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 11, 2008

Pros:

This stuff works good. I have been using it for 3 years--can you believe it?!?! I remember though, when I started, those first few months were rough! Actually, maybe even like 6 months or more BUT it works.

Cons:

It's a tough adjustment period! I was very sensitive to light (even just indoor light--not just sunlight). Your skin will go from dry to oily.

It works! Stick with it!
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November 9, 2008

Pros:

i couldn't find one.

Cons:

For the first few days acne will get worse. Thats what happened with me. Use this if you have a lot of patience.

It might work for mild acne sufferers but defenetely not for moderate or severe sufferers.
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November 8, 2008

Pros:

Worked very well for about a year..... Then stopped working all together.

Cons:

stopped working after a year

Very good but stops working after about a year. Which is very disappointing.
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November 7, 2008

Pros:

Soft skin, helps for oily skin, especially on long term.

Cons:

Takes quite some time to work, not suitable when skin is dry.

It's important to wash your skin BEFORE USE - and wash it well. This product definitely worked for me on the long term, though it must be noted that it should be used very consistently and that sun should be avoided for at least an hour after application. One should consult one's dermatoligist as all treatments will not work for all skin types.
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November 7, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

.3% made it worse and wierd patches to form on my skin, and extreme dryness

use only at night
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November 7, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

DIdn't work at all for me. I used it for 4 months and it was working decently with the Minocycline i was prescribed alongside it until i stopped taking that because it was making me dizzy.

Do not buy it. It worsened my acne a lot it may work for you but one thing I know is that it sure as hell did not work for me.
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November 6, 2008

Pros:

very soft skin, no more oily skin

Cons:

can dry skin out, and very pricy, and takes forever to work!
if your like me, and have no hope left, this shoulnt be used as a last resort, its no more special, than an over the counter product

dont buy, because your "out of options"
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November 5, 2008

Pros:

Worked VERY well - continued use is definitely minimizing scarring

Cons:

very expensive

After trying everything from strong benzoyl peroxide washes/creams and salicylic acid washes and creams, Differin made the difference for my son. He had moderate to severe cystic acne on his face with significant 'crusting'. His skin felt like really rough sandpaper. He used the .01% gel for a while and saw moderate results, so the doctor increased him to the .03% gel and what a difference! Not only are his breakouts gone, the reddish purple scarring is starting to decrease after just 3 months. The doctor tells us that continued to use will help to decrease the icepick scarring and the purplish cast to his skin but it will take at least 6 months to a year to see drastic results. I'm willing to stick with it - his skin has become very soft and smooth as a result of this medication. Stop wasting money on the TV ad products and invest in great dermatological care. The tube of differin gel lasts about 6 months.
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November 5, 2008

Pros:

It works as long as you stick to it on a daily basis and follow your doctor's instructions. Be patient for results.

Cons:

It's a bit on the pricey side and there is no available generic brand available so if you're watching out for you're budget then it's a no go.

All the previous complaints before this were really biased in my opinion. Everyone expected "instant" results when most dermatologists will tell you that it may take up to six weeks before you skin starts clearing up. Be patient and just give it a chance for it to work. The test tubes are a bit misleading since you need about 40 of them to see results and you're definitely run out if you're trying out the product on the mini tubes.
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November 5, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin, lightens hyper pigmentation.

Cons:

oily skin, bad initial breakout, dries out skin for the first week, redness, cant go out in the cold.

i used to have horrible acne that started when i put tanning oil on my face!! it was baadddd!! after using a dozen different products i started to use proactive in the first week of august and after picking at my face like it was the end of the world i was left with cysts!! it was bad and sad. :( thankfully i went to the derm. in october and she gave me differin and i started tanning and now my acne is almost gone you HAVE to use cetaphil gentle skin face wash so your face doesnt dry and peel!!!!!!! theres still places where it could be better but ive only been using this for a month!! i hope it gets better and im 100% clear!! wish me luck!!! :)
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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