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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July 22, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Didn't work

I used this for about 3 years along with doxy. I'm not sure why I used it for 3 years maybe because I went from dermatologist to dermatologist they all saw me for months and kept me on this even though my skin stayed the same! Idiots! When I used this most of my acne was on my forehead. I used doxy 1st and then my derm that I was seeing at the time prescribed me this and it did nothing. Waste of time. Didnt make things worse or better just made my skin sensitive to cold weather.
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July 10, 2012

Pros:

Easy to use

Cons:

Made my skin 1000x worse. Thought it would help but could not deal with it and now am left with spots ALL OVER my face. Terrible. I am so depressed.

Do not use this product.
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May 29, 2012

Pros:

Easy to remember to apply once a night.

Cons:

* Caused extremely dry skin, my neck and earlobes are a total mess, and I didn't even apply it there!

* Made acne much, much worse.

I had such high hopes, but 7 weeks on my skin is worse than before I started. I am going to stop using it and see if there is an improvement. I regret using this cream as my face really is a mess now.
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May 26, 2012

Pros:

- it helps the painful blind pimples go down a bit.

Cons:

- burning when i wash my face or put water on it. mainly under my eyes.
- dried side of my nose
- initiral break out

I've only been on Differin for 3 weeks now, the first few days were awesome. The first week i used it my skin felt so good. Then i broke out and have not stopped breaking out since. It's like everything just came to the surface. I have read there is an initial break out so id say its from that. i have used it after i wash my face at night/before bed. only use a pea size. but i really shouldnt have got straight into it. I should have only started off slow with it because my skin is going crazy. not sure if this could also be because of hormonal reasons as well. Ill write another review in about a month or two. i am giving differin a chance, so ignore my rating. its too soon to review its effectiveness.
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May 21, 2012

Cons:

Horrific initial breakout
Didn't clear skin in a total of 3 months
Skin appeared extremely shiny
Burning
Peeling
Flaking
Redness

Didn't work for me. But it might for you.
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April 24, 2012

Pros:

None really so far

Cons:

Dries my face out so much! I literally have flakes of skin coming off my face.

I have been using this for about a month and a half and the only result I have had is excessive drying, redness, and irritation. My face hurts! This is just based on how long I have been using it.
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April 18, 2012

Pros:

none

Cons:

doesn't clear, need I say much more?
expensive

bottom line, this product did not clear my face, made it worse, and I even used it for awhile /:
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March 14, 2012

Cons:

flushing and redness on face, made facial skin very "hot" and "sweaty". Could not tolerated for more than a week. Told to immediately discontinue this by the dermatologist due to my skin's reaction.

First of all this medication is meant for a certain age group of people who have acne issues. Why I was prescribed this in my mid thirties is beyond any common sense by my old Dermatologist.
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March 13, 2012

Cons:

Skin Burned
Broke out badly
Peeled
Skin became red [sunburnt look]
.Dried out my skin a lot

I was given instructions to use Differin twice a day, once at night and once in the morning. I'm taking antibiotics alongside this treament. The only thing this product has done for me is make me MORE insecure about my skin. I don't know about you, but the worst thing about having acne for me is to be constantly reminded that I have it. Thanks to Differin, this is what happened. The dry, sunburnt, skin-tight feeling on my face was a constant reminder to of my condition and it has really made me uneasy. I would definitely not use this product, as of today i've stopped using it and will be looking into alternative treatments.
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February 22, 2012

Pros:

Don't have any :(

Cons:

Burns, Peels and didnt fix anything. The area around my nose started to rip and peel very badly. I've been using this product for almost 4 months.

I wouldn't buy this product again.
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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