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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June 4, 2008

Pros:

I had no irritation, cleared up my existing acne completely in a very short time ( a little over a month, applying twice daily whenever possible) have only gotten two very small pimples used it as a spot treatment and gone by next day.

Cons:

None. Now using hydroquinone 4% to even skin tone. I LOVE it! I don't apply the Differin gel daily anymore and still no breakouts but will always keep some on hand for spot treatments.

It didn't irritate my skin; cleared my acne quickly, within a couple of days I saw the difference in my skin. Everything came up from beneath the surface of my skin--so it'll get worse before it gets better. I didn't wear makeup while using it, and that's big for me I've worn makeup daily for years. I haven't worn makeup since Feb. Even with the slight uneven skin tone I still won't wear it--I don't need to. I washed my face with dove soap until my skin was clear and now use Neutrogena foaming daily cleanser w/o salicylic acid. I noticed in Jan. salicylic acid made me breakout. I'm currently looking for a good oil-free moisturizer with SPF b/c I won't be wearing foundation ever again!!! Proactiv is a waste of money and isn't effective after continued use, you ALWAYS have to have it you cannot go one day without using the product because the pimples come right back. One tube of Differin applied daily (sometimes twice all over my face) last more than a month.
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June 3, 2008

Pros:

No smell, easy to apply

Cons:

Dryness, does not work

Used this for 5 months now. My skin has never gotten better...or worse...it's like it didn't work.
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May 31, 2008

Pros:

It took some of my more inflammatory acne away

Cons:

Did not see any great results even after continually staying on it for over 2 months.

My first dermatologist prescribed this for me after I had tried countless OTC medications. At first, it cleared up some of my really bad acne but after almost two months it completely stopped working for me. The thing is, if I go a few days without applying any to my face, I get really horrible breakouts. It might work for you but I could never see any great results. Stupid acne! haha
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May 30, 2008

Pros:

It cleared up the acne wonderfully, and didn't irritate my forehead (which is much oilier than the rest of my face) at all.

Cons:

The gel covered my face in large patches of raised, red skin which burned, itched, peeled, and hurt unbearably.

The side effects were many times worse than the acne. No makeup would cover the red, dry, peeling, bumpy skin. Some mornings I would get rid of all the peeling layers (it frequently wasn't possible) and by night would be sloughing off skin like massive snowflakes. I had to sit on my hands to avoid scratching my face. It burned excruciatingly when I applied even the mildest of lotion to combat the dryness.
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May 29, 2008

Pros:

Wasn't too drying

Cons:

Did absoultly nothing for my acne.
Costs £7 a month on NHS.

Just doesn't work. Used it exactly as directed for 6 months and it didn't do a thing. Big waste of time and money.
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May 24, 2008

Pros:

It does what it promises

Cons:

takes a long time to kick in

remember to check the other product you put on your face, when using differin there are a few things that you should be avoiding. # Differin ® should not be used along with other anti-acne products containing Retinoid, retinoic acid, trinitoin or Vitamin A such as Retin-A, Retinol, Renova. # Differin ® should not be used with any skin products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid. # Differin ® should not be used with any abrasive or medicated soaps, astringents, alcohol, lime, or witch-hazel products, or any products than can be drying or irritating to the skin. # Differin ® should not be used with products containing alpha hydroxy, hydroxy or glycolic acid containing products. # Differin ® can not be used with any peeling agents, glycolic peels, chemical peels or laser peels. # Differin ® should not be used with benzoyl peroxide, Skinoren or Azelex as they may be drying or irritating.
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May 21, 2008

Pros:

It purged the acne that was deep within the skin and once that was over, my face cleared up considerably. (in conjunction with climdamycin)

Cons:

The first week my skin was super dry, flaky, and no matter how much lotion i put on my face it wouldn't go away! My lips were dry too!

The first week and half it seemed that my skin was getting worse! I started breaking out in places that usually didn't! But after that the little bumps on my skin started going away, the flakiness went away, and my skin was smoother. [ i have mild acne btw] The first time I tried Diffin (couple of years ago with the .01 dosage) it did not work for me, because I had very bad acne. This time around because of the milder state it seemed to work. I would not recommend this to someone with aggressive acne.
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May 19, 2008

Pros:

Helped a little bit with acne, controlled it more than healed it.

Cons:

Didn't clear my skin, stung if I put it on sunburn or irritated skin.

This product is better than some others I've used on my mild to moderate acne. I feel like it's better for just mild acne, and wont help with those bigger pimples. If you have insurance, then I'd say give it a go.
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May 19, 2008

Pros:

purged a lot of my acne pre-accutane

Cons:

MAJOR SCARRING, face bled at night.

My derm put me on a .3 solution of Differin for a month and a half while I was waiting to get on accutane. I had a HUGE initial breakout that lasted for over 3 weeks, and a lot of scarring from that. My IB brought a lot of acne to the surface, the lesions would be filled with blood and (sorry to be graphic) sometimes would pop when I slept at night. Ew. I even decreased my dosage to once every other day, but that didn't help much. While the medication did purge a lot of acne from under the surface of my skin, I have incredible scars now that are very red & I have to cover them up with makeup every day. I do not think I will use this again just because of the scarring.
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May 16, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

made acne worst broke in cysts i never had made face greasey

if you have sensative skin that gets irrated easily don't use i felt i wasn't strong enough
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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