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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May 4, 2010

Pros:

it's the only thing that's worked for me

Cons:

takes a long time to start working, you have to be patient

I've had mild acne for 3 years, and this is the only thing that's worked for me! I started using it last summer, and it competely cleared my chest in about two weeks, and my face in about 3 months, my back is a lot better but still not completely clear, although i dont know if i was applying it right, the hardest thing for me was finding a regimen that worked with it, right now I use neutrogena deep clean gentle scrub in the morning and moisturizer, and then at night clinique mild facial soap and then differin, and this works the best for me! if i go a few days without the scrub, i notice my skin gets flaky and i break out a with a few tiny zits, but overall this WORKS, it is a great product and i highly recommend it! :)
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May 3, 2010

Pros:

- none

Cons:

- developed severe acne on whole face, compared to before differin when I only had acne on my chin

-Went to the dermatologist with moderate acne, developed severe acne thanks to differin
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April 21, 2010

Pros:

-Spots that were not already broken out were really soft
-Samples from the doctor last a long time... I didn't need to fill the prescription!

Cons:

-Created eczema-like spots on my cheeks, chest, and jawline.
-My face and chest broke out in rashes after a week of application (3x per week).

I don't think this is good for sensitive skin. 0.1% Differin Lotion 2-3x per week produced eczema-like spots on cheeks and jawline after 2 weeks. I stopped that treatment and it was thought that the gel would be better for my skin. My next round included 0.3% gel for 30minutes (washed off after 30 minutes) followed by moisturizer every other night. After only one week this caused me to break out in rashes all over my face... red, spotty, bumpy, skin that would become very flakey. It was really embarassing! I am due back to the dermatologist in a week after these rashes clear up to find something else.
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April 10, 2010

Pros:

-Works wonders
-Lasts long
-Makes skin soft

Cons:

-Pricey
-Works after 2/3 weeks

I've been using this for about a month now. It didn't work for about 2-3 weeks but now it works and I'm amazed. My face is so clear and it helps fade previous acne scars. I've been getting compliments on my skin which is definitely a plus! I wash my face at night with Cetaphil, after I put Oxy pads on it with a Neutrogena toner. About 30 mins later I apply this gel on my spots and go to bed. I wake up to what use to be a big pimple, to a tiny pimple. Amazing stuff! I recommend this.
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April 2, 2010

Pros:

good for sensitive skin, dries acne faster, for me no irritation because i only use it in one pimple only that is inflamed(big?).good results in time

Cons:

-pricy
-it leaves a scar but i thhink it will fade away soon.

thumbs up for spot acne use only i didn't try yet for my whole face, i'm scared to try it.
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April 1, 2010

Pros:

Easy to apply
Small tubes goes a long way (3.5 months and i have more than half a tube left)
Smoother Skin (in areas you are not breaking out)

Cons:

Every few weeks sudden outbreaks of: itchiness, burning, redness, irritation, scaling, peeling, like a deep sunburn, then breakouts.
Severe cystic acne
Not reliable
Several outbreaks over 3.5 months of use

I used Differin with BP 4% wash for 100 days (little over 3 months). I stuck to it exactly as prescribed to me. I experienced severe initial flare ups of crusty red horrible skin followed by deep cysts and breakouts. Most of my acne is on my chin. I used Differin all over but didnt ever breakout on my forhead, upper cheeks or nose. Every few weeks I would develop severe cysts and pustules on my chin that would take 1-1.5 weeks to resolve. There were periods over the course of 3.5 months that my skin looked BETTER and had no active acne, though still had congestion that looked like there were acne underneath growing. However, without fail, my skin would go from looking healthier and better to total breakout. On the 100th day anniversary I saw a new dermatologist and stopped differin. I really wanted this to work. My acne on my chin is cystic and I think Differin is not a good choice for me as my acne is more stubborn, severe and hormonal. Made my skin so sensitive so when i used the BP wash skin was just peeling off and my face was ALWAYS bright red and burning after using a cleanser in the morning. I even switched for a time to a mild cleanser without results.
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March 26, 2010

Pros:

(for the .1% gel)
-works well when used properly
-does not sting or burn
-a single tube can last you months

Cons:

-outrageously expensive without insurance
-can severely worsen acne if too much is used at once
-may dry out your skin
-requires 8-12 weeks for real results, according to their website

I first used Differin over a year ago, for a total of eight weeks, during which time my acne only worsened to a horrifying degree. Before use my acne was light. After use, my skin became incredibly tender and began to peel and scale over, and the pimples multiplied and multiplied with each week. I did not see a dermatologist for this but rather was mailed the medicine with an informational packet through Kaiser. After halting that treatment I started to take a doxycycline antibiotic first once and then twice daily to repair the damage. Months later after my skin was more in control, a separate dermatologist recommended I use Differin again while continuing with the antibiotic. They stressed the importance of starting with a small amount to allow sensitive skin to adjust. Following those instructions, I washed my face every night with Cetaphil and applied a miniscule amount at first. Over two weeks I built up to the pea-sized amount you are usually told to start with. If your skin is sensitive at all, DO NOT start with a pea sized amount. This was the amount that make my face explode the first time. Be careful, be patient, and let it go to work. I am now about 3 months into my second round of Differin and still taking doxycyline twice daily. Though I still get fresh pimples, they are white and blackheads, few in number, and not the painful swollen ones I used to have. The many dark spots left by past breakouts have paled significantly, and some have completely disappeared. My skin feels smoother. The Differin does dry me out a bit, but I apply a moisturizer/sunscreen every morning and the problem is easily solved. Though results take time, I am confident that my acne is slowly getting better. Patience is key when using Differin, but if applied in the right amounts, it works very well.
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March 25, 2010

Pros:

None.

Cons:

-Extreme dryness even with moisturizer
-made acne 100x worse (w/ 5 months of use)
-not good for sensitive/combination skin
-acne scarring
-breakouts spread from initial area

I started using Differin 5 months ago. At this time I had pretty mild acne; just a few uninflammed comedomes on the forehead, small blackheads on the nose and 2 or 3 pimples at a time. After the first week of using Differin my face looked like it exploded with pimples; not just on my forehead but everywhere. I understood that this medication took time to work and stuck with it. Unfortunately it did not work well with my skin and I saw no improvement whatsoever. It not only made the breakouts worse but it cause my skin to be extremely sensitive and dry. I hate it cause after a month of stopping my face is still extremely dry and my once perfect cheeks are now red and blotchy with small bumps all over even though I did not apply it there! It also made the skin around my eyes extremely sensitive and dry. I cannot even apply my foundation anymore or my face just drys right up. Now I am starting to use Tretinoin to get rid of the hyperpigmentation from the old pimples and moisturizing with CeraVe (BEST MOISTURIZER EVER!) Since stopping the Differin my face is starting to heal and I've noticed a decrease amount in pimples. I'm not saying don't give it a try if you have terrible skin, but for those who have more mild acne, use a different treatment.
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March 18, 2010

Pros:

Completely got rid of my acne. I had pretty moderate acne and from time to time got a cyst. After using this product for around 5-6 months all my acne was gone. I was lucky and did not get dry, or have an initial breakout.

Cons:

Costs alot without plan
Takes along time to work (5-6 months for me)
After I stopped taking it my acne came back really bad

I would recommend it aslong as you keep going with it and don't give up.
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March 15, 2010

Pros:

- Cleared up most of my acne
- Makes you sesitive to sun making it easier to get a tan

Cons:

- I had to use moisturizer to keep my skin from peeling
- Very sensitive to sun

I found that this product worked better in the summer when the sun was on my face. I got burned easily so you have to be carful. I would recomend this product. Also didnt take very long to see results, about a week.
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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