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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September 13, 2009

Pros:

Works, My severe acne is finally clearing up

Cons:

Very slow, Rather expensive compared to other treatments.

Ive been using differin for about 3 months now, and my swells of acne on my chin and cheeks are finally clearing up. I mix it with a dab of st ives night cream so my face doesent feel dry, after about 5 minutes it doesent feel like you have got anything on at all.
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September 7, 2009

Pros:

Removed the acne I had before I used it

Cons:

Itching, drying, peeling, made me break out more than I ever had!

I was prescribed with differin since late June and I have been using it for more than 8 weeks. I was told that this product would clear up after 8-12 weeks. This is my 12th week and I'm just starting to see it clear up. My face is much softer now but the worst thing about this product is that IT had made me break out more than I ever had. I had moderate acne and it wasn't that bad but since I began using this product, so much more pimples shown up and caused so much redness and big bumps on my skin! I'm starting to see it calm down now but I've have seen it clear out parts of my skin. My forehead, temples, and chin have sort of cleared up, but I still have a lot my cheeks and a few on my jawline. My face is really gross now but I'm glad that I'm starting to see some goodness in this product. I guess I should be a little more patient with it but I can't stand how bad my face has gotten. Mainly this product is to make you face the ugly before the beautiful I'm just waiting.
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September 6, 2009

Pros:

it cleared up all my acne and i had no more oily skin

Cons:

it dried up my face ALOT and made it burn whenever i apply makeup or lotion or even wipe it with a towel

first i had mild acne and it wasnt that bad until i used this product and it made me break out like crazy but it cleared up my acne really well after a few days but it peeled my skin and made it burn but after all that was gone my skin became really clear
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September 2, 2009

Pros:

makes skin soft after application

Cons:

doesnt help with whiteheads, makes skin more oily

Ive been using differin for 6 months. At first my skin got alittle worse, but after that i thought it would get better. I dont have insurance so my derm gives me samples because its too expensive for me. I've also been on doxycycline 75mg once daily. I honestly think that only the pills are working and not the differin cream. The differin makes my skin much more oily and doesnt help with my acne marks either. Doesnt work on whitheads either.
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September 2, 2009

Pros:

- cleared up most acne after a few months
- like the tight feeling after it dries on your skin
- gentle enough for my sensitive skin, not really drying

Cons:

- I seem to be dependent on it
- suuuuper expensive
- stopped working after a few months (other factors involved though?)

I used to be on this with the oral doxycycline, and they made my face about 10x worse the first few months, but then I stopped taking the oral after my second refill and my face started to clear up nicely. However, after a month, it all started coming back again. I tried using it with different cleansing/moisturizing products to no avail. However, now I am using Cetaphil bar cleanser, Neutrogena On-The-Spot 2.5% BP, CeraVae moisturizer (THE single most amazing lotion that I have ever used), and actually yogurt masks almost every other day. I am also drinking A LOT of water, taking a multivitamin that contains sufficient amts of vitamins A, C, and E, exercising, eating healthy, and hardly touching my face. It is starting to clear up again, you guys!
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August 29, 2009

Pros:

Clears it up for about a month

Cons:

Stops working after a month or two.

Ive used this for like 5 months, it was making it clear up at first but now all it does is make me break out more.
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August 19, 2009

Pros:

Aleviated painful cystic acne.
Helps shed acne scars by speeding up exfoliation process.

Cons:

Expensive if not covered by insurance. Dries your skin out. Does not fully prevent breakouts (although my breakouts are less painful). You have to wear sunscreen, which can worsten acne in acne-prone people (which you are if you use Differin Gel).

For me, the cystic acne cleared up only to be replaced by pimples caused by sunscreen, which you must use. So for this to work for me, I would have to put it all over my face, and not just in normally acne-prone areas (ex: forehead) as is recommended. It was a decent alternative to other products containing benzoyl peroxide (I am allergic), but I am going back to the doctor to ask for something that does not make your skin so sun-sensitive. Also, b/c the top layer of skin is always "new" skin, it's quite sensitive and even a minor scratch or pimple on your face is red and takes a long time to heal, granted the scar will disappear with time when using this product, as the skin slowly flakes off. My skin is always rosy now. That said, I have friends who have had fabulous results with this product.
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August 14, 2009

Pros:

Is works for like a week

Cons:

In the beginning it made it worse then it got better and now im neutral too it it doesnt make it better or worse and youll still have acne

I wouldnt get it if you want acne permanantly gone
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August 7, 2009

Pros:

Impoves existing acne, doesn't dry out my (oily) skin, odorless,

Cons:

Dosn't prevent new pimples, works better with other medications, initial breakout, doesnt dry up pimples completely, takes a long time see improvement

I've been on differin for 5yrs and when I first started using it I really saw no difference until I used it with benzaclin and adoxa pills. Since I stopped the benzaclin and just use differin, my skin has been breaking out more which means differin isn't as effective on its own.
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August 7, 2009

Pros:

In combination with emu oil, cleared my forehead and nose. Somewhat cleared my cheeks.

Cons:

Dries out skin, slightly irritating if you don't use a moisturizer after!

You need to be consistent if you plan to use this. Also, applying moisturizer immediately after applying Differin is recommended! After consistent use (once a day for a year) my forehead acne is completely gone, and my nose has cleared too. However, my cheeks still have acne so I can't say that Differin has completely worked for me.
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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