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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5
17.9%
4
31.4%
3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

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June 20, 2009

Pros:

Look, it works if you stick with it and use it nightly. I find it didnt dry me out like other gels/creams.

Cons:

So expensive. Hate that we have to pay so much to attempt clear skin.

Try it.. stick with it.. dont stop it, or acne will return.
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June 19, 2009

Pros:

It cleared my acne up at first well.

Cons:

I do have less acne on my face but I still get a lot of breakouts. It didnt work as well as I thought it would. It also makes your skin super dry and red.

It reduced about half of my acne.
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June 18, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made acne go from mild to moderate

Waste of time and money, if you are looking for a solution to your acne look somewhere else because differin is not the answer.
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June 18, 2009

Pros:

I've been using Differin for about two years now. I initially used the .01% because I have extremely sensitive skin and then moved up to the .03%. I helped my bacne/face acne/chest acne so much. I'm basically all clear now.

Cons:

I do experience a lot of skin sensitivity and I use sunscreen on my face everyday. I can't go to the tanning bed and if I do lay out outside I have to use sunscreen everywhere. I get pretty dry so I only use the Differin every other night.

It's a great product and since I've been experiencing breakouts on my back and chest as well as my face since I was about 14, it's amazing to be able to pick out an outfit during the summer based on the weather and not on my breakouts. I've tried just about every product out there and this is the only one that my sensitive skin could take and I still have to skip a day between applications. I love it. And added benefit is that retinoids (Differin is a retinoid) are being used by many older women now to reduce/prevent wrinkles so I guess I'm getting a head start on that! I love Differin but I'm worried that my skin is going to start becoming immune to it since I've been using it for so long. Oh well. I guess we'll see.
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June 17, 2009

Pros:

This product is awesome... had been trying various products for the past eight years and my acne just didn't settle...But after using this product for the past three months my skin has cleared ur tremendously! I recommend it to everyone.

Cons:

Makes skin dry, but its not anything a moisturizer cant fix!

Use it!
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June 16, 2009

Pros:

Helps skin look more even and your pores appear smaller. It is doing it's job - clearing acne

Cons:

initial breakout.
it takes awhile to completely clear acne

I have been using this for almost three weeks now and, i must say, i am fairly impressed with the results that i am having with this medication. In the first week, i got about 5-6 new, pretty large pimples all over my face, but they quickly disappeared within the next week. However, during the second week, i got a new set of pimples, about 4-6 both large and small, on another side of my face; however, these are quickly disappearing at the moment. Currently, in my third week, i have many red spot (former pimples that have become flattened) on my face. I am hoping that i won't get anymore breakouts and the red spots will continue to flatten and eventually fade... I am also using clindamycin liquid solution in the morning along with the differin gel 01. For some reason, that i am not complaining about, i am not having the negative side effects from this medicine that others are pointing out, such as dry skin and other irritations. In conclusion, this medication seems to be working for
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June 15, 2009

Pros:

*Reduced Zits in no time
*Minimal Redness/No redness
*Very minimal Peeling

Cons:

None

Been there done that, Been to several dermatologist already. Beenn prescribed Retin A, Doxy,Mino,Clindamycin, Duac,Erythromycin name it ive tried it all except for accutane. After graduating from college i felt so upset that i am still getting zits/acne all over my face, i remember two years ago one of my derm told me to try Differin but i did not even consider buying it, i thought it was the same as retin a unfortunately Retin a didnt work out for me. I was surfin the net ,then i tried looking for what to do with my persistent zits..Fortunately i found out again about Differin thingy. then tried it been on it for a week! so far so good, i only have like 2 zits and it is almost unoticeable. Right now im dealing with the scars that my previous regimens left me. Too bad i didnt believed in my derm when she told me to try differin..
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June 13, 2009

Pros:

there are no pros

Cons:

everything

ive been using this stuff since october, and no results. if anything my skin is worse!!!
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June 13, 2009

Pros:

Fights acne while simultaneously unclogging pores on unaffected skin. Fades hyperpigmentation/scars that come from acne imflammation. Itis a retinoid, so it helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Comes in different strengths. What's not to love?

Cons:

Cost is really the only con. I have crappy insurance that they give to grad students only to make sure we don't die, and it still covers most of the cost; yours should, too. On the up side, 1 tube lasts a really long time (4+ months).

At least try it. That's my bottom line. This product does a number of good things for your skin (see above). If you have darker skin (like me) this is worth a try because it combats post-imflammatory hyperpigmentation (which can be a nightmare). Yes, it can dry your skin if you over use it or use the wrong strength (it comes in 0.1% and 0.3% --I use 0.3), but everything else worth using may dry your skin, too. Deal with it and buy a moisturizer (I recommend Bellaplex, BTW). You can either use Differin all over your face, or you can use it just on acne-prone areas, or just as a spot treatment. Do what works best. Drying of the skin can be a good thing if you keep it in check and iif you are trying to get rid of scars or hyperpigmentation. Think of it as hyper-exfoliation... heh. Anyway, I love this $hit.
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June 11, 2009

Pros:

no pros

Cons:

I started using differin to clear my mild to moderate acne and it turned into severe acne! I knew how long it was supposed to take, so I kept with it for over 5 months. My acne continued to get worse, i didnt even want to leave the house.

Differin may work for some, but it really did not work for me. My dermatologist even recommended it for me. So, just be careful. I have had skin problems for 4 years now just because of my 5 month use of differin. My advice: stay away.
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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