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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1
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October 24, 2009

Pros:

I'm not sure there are any yet.

Cons:

$250 for a tube! My 15 year old son has been using morning and night consistently together with tetracycline. The first couple of weeks his acne seemed worse. He complained of stinging redness and dryness.

He's been sticking with it, and his skin is moderately better, but definitely not clear. He's on week 8. After paying so much for it, I really want to give it time to work its 'magic'. I'm wondering why dermatologists are so highly recommending it after reading these reviews. Is it because it's a new RX with a hefty price tag? Hmmm. I really hope not.
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October 22, 2009

Pros:

None.

Cons:

No improvement in cystic acne on face after six months of usage. Very costly product.

We used it without an antibiotic, such as Doxycycline or Tetracycline. It cost too much money as no improvement in skin. You would be better off trying some other topical agent that costs less. Disappointed. It used up alot of our insurance money.
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October 22, 2009

Pros:

Works for the first year for me

Cons:

Just stopped working after the first year. I used it for 1 and a half more years now I'm quitting

As everyone else said, this product must be used consistently and in the smallest amount. We're talking 3/4 of a pea size and don't rub into the side cracks of your nose because it'll inflame and make it flaky. For me it just stopped working. I use it consistently (every night) and I've been getting this acne patch on my forehead. Despite my good diet and exercise habits. Also be careful what you mix with. I used a glycolic acid anti-aging serum and I flaked so much that I could have filled half a teaspoon per day with my flakes. DISGUSTING. It's also very expensive if you do not have health insurance.
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October 11, 2009

Pros:

it wasn't good at all. When i used it, it didn't make a difference to my face and if i remember right, i think it made my skin a bit worse. But not scary worse.

Cons:

didn't see a difference, made acne worse.

Wasn't for me, probly not for you.
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October 9, 2009

Pros:

It helped my skin look good for about 5 months

Cons:

Stopped working after a while :( The price was rediculous!! My insurance wouldn't pay for much of it.

When I first tried this medication, my skin was red for about the first week. After a few weeks, it started making my skin look more clear than it had ever been before! I thought it was a miracle. But as with everything I've ever tried, the effects lessened and my skin went back to normal. I still recommend this because it might work for someone else better. I wish it would have worked longer for me.
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October 1, 2009

Pros:

Acne Vulgaris under control

Cons:

Intial flare up of acne at the begginning.It gets worse first and then slowly the acne disappears.
I am bown skin.So my face looked terrible with the peeling and subsequent tanning.

It works well with acne. But on brown skin , you need to avoid sun (flouroscent indoor lighting) completely.My scars were very visible while I was using it. I used it for 3 months and stopped because my scars were getting worse.
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September 29, 2009

Pros:

has made me get a few less pimples. I'm barely seeing a difference, and ive been using it for 10 weeks.

Cons:

its working really slow. i also just started with tetracycline, and a 10% benzoil peroxide face wash, and thats been for 2 weeks, and my face is worse.

I hear it takes 12 weeks to see full results, so maybe a miracle is going to happen in the next 2 weeks. I also heards its supposed to flush all the stuff deep in your pores, and i hope im all flushed out! I'M SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT QUITTING THIS PRODUCT!!!
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September 24, 2009

Pros:

pimples are smaller

Cons:

dries skin out really bad
everything burns my skin now
my face is more scarred

i hate it !! It was a waste of money my skin wasn't this bad before and its noticeable my friends tell me how my skin looks much worse i didnt have as many pimples as i do now !! but now my skin is peeling and drying out really bad and everything burns. i don't recommend this. My pimples may be smaller but now my acne has spread to places where i didn't have any. Now my self esteem has gone done really bad
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September 21, 2009

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Made me beak out SOOOOOOOOO bad. Did not help at all.

I have stopped using this cream after 4 months. IT just made acne worse thatn EVER. It is the biggest rip off ever. I threw the tube in the garbage.
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September 10, 2009

Pros:

My skin didn't peel off as horribly as with some other topicals.

Cons:

It did nothing for my acne, dried my skin out somewhat, and was expensive for some reason even though I have good insurance.

This treatment was worthless for me.
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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