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
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3
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2
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1
11.3%

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March 14, 2009

Pros:

Works for those who have patience, doesn't dry my skin out, does not smell, no residue

Cons:

Expensive

With Differin gel, your face will get worse before it gets better. You need to use it at least three months before you see results. That said, I was frustrated with the initial breakout, but remained determined to stick it out for at least three months. I'm really glad I did. I'm using Differin with BC pills and antibiotics to great effect. Whereas I used to get 3-4 new pimples a day, now I only get one a week and sometimes none at all. Without new pimples constantly forming, my red spots can properly fade. I'm very happy with Differin and find that I can even use it with BP (at the same time) without my face drying out or becoming irritated.
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March 13, 2009

Pros:

This medications wasnt greasy or oily or anything. It didnt leave my skin shiny after i applied it (unlike the regimen on acne.org did). Made my skin clearer and softer. Had big scars and they started disappearing and getting less inflamed.

Cons:

Leaves skin with a TIGHT feeling-kind of like how botox must feel- it leaves your skin tight and you cant move your face muscles much-but thats why i out it on at night.

This medication worked pretty well. i mean it completed its goal-which was for me to clear up my big red pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, and fade them away. pimples went way almost instantley, whiteheads disapeared altogether with blackheads, and my brown spots have started to fade. CLEAR SKIN HERE I COME!
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March 11, 2009

Pros:

it doesnt smell... minimal dryness

Cons:

it doesnt work, shiney skin with the appearance of being oily, redness.

i have been usin differen .3 gel at night only, while using benzoyl peroxide during the day for over 2 months, have seen hardly any if not no progress. My acne is still pretty bad with red scars and increased pimples since ive been on it. I would not recomend this product.
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March 10, 2009

Pros:

The tube lasts long.

Cons:

The outbreaks are not cool.
Takes too long for a visible difference

I think my acne is worse with differin than without. But I am willing to stick it out for a number of months since it gets worse before it gets better. I certainly hope it gets better, coz I look like something our of a skin horror movie.
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March 10, 2009

Pros:

IT WORKS!
Takes about 6-8 weeks to see any changes but they tell you that up front.

Cons:

PRICEY!

If you have the patience then use this product. I have the 0.3 and I love it. It doesn't dry my skin.
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March 8, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up acne after a while , not difficult to use, results within a week (varies)

Cons:

a bit on the expensive side unless you are insured.

I had mild acne before Differin. I use differin with another treatment: clindamycin. It really works. I've tried just about everything : neutrogena, clean and clear, bareminerals you name it. While clean and clear did work, it gave me a lot of white heads so as the others. I stopped using bare minerals because it contained sulfur which was not to be used with differin. For the first 3 days it seemed as though my acne got worse, and I was all "this isn't working, I give up." but after the three days, I stuck with it and I started to see change as the pimples shrunk and most of the small ones vanished! I have sensitive skin so I use the 0.1 Differin. For those of you who have said your acne has gotten worse, maybe it just isn't for you and or you have a lot of unseen acne beneath your skin that is being pulled up by differin, I read that this is SUPPOSED to happen so really, stick with it.
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March 7, 2009

Pros:

Doesn't dry out your skin
smooths out the bumps
heals the acne

Cons:

Small amount of purging

I have mild to moderate acne with some light scarring and hyper pigmentation where old acne has healed. Differin has healed most of my acne in the three weeks I have been using it, applying it before bed to both face and back. My back is almost completely clear, though the purging there was much much worse than it was on my face. However, I will continue to use this religiously, as it has helped me so much!
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March 4, 2009

Pros:

It's really been clearing up every type of acne that I have. The whiteheads, blackheads and cysts are all drying up

Cons:

My entire face is peeling for the past two weeks and is extremely red

I would recomend the .1% not the .3% that im on it's too drying!
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March 2, 2009

Pros:

Pretty Much stopped new ones from appearing and minimal side effects compared to the benzoyl peroxide which made my skin red and peeled real hard

Cons:

had a small amount of peeling in a small area around the side of the nose for around 2 days then it stopped

Works pretty well, easy to apply once a day.
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February 27, 2009

Pros:

Differin took a while to start working, but when it did it was great. It really helped me for the first 1.5 yrs i was on it

Cons:

the effectiveness definitely wears off after a yr and a half, but i guess thats to be expected. My acne came back worse than it had been prior to treatment. I also got sunburnt really bad really really fast on it.

It works well, but definitely not a permenant solution. I would recommed it for people in high school tho, it really helped me thru those yrs!! If u are going to use it you really need a good sunscreen at all times (especially in summer... but in saying that, im in australia so any additional photosensitivity is a problem in summer down here...especially if you're like me and used to never really burn, just tan...that definitely changed!!)
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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