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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1
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October 24, 2009

Pros:

Smooth skin, reduces breakouts, gets rid of blackheads!!

Cons:

Dried out my skin INITIALLY

It works! I was prescribed Differin by my gyno to treat cystic acne on my chin. This is the regimen she prescribed for me... Differin at night and benzoyl peroxide in the morning followed by a moisturizer. She warned me that it would take 3 months to work and that I might experience dryness and peeling. I followed this regimen religiously...it has now been 2 months and here's my verdict so far. My skin was very flaky initially and I would break out every day for a month but these pimples were nothing like those horrible, deep cysts I used to get before. They weren't deep at all and would fade very quickly. The moisturizer really helped quench my skin and the benzoyl peroxide helped dry the breakouts. During the second month my skin adjusted and is totally flake free. I also stopped breaking out. What's happening now is that all the remaining deep rooted cysts are coming to the surface but Im not getting any new cysts! Don't try this unless you're willing to stick it out to the end!
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October 24, 2009

Pros:

I'm not sure there are any yet.

Cons:

$250 for a tube! My 15 year old son has been using morning and night consistently together with tetracycline. The first couple of weeks his acne seemed worse. He complained of stinging redness and dryness.

He's been sticking with it, and his skin is moderately better, but definitely not clear. He's on week 8. After paying so much for it, I really want to give it time to work its 'magic'. I'm wondering why dermatologists are so highly recommending it after reading these reviews. Is it because it's a new RX with a hefty price tag? Hmmm. I really hope not.
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October 22, 2009

Pros:

None.

Cons:

No improvement in cystic acne on face after six months of usage. Very costly product.

We used it without an antibiotic, such as Doxycycline or Tetracycline. It cost too much money as no improvement in skin. You would be better off trying some other topical agent that costs less. Disappointed. It used up alot of our insurance money.
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October 22, 2009

Pros:

Works for the first year for me

Cons:

Just stopped working after the first year. I used it for 1 and a half more years now I'm quitting

As everyone else said, this product must be used consistently and in the smallest amount. We're talking 3/4 of a pea size and don't rub into the side cracks of your nose because it'll inflame and make it flaky. For me it just stopped working. I use it consistently (every night) and I've been getting this acne patch on my forehead. Despite my good diet and exercise habits. Also be careful what you mix with. I used a glycolic acid anti-aging serum and I flaked so much that I could have filled half a teaspoon per day with my flakes. DISGUSTING. It's also very expensive if you do not have health insurance.
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October 21, 2009

Pros:

Help to clear up pimples faster.

Cons:

Doesn't help to prevent new breakouts.

I've been using it for a little more than 4 weeks and I can notice some slight difference.. It does help to clear up my acnes faster but doesn't prevent from getting new ones. I'll stick with it and see what happens in the next 3 months. hopes it works!
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October 11, 2009

Pros:

it wasn't good at all. When i used it, it didn't make a difference to my face and if i remember right, i think it made my skin a bit worse. But not scary worse.

Cons:

didn't see a difference, made acne worse.

Wasn't for me, probly not for you.
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October 9, 2009

Pros:

It helped my skin look good for about 5 months

Cons:

Stopped working after a while :( The price was rediculous!! My insurance wouldn't pay for much of it.

When I first tried this medication, my skin was red for about the first week. After a few weeks, it started making my skin look more clear than it had ever been before! I thought it was a miracle. But as with everything I've ever tried, the effects lessened and my skin went back to normal. I still recommend this because it might work for someone else better. I wish it would have worked longer for me.
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October 7, 2009

Pros:

Used consistently, and in moderation, Differin gives you desired results.

Cons:

Sunlight sensitivity, initial increase in breakouts, redness/dryness/peeling

If you choose to use this product, you MUST commit to it. There is no way you will achieve results if you use the product once or twice a week. The product is very effective when used correctly. For myself, I would wash my face in the evening, apply the ointment before bed, then wake up in the morning to wash my face. Initially my skin became more red & irritated, a few more pimples popping up, but within the first 6 weeks it began to settle. There was 1 month's time in which I had a consistently severe series of breakouts all over the front of my chin. Through frustration, I aggressively applied more than suggested, making the appearance of my skin blatantly worse. If and when you do use this product, use it as consistently as possible to reap the ultimate benefits while keeping the "violent" stages to a minimum. When your skin appears worse, DO NOT apply more than only a small portion which provides a thin layer over affected areas. Use oil-free lotion/sunscreen to counter sideffects
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October 6, 2009

Pros:

the gel had my face glowing. everyone said your skin look good.
(one person stated he liked my texture)

Cons:

face peels, sensitive to waxing

it worked for me. at first i didnt like it, i thought it was making things worse, so i stopped uing it. Then months later i decided since i spent my money i might as well use it. I now am glad i did. I love what it has done to my face.
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October 5, 2009

Pros:

I've noticed a difference just within the first two weeks

Cons:

I did have an initial breakout when I started using it, but it didn't last long.

As far as I can tell, this stuff really does work. I'm using it in combination with Clidemyacin pads and I'm really liking it. I apply the medication from one pad in the morning afte rwashing my face with a gentle face soap and then wash my face again in the evening, use one more pad and then put a pea-sized amount of Differin on the areas I break out. MY skin hasn't gotten dry yet and I can already notice a difference in my complexion. I do have moderate acne, so I'm not sure how well it would work for severe acne. I would definitely recommend trying it out though.
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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