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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11.3%

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March 27, 2009

Pros:

The only pro about this product was the price. It was affordable and easy to use.

Cons:

I started using this gradually as recommended, 2x/wk. After about 3 applications, I broke out with a cluster of cystic acne. I had started using this product for several comedones and ended up with WAY WORSE acne!!

If you are not prepared for your acne to be two times as bad as when you start, then don't use this product. I wish that I had never put this on my face. Now I am using Prednisone and antibiotics to try to calm this mess down.
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March 21, 2009

Pros:

Easy to use and only once a day

Cons:

Dried out skin, redness, itchiness.
It worked for the first 3 weeks but then the acne got worse thatn it was before I started Differin

Does not work, it makes it worse
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March 20, 2009

Pros:

cleared up some of my acne

Cons:

it made my skin very red and dry. then i would wake up in the morning and my skin would be oozing, peeling, and swollen. It also discolored my 80% of my face.

i would definitely not recommend this to anyone. my skin, despite having no acne, looks horrible. right now, my skin is oozing and itching.
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March 19, 2009

Pros:

cheap
last long

Cons:

drys skin out
skin started to peel
burning!!!!! pain!!!!!

no results it burns like hell and it drys my skin out very bad it even burns when I put on lotion
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February 9, 2009

Pros:

My pimples do seem to disappear quicker, as long as I dont pick at them and cause them to scab over. Pimples are smaller.

Cons:

Haven't really seen any improvement, if anything it is getting worse. I dont have as big pimples as I did before but there seem to be a lot more. Made my skin really dry and peeling.

I hear that it can take up to 6 months to get completely clear so I will probably stick it out until the Summer then try something new if it still isn't working by then.
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February 1, 2009

Pros:

iv been using it for more than a year now and i dont see any touched results

Cons:

It doesnt work!

Don't use it unless you have an inflamed pimple that you need to get rid of faster...
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January 29, 2009

Pros:

reduced acne somewhat, easy to use

Cons:

made my skin sensitive and irritated

I went to Florida while using this, and I turned purple. Honest to goodness, purple. I don't know if it was the combination of the sun (I wear sunscreen religiously) or saltwater, or what. But I was purple. And my skin felt very sore as well. Not irritated or chapped, but like I had gotten smacked very hard. Needless to say I discontinued use. I haven't heard of any other reactions like this, so I would say give it a try to other people.
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January 22, 2009

Pros:

I have used differin for over a year, and for the first couple of monthis it seemed to be working.

Cons:

Now I break out regularly, and while it is not quite as bad as before it is still noticeable. I almost always have 2 or 3 large pimples and a couple of smaller ones. It is also VERY expensive.

Differin would only be worth the very high price if it were absolutely 100% effective. It is not worth 120 dollars per bottle to go from having 5 zits at a time to having 2.
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January 21, 2009

Pros:

No side effects

Cons:

It doesn't work at all for me. My skin is still very oily and hasn't cleared up at all.

It's worth the try, but doesn't work for everyone.
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January 15, 2009

Pros:

Seemed to help keep certain areas clear. I apply in on cystic and nodular acne bumps as soon as I feel them and it helps dry them out faster.

Cons:

Extremely dry, chapped, and red skin.

I have used this product for about 2 years in addition to antibiotics. I stopped using antibiotics about 9 months ago and my skin has broken out ever since. I haven't taken a break from using the differin because I'm afraid it will be much worse, but it really doesn't seem to be improving anything. It is winter in Minnesota and my skin can't take the dryness anymore, so I might have to finally give up the Differin. If you live in a humid, warm climate and don't have sensitive skin, this product may work well for you. I see an improvement in the summer. But for others, the dryness and sensitivity probably isn't worth it. You can hide some acne with makeup but you can't cover dry, red, flaky skin.
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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