Acne.org Products
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Prescription and over-the-counter adapalene share the same efficacy percentage due to non-specific research, but prescription strength likely performs better.
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, especially at over-the-counter strength. 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
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
November 27, 2008
Cons:
It takes a little while to work.
I dont know if it's because i am using Benzoyl Peroxide and ingesting a pill along with Differin, but whatever it is, it works. So there.
November 19, 2008
Pros:
I've been using the .1% formulation for about a monthy and my skin has really improved. I have almost no acne (they still pop up occasionall) and my face just looks rejuvinated in general. Only minimal irritation and sensivitity.
Cons:
For me, the cons were minimual. You must use sunscreen during the day (I use L'oreal with mexoryl, which has broadcast uv protection) and not on top of other products (especially other acne products!).
Magic in a tube...use it with patience but it worked great for me! Print out the $25 rebate for the first prescription.
November 7, 2008
Pros:
Soft skin, helps for oily skin, especially on long term.
Cons:
Takes quite some time to work, not suitable when skin is dry.
It's important to wash your skin BEFORE USE - and wash it well. This product definitely worked for me on the long term, though it must be noted that it should be used very consistently and that sun should be avoided for at least an hour after application. One should consult one's dermatoligist as all treatments will not work for all skin types.
November 5, 2008
Pros:
It works as long as you stick to it on a daily basis and follow your doctor's instructions. Be patient for results.
Cons:
It's a bit on the pricey side and there is no available generic brand available so if you're watching out for you're budget then it's a no go.
All the previous complaints before this were really biased in my opinion. Everyone expected "instant" results when most dermatologists will tell you that it may take up to six weeks before you skin starts clearing up. Be patient and just give it a chance for it to work. The test tubes are a bit misleading since you need about 40 of them to see results and you're definitely run out if you're trying out the product on the mini tubes.
October 31, 2008
Pros:
besides the first month, it kept my skin smooth for 3 months. it doesn't burn or over dry your face. doesn't smell
Cons:
my face exploded with acne within the first 3 weeks of use. around the 4th months of use, from my cheek down to my neck got huge zits. (I NEVER used to get zits on my cheeks or neck)
differin takes awhile for you to notice the difference, but in the end, it might not work. try to find something better if you can.
October 28, 2008
Pros:
Overtime-clears major breakouts, (and in my case)-cystic acne.
Cons:
Oily skin, small cysts, and a significantly bad initial breakout.
First off, I did not have sever acne, I had mild.
I don't believe that Differin is made for those with overly oily skin, it tends to make it more oily in the first month of use. Also in the first month of use, most experience and initial breakout because of how Differin works, if you have an IB, that means the medication is working. I experienced a bad IB. I developed a couple cysts every week, and also had terrible comodones underneath my skin around my jawline. I'm now in my 3rd month of use, and the results are finally showing. I only have 1 to 2 small, active zits on my face every week that only last about a half day, and then they become less noticable. The medication is supposed to continue working, and if it does I should be completely clear very soon :) Oh, and my oil production finally stopped being so severe! Hope this med. works for you!
October 13, 2008
Pros:
One application a day is great. Is starting to dry out skin..Using cetaphil.Hoping this works
Cons:
After just 6 days Ive never seen my skin so bad, I cant even look at myself in the mirror. Having to pay $230 for Derm and another $48 for script, One would pray this works
Used Isotene twice with excellent results but acne re-occurs, Have had severe acne since 11 and now 31. 20years of misery, Its been a week, Im not happy with the breakout, honestly its the worst ive ever experienced, but staying optimistic and will stick it out for as long as i can bare, or until next derm appt in dec. reading other reviews helps, so im going to be positive, Despite feeling depressed about the condition my skins currently in.I dont want to go to work tomorrow its that bad.
August 25, 2008
Pros:
Smooth texture.
scentless. Clears skin
Really great for using at night. Since ur body works full time while ur sleeping themedicine works better that way.
Cons:
Still leaves me acne in some days.
Keep using this because it works great for sensitive skin and it actually clears skin.
I love waking up to a dewey clearer looking skin.
There is a prob though, it doesnt completely clear up my acne. There are days when one night of differin doesnt reduce the appearance of my acne.
August 21, 2008
Pros:
I have been on it now for 23 days exactly along with bactrim 2x per day and the benzaclin in the morning (the one that you keep in fridge), my face looks horrid, Im pretty sure its the purging, I figured the other 2 meds would help with it but no.
Cons:
None as of yet, except thats it gotten worse and they say it ALWAYS will, and its been about 3 weeks so im sure im at purging statge!
Im gonna wait it out another month I want to know how to put up pics to show progess or dis progress!! I would recommend for now
August 12, 2008
Pros:
Goes on really easily, has no weird smell, doesn't burn or sting
Cons:
Takes a while to work - but it really does.
My doctor prescribed me a liquid Clindamycin treatment that I put on with clean cotton balls twice a day after washing my face (a.m. and p.m.). I wait about 20 minutes and then put the Differin on right before bedtime. Don't use it twice a day - you're NOT supposed to. Wash your face before bed and put in on then, not in the a.m.! ALSO ***Don't*** use it with things containing Salicylic Acid - wash, cream, whatever - it has adverse effects and will dry your skin horribly! If you read the product info carefully, it says so right on the package insert. Took about 3 months before I started really noticing a difference. But it's great; I love it. I am not sure how much it costs w/o insurance - with my copay it's about $40.
Pros:
I have seen improvement in one month of use.