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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4
31.4%
3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

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July 15, 2009

Pros:

makes acne flatter

Cons:

if u skip just 1 day of using it, ur acne will be worse. makes my skin very sensitive to sun.

i like this product, but dont skip using it! it is my fault for skipping it though. it hasnt cleared my acne yet but its my fault for skipping it so much! it does work well when i use it though.
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July 14, 2009

Pros:

Used in conjunction with Erythromycin, it cleared up all my acne.

Cons:

After 1-2 years of continuous use, my acne developed a resistance to this and I had to switch to another medication

I used Differin by applying a thin film on my problem areas at night, and in the morning I would apply a thin film of Erythromycin gel. It took about 3 weeks to see results, but eventually all my acne went away. I was clear for a period of 1-2 years, but then my face started building a resistance to the medication, and the acne came back. I find that with these prescription medications, they will work for about 1-2 years and then they stop working, so I have to switch from one to the other. All these dermatologist prescribed medications do work, but they do not cure acne. They just temporarily mask it. You have to use them on a consistent basis every day, or your acne will come back. Right now, I have stopped taking all these and I am trying natural methods such as taking probiotics and fiber supplements to see if I can get to the root of the problem.
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July 13, 2009

Pros:

It doesn't have a bad smell, it's easy to put on.

Cons:

It broke me out a lot more, made my acne worse than it's EVER been. My skin is very sensitive and feels "sore".

I really don't like it, overall it hasn't worked for me. I have been on the 0.1% and antibiotics for about 5 months, why I stayed on it for so long when it was only making my skin woI have no idea. So the dermatoligist switched me to the differin 0.3% which I will start trying tonight, I hope it will work, but I'm a little skeptical from my first attempt with the 0.1%.
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July 12, 2009

Pros:

reduces acne, scentless

Cons:

doesn't completely clear skin, very drying, makes skin extremely sensitive

overall, good results, but it won't give you perfect skin and you'll definitely experience dryness
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July 12, 2009

Pros:

clears up acne, not too expensive with insurance

Cons:

dryness, redness, takes awhile for acne to get clear, makes skin sensitive to sun

Although there seems to be more cons then pros this stuff does clear up the acne. I am on .3% differin gel and it took awhile for it to start working. I am also taking solodyn with this so that might help too. I would recommend applying a moisterizer over the top of the differin if you experience dryness and redness. It will help to control that. After using Ziana for about a year, I have noticed that this stuff works better for me. Ziana actually burned my skin and I still have some burn marks on my skin from it. Luckily the differin has helped with the marks. I still have some acne but not as bad as what I did before I started using differin.
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

It works and doesnt dry out my skin. Like Ret-A peels me and burns.

Cons:

That you cant just go to the store and buy what you want. I mean i am so sick of the good stuff being something you have to deal with through a dem and pharmacy. That other stuff they sell at the store is a joke.

It works wonders for most people but sucks cause you cant get it without a dem and pharmacy and most insurance wont pay for it when you are in your thirties like I am.
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July 10, 2009

Pros:

it works fast, no smell/color

Cons:

Makes skin a little dry

Works wonders, really fast.... I love it! It's the only topic product that has ever worked for me....
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

my skin feels smoother

Cons:

none so far.

Dosage makes a big difference! I started with 0.1% and it did absolutly nothing. Then my Dr. perscribed 0.3% and it has made a big difference. It works as well as benzoil peroxide for me (sometimes I need a bz boost though on bad days) and I haven't had any skin irritation.
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

Made my face soft, and smooth. Cleared up most of my acne fast!

Cons:

When you first use it you break out more than normal, but that's because it's a retinoid. Didn't get all my acne. If you forget to put it on one day, the next day your face is covered in horrible break-outs.

I started using this February 2009, and my most of my acne is gone. But the dosage is weird. My dermatologist gave me a 0.1 doseage and I used it for about 2 months and it worked great... On my forehead. Then in May I went for a check-up and the doctor gave me a 0.3 dose. My acne was worse on my cheeks and chin and light on my forehead,nose, and upperlip. So the derm. told me to apply the 0.3 dosage on my cheeks and the 0.1 everywhere else. My body is immune to the 0.1 now. I have to use the 0.3 dose all the time, everywhere. Also, when I forget to put Differin on I break out horribly. Worse that I did when I wasn't using the product.
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

Seemed to dry up my skin. Didn't irritate my skin too bad the first few weeks. Easy to apply. Works well for back and chest area.

Cons:

Applied it just like it said. Avoiding the eye area. Got my eye brows waxed, and my skin came off with the wax strip. My eye lids were peeled and scraped. My skin is sensitive now too.

It should have said "no waxing" but it didn't. It thins your skin I was told after by the pharmisist. It's a good product to use a few times a week. And it has helped with oiliness. But I am very careful now when using the product.
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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