Acne.org Products
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Prescription and over-the-counter adapalene share the same efficacy percentage due to non-specific research, but prescription strength likely performs better.
Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
This topical retinoid medication provides partial relief at higher prescription dosages, but don’t look for complete clearing, especially at over-the-counter strength. Relatively affordable and comes with less side effects than tretinoin, the other affordable topical retinoid. As a bonus, it improves the look of skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles a bit too.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 16, 2009
Cons:
None really......thats if it's used properly with Benzaclin.
I went to a dermatologist about how to fix my acne and she prescribed both BENZACLIN and DIFFERIN. Differin was to be used at night while Benzaclin was to be used in the morning. The combination was extremely effective. I think the reason why it doesn't yield such great results is because some people here don't use it with Benzaclin or apply moisturizer afterwards. Ask your doctor or dermatologist to give you a prescription for both and see how that regimen works out for you. Here's my personal tip: Use Cetaphil to wash your face twice; just right before you apply both medications. You can try using Spectro Gel as well, but I find that it isn't as effective as Cetaphil.
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!
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.
December 30, 2008
Pros:
prevents breakouts..
Cons:
doesnt clear acne...
2 months++
December 27, 2008
Pros:
Got it as a sample, so it was free.
Cons:
Burns, drys skin and made me break out.
I used this after getting a sample from my dermatologist and regret ever using it. It made me break out in the areas I applied it and caused my skin to be very dry. It also changed the pigment of my skin. Horrible!
December 23, 2008
Pros:
Hopeful
Cons:
It exacerbated the acne I had!! and made them red and very very tender. Its over the holidays and my Dermatologist's office is closed. But, I AM STOPPING THIS CREAM IMMIDEIATELY!
I had a chemical peel and am on an antibiotic as well my Dermatologist suggest using Differin 0.1%. I tried it and it has made it ten times worst. It made the few I had very sore and very red. It is extremely painful. Day by day for one week now...I have watched the few areas get worse. I am very very disappointed in this product.
December 22, 2008
Pros:
... i have no idea
Cons:
IT MADE THE AREA ON THE SIDE OF MY NOSTRILS VERY VERY DRY AND IT LOOKS LIKE ITS CRAKING.... WHICH IS GROSS.....AND IT MADE MY SKIN OILY...AND IT BARELY DID ANYTHING FOR ME...
THE DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED IT BUT I DONT C IT WORKING SO ON MY NEXT APPIONTMENT I AM GOING TO TELL HIM!! LOL AND HE GAVE ME A COUPON, SO IT COST ME 0$ FOR IT...THE BAD THING IS IT DOES NOT WORK FOR CH1T!!! =[
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
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!
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!
Pros:
Works great when used in conjunction with Benzaclin. Just remember to apply moisturizer 15 minutes after putting Differin on your face; that way it won't dilute the medication. Pretty affordable too.