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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November 27, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my skin, was pretty consistent

Cons:

redness, when used with other products it really dried my skin out

i have used clindoxyl, differin and tazorac and this was definitely my favorite. i was using clindoxyl and differin on alternating days and i found that differin cleared up my skin better than clindoxyl did
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November 24, 2008

Pros:

Easy to apply doesnt hurt or smell.

Cons:

takes a loooonnngggg time to work

Week 7 and seen some improvment, not to much but it gradually getting better (: it doesnt burn skin or smell, no real side effects just takes a while.
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November 23, 2008

Pros:

I was having issues with simultaneous dryness and cystic acne in 4 or 5 places at a time, so my derm prescribed this in conjunction with an oral and topical antibiotic. During about week 2, the dryness was gone, but the cysts still remained.

Cons:

It is week 8 now and my skin has never been worse. The dryness is back, and I would say I have around 20-30 cysts and inflamed whiteheads all over my cheeks (where I have NEVER broken out before.)

This has not worked for me. My skin is fair, sensitive, and I try to take good care of it (daily sunscreen, mineral makeup, etc), and the small issue with acne that I attempted to fix with Differin only turned the problem into a catastrophe. I've tried to give this medicine the benefit of the doubt, but unfortunately there has been no improvement at all.
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November 19, 2008

Pros:

Read the bottom line

Cons:

None, really

This is the real deal. The doctor told me it would take up to 6 months to clear everything, and sure enough, it did. I still have the occasional break out, but Differin keeps it under control. The only problem is, I use a little too much of it. They say that can be bad for your skin and that it'll make it worse, but I haven't had any problems. I use it on my forehead, chin, sides of my nose every night before I go to bed, because that's where i notice breakouts the most. It is definitely worth a try, especially for those who haven't had luck with store products.
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November 19, 2008

Pros:

I've been using the .1% formulation for about a monthy and my skin has really improved. I have almost no acne (they still pop up occasionall) and my face just looks rejuvinated in general. Only minimal irritation and sensivitity.

Cons:

For me, the cons were minimual. You must use sunscreen during the day (I use L'oreal with mexoryl, which has broadcast uv protection) and not on top of other products (especially other acne products!).

Magic in a tube...use it with patience but it worked great for me! Print out the $25 rebate for the first prescription.
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November 17, 2008

Pros:

Makes acne go away & new one's from forming.

Cons:

A little peeling & makes face sensitive.

Thus far I love this stuff. Well I am using with BP and the combo is working great. I was on Retin-A for about 7 wks and that stuff stayed on the IB so when I got on Differin I had very little IB. I have no pimples forming except bumps on the forehead which go away w/ in a day or so. I think this is really working and my face is getting smooth again. I think, again, "think" it's even helping w/ my scarring. But I'm going to give it more time to see if that's it. I'm not sure about the cost yet because the derm gave me samples to use first.
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November 17, 2008

Pros:

mainly takes away blackheads and whiteheads, not expensive compared to other acne prescriptions

Cons:

takes a while for EVERYTHING to go away, face will peel at first, face gets kind of oily.

ive already been using it for about 2-3 weeks and I see improvement in my face already. I mainly have acne on my nose or near it and LOT of whiteheads on my forehead. All my acne on my nose went away and now Im waiting for it to work on my forehead. I dont understand how this product didnt work for many others BUT I LOVE IT.
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November 16, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made me breakout even worse, each day a couple of new cysts would surface.

I tried to be patient and gave differin the benefit of the doubt and stuck with it for 2 months. My skin got worse and I continued to use it because I thought that it might get worse before it got better. I would never use differin again!!!
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November 13, 2008

Pros:

Results seen after 2 applications, clear in 2 weeks. Got rid of all cystic pimples and now if I get a pimple it comes to a head really fast with no scarring. Worked wonders for blackheads on my nose too!

Cons:

Kinda expensive but if you think about it clear skin is worth any cost!

Use with 5% benzoyl peroxide on top of differin application. I use the cream, the gel apparently will dry you out like crazy. AMAZING RESULTS AND I GOT NO INITIAL BREAKOUT PERIOD!
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November 11, 2008

Pros:

didn't make my acne worse

Cons:

Itched the hell out of my skin

I didn't notice any changes in my acne in the first month, they say it takes 3 mos to start working but I had to quit using it after 1st month because of this itch! Also, they say the side effects will subside after few weeks but it only got worse for me so I quit. I know theres other ways to combat my acne without having to scratch my face off. This was just way too uncomfortable.
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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