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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March 4, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

makes skin more red
irritating
expensive

I would never recommend this. I'm using the 0.3 gel and it's irritating my skin so badly. Especially the area around my lips. I can't even put chapstick on them because it stings so bad. My dermatologist said I could use moisturizer underneath it to make it less drying, but it hasn't helped at all. My skin has gotten worse and my parents payed way to much. I've had acne for five years and I just want it to go away already. I've only been on this for a couple of weeks so I'm not sure if I should keep it up or give it up. It's causing more stress than it seems to be worth. Oh and one super huge CON: it gave me the worst rash on my chest and arms. Seriously I looked like I had some sort of strange, dry, red birth mark. It took DAYS to go away and there's still some on my arms. I'm pissed and I want my parent's money back.
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January 31, 2010

Pros:

Smooth skin

Cons:

My face became so red that it hurt to even breathe. I became blotchy all along the jawline and everywhere else looked like I had an extremely bad sunburn. My face was so dry and irritated that even putting moisturizer on it caused me pain. There was also a lot of peeling, no amount of Physicians Formula mineral makeup could cover it. I developed a cyst on my nose, I only ever get cysts from prescription medications.

Even though I only used the product for a week, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with dry skin. My skin doesn't produce many oils (I don't even get blackheads or whiteheads) and I've realized that topical acne creams are not the way to go. SO REMEMBER: if you have dry or sensitive skin, Differin isn't even worth trying. It will only cause more pain.
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January 25, 2010

Pros:

Makes the skin dry, so there's no shiny nose/cheeks/forehead during the day.

Cons:

Skin started peeling off and became very red after the second day of using. My face hurt and I felt very uncomfortable.

The worst part for me was the redness and peeling. I have oily, sensitive skin and started using Differin for curing (as my doctor calls it) acne vulgaris. I am currently using it and have thoughts of dumping the course. I can't stand feeling ugly and uncomfortable during school, walking through the day with a red, itchy, peeling face only to get home sooner.
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January 19, 2010

Pros:

seriously...none...probably didn't use it long enough... but I had my reasons.

Cons:

My reasons were that it caused ALL my acne that weren't visible to all appear at the same time. Like i put it on my body too like neck chested areas...never do... caused so much scarring and it started turning brownish shade it was so gross i was so ashamed of myself.. to a point where even Sheercover convinced me to buy it to cover up the scars. Also, it was so dry and tight on my face causing it to feel like its being burned.. especially when I touched my face. I couldn't handle it..

Do not use it... it may work for some people but not me... I couldn't handle the affects... my acne's were pretty mild I just wanted to get rid of some acne that's all... and I got this... horrible. It took months and months of healing from the scars and the break outs...
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January 5, 2010

Pros:

No pros.

Cons:

Made my skin very dry.
After 6 months using this product, it still did not work.

I dont have severe acne, although my dermatoolgist subscribed it to me and said that it takes time to see the results. The first week I had so bad rash, I could not go out. My face burned and was very itchy and no cream helped to make the situation even a little bit better. So I went to my family doctor, who helped to get my face better with some kind of salve. And said that my dermatologist likes to write differin to everyone who walks in with acne. Still I continued to use it. Because all these products what dermatologist subscribed me costed pretty much. So I used it with uriega washing gel(before differin) and sebamed cream(after). And even with the cream my face started to peel. It was like I go out and after half and hour my face was very dry, inflexible and peeling. But I still thought that okey, it takes time so no whining. And after 6 months I had enough with that product. Because I could not stand the peeling and that my face was very very very inflexible and dry ALL the time. And my face was never dry before. I had comedons ,that I hated. And after six months my face was not improved in any way.
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December 28, 2009

Pros:

There weren't any

Cons:

Severe itchying. if put anywhere near nose or mouth the itching turns into SEVERE BURNING ( so bad made me and my sister cry!!) face turns inflamed and it smells to high heaven, the burning doesn't go away for a while even after continued use

Didn't work for me.. but all skin is different!
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December 13, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

It got rid of the big pimples, but then it created this skin of little bumps everywhere...it was disgusting. Overall, it did not help my skin and it strongly irritated my skin.

Doctors get money to promote this product, along with all of their other galderma products like differin and cetaphil. Sometimes their products work for some people, but for me it didn't, probably because i have sensitive skin. Although I told my doctor I had sensitive skin, he still prescribed it to me and the result was lots of red rashes mixed with little bumps all over my skin.
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December 10, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

I went to the dermatologist for my acne and he gave me a little sample tube of differin 0.3. My skin became dry and peely after a couple of days...

My skin became very very dry and was flaking off. Even made me have big red splotches on my face... used it for about 2 weeks but i couldn't stand it anymore! Went back to the dermatologist and he gave me Retin-A. Been using that for about a week and my skin is much better! :)
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December 3, 2009

Pros:

NOTHING!!!

Cons:

My skin is turning into a slab of pepperoni pizza being pulled out of an oven at your local Pizza Hut. I've been using it for one month and my skin is breaking out like crazy. My old acne has been lost in a sea of beautiful new red bumps. Which ma

I guess I'll keep slapping it on every night. Hopefully things will get better during the next two months. Thank God I'm not still in high school, then this would REALLY suck!!!
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November 17, 2009

Pros:

HONESTLY NONE.

Cons:

I HAVE BEEN USING THE CREAM FOR OVER 4 MONTHS AND I AM WORSE OFF NOW THEN WHEN I STARTED. THE ACNE BECAME MORE SEVERE AND MY FACE IS DROOLING WITH WHITE PUSS ACNE.

WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY FOR ME, BUT YOU HAVE TO TRY OR YOU WILL NEVER KNOW .
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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