Adapalene (Non-prescription)
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
3.3
1633
Read All About Adapalene (Non-prescription)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
17.9%
4
31.4%
3
23%
2
16.4%
1
11.3%

Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
January 3, 2009

Pros:

Feels better than BP.
It works wonders
Little goes long ways.

Cons:

I dont have insurance so cost. 140 a month :(

This is an individual review and this stuff works for me. I am asian, male, and live in the valley of CA. I started taking this a week ago and it worked wonders. I didn't feel any of it's "nasty side effects" because i think my skin is very resilient, which was nice. It actually felt really nice on my skin. It controls the cystic acne pretty well and helps heal resisting lesions very well, for me anywas. I am taking mynocycline too, but that takes at least 2 months to work. I don't have insurance so this thing cost me 140 bucks a month. but i was paying 80 bucks for proactive every 3 month, so i guess it evens out. I have to say though, persistent is key. My breakouts didn't get worse at first, it got better. Also i am on the Paleo Diet so that helps ALOT!! Sticking with it, no matter what therapy, will give you results in the end. I'll get back to review this when my therapy is over.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 3, 2009

Pros:

Made skin appear healthier. Slowly but surely getting rid of acne.

Cons:

Takes some time.

I've been on differin gel a couple of times. The first time it was the 0.1% dosage and now it's the 0.3% dosage. It's one of those medications were it gets worse before it gets better or at least that has been my experience. Right now I'm still in the worst of it but I know it will get better. I think it mainly gets worse because it's bringing all the possible pimple to the surface. I also have really oily skin so I don't mind that this dries it out a bit.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 31, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of acne along my jaw line. Made my skin feel very soft and smooth. When I do breakout, the breakout goes away very quickly.

Cons:

drys out my skin and makes it very sensitive.

I would reccommend this product to try. Everyone has different skin types so I am sure it wont work for everyone.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 31, 2008

Pros:

Seems to be working

Cons:

None yet

I think a lot of people didn't follow the directions on this product. You are supposed to use an extremely minimal amount and only on the affected areas once per day. Also you need to continue with that for a few months for it to work. It is not magic. I'm currently on day 3 and it's already working quite well. I am taking antibiotics while on the Differin for my skin.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 31, 2008

Pros:

Differin does work, but it works in time. It smooths out your skin and makes it soft in the end.

Cons:

There is definitely peeling and irritation. Leaves acne marks behind at times. Takes time to clear those marks up after. It sometimes leaves a shiny glow which is not so great, especially around the T-zone area.

Differin is a great product to use especially if you have moderate or severe acne. In the beginning it does dry out your skin and increase irritation, but in my opinion that means its working. Just like any other product. You must have patience and hope that it will clear up or else youre only gonna make it worse!! In time with using Differin my skin cleared up and people began to notice. My confidence increased. It took about one year for my nodular acne to clear up completely in which i had about everywhere around my face. It is worth it, but just like any other product it may not work for everyone and only some.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 31, 2008

Pros:

No nasty odor like most over the counter cremes. Leaves no visible film. I only used this for 2 months, but noticed that my cystic acne seems to be less severe.

Cons:

Using this product alone may not work for severe cystic acne sufferers.

It's worth a shot. Do not let others stop you from trying this medicine. What may not work for one person, may work for a another. Everyone is different! Please be informed that regardless whether its Retin A, Tazorac, or Differen, etc.., severe drying, irritation, and breakouts ARE NORMAL during its initial use, but should eventually subside as your skin just has to get used to it. Give it a chance!
This Was Helpful

Report
December 31, 2008

Pros:

my pores look smaller and skin looks "dewier" when I use this every night.

Cons:

it doesn't seem to have any effect on my cystic acne.

i can definitely tell a difference on the nights i forget to apply differin. i've used numerous topical applications (including retin a, cleocin) and this is the only medication that doesn't make my skin red, peely or irritated. i use differin in conjuction with an oral med. it would never work on it's own. i've used differin for about 5 years.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 31, 2008

Pros:

It works...eventually

Cons:

It breaks you out seriously for a few weeks-I had more acne than ever but they started clearing out about 3wks later! still breaking out, but it's reduced. DO NOT WAX any part of your face or you will get layers of your skin peeled off.Happened to me

Hope it finally gets rid of the acne. Takes too darn long!
This Was Helpful

Report
December 30, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my skin a little bit.

Cons:

Caused my face to become itchy (rash) and more acne prone with large pores, especially on my chin. I have tried to follow the instructions carefully to no avail, and moisturize as needed.

I tried the 0.1% that was given as a sample from my dermatologist. I stopped using Differin and decided to just use Benzaclin. The itchiness went away and I haven't had a big breakouts since then.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 30, 2008

Pros:

prevents breakouts..

Cons:

doesnt clear acne...

2 months++
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 68 69 70 71 72 … 121
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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