% clear!!! yes!!!
-no more big zits
-no more cysts
-smoother skin
-softer skin
-overall quality of skin has improved
-skin no longer dry
-acne on cheeks mostly gone

Cons:

-VERY mild initial breakout
-still have scars from old acne....urghhh!

okay, when my doctor first game me the sample tubes, i was really eager to try it out. i have had acne since i was 11 (i am 15 now) and in the past year or two, it's gotten a lot better. before, i had painful red zits all over my forehead, which made it look like red stucco. before using this, my forehead still had some zits, but most of the activity was centered on my cheeks, as it still is. i was afraid to try this because the reviews mentioned an awful initial breakout. i decided to go through with it anyways and i am glad i did. that said, my IB was really mild, nothing worse than what i get around my period. that cleared up in a few days. my doctor said that it works slow. i can't wait to see what my skin looks like in a few months! by the way, i'm using 0.3% gel and an oral antibiotic and cetaphil.
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November 6, 2010

Pros:

-POSSIBLY helped clear my skin after 2.5 months, but only with the help of other products

Cons:

-gave me the worst acne of my life
-made my skin red and a little yellowish
-caused breakouts on my cheeks (I have never had a pimple on my cheek)
-made my acne painful

DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING THIS PRODUCT unless you are ready to endure awful, painful acne for the next 2 months! I warn you, it takes months to work and the acne in the meantime is unbearable. I am 22, in college, and did not want to leave the house the entire summer. My derm. prescribed other medications to go along with it, (another topical and Birth control) and that is only when my acne started to improve. I am convinced that the birth control solved my issue. Save yourself the aggravation and try something else!
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November 6, 2010

Pros:

Goes on smooth, no residue, clear.

Cons:

Expensive, ineffective.

I used Differin in high school for about a year and it didn't do anything. Now, as a 26 year old adult with acne, I gave it another go. I started it about a year ago this month and have used it consistently since. Absolutely no effect whatsoever. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...yeah. Anyway, it's insanely expensive. Even with my BC/BS insurance, it's $80/tube. Because of this, and maybe this is where I've gone wrong, I use it very conservatively. I cover my whole face with it every night, but I use a very thin layer and the least amount of gel I possibly need in order to coat my face. Doing it this way lets the tube last for about...4 months, maybe? Without insurance, I think it's something to the tune of $200/tube. Yuck. Even if you could stretch it out to 4 months, that's $50/month for a product that is no more effective than water.
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8 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