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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3
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2
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1
11.3%

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January 6, 2008

Cons:

Without insurance, its about $120 a tube. Leaves skin dry and flaky even after you stop using it.

Didn't work for me.
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January 4, 2008

Pros:

cleared acne

Cons:

made my skin itch, dry, and acne got really REALLY bad before it worked

I hated the product at first that I actually stopped using it. Then after weeks of not using it, I went back and tried it again but this time I used it very VERY lightly every night(after 15 minutes of applying clindamycin gel. I still have dark spots but acne almost all gone! Don't use too much! Be patient and apply only little amount and it will actually work!!!
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December 31, 2007

Pros:

My skin i still not clear but it definitely improves the dark spots left by previous acne (i saw result of this in about 2 weeks)

Cons:

None so far

The first week, my skin actually started improving dramatically!! and then in ONE Night---i dont know what on earth happened and i woke up with unbelievably crinlkly skin with little bumps everywhere. Sinc then my skin has gotten back to its normal texture although it took about 2 weeks. I still have a bunch (i would say around 30) of tiny bumps on my forehead...However I am going to be patient and give this product 2 more months! Regimen (ordered by my dermatologist): Night - Clyndamycine solution -Differin XP Day -Clyndamycine solution -BP 10%
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December 28, 2007

Pros:

I used to get terrible hard and painful pimples on my t-zone and since using Differin Cream I never get them anymore. My skin is much smoother and the old acne scars have faded.

Cons:

It dries your skin if it is used too often. My skin is fairly sensitive so I only use it at night. You need to experiment with the cream to make it work with your skin type. Many people who are saying it's not working may be using it too often.

I have had acne since I was about 13. I tried Proactiv, over the counter creams, etc. and nothing really seemed to work. I finally was fed up with dealing with acne so at 22 I went and saw a dermatologist who prescribed Differin. It is worth every penny. My skin is completely clear and much smoother. I only get pimples around my cycle and I never get the hard, cystic type pimples anymore. It probably took 2-3 weeks for me to see significant results. I have pretty sensitive skin so I only apply it at night. I also apply benzoyl peroxide in the mornings on the occasional pimple. I never used to feel confident walking around with no make-up but now my skin is so clear I don't care.
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December 28, 2007

Pros:

my skin has improved dramatically since i started using differin

Cons:

at first it leaves your skin a little irritated and red, but it's nothing severe.

i have been using this product for 16 weeks and it has dramatically improved my skin, i have not had a pimple since i began using differin, and my skin continues to improve as i continue using it.
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December 26, 2007

Pros:

Worked better than expected! Used differin at night (alternated with AHA 15 night cream) and duac in the morning. Now I just have to deal with the dark spots left by old acne.

Cons:

Initial breakout - about 2 cysts and a few smaller ones

After two months, no more cystic acne! Dramatic difference.
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December 26, 2007

Pros:

Creamy consistency, no strong smell, nighttime use, anti-inflammatory.

Cons:

Some dryness.

My dermatologist told me to start using this every 3 nights for a month, then every other night for a month, then every night. I also use Benzaclin and clindamycin gel on off nights. So far so good, although my skin is a little dry. But that could be from any of the medications. My skin is already improving and this also should help with the appearance of large pores, so I'm really pleased so far.
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December 25, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up over 95% of my acne (whiteheads and cysts).

Cons:

Still have blackheads and occasional pimples. Redness and uneven skintone. During the wintertime, dryness and a little flakiness.

I have used over-the-counter products, prescription oral and topical antibiotics as well as Retin-A. This was much more gentle than Retin-A (which left bleach marks on my medium/darker skin tone), and was way more effective than topical antibiotics. It probably took about a month and a half to two months to really work, but now my skin looks so much better! Not entirely flawless, but close enough.
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December 25, 2007

Pros:

It has cleared all the bumps on my jawline and forehead.

Cons:

It gets my very dry but it's nothing compare to the dryness I used to get when I was on Retina-A.

I've been using adapalene for the 17 days now. My skin is much clearer and luckily I did not get the initial breakout. My skin got very dried though and it is peeling, for that I am using Ionax scrub and all the dead skin goes away (it does wonders). I'm also taking tetracycline 300 mg daily.
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December 24, 2007

Pros:

i dont think theyre are any

Cons:

my face is red, and peeling, and swollen, and my acne is wayyy worse than before.

I've only used this for two months, and i know its supposed to get better before it gets worse, but this bad?? i dont think its worth it. i guess i'll keep using it, but im not expecting anything to come of it. dont buy this
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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