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:
August 10, 2009

Pros:

i have read that it will bring out, at first, all the possible pimples that will eventually surface. it will clear the deeper part of your skin, which is the mode of action of this medication.

Cons:

break-outs at first. long time of healing, usually 8-12 weeks. redness, itching and stinging sensation.

i have only used it for 2 weeks now and i am having initial breakouts. it is really irritating because what i expect is otherwise. but that's really how the medication works. it'll surface all your pimples and then clear it up. WE JUST HAVE TO BE PATIENT. DON"T EVER STOP. this might be the answer to our prayers. ACNE SUCKS!!!!
This Was Helpful

Report
August 10, 2009

Pros:

Invisible, can't even tell I have it on. Odorless. Tube lasts forever.

Cons:

If I use it with other cleansers my skin gets horribly dry!!
But by itself it's fab..i dont even wash my face before using it.

Awesome product. I never had horrible acne, but i did get a few on my forehead and chin. My doctor prescribed Differin about a year ago, and now I can't live without it. My skin gets dry very easily, but this product did not dry my skin out at all. I dont use it every day anymore, cause I just get lazy, but if I start breaking out again, I'll put it on and within two days I'm back to almost clear. I love it and you should definetly try it!
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 7, 2009

Pros:

Impoves existing acne, doesn't dry out my (oily) skin, odorless,

Cons:

Dosn't prevent new pimples, works better with other medications, initial breakout, doesnt dry up pimples completely, takes a long time see improvement

I've been on differin for 5yrs and when I first started using it I really saw no difference until I used it with benzaclin and adoxa pills. Since I stopped the benzaclin and just use differin, my skin has been breaking out more which means differin isn't as effective on its own.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 7, 2009

Pros:

In combination with emu oil, cleared my forehead and nose. Somewhat cleared my cheeks.

Cons:

Dries out skin, slightly irritating if you don't use a moisturizer after!

You need to be consistent if you plan to use this. Also, applying moisturizer immediately after applying Differin is recommended! After consistent use (once a day for a year) my forehead acne is completely gone, and my nose has cleared too. However, my cheeks still have acne so I can't say that Differin has completely worked for me.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 6, 2009

Pros:

-WORKS FAST
-reduces pores
-reduces scarring

Cons:

None.

I am sorry that this product didn't work for some people, but Differin was a mircale for me. I had had acne for over a decade. I am 22 and while I had managed to control my acne for short stretches I had never been totally clear. I was ready to take Accutane, but I was about to start a new job and didn't want to wait around for the moronic iPledge program. As a last ditch effort, my dermotologist prescribe .03% Differin gel and Duac. I used the Duac in the morning and the Differin at night, just a very thin layer followed by Cetaphil moisturizer once it dried and my skin began to feel a bit tight. Within 3 days my skin was clearer than it had been in 10 years. I feel better than I ever have. Use this product AS DIRECTED (sparingly, at night, wear sunscreen, wash your face when you wake up) and hopefully it will work for you like it did for me.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 6, 2009

Pros:

Clears up most blemishes pretty quickly.
Covered by my insurance.
Lightens dark marks left by old acne, and lightens new acne (my skin lightens and clears up on a nightly basis - every morning, the first thing I do is look and compare to yester

Cons:

Severe drying in the first week - DO NOT cry. There's a lot that will hurt your face during this time. Stick it out.
It isn't the miracle cure most people think it is - it REALLY takes its time.
Bad flare-up, but at least the zits come and go f

Buy it. The flare up, for me, lasted between two and two and a half weeks. I looked worse than usual, and my skin was extremely dry at the creases near my eyes (even though I didn't PUT anything there), the corners of my mouth, and the insides of my eyebrows. At first, everything hurts your face: lotion, water, sunscreen - you name it! Then it gets better and better. It takes a long time to get rid of some zits, perhaps because as they're leaving, they're leaving red marks that are gradually being removed. I have been using a combination of Differin and Stievamycin for a month, and the sudden acne that plagued me after my first year of university (which was possibly catalyzed by applying a brand of sunscreen to which I am allergic) has nearly cleared up. My skin doesn't feel oily anymore, but like it's reached a great balance. It's a good feeling.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 4, 2009

Pros:

gets rid of most of my acne, no scent to it

Cons:

doesnt prevent future acne, at first my skin broke out but not a lot and it turned my face red often but maybe thats just me because my face turns red a lot

I really hate products that make my face very red because my face turns red really easily but that happened with every prduct ive tried already. Ive tried acnefree before i tried differin and i loved it until it just stopped working. I heard somewhere that after a while some products will stop wrking for you after a certain period of time. Ive used differin for about 2-3 months now and i love it. Hopefully this one wont stop working for me within some time.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 4, 2009

Pros:

Dont know yet..

Cons:

Very itchy & very very dry skin..!

Just been using it over a week..& omg...im having a severe breakout..! bad spots, red, and very dry skin.. but im also using clinque products..so unsure if that's why its so dry..! i have some acne scars on my cheeks so can't help but put make up during the day..which right now feels like im putting sand on my face.. im really hoping this settles and works..because i have been fighting with acne for years now and nothing works...
This Was Helpful

Report
August 1, 2009

Pros:

dryed acne up AT FIRST.

Cons:

VERY itchy skin, peeling. Didn't work fully as I hoped (but I have also tried everything.)

If your Derm. tells you he is going to put you on it, save your time and money and ask for something else. I have spent WAY to much money at the Dermotologist over the years. SKIP IT. Because, it works like the rest of the ones you've tried, trust me. I have tried everything. I recommend M.D. Forte facial cleanser and the gel that you put on your acne that goes with it (1% Salicylic Acid) , your derm SHOULD be able to either give you a perscription or you can buy it in their office.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 31, 2009

Pros:

Limits breakout and somewhat fades macules caused by past acne

Cons:

Very slow to work and never completely healed my acne

I have been a religious user to Differin for 8 months now and am about to leave the product for accutane. I used a .1% cream every night for that duration and have had noticeable improvement, but still far from perfect. I never noticed any severe dryness or any peeling whatsoever, which actually is a disappointment. This product is still a cornerstone to prescription acne and must be tried before moving into more severe treatment options. I sincerely hope that this product works for you and that you experience far better results than I.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 51 52 53 54 55 … 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