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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December 19, 2008

Pros:

Helped control acne for a few months. I had white head and doc prescribed this.

Cons:

Now I'm developing cystic acne and black heads. Skin is very oily now. You can deep fry on my face no.

In my 30s I stated getting pimples. Over the counter stuff wasn't working. Doc prescribed this and gave me a regiment. I think it is getting worse. Not a cure all only good for short term use and it might make it worse.
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December 3, 2008

Pros:

Prevent acnes forming, reduce inflmation, smooth out skin texture, so gentle which does not irritate the most delicated area

Cons:

Tend to lose its efficiency in preventing and fighting acnes after 18 to 24 months of continuous use.

If your goal is (like mine) to prevent acnes from forming, you should give this great product a try. This is my most favorite acne topical medication because I have had 99.99% complete clear skin after 10 days of using it. One of the reason I can keep using it is because it does not dry my skin in any measurement. (BTW, I am 39 and I will not trade acnes with wrinkles.) I use Ziana everyday before I go to sleep. My skin care routines are: 1. Remove make up with FANCL or DHC cleansing oil 2. Wash with foaming cleanser 3. Apply pea size of Ziana gel all over the entire face and neck line, except eye area and lips 4. Apply moisturizer after the gel is completely absorbed, if needed. After almost two years of using Ziana, I started to develop drug resistance for Clindamycin. I now use 15 to 20 minutes of blue light before I apply Ziana gel. It has improved to a satisfying level.
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December 3, 2008

Pros:

I honestly can't see any pros. I honestly wouldnt try this because you may get the reaction I got, and its just not worth it.

Cons:

Causes horrible cystic acne on my jawline and cheeks that I have never experienced in my entire life. I started using it at the start of october and its the beginning of december and my face is finally back to normal. Still have tons of red marks:(

I am 19 and had occasional acne, nothing bad and only around my mouth, none on cheeks or jawline. I took this medicine and within 2 weeks my face broke with cystic acne along my jawline and cheeks!! These were in places that I have never, ever gotten acne, and to a severity that I have never experienced. Ever. I didnt even get acne until I was 17 and it has always been 1 or 2 pimples here or there, nothing else. I figured I would get rid of those few pimples for good, man was I wrong. I started the "treatment" at the beginnign of october and used it until nov 1st when I went to the derm and he was shocked at what this had done to my face. My face is finally getting back to normal but I am still suffering from tons of red marks and I may have permanent scarring :( From a person that never really had ACNE, this product gave me it.
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December 2, 2008

Pros:

It clears your skin, leaves your skin real smooth

Cons:

It takes time to work (3 months). At 1st, skin was EXTREMLEY dry, then 1.5 months later, my face would get real oily. oh, and my face broke out a lot when i first started to use it.

It is a great product to try, but only if your patient. Your face SHOULD clear up. I only have 1 or 2 blemishes on my face left sooooo try it! Plus my skin is wicked somoth. My insurance paid for it but i know this medication costs $125-$150. ;/
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December 1, 2008

Pros:

absorbs quickly

Cons:

none that i can think of

ive been using differin along with duac for a little over 2 months now and ive seen a lot of improvement. i was also taking an oral antibiotic with the topicals until about a week ago. i still have a prescription left but im doing good, if not better, without it. At the moment i am completely clear but i didnt experience zero breakouts until i hit month 2. Right now i use differin every night and duac every other morning because using them both everyday is too drying for me. I never experienced the "purging", it was all just slow but consistent clearing. I would definitly recommend this, you just need to be patient and consistent in application. I used to use DKR for over a year and never got completely clear, but this cleared me
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November 30, 2008

Pros:

Clears everything from blackheads to red and white spots as well as getting rid of the inflammation and swelling. Dries everything in 24 to 48 hours and gets rid of it.

Cons:

Makes skin oily so use a shine control and SPF cream during the day.

I started the treatment because I stopped the pill, so the body hormons will take a while to settle, about a year actually. At first lots of spots wanting to break through but I used differin from day 1 and it worked wonders!!! It is inexpensive, keeps its promises and if you keep at it, IT WILL WORK!!! I have only used it at night but I apply it on a clean face (mainly forehead, temples, cheeks, chin and jawline), I wait for it to dry for a few minutes. Then I apply my non-comedogenic night cream (I currently use the Nutrilogie range). During the day my retinol eyecream and my non-comedogenic SPF 15 face cream. So this way I have all the benefits of the differin without the drying side effects. My skin stills looks radiant with only a few spots (as before the treatment) when its that time of the month. You need to use it for at least 3 months to see the results and they are worth it! Dont be tempted to squeeze them as differin will take care of the spot and the inflammation. Voila!
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November 30, 2008

Pros:

It worked at first, with the oral antibiotics

Cons:

NOW it just aggrevates the skin, and every time I try a little it either reduces one night and inflames the next

Try it, it worked at first. You never know with your skin which product is the best for you. I think that it is worth a try.
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November 29, 2008

Pros:

It helped some.

Cons:

Took FOREVER to work. Not worth it.

Dont get it.
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November 28, 2008

Pros:

helps blackheads a little bit, whiteheads too. also found it helped pimples.

Cons:

made me vveerryy dry, flaking, peeling skin, ect..

it hasnt been the best thing ever, i still have ance, but it helps. be patient!
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November 27, 2008

Pros:

I have seen improvement in one month of use.

Cons:

It takes a little while to work.

I dont know if it's because i am using Benzoyl Peroxide and ingesting a pill along with Differin, but whatever it is, it works. So there.
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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