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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February 13, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Price
Makes skin dry and red
Severe peeling of skin
Doesn't work

I used Differn for 4 months. It did absolutely nothing to help my acne. In fact, it seemed my breakouts grew worse and more frequent. My skin became dry and red. It made my skin peel terribly. I felt like I had a bad sunburn the whole time. Do not use this product!!! It is over priced and does not work.
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February 9, 2012

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

worse IB ever
red red red inflamed pimples
red red skin

AHHH. dont ever use differin. i used differin every day for 6.5 weeks and my skin just got wayyyy worse than it ever was, which i know it typical but my face made so much progress over this last year it was such a HUGE step backward. my skin was semi-clear before and i wanted to get rid of pigmentation and ahhh all my acne came back, i cant believe it. the derm said this i typical of differin, wtf would anyone prescribe it. i was using tretinion before and my skin wasn't perfect but it was soo much better i actually miss it. i'm now going to start accutane because of differin, the most annoying thing ever. one acne med making you need accutane. it's unbelievable. please stay far the hell away from differin. i mean i guess it could work for some people but i wouldn't want to find out.
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February 6, 2012

Pros:

Dries out the excessive oil on the skin

Cons:

Doesn't work!
Makes acne worse
Excessive redness

This product did not work in my case - it actually made it worse.I used it sparingly, as recommended, and it still caused my skin to be excessively red and dry. My acne became worse almost immediately and did not improve at all over time. I have now switched to a benzoyl peroxide cream (10%) and have found that to much more effective and cheaper. I would not recommend people to waste their time and money on Differin.
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January 18, 2012
I would not recommend this for anybody. I would be really mad if I would have paid more than 35 dollars for it. I have really bad acne on my chin and it has not gotten any better. I have been on this for almost 6 months and the only thing it has done is dried out my skin. My skin peels and flakes and the acne has not gotten any better. I'm actually going back to the doctor to find something else.
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October 15, 2011

Pros:

It wasn't harsh on my skin and it made it very smooth after 2 months.

Cons:

May have made skin smooth but it leaves red marks that don't heal which is absolutely terrible. I am stopping my use of differin it's not worth it for me.

I really thought this would work after reading many positive reviews online and I had my hopes up and now I have been completely let down. My skin is considerably worst than ever and I blew money on seeing doctors and filling the prescription. The bottom line be cautious and it doesn't work for everyone so dont be afraid to stop using it if after 8 to 12 weeks if it's not working. All the best, Matt
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September 9, 2011

Pros:

none

Cons:

make my acne way worse, and easy to get scars. Be careful with this product, it will not work on some people.

I only had little problems with acne, nothing major. I tried this product just to get my face completely clear, but I believe it was a big mistake!!! the first few weeks, this medication worked wonderful. make my skin looks smooth and clear. Then, the nightmare came. I began to have break outs all over my face which I never experineced in my life. Also, this medication doesn't help your skin heal that well. I am left with few depressed scars after the acne was gone. Now, everytime I look at my face, I feel like crying, I really should never use this medication. It may work on your skin, but be careful, there maybe side effects you do not want to face.
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September 6, 2011

Pros:

Doesn't make your skin worse

Cons:

You have to avoid sunlight
You can only use peasize amounts when putting it on your skin
No change in acne

Didn't work for me. Used it for 6 weeks.
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August 4, 2011

Pros:

Cheap with insurance.

Cons:

No change in acne.

Plain and simple, this did nothing for my skin as a teen and did nothing when I was once again put on it.
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June 27, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

More breakouts, scars, redness, and more brackouts

I usted this for 2 months and at the beggining it looked like it was working but then my acne got worst than ever. It was horrible to see how my face was full of purple scars (Redness + Dryness = Purple scars ). And yes, this happened in my senior year so I was so sad about tnot been able to enjoy my last year at school. I stopped using this crap and then I change my whole treatment for the Vitamin E capsules. I don't have acne no more, my skin is soft, nice, and clean. Good luck guys and also i use South American 5% OXY Spot Treatment. I make my orders every month and Its working really good. (Don't use the American one, It made my face dry and my pimples just got worse)
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May 29, 2011

Pros:

First week was amazing...no oil and acne started to disappear.

Cons:

After my skin cleared up - IT GOT WORSE THAN EVER BEFORE!

I started using Differin Gel after telling my doctor - at 42, I am still breaking out! She prescribed Differin Gel. I started to use it at the beginning of Jan 2011. My first week was wonderful. I noticed immediate results! Skin wasn't as oily, and my problem areas seem to shrink and started to flake away. Then I got into the 3rd week with this product. I started to break out horribly! Worse than when I was a teenager. The product started to burn my skin, make it red and start to peel, as well as bring every other zit I would have IN A YEAR to the surface at the same time. It was BAD! At one point I counted 28-30 zits that were truly visible. Huge blind zits, massive oil pockets. I didn't want to leave the house, I didn't want to make eye contact with people at work because I thought they were all looking at me thinking - what the hell happened to her skin!?? I googled the side effects so I knew about the "initial breakout".., I just never thought it would be that bad! Every website says when it does start working, you'll have the best skin ever...so I kept using it everyday thinking the next day would get better....it didn't. I used the product up until May 9th, so over 17 weeks. When I went off it I started to use Benzamycin Gel to try to clear up the problem spots, which at this point was my whole face! The moment I stopped using it I noticed an improvement. My face stopped peeling and breaking out for no reason...now it's May 20th and I have 3 small remaining issues that can easily be covered with makeup. I could actually go to the store without makeup (not that I would want to) but I would be able to hold my head up high and not be embarrassed! I am not sure why this didn't work for me...others have had success. I just want to let you know that the initial breakout is HORRIBLE! so be ready. If you have success with this product, congrats. If you try it and by month 4 your still breaking out like crazy, GET OFF IT! and
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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