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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July 31, 2009

Pros:

It cleared my skin *really* well! I haven't noticed any minor/major side effects.

Cons:

I broke out a bit more in the beginning, but that was expected and it didn't last too long. Also, I use this at night, and in the morning, my face is oily. No big deal though 'cause I wash it when I get up.

Although I still have some pimples on my face, it's nothing compared to what it used to be. So far, I've been using it for about 2 months and I plan to continue for a while. I would have described my acne as being between moderate and moderately severe, if that makes sense? Right now, I'm happy to say that it's light! My advice is to stick with it, even if you break out even more while using it. The final result will be amazing!
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July 27, 2009

Pros:

Reduces inflammation almost immediately. Not overdrying.

Cons:

it costs more than other products I was originally using.

Differin helps existing pimples, but I find it doesn't prevent the acne from forming. My face doesn't get dry or red. Overall I am satisfied with the results.
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July 24, 2009

Pros:

My skin did not get any BIG pimples for a long time and some of my white heads also disapeared.

Cons:

As with most things I've tried, It didnt completely clear my skin (though it helped a lot) Also skin is very sensitive so dont even think about waxing and stay out of the sun or wear a hat.

My mother is a dermatologist, and I have had problematic skin since I was 11. from 13 to 16 it was truely at its worst. I got perscribed Differin Gel at 17 along with contraceptive pills (Diane 35 or Dianette) So Im not really sure what caused my skin to get better. The first few weeks of using Differen I could really see my skin was getting better. However, as more weeks passed I noticed it got to a point where it just would not get any better. In the end I stopped using the gel as my skin was irritated by sun and waxing and I was fed up. My skin didnt get any worse from stopping the gel, actually I felt it got a bit better and less dry. I would recomend it for short time use like 1-2 months.
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July 22, 2009

Pros:

makes my skin as close to perfect as it has ever been!

Cons:

dry skin, very sensitive to sun, burn very easy

it is worth it to have clear skin. not as drying as some other benzoyl peroxide products i've tried before.
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

No scent too it.

Cons:

Burned my skin like crazy. Didn't help my acne at all. Also didn't help prevent any future breakouts.

I tried this product for 2 weeks and saw no difference accept my skin was irritated.
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July 20, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my skin perfectly
No visable side effects (dry skin, peeling, etc)

Cons:

Expensive
Takes awhile to work
Cannot wax eyebrows

After using Differin every night for a month, I called my doctor upset. I had paid $150 and it was not working. I suffered not so much from acne, but from a lot of bumps and bumpy skin. The doctor told me to give it another month, as it takes awhile to work. I was skeptical, but truly, after 2 months my skin was perfect! Didn't have any side effects. No peeling, dry skin, etc. Only side effects was a little burning.
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July 19, 2009

Pros:

It help to clean up all my acne and easy to use . I used it once a day on night time.

Cons:

i found [link removed] So, it help me from deduct for doctor prescription. It's work, by no need to pay that much

I recommend it because compared to how my face looked like before the treatment, I saw a big difference, and felt comfortable again when going out in public.
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July 16, 2009

Pros:

i clears up the acne on my t zone really really well far better than duac!

Cons:

The initial breakout this gel caused was absolutely horrific on my cheeks. I've never had so many painful hard red lumps :( absolutely dreadful!

Well the breakout really sucks but i couldn't doubt it's ability to clear my t zone but the cheeks i think will take a couple of weeks to improve...hopefully. I'm on minocin aswell but even that couldn't stop the breakouts for some reason! Stick with it though i'm sure it's gonna calm down eventually.
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July 15, 2009

Pros:

Sometimes can be used as a spot treatment, reduces swelling and redness, works pretty quickly.

Cons:

Differin's weird, sometimes it works really well, like within hours for me, and sometimes it takes days and days to clear up a stubborn breakout. Really dries out my skin.

I think Differin probably works better for some people than others. I use it twice a day (morning/night) instead of just once, and more often as a spot treatment. I feel it works better that way. Also, the clear "gel" kind is a lot more drying than the white "cream" kind. If your skin is oily, get the gel, and if your skin is dry, get the cream. Still. . . you'll need a good moisturizer!
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July 15, 2009

Pros:

helps reduce acne

Cons:

won't clear up your skin completely, better if use it with Erythromycin, need to get prescription.

I loved it when I tried it a year ago; my skin improved a lot, but after a few months acne came back and I'm tired of spending money on doctors and treatment, so now I'm trying baking soda and apple cider vinegar as a toner. I recommend it because compared to how my face looked like before the treatment, I saw a big difference, and felt comfortable again when going out in public.
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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