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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May 20, 2011

Pros:

Unclear whether it helped with renewing skin.

It's unclear whether my red marks healed more with or without this product.

The cream helped non-inflamed, non-red acne on my forehead.

Cons:

My skin rejected this cream. I put it on and it formed disgusting white inflamed pimples. I have never had white pimples before so I am the white sh*t is from this cream.

Definitely do not use on existing inflamed pimples, it will make them bigger and then they will fall off and make your face bleed and mark.

It's not worth it to use on post inflammatory pigmentation even if it increases cell proliferation because new pimples will form as a result of this cream.

I should have read the reviews. I have been through 5 months of misery with this sh*t. Use a very little amount on non-inflamed acne. Otherwise, stay away from this sh*t!
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April 30, 2011

Pros:

Easy to apply

Cons:

Expensive
Caused my acne to get worse
Made skin more sensitive to the sun/scaring

I was prescribed this product by my dermatologist due to my mild/moderate acne. At that time, I had been using benzol peroxide and my face was fairly clear, but I wanted to to be 100% clear. My doctor told me this was the answer and I stared using it the next day. I followed the instructions carefully and put on plenty of moisturizer daily. MY skin began to get worse after the first week and became gradually worse over the course of 12 weeks. I stayed positive, as my derm. said it takes 3 months for it to work. Well, after 3 months my face was MUCH worse than it was when I started. I wasted 3 months of my life feeling self-conscious and will face another few months trying to get my face back to normal using benzol peroxide (again). STAY AWAY!!!! Waste of time and money.
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April 12, 2011

Pros:

Easy to put on, was easy on my skin, no side effects.

Cons:

Didn't improve acne at all.

I went on this for about 5 months and while on it my acne actually managed to get worse.
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April 11, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

Bright red spots, acne worse

The dermatologist put my 13 year old daughter on this. She had an initial breakout which she is still recovering from after 5 months. She kept with it because they said it would get worse before it got better. After 5 months we have seen no improvement at all and now she has bright red spots on her face that she never had before. May be worth a shot but didn't work for her at all.
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April 6, 2011

Cons:

UNPREDICTABLE

MADE MY MODERATE TEEN ACNE TURN TO SEVERE -VERY ,VERY BAD .I STAYED ON IT FOR 8 MONTHS WAITING FOR IT TO GO IN TO REVERSE BUT NEVER DID .MADE THINGS SO BAD THAT NOW I NEED TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST AND MY FACE IS BADLY SCARED !
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March 18, 2011

Pros:

May work on some...

Cons:

Did not work on me....

I found this site helpful for me when I was questioning whether Differin was working for me or not. I was told like many others to give it at least 3 months to start working. Inititially, I think people think it is working because it is so drying so everything on your skin kinda goes away. Eventually that drying turned into extreme dryness for me to the point of discomfort. After about 4 weeks into Differin, my skin got significantly worse and again, like others, I was told this was going to make my skin get worse b4 it got better. So I sucked it up. Long story short, I had breakouts that were not typical 4 me (not the normal areas I would break out, nor the type of breakout; it almost looked like a rash). I kept up the Differin though bc I had hope until about 1 week ago when I couldnt take it anymore. I looked way worse than when I started! (That was 2 weeks b4 my 3 months of trying were up). Bottom line is... 1 week later my skin looks way better! The Differin was definitely irritating it. I started using OXY Clinical which was way more soothing than the Differin. I am still taking Doxy 4 my hormonal breakouts too. I just wanted to share my story in case someone else is wondering if it is making their skin worse too. You know your skin the best! If you feel it isn't working the way it should; STOP! My other advice is, since most of us spend a ton of $ anyways on acne treatments, try investing in a Clarisonic. It really helps any acne treaments get into the skin better and reallys helps get rid of dead pore clogging skin cells. Best investment for my skin yet, and girls, it helps get rid of any traces of makeup left on your skin. I hope this helps someone!!!!!!
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February 27, 2011

Pros:

Nice consistency?
Get it for free

Cons:

My IB basically never stopped

I've ALWAYS never liked Differin. I first used it back in 2007 when my acne flared up after going through a stressful year in university. Back then, I was completely clueless of retinoids or any other prescription medication. I used it for a month and a half and I must be a freak of nature because it made my combination (normal/oily) skin into an OIL SLICK. It clogged my pores like crazy and made my scars look like melasma. I eventually stopped using it and stuck with good ol' BP and SA. I had beautiful clear skin for the next 2.5 years. Then another stressful year in school hit. I went straight to the docs and got prescribed this sh*t again! I figured to give it a try... maybe this time it'll help. JESUS CHRIST! It was the worst decision EVER!!!!!! I broke out HORRIBLY on my oily areas (tzone) and it clogged my pores WAYYYY worse than before. My skin was at its all time oilist!!! My jawlines started sporting cystic acne and uggghhh, it was just awful-- just in time for the holidays too!!! NEVER AGAIN! I don't know why I keep trying with retinoids. They never agree with me! At least I got this for free.
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November 6, 2010

Pros:

-POSSIBLY helped clear my skin after 2.5 months, but only with the help of other products

Cons:

-gave me the worst acne of my life
-made my skin red and a little yellowish
-caused breakouts on my cheeks (I have never had a pimple on my cheek)
-made my acne painful

DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING THIS PRODUCT unless you are ready to endure awful, painful acne for the next 2 months! I warn you, it takes months to work and the acne in the meantime is unbearable. I am 22, in college, and did not want to leave the house the entire summer. My derm. prescribed other medications to go along with it, (another topical and Birth control) and that is only when my acne started to improve. I am convinced that the birth control solved my issue. Save yourself the aggravation and try something else!
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November 6, 2010

Pros:

Goes on smooth, no residue, clear.

Cons:

Expensive, ineffective.

I used Differin in high school for about a year and it didn't do anything. Now, as a 26 year old adult with acne, I gave it another go. I started it about a year ago this month and have used it consistently since. Absolutely no effect whatsoever. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...yeah. Anyway, it's insanely expensive. Even with my BC/BS insurance, it's $80/tube. Because of this, and maybe this is where I've gone wrong, I use it very conservatively. I cover my whole face with it every night, but I use a very thin layer and the least amount of gel I possibly need in order to coat my face. Doing it this way lets the tube last for about...4 months, maybe? Without insurance, I think it's something to the tune of $200/tube. Yuck. Even if you could stretch it out to 4 months, that's $50/month for a product that is no more effective than water.
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October 12, 2010

Pros:

NONE!!!!!

For those of you who used it and HATED it as I did. Those of you who had the worst break outs of your lives and stopped it, how long did it take to recover??? Because right now my skin is TERRIBLE and I stopped it about 5 days ago.
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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