Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
This topical retinoid medication provides partial relief at higher prescription dosages, but don’t look for complete clearing. Relatively affordable and comes with less side effects than tretinoin, the other affordable topical retinoid. As a bonus, it improves the look of skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles a bit too.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
Adapalene is available in strengths up to 0.3% by prescription. Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one. Adapalene is also available over-the-counter in 0.1% strength. Here are some places you can find it online.
Used Adapalene? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
December 10, 2009
Cons:
Takes months to see results. Using too much product can flake and dry out the skin.
If you are patient and use a small amount of product regularly, you'll get great results. If you're like me, you'll need to adjust how much you use depending on the season (in warmer seasons, I need a little more and in colder seasons, less). I've be using this for years. When I stopped using it for a while, my skin didn't immediately worsen, but after a few months it gradually got worse (more pimples and I lost that "lit-from-within" look from a good complexion). As soon as I saw this, I got back on it and, after a few months, my skin improved. This is definitely something I'll use for the long term.
December 10, 2009
Pros:
none
Cons:
I went to the dermatologist for my acne and he gave me a little sample tube of differin 0.3. My skin became dry and peely after a couple of days...
My skin became very very dry and was flaking off. Even made me have big red splotches on my face... used it for about 2 weeks but i couldn't stand it anymore! Went back to the dermatologist and he gave me Retin-A. Been using that for about a week and my skin is much better! :)
December 10, 2009
Pros:
worth the price if you have the coverage
acne cleared up a little bit
kinda smooth my acne into my skin
Cons:
it really didn't work that as they claim
doctor said it would take to months for it to work... I have been using it since July or early August
This product Differin which i use at night and in the morning Aczone and also the use of some meds. I have been using Proactiv for about 2 1/2 years and went to a Dermatologist for about a year now she prescribe me this stuff. It is not bad but I felt it didn't work for me. Some of the reviews said it did work for them but not for me. Not a bad product but I really didn't like. (Also I think it was like 30.00 or 25.00 dollars with the discount card, can't really remember)
December 7, 2009
Pros:
Differin has worked well on my skin so far. I've used it for 2 weeks and its made my skin much more acne resistent. I don't break out when I shave anymore and I havent noticed many new pimples. At this rate, I should be clear in 2 weeks
Cons:
None yet. really easy to use. (not a con)
its easy to use. its powerful.
December 6, 2009
Pros:
Slowly and gradually clears acne
Cons:
Drys the skin and does not clear big spots
Keep at it, it will eventually clear it up, but it will dry the skin out. After it has soaked in, moisturise with a oil free moisturiser.
December 5, 2009
Pros:
Cleared my skin of acne.
Cons:
Made my skin exceptionally dry and flaky.
I made it through my adolescence free of acne but that soon changed when I turned 22. My acne was still mild even on its worst days but something still had to be done. Against my mothers better judgment I refused to go to the dermatologist and ordered IQ Derma. Worst decision I've ever made. Prior to using IQ Derma my acne was localized on my forehead but after about a week of use the acne spread to my cheeks. I admitted defeat and went to the dermatologist and he prescribed Differin 0.3% to be used twice daily, Zoderm Hydrating Wash 5.75% Benzoyl Peroxide, and an antibiotic. I'm not taking the antibiotic for personal obligations but the Differin and Zoderm have been working beautifully. I was a bit hesitant using the Differin and Zoderm in combination because my skin is dry but a non-comedogenic moisturizer applied multiple times a day helps. To all those who feel like giving up and trying something new don't, good things happen immediately, great things happen over time.
December 4, 2009
Pros:
I don't really have acne but whenever i get pimples it DOES go away right away. My sister did have severe acne and this product was the only thing that worked on her as well.
Cons:
none.
USE A LITTLE BIT! If you put a blob thinking its gonna work faster, it does the complete opposite. It doesnt work that way. Just use a little bit where needed.
December 3, 2009
Pros:
NOTHING!!!
Cons:
My skin is turning into a slab of pepperoni pizza being pulled out of an oven at your local Pizza Hut. I've been using it for one month and my skin is breaking out like crazy. My old acne has been lost in a sea of beautiful new red bumps. Which ma
I guess I'll keep slapping it on every night. Hopefully things will get better during the next two months. Thank God I'm not still in high school, then this would REALLY suck!!!
December 3, 2009
Pros:
DIdnt do anything but it didnt hurt me
Cons:
Didnt do anything I even used the largest % they had and still NOTHING.
I dont know why but this had no effect on me.
December 3, 2009
Pros:
brings clogged pores to surface so you can easily wash away dirt
Cons:
reddness, flushing, rosacea, still broke out, sunburn-like face 24/7
I used differin from March 2009-June 2009. Every bad side effect, I had. The worst is the 24/7 sunburn look and the fact that my face was itching/burning all the time. When i'd put lotion on my face it would be very oily and shiny. I had no idea what lotion to buy.. i nearly bought all the lotions people told me to get.. spf 50 and one was spf 70+. And, when i'd put lotion on all it does is make me have a very white (ultra pale) skin. I have a fair complexion to begin with. I tried using it sporadically, but that did nothing. I still had the sunburn like effect. I was also very sensitive to the sun, indoor sunlight.. you name it! I stopped using Differin in June 09 and I still have reddness and of course acne and acne scars. I have no idea what to do.. I thought BP and Proactive would work but it hasnt done anything for me these past few months.
Pros:
Reduces acne, oil production, and swelling from acne. Also smoothes skin and improves the complexion.