Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
This topical retinoid medication provides partial relief at higher prescription dosages, but don’t look for complete clearing. Relatively affordable and comes with less side effects than tretinoin, the other affordable topical retinoid. As a bonus, it improves the look of skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles a bit too.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
Adapalene is available in strengths up to 0.3% by prescription. Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one. Adapalene is also available over-the-counter in 0.1% strength. Here are some places you can find it online.
Used Adapalene? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 3, 2020
Be consistent!
This medication truly takes time to work. You have probably read that before, and it is true. I started getting large breakouts during the beginning of Covid around my chin and on my cheeks. I went to a dermatologist and the doctor advised I developed hormonal acne and prescribed me a topical called Clindamycin. I was told to apply it twice a day and was recommended to also use it in conjunction with Differin. After watching videos on how to apply Differin (protecting around the eyes and mouth with a thick ointment) I started my journey. Around month one I didn't notice much of a difference in acne, but I did notice my complexion was looking much more vibrant and healthy. Around month two is when the real purging started. It would get really bad, and then okay, and then really bad again. The medication works hard to pull up deep clogged pores to the surface of your skin, and that takes time and can look really inflamed. I started to get breakouts in areas where I didn't have any issues which was discouraging. I tried my best to think positive and remind myself that I am the same person with or without acne. I will admit I started this medication at a good time since everything was closed in my city, and there was no real need to be seen or wear foundation. Month 3 finally came and my skin is now looking clear of all active breakouts. My skin is so smooth! I do have post acne hyperpigmentation (mostly red dots on my cheeks), and I am now starting a new routine to help speed up that healing process (those marks will fade with time don't worry). I am going to continue to use Differin throughout the entire year because I know my skin is going to continue to improve with time as it is not perfect. My honest advice is to stay consistent! I haven't missed a single application in 3 months. And maybe see your dermatologist to see if you should be using something else along with Differin to help speed up the process. Also do not touch your face or pop any of your acne because it will make things 1000x worse in the end. <3
April 7, 2020
Recommended for Infantile Acne
My daughter is going through Infantile Acne.
For the parents who don't know what to do in that situation, maybe my experience can help:
I live in Beijing, China. I brought my daughter to many dermatologists, even the BEST child dermatologist of the WHOLE CHINA. All of them gave me this cream: Differin (Adapalene 0.1%). Coming from doctors who see tons and tons of skin problems in kids everyday (you should see the crazy queues to get an appointment), I can say that this medecine is the GO TO MEDECINE for infantile acne.
Very very sad that I used it late on my daughter, because scars had time to form on her face.
But Differin will help diminish scarring if used early enough, and get the acne under control. And you can use it everyday for many months. I wish I had known this earlier. I hope this will help any parent who might not know what to do.
August 9, 2018
I guess it's the perfect treatment?
Great product, it just always works.
May 10, 2018
Surprised it works
Very good. Am 28 year old female. At first this made me break out for 3 or 4 weeks straight and then by the second month I saw improvement then third month it gets better and better. Now I only have 3 pimples compared to 20 I had bad acne caused by losing a bunch weight really fast and throwing my hormones out of whack. I also noticed my skin is nicer texture. I apply every night before lotion on bare skin, then lotion. The only reason I gave it four stars is because I still get acne. But I only been on it 3 months
November 11, 2017
I can tell it works but still purging
I had a pretty bad breakout in July that seemed to not get better so finally in September I decided to try OTC adapalene. I've been using it for 2 months now and my skin has significantly improved on my nose and around the nose/inner cheek areas but my jawline, chin and forehead are breaking out endlessly. Around week 5 my skin did clear up 90% but then my period started and all hell broke loose. I'm trying to stay patient and wait out at least 3 months. At this point I'm not sure how much of the breakout is due to the purge and how much is due to my hormones possibly being wacky. I've read so many reviews on this product and seems like most people's purge phase lasts 8 weeks which makes me feel discouraged. I'll keep pushing through for at least another month.
October 5, 2017
Amazing Addition - Be Patient!!
Only putting 4 stars since I use this in addition to an oral medication (spironolactone) and unsure of the results when used alone. This stuff is great as it is a vitamin A derivative. Think Accutane but topical! It basically renews your skin cells at an accelerated rate. I use this once a day at night after I wash my face and apply lotion ( I have try skin and Eczema but it can be applied before your lotion). This, in combination with Spironolactone, led me to be 100% clear of acne in 8 months with 70% improvement in 5 month. It works well but your skins needs time to adjust, sometimes I would apply it every other day if my skin was too dry.
October 2, 2017
Classic acne product that does make a difference
Like most gels and creams that combat acne, this does dry out your skin and can irritate it if it is already sensitive/dry. However, it is worth it considering the fact that it DOES work to reduce the amount of spots and break outs you have.
I would advise using moisturiser a couple of hours after applying this gel so that the gel has time to be absorbed and so your skin is ready to take on another layer of another product on top.
(Personally, while using this, I did not need moisturiser because my skin is naturally incredibly oily) "Adapalene reduces the growth of the keratin surface skin cells that can block pores. This helps to unblock the pores and sebaceous glands (glands which secrete sebum) and as a result the sebum can escape. This reduces the formation of blackheads (comedones) and spots. In addition, adapalene increases the turnover of the skin cells, which aids the natural exfoliation of the outer layers of skin. This also helps to unblock pores and decreases the formation of comedones and spots." This product did work for me and successfully reduced the amount of spots I had however, I used additional products as well. I would reccommend adapalene to be used as a secondary treatment meaning you should have a primary acne treatment in line. Normally doctors will prescribe this with antibiotics as they work well together Overall this is a wonderful gel that does make a noticeable difference however it may not be effective enough to be used on its own (for moderate to severe acne) hence the four stars!
July 20, 2017
Early days - advice needed
I have the cream version of this as the dermatologist said it's slightly more emollient. He suggested building up gradually so I've been doing every 3rd evening and so far I haven't seen much improvement as of yet, but my skin hasn't got any worse ( was dreading it getting worse before it got better like lots of people said) but I am in early stages..... My question is to people on this is that I'm at that stage where my face is red and a bit textured and dry, does anyone have any suggestions what I could do to help this? Wearing makeup over the top is a nightmare it looks awful!
July 3, 2017
Works well
Nice product,, very effective in fading any PIH leftover from acne
July 2, 2017
Works
I use this if my skin is really bad and leave it on overnight and it has really helped with reducing the oil in my skin. However, I'd recommend every couple of nights, swap the gel for a moisturiser, this is how I've seen best results, and my skin has been a lot better because of it :)