Adapalene (Non-prescription)
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
3.3
1633
Read All About Adapalene (Non-prescription)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
17.9%
4
31.4%
3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
March 11, 2010

Pros:

-Worked very well at clearing small, forehead blemishes.
-Worked pretty well to keep my face clear(ish)

Cons:

-Somewhat drying but not extremely
-It's not a miracle. It doesn't completely clear acne.
-Didn't help my PIH (post-acne marks)

This stuff is WAY better than Epiduo. Along with Doryx, I'd say I was 70% clear. The only moisturizer that did well with my oily skin with this was Formativ Oily/Combination Moisturizer by Ulta. Takes about a month to kick in. Don't get discouraged if your acne gets slightly worse in the first week or two weeks of use. I liked this stuff, but I think I'll try Benzaclin.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 7, 2010

Pros:

works well, esp skin with mild-moderate acne (whiteheads, blackheads, etc.)
doesn't irritate too much if you use recommended dosage! (pea size amount!)
one tube goes a long way

Cons:

takes several weeks to begin to see results
may cause a slight increase in acne before getting better (even with use of an oral/topical antibiotic)
expensive if you don't have insurance

I was skeptical of trying this product, especially because it would cost me about $200 since my insurance had a $250 brand-name deductible. I was also nervous about the infamous initial break-out. But after being on this product for just over a month, I strongly believe that this product is worth it. If you are worried about the initial break-out, ask your doctor to prescribe an oral/topical antibiotic. This lessens the intensity of the breakout immensely. However, you will still get a few extra pimples here and there even if you do take antibiotics. But for me, there was no "breakout" but rather a consistent amount of 2-4 pimples/whiteheads on my face for about 3-4 weeks. My face didn't break out all at once, but it was a little frustrating seeing another pimple appear right after another one disappeared. If you have oily skin like I do, I recommend Clean&Clear's Oil Absorbing sheets. They work wonders. If you're concerned about the red marks and hyperpigmentation left by acne, I recommend MaMa lotion (now called M2 lotion). It's a bit expensive, but you can it works! If you had consistent acne like I did (constant whiteheads) before starting on Differin, you'll be pleased to see a clear face after 1-2 months after use.
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 5, 2010

Pros:

It worked for me!
Only thing that came close to completely clearing me up.

Cons:

Pretty strong chemical/ not natural.
Can be expensive
makes skin a bit more sensitive

I have used this in the past, and it worked within weeks. I went from having acne all over my face to just a few minor whiteheads, for the first time in years. It does make skin more sensitive and dry, my skin was very flaky at first but it could have been because I was using this with Clindoxyl. Once I stopped the clindoxyl my skin flaked less but acne didn't get worse. I decided to stop using this in pursuit of a more nature friendly product. We'll see if I can find it. Otherwise, I'm very impressed. I have used benzaclin, salicylic acid, proactive, and none of them were close to the results I achieved with this. It helped with redness and scars too and made my skin smooth.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 4, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

makes skin more red
irritating
expensive

I would never recommend this. I'm using the 0.3 gel and it's irritating my skin so badly. Especially the area around my lips. I can't even put chapstick on them because it stings so bad. My dermatologist said I could use moisturizer underneath it to make it less drying, but it hasn't helped at all. My skin has gotten worse and my parents payed way to much. I've had acne for five years and I just want it to go away already. I've only been on this for a couple of weeks so I'm not sure if I should keep it up or give it up. It's causing more stress than it seems to be worth. Oh and one super huge CON: it gave me the worst rash on my chest and arms. Seriously I looked like I had some sort of strange, dry, red birth mark. It took DAYS to go away and there's still some on my arms. I'm pissed and I want my parent's money back.
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 2, 2010

Pros:

.1% cream:
Reduced existing acne
- Helps prevent flare-ups
- Helps papules & scars disappear quicker
- Fragrance free
- Best Differin option for sensitive skin
- One tube goes a long way

Cons:

- Causes irritation if I use it more than 1x/2days
- Acne has not gone away completely
- Skin is very sensitive to sunlight
- Expensive if you don't have insurance
--> $220-$250 for a 45g tube, that should last 6 months if you apply 1x/2days

After nearly a year of treatment (5 months with Differin), my acne is light and tolerable. At age 21 my my light/moderate face acne worsened and I developed moderate and embarrassing (large papules) back and chest acne. After a year of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid OTC treatments, I went to a dermatologist who put me on Minocycline (and Differin, but it took me 5months to finally purchase Differin bc its extremely expensive and I don't have insurance-- bad move though bc it could have helped speed up the process from the beginning). I began noticing results from Minocycline after 2 months, and by month 5 my back acne reduced to maybe 5 zits a week and face acne was back to light/moderate. Then (at 5 months) I began taking Differin too. Now, at 10 months (5 months of Differin) my face has light acne (no big papules any more; still have small bumps a few times a week and blackheads on nose and forehead) and maybe only one or two zits a month on my back. The scarring is starting to clear up a bit too from the Differin. I'm happy with my results and may actually be able to wear tank tops this summer, but my acne has not entirely disappeared. One 45g tube of Differin .1% cream without insurance cost me $250, but lasts about 6 months. (( If I use Acnomel as a spot treatment after applying Differin, the two combined helps dry up the bigger zits quicker, usually gone or minimal in 1-2 days )).
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 20, 2010

Pros:

Does help some, especially with white heads and black heads

Cons:

Didn't clear my skin

After reading reviews I was afraid that it would completely dry out my skin. It caused a little irritation for the first few weeks, but not when I use it it doesn't dry out my skin at all. I felt like it was working on and off, but after months I went to a dermatologist for something new. She told me that this is better for white heads and black heads, but doesn't work as well for the big red ones. Something that I noticed but didn't think much about. If you just have black heads and white heads I would recommend it, but I you have anything more than that it isn't worth it.
This Was Helpful

18 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 19, 2010

Pros:

Soft gel goes great with skin, cheap with insurance, helped destroy acne scars!!

Cons:

after 2 months stilll have a lil left

My derma rec this product and I think it works pretty good. Its been 2 months and it has gotten down to only light acne after puttin it on though it makes your skin red for like 5-10 minutes. I would rec this ONLY if u got the balls and patience. Im in 2 months and still i have it but its gettin better. It makes your skin also feel smooth. I also took Solodyn pills with this so I dunno really which one worked so you have to see for yourself xD. I only paid $3 but i heard this is REALLY expensive!!
This Was Helpful

Report
February 13, 2010

Pros:

Really Works
Makes Skin Soft
Seems To Get Rid of Red Scars
Worked Fast

Cons:

Kind of Expensive

I have been suffering from acne since I was about 16. At 25, I find it more embarassing than I did back then! When I was 16, I went to the dermatologist and he prescribed some benzoyl peroxide and some pills. The benonzyl peroxide dried out my skin so bad but I stuck with it for a couple months. The peeling only got worse and the pills made me sick so I stopped. After that, I was kind of hesistant to go back to the derm. Finally, a year ago, I went and the doctor prescribed me differin and clindamycin. The doctor seemed really confident that it would work and it did! Before I starting using differin, my skin was really dry from all the products I was trying--after, my skin is soft and I don't have dry skin at all From the time that I started using this regimine, I didn't get any pimples for a month, and then I only got one. I used to have whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, everything. Whiteheads were always the worst because who wants pus on their face? I haven't gotten one whitehead since I started using these meds! Even on the meds, I still get cysts every once and a while, but it's only one or two at a time and they go away a lot quicker than before. When I do get one, it's very easy to cover up. I know that some of the people on here have said that they only use the differin when they see spots but I use the .1% and use it all over my face. I have been lucky and haven't had some of the side effects that some other people have had. One thing to remember is it does make you skin very sensitive. Before starting using differin, I really never wore sunscreen (bad I know), but now I make sure to use moisturizer with sunscreen every morning. It is kind of inconvenient in spring/summer because I would like to get a tan, but can't.
This Was Helpful

26 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 5, 2010

Pros:

gets rid of my dryness
smoothness
everything i love it

Cons:

it will take time like any other stuff
very costly

i love it! it cleared my skin up in a week or so . my dr also gave me benza clin to go with it, this is great!!!!
This Was Helpful

20 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 31, 2010

Pros:

Smooth skin

Cons:

My face became so red that it hurt to even breathe. I became blotchy all along the jawline and everywhere else looked like I had an extremely bad sunburn. My face was so dry and irritated that even putting moisturizer on it caused me pain. There was also a lot of peeling, no amount of Physicians Formula mineral makeup could cover it. I developed a cyst on my nose, I only ever get cysts from prescription medications.

Even though I only used the product for a week, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with dry skin. My skin doesn't produce many oils (I don't even get blackheads or whiteheads) and I've realized that topical acne creams are not the way to go. SO REMEMBER: if you have dry or sensitive skin, Differin isn't even worth trying. It will only cause more pain.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 39 40 41 42 43 … 121
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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