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
February 5, 2008
Cons:
does nothing for blackheads and cloggged pores
I was put on accutane 3 times over 5 years(didn't do a thing except dry out my skin. It was a living hell). I've been prescribed every antibiotic and topical cream, gel, liquid, soap you can buy. Nothing worked for me. I'm 36 years old and my doctor gave me differin gel to "try" 4 years ago> I never looked back. It's not miraculous but i rarely have severe cystic pimples anymore. I'm talking maybe once a year. I used to have them all over my cheeks, forehead and chin. I still get clogged pores and teeny whiteheads but nothing horrendous. Interestingly enough, I read that this is supposed to help with blackheads and those are the least of my worries but I've noticed it doesn't help me at all with them. YMMV.
January 22, 2008
Pros:
After awile it totally clears up your skin..but then you may have to step it up to the new differin 0.3.
Cons:
Well I never really got the really bad breakouts like everyone talks about in the beginning, but it did make the acne a little worse. Expensive
I was on differin 0.1 cream for 6 monthes and my skin was clear and then one day out of the blue my face broke out. I was near the end of my 0.1 tube so i bought differin 0.3 and its very powerful. It really helps regulate the oil and is less powerful than accutane. I recommend all of there products and if u want to avoid the big breakout in the beginning of use buy the PANOXYL bar it will help
January 20, 2008
Pros:
skin is nearly acne free, decreases pore size, improves skin texture, fades acne marks with time
Cons:
takes a while to show results, skin gets worse before it gets better
During the first few weeks of using Differin my skin worsened and I had more acne than I initially did. It was not only the acne I had to deal with, but the many dark marks left behind on my cheek and forehead. After about 2 months though, this product did show results and they were great! Now my skin is dramatically smoother, brighter, and more vibrant. I still get a pimple once in a while but this stuff has been a miracle for me! I cant wait till it completely fades away all my acne scars.
January 13, 2008
Pros:
* works so damn well!
* diddnt give me any of that dry skin crap
* coz i started antibiotics first, there was no initial breakout
Cons:
takes a bloody long time to kick in
if you get sunburnt on your face, it hurts. alot.
my acne was never really severe, but it was persistant and i tried heaps of scrubs and creams and whatever but eventually i just went to my doctor and got something with a bit more kick - differin. the anti inflammitory agent in it is bloody great, and i litterally woke up after my first use and my skin wasnt nearly as inflamed, but the pimples were still there - they just diddnt look as bad. after that it was just slow work, but im into week 5 and its totally clear. before i started the treatment i came on this site and i was gettin really worried after reading heaps of negative reviews about how it gives you cystic acne and that, but i gave it a go and patience paid off - i got none of that stuff (dry skin, burning, worse acne) so if youre reading this and youre scared of starting the treatment then just grow a pair and go for it, it cant work if you dont try it. just dont give up on it, it really does work after a while
January 11, 2008
Pros:
Does not smell strong like some creams and gels do. Easy to apply and seems gentle on the skin.
Cons:
Slow to work..does not seem to be doing anything for me but will keep using it and hope it starts to clear up these pesky red pimples and blemishes that are currently on my cheeks.
Try it, it may not be for you but worth a try. I went to see my derm who prescribed this to me - not great as my doctor prescribed this to me on my first visit but when i went to see my derm he said to use this as it will should help with the whiteheads.
I have been trying it but its not that great to be honest will keep using it and see how i get on with it. Off back to see my derm beg of March if things getting any worse im hoping to have accutane - as i have used practically everything diannette,anti biotics, differin, bp gel and creams, vitamins, better water intake.. you name it i have tried everything to achieve blemish free skin but find that the only thing that will solve the problem for good is accutane. I have been on it once before and boy my skin was so clear its just upsetting and depressing seeing it go from clear and non greasy back to greasy and spotty..boy does it suck! But hey thats life..my advice see a derm and have patience!!
January 7, 2008
Pros:
STOPS NEW ACNE! Smoothes skin
Cons:
Drys skin, sometimes flaky and tight. Doesnt get rid of old marks
It is the only product for anyone who is smart to use.
December 31, 2007
Pros:
My skin i still not clear but it definitely improves the dark spots left by previous acne (i saw result of this in about 2 weeks)
Cons:
None so far
The first week, my skin actually started improving dramatically!! and then in ONE Night---i dont know what on earth happened and i woke up with unbelievably crinlkly skin with little bumps everywhere. Sinc then my skin has gotten back to its normal texture although it took about 2 weeks. I still have a bunch (i would say around 30) of tiny bumps on my forehead...However I am going to be patient and give this product 2 more months! Regimen (ordered by my dermatologist):
Night
- Clyndamycine solution
-Differin XP
Day
-Clyndamycine solution
-BP 10%
December 28, 2007
Pros:
I used to get terrible hard and painful pimples on my t-zone and since using Differin Cream I never get them anymore. My skin is much smoother and the old acne scars have faded.
Cons:
It dries your skin if it is used too often. My skin is fairly sensitive so I only use it at night. You need to experiment with the cream to make it work with your skin type. Many people who are saying it's not working may be using it too often.
I have had acne since I was about 13. I tried Proactiv, over the counter creams, etc. and nothing really seemed to work. I finally was fed up with dealing with acne so at 22 I went and saw a dermatologist who prescribed Differin. It is worth every penny. My skin is completely clear and much smoother. I only get pimples around my cycle and I never get the hard, cystic type pimples anymore. It probably took 2-3 weeks for me to see significant results. I have pretty sensitive skin so I only apply it at night. I also apply benzoyl peroxide in the mornings on the occasional pimple. I never used to feel confident walking around with no make-up but now my skin is so clear I don't care.
December 10, 2007
Pros:
Good against blackheads
Cons:
drying, itching, makes the skin look really bad got more breakouts after using it
I have moderate to bad acne for 3,5 years now and this stuff does not work if you got very sensitive skin. do not use it. my skin was getting better than i broke out a little and went to the doctor he said to use this well i have never looked as bad as i have these days. my skin is so dry and red. and i am breaking out every week i always get red marks and this stuff makes them look even worse.
December 9, 2007
Pros:
Fast healing on monthly zits
Cons:
Itchy, Drying and causes severe milia(whiteheads)!
I've tried everything but lasers and this crap. Don't waste your time, money or any self-esteem you may have left. Man, what do we do. Nobody can help, nobody cares. We just feel like sh*t and are lives will be over. If anybody can help with this "CURSE" please submit advise...
Pros:
Gets rid of severe acne, shortens the lifespan of regular "zits". significantly lessened the qty of breakouts