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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January 26, 2012

Pros:

cleared up most of my acne

Cons:

none

has worked great for me, no side effects, fabulous results.
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December 15, 2011

Pros:

IT WORKS.

Cons:

Itchy, red skin (eventually stops)
VERY drying
Must be applied carefully (not too much!)

This stuff is amazing. It has completely saved my life. I had a sudden, horrendous breakout that caused me to go from perfect skin to almost 100 pustules on my face in the course of a week. By the time I got to a derm a month later, I was also developing cystic acne. I started using Differin. Here's a time-line of my experience (which I wish somebody would have given me when I first started, so I knew what I could expect!): Weeks 1-3: No real improvement. My skin actually looked worse because it was red and irritated and dry and flaky. Weeks 4-8: Noticeable improvement. Went from 2-3 new pustules every day to maybe 5-6 pustules a week. Cystic acne got worse and more consistent. 3-4 cystic spots a week. Skin still flaky and dry. Weeks 8-12: More improvement! Now only 3-4 pustules a week, with 1-2 cystic spots. But skin is EXTREMELY dry and painful at this point. It looked like crocodile skin. Weeks 12-16: TONS of improvement!! Now almost completely clear (*knock on wood*) No cystic spots, and maybe 1 pustule a week (and sometimes NONE!) Started using a moisturizer (Neutrogena Oil-Free Combination Skin), which fixed my dryness! Except for a TON of PIH marks (which I hope will fade in time!) my skin looks amazing. I am so, so, so grateful for Differin. My acne was so bad, I didn't know how I could go on living for a while... Differin saved my life.
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December 4, 2011

Pros:

Clears skin!
Not over-drying
Inexpensive generic

Cons:

None!

Tried this when Tazorac became prohibitively expensive, very happy I did! Great for cystic acne and otherwise.
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November 28, 2011

Pros:

Removes Whiteheads
Prevents Acne
Removes Acne

Cons:

Non

I have been struggling with whiteheads and a little acne on my face. The whiteheads were the worst, all over my forehead and spread down to my cheeks. I them for 1.5 years and I got low confidence during this time as it was spreading. I tried everything nothing worked. I decided to see the dr and got Differin, I tried it on and no lies my Whiteheads already got better the third day, I was shocked. I have now used it for about 4 weeks and all my whiteheads are almost all gone. I actually couldn't believe it helped me so fast and I am grateful that I went to see the Dr. I do know that it can make you skin red and dry but since I have a olive colored skin I never got any side effects. Do not give up, my Acne is not coming back and my Whiteheads are almost gone. Give it a try I never believed in creams until now!
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November 27, 2011

Pros:

It works. It works. It works.

Cons:

You have to know how to use it otherwise you will get frustrated and stop the treatment.

As a looong time acne sufferer, I have tried everything but accutane. Here is how to use Differin successfully - it has changed my life. Beginning: super small amount on forehead, cheeks, and chin at bedtime ONLY. Do not apply on nose or between nose and lips. Do not apply to wet skin. Day one - you'll probably notice your face isn't so greasy but burns a little when you wash your face. Next night: apply same amounts to face the before bed. Next day you'll notice face getting red and maybe even peeling. Next night: do NOT use Differin. Skip one or 2 days. Then restart treatment. Your face needs time to acclimate. Give your skin a chance to recover and then restart Differin treatment. Trust me - it works!! ** I also take 10 mg of Progesterone b/c of my heavy periods. I noticed that as soon as I started taking the progesterone, my cystic acne stopped, but I still not got the break outs weekly. That's when I tried Differin again. Everytime I tried Differin in the past I got frustrated and quit - but this last time I took a small break in between to give my face a break and it worked :))
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November 16, 2011

Pros:

Relieved my acne within months. My skin is acne free for the first time in my life

Cons:

Dries out your skin drastically. Make sure to ditch your existing cleansers and scrubs with added medications (ex. salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide) and switch to a mild foaming cleanser. Mine has added feverfew to calm the skin. Get ready for the dryness (even my eyelids started to peel) and make sure you apply as needed regularly.

Like many here, I have tried a ridiculous amount of acne creams, cleansers, lotions etc. Differin has, hands down, been the most effective medication in relieving my acne. Now I'm just left with some post-acne scarring. I love this product and would urge anyone to give it a try.
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September 26, 2011

Pros:

- Clears up acne quickly, even cystic acne.
- Prevents new acne.
- Seems to make pores smaller.

Cons:

- Causes facial redness.

I came off antibiotics a while ago, and my acne started to come back almost straight away. I had tried other retinoid gels before but they were far too harsh and made my hair fall out (it's true! see other reviews on here). This is much milder because it's cream and only 1%, and I only use it once a day at night. So far it has cleared up all my acne and I haven't had a new spot for weeks. Sometimes I get the beginnings of a spot, but this stops it in its tracks. I got rid of a cystic spot in only a few days, and there is almost no scar. The only con is that it makes your skin look quite flushed, but that is a small price to pay for clear skin. Love it, love it, and only £8.00 for a big tube on the NHS. Two points I should mention - my acne had been controlled first by the antibiotics, so it was only mild when I started the cream. Also, go carefully with any retinoid as hair loss is a danger that isn't mentioned in the leaflets.
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September 19, 2011

Pros:

Black heads are smaller, chances of white heads reduced, clearer skin in general, works on back and chest!

Cons:

You must wait through the break out phase in order to see the result of clear skin

I was skeptical when I first started using this because of the increased break-outs, but after about a month and a half, my chest and back started clearing up. It also helps the process if you DO NOT pick at any of your acne. You have to let the medicine do its job.
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September 15, 2011

Pros:

Does greeeeeat work to clear ur acne its wonderfuul amazing gel

Cons:

Bad breakouts first 3 or 4 weeks only

Hi evybdy OMG its great i m using it for last 3 months for my cyctic and other acne problems first few weeks bad breakouts but i did nt leave to use and after that it ll b clearing ur acne faster n u ll completly clear after 3 months the people who left it for initial breakouts i request dont leave to use this it ll work wonderfuuul m so happy with results very amazing product
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August 16, 2011

Pros:

Less acne, clearer, fresher, healthier looking skin

Cons:

a little sensitvity and flaking on the acne itself

So here is my experience. I have been on it for 3 months today. It took exactly 8 weeks to see a difference in the acne. but for 4 weeks now my skin looks and feels so good. I did have a small breakout(which was much less than before and healed much faster) and what my dermatologist said it sounded like hormonal caused. So she prescribed me Spiro. I know that there may be some side effects but I will do anything to keep from getting a breakout again. I can handle a zit now and again but hope it doesn't happen.
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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