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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October 3, 2009

Pros:

It did help a little bit for a while. I managed to keep my complexion relatively clear for a few months with it.

Cons:

It took forever to start working, about 3 months to see any improvement. The first month to two months the redness and peeling is awful. Then, after a year it stopped working and my acne is much worse than it has ever been before (I am 23).

While I have not found anything that works better than this yet, I would not necessarily recommend it. Taking 3 months to work is ridiculous, and the amount of improvement I saw with it was minimal. The fact that it took so long to work makes me question if it ever did, or if my acne just responded to my stress level being reduced. Even after 3 months I still had frequent pimples. The peeling will continue for about 4-5 months and can cause your skin to look horrific. After a year, my acne became worse than ever before. So I would not recommend this, it isn't worth the trouble and the wait for minimum improvement.
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October 3, 2009

Pros:

Seems to work well with drying out pimples and making them go away.

Cons:

I still do get one or two pimples weekly.

I have been using Differin gel along with minocycline (a smaller dosage tetracycline) for around four months now. Many people say that at the beggining of treatment acne gets worse but that was not the case for me. I guess it's just how it initially reacts with the individual. I did though notice that for the first couple of weeks using Diffrin, my skin got dry and flakey, but that went away after a while. Overall the product works fairly well for me. It dries out the pimple very well and makes it disapear within about one week (depending on size of coarse). I still do get pimples however, but for me it is pretty minor. Just use the gel every night on the affected area only and it should work fine. If you are dealing with the fact of not seeing results from Differin right away just give it some time. It will start to noticably make your face better, but you just have to be very patient
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October 1, 2009

Pros:

Acne Vulgaris under control

Cons:

Intial flare up of acne at the begginning.It gets worse first and then slowly the acne disappears.
I am bown skin.So my face looked terrible with the peeling and subsequent tanning.

It works well with acne. But on brown skin , you need to avoid sun (flouroscent indoor lighting) completely.My scars were very visible while I was using it. I used it for 3 months and stopped because my scars were getting worse.
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September 29, 2009

Pros:

cheap where i live ($5.50 U.S. for a tube that has lasted me 5 months), ease of access/availability

Cons:

dryness and irritation, not a quick fix

I have rosacea as well as acne flare ups w/cystic acne. To begin with, I was put on antibiotics (2x/week for 3 weeks), Rozex and Differin. After 5 weeks my skin looked great. The Rozex and Differin have helped maintain, somewhat, my 'better skin'. I have had fewer cystic acne breakouts. I went back today to the Dermatologist and while we both agree that it is better, unless I go on something stronger, this is is good as I'm going to get. A word of warning: YOU MUST USE ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT. If you use too much, you will only hurt yourself.
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September 29, 2009

Pros:

has made me get a few less pimples. I'm barely seeing a difference, and ive been using it for 10 weeks.

Cons:

its working really slow. i also just started with tetracycline, and a 10% benzoil peroxide face wash, and thats been for 2 weeks, and my face is worse.

I hear it takes 12 weeks to see full results, so maybe a miracle is going to happen in the next 2 weeks. I also heards its supposed to flush all the stuff deep in your pores, and i hope im all flushed out! I'M SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT QUITTING THIS PRODUCT!!!
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September 29, 2009

Pros:

goes on clear, doesn't leave residue

Cons:

no immediate gratification. need to be very patient

This stuff really works but you have to be super patient. It is my 10th month and my skin is glowing and really smooth. In between I still had some breakouts and controlled it with BP 2.5 and sulfacetamide (the higher concentration, I think 10%). The differin has noticeably reduced the acne scarring to the point where I can no longer see them. Breakouts are virtually gone.
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September 28, 2009

Pros:

Skin has a smooth texture. All blackheads are gone. Cystic acne scars have substantially faded

Cons:

My skin flaked HORRIBLY. My oily skin became dry, but I remedied that with Oil of Olay moisturizer with SPF 15.

I'm using this in conjunction with Doxycycline 150mg (oral antibiotic) and there is a noticeable change in my skin every week. I take pictures every Friday to document any change. I'm African-American and this gel made my skin red and very tender. The redness and tenderness went away after about a week. Do not overapply the gel, a little goes a VERY long way. If you overapply this stuff, your face will feel like fire. Also, my insurance covers this prescription, hence the price I paid for it.
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September 25, 2009

Pros:

Absolutely no pros

Cons:

Didn't make even the slightest difference on my skin.

I used this product for over 2 months with no avail. I did have painful cystic acne, the worst possible case of acne, and this product did absolutely nothing. If you do have large cystic acne you should seriously go straight to accutane. I used accutane and it's the only that that has worked, and I have tried so many products.
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September 24, 2009

Pros:

Less acne in the first 2 days! This is defenitely better than anything I've tried. (Struggling with acne for 4 yrs.) Have been prescribed tretinion(RetinA), minocycline, doxycycline, enzyme chemical exfoliants, scrubs, salycylic, ect. This works!

Cons:

My severely oily skin is slightly dry. Using an oil-free moisturizer takes that away. Expensive w out prescription insurance.

I have spent thousands on derm and prescription dead ends. This product (differin gel) used with .5 benzyl peroxide (benzak) is the only treatment plan that is successful. Please try this if you're looking for a solution desperately! (as I was) My acne was SEVERE! Cysts, papules, pustules, redness, pain!! Be patient when first starting..... If it doesn't start working immediately like it did for me!!!!
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September 24, 2009

Pros:

pimples are smaller

Cons:

dries skin out really bad
everything burns my skin now
my face is more scarred

i hate it !! It was a waste of money my skin wasn't this bad before and its noticeable my friends tell me how my skin looks much worse i didnt have as many pimples as i do now !! but now my skin is peeling and drying out really bad and everything burns. i don't recommend this. My pimples may be smaller but now my acne has spread to places where i didn't have any. Now my self esteem has gone done really bad
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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