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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August 19, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

It doesn't work at all and I spent $75 on this tube.

I've been using it for six weeks and I am breaking out worse then ever. It has not done anything good for my skin. I am so upset I wasted so much money on yet another treatment that does NOTHING!
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August 19, 2009

Pros:

Aleviated painful cystic acne.
Helps shed acne scars by speeding up exfoliation process.

Cons:

Expensive if not covered by insurance. Dries your skin out. Does not fully prevent breakouts (although my breakouts are less painful). You have to wear sunscreen, which can worsten acne in acne-prone people (which you are if you use Differin Gel).

For me, the cystic acne cleared up only to be replaced by pimples caused by sunscreen, which you must use. So for this to work for me, I would have to put it all over my face, and not just in normally acne-prone areas (ex: forehead) as is recommended. It was a decent alternative to other products containing benzoyl peroxide (I am allergic), but I am going back to the doctor to ask for something that does not make your skin so sun-sensitive. Also, b/c the top layer of skin is always "new" skin, it's quite sensitive and even a minor scratch or pimple on your face is red and takes a long time to heal, granted the scar will disappear with time when using this product, as the skin slowly flakes off. My skin is always rosy now. That said, I have friends who have had fabulous results with this product.
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August 18, 2009

Pros:

seems to work...takes awhile. you must use it everyday

Cons:

i think it makes acne scars more prone

not too great
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August 18, 2009

Pros:

Helps prevents breakouts, lightly exfoliates, lessens severity of acne over time, helps prevent fine lines,

Cons:

A tad expensive if you have no insurance and a wee bit of redness when first applied

Jess and Brandon, with retinoids like Adapalene, things are going to get worse before they get better. Peeling, redness and more acne are common in the first 1-6 weeks of use. DON'T stop using it. These effects prove the medicine is working. Over time, the peeling and redness should fade along with the breakouts. The only time you should stop is if it burns a lot or you start swelling. You need to be using SPF DAILY. Your doctor should have discussed with you these side affects and when you should see them before prescribing this medicine to you. I've been using this medicine since I was 15 (I'm 20) and I've seen remarkable results. I use the lowest dose and have seen fewer breakouts than I did when I was on any other acne medication. I do have a wee bit of redness when first applying this medicine but it fades in about two minutes. This medicine has saved my skin from my family's hereditary severe acne problems. I have very mild acne now. Initial breakout was awful but be pati
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August 14, 2009

Pros:

Is works for like a week

Cons:

In the beginning it made it worse then it got better and now im neutral too it it doesnt make it better or worse and youll still have acne

I wouldnt get it if you want acne permanantly gone
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August 13, 2009

Pros:

-Reduces severity of acne.

Cons:

-It does not prevent future breakouts, so I still constantly have acne.
-The side effects are intense.
-It's expensive.

I've been on the 1% gel for about a year now and it STILL burns- it burns when I cry, it burns when I'm out in the sun, it burns to put on face lotion, it burns to put on sunscreen, it burns to sweat, it burns ALL THE TIME. Also, my skin is red and flaky, especially around my eyes, nose, and chin. I still have at least 3-4 zits on my face at all times. Granted, they aren't as big and inflamed as they were before I was on the gel- but they're still a constant problem. As I stated above, it did *somewhat* reduce the severity of my acne, but in my opinion, the consequences far out-weight the benefits.
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August 13, 2009

Pros:

Nothing that I found while using it for such a short time.

Cons:

-Makes skin very red, blothcy-uneven skin tone.
-Veryyy Dry with both Gel and Cream

Went to doc for differin just to see if it would work any better then all the $hit I've been using. Tired the Gel....made my skin veryyy red and VERY dry! Cream, still veryy red but now DRY and OILY! Don't use this, I just wasted 40$ on that b/s. Had to quit because it was making my skin so crappy I could'nt stand it!
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August 13, 2009

Pros:

It works really, well, the gel consistency works and it's like you have nothing on your face (creams are really noticable) I didn't pay for it, my doctor rec. for me and i love it:)

Cons:

a little dryness, and that's about it.

it's really working for me so far, i've been using it for about 2 months and i see results. The product is supposed to be applied on at night before retiring as the instructions say so I have no problem going outside with it on because haha the sun's not out. and i've never had redness but that's because i applied a pea size amount (as the instructions said:) READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE APPLYING;)
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August 12, 2009

Pros:

Well, it didn't make it worse...

Cons:

It just didn't work for me. I have very deep, painful cystic acne, and this did nothing to clear it up, nor did it help the lighter breakouts. And it burned like a fiery pit of hell

Not for me, maybe for you
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August 12, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

creates scars! even after you stop using it, future pimples cause scars probably d/t the thinness of the skin!

DO NOT USE! my daughters acne used to heal well, now everything turns into an indented scar!
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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