Topical Anti-inflammatory
Reviews
3.9
77 Reviews
Topical Anti-inflammatory
Efficacy
53%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Anti-inflammatory
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Anti-inflammatory
Acne.org’s Real World Take
An anti-inflammatory that takes weeks or months to kick in, so you’ll need patience. Provides modest benefit in some users. It’s never hit the big time in acne treatment. But it’s an interesting way to target acne on a purely inflammation level.
Topical Anti-inflammatory
How to Get It
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.
Read All About Dapsone (Aczone®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
40.3%
4
33.8%
3
13%
2
5.2%
1
7.8%

Used Dapsone (Aczone®)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
December 10, 2013
Made my acne worse

Cons:

Irritated face, much more red
Face was flakey but still oily
Made acne worse, so many white heads

I was prescribed this and Tretinoin in august and used them up till november (about 4 months) when i decided to give up on them. While i was using these two products (along with solodyn) i noticed my acne only got worse than its ever been before. When i stopped using them, i went to the dermatologist and we decided i would go on accutane. Now ive been waiting the month finishing all the paper work and the ipledge and the bloodwork meanwhile my acne has cleared up so much that im questioning wether i still want to do the accutane. This product really irritated my face and i was so red all the time. I got a lot more acne on my cheeks which ive never had before and so many white heads on a daily basis. On top of it all my skin was flaky but still oily at the same time so makeup did not help. Personally, this did not work for me at all and ive only been seeing improvement since ive stoped.
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November 13, 2016
Removed my stubborn cystic acne
I'm a 19-year-old female who's had acne since I was 12 and this product is what finally worked for me. I've tried pretty much everything; ProActive, Epiduo, antibiotics, Tazorac, and countless scrubs, creams, -'d gels. My acne was very stubborn severe cystic acne and in a matter of about a month of using every morning with PanOxyl and CereVe moisturizer, it's gone down to only a few bumps if any. I still have large pores, scars, and black heads, but the acne itself is gone! I still can hardly believe it when I look in the mirror. I would definitely give this a try at least.
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August 19, 2015
Amazing product
I'm a 17 year old male, and like most 17 year old males, I've had my run in with acne. I've tried all of the over-the-counter stuff, prescription antibiotic lotions and retinoids, oral antibiotics, and finally a course of Accutane. Aczone was the last med I tried before Accutane and it saved me until I could get on Accutane. Aczone works extremely well, in my experience, for the red, inflamed, "angry", pimples and breakouts. Using any other products would burn when I put it on my acne but Aczone was actually soothing and I watched the inflammation go down before my eyes. By morning red, inflamed, "angry" pimple would be nothing more than a flat spot. Even after Accutane, I still spot-treat with Aczone because it works so well with my type of acne. A pimple that would last a week disappears overnight. It's extremely expensive for a reason, its an amazing product and a must-have in your acne-fighting arsenal.
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September 24, 2015
How often do you spot treat in a day/ how much do you use each time?
May 28, 2015
Great!... But Will Not Get Rid Of Acne By Itself
I like Aczone because its very gentle on my skin and is an all-around good gel. Although its a bit drying, I don't think its anything uncomfortable or negative. I love the feeling and consistency of the gel; it spreads on the face very easily. When you apply it to your skin, you can see it lightens the acne, so you can literally apply it before going out or apply it under makeup. The one reason that I don't think it deserves five stars is that Aczone won't get rid of acne by itself. Its more of a helper medication. You need a stronger medication to use along with the Aczone to see fully clear skin in a reasonable amount of time. Also, make sure that you take advantage of the coupons offered on Aczone's website; it can save you a ton of money and makes the relatively high original price much more reasonable.
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June 13, 2015
By any chance do you know if blue cross federal insurance covers it? Or At least some
August 19, 2015
I have CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield's federal employee program, and with the coupon on Aczones site, I was able to get the 60 gram for $10. Without the coupon, it would have been $200. For some reason, I couldn't get the 90g for $15, even though that was what my prescription was for. That would have been $200 even with the coupon.
September 24, 2015
What were you using with the aczone?
September 22, 2014
This cured me
I never review anything...but after having bad acne since the age of 12, I want to say what a miracle this is. I started taking it in August of 2012 (at age 21) and haven't gone a day without it since. Changed my life. When you have tried everything else and nothing works (like I did), try this and be happy. Within a few months, my old scars started to fade and a year later were completely gone. Used in conjunction with Avar cleanser and Neutrogena moisturizer.
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May 24, 2017
Pricey but worth it
So I am a 25 year old AA female who never had to visit a dermatologist up until November 2016. I stopped taking birth control in May 2016 and it's safe to say it was keeping my hormonal acne at bay. By November I had HUGE, horrible, painful, cystic acne all over my chin, jaw, and cheeks. I would wince in pain when it was time to wash my face =/. After a few failed remedies from the dermatologist (antibiotics oral and topical), I was finally prescribed Aczone 5% once a day in addition to my cetaphil cleanser in Mar 2017. I had never even heard of aczone before that day and actually was hoping to get a prescription for Spiro. My dermatologist suggested I try Aczone first and go from there. I will admit it DEFINITELY gets worse between weeks 2-6 but it will get better, you just have to stick through it! And when I say it gets WORSE, I honestly truly mean it. I had breakouts in places I never had acne before. I did not step foot outside unless it was absolutely necessary. In the end it is worth it! I only gave it 4 stars solely based on the price. It costs me $75 for a 2 month supply. I am now 8 weeks in today and couldn't be happier. I almost feel comfortable enough to go make-up free. I still get an occasional whitehead but nothing that my GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment (Sephora) can't zap overnight. And let me just say that I am definitely a skeptic when it comes to people's reviews on treatments. I always think the good reviewers are paid to say good things about medications but I can honestly say Aczone does what it's supposed to do and I can't wait to see my results at week 12. This definitely beats taking pills everyday and frequent blood tests while on spiro. SIDENOTE: Even though I was told to use it once daily in the AM, and clinidamycin lotion in the PM...after a week I stopped the clindamycin lotion completely and started using Aczone once in the morning and once before bed after I cleanse my face with cetaphil and follow up with a moisturizer. I am not recommending anyone to change their dose without their derm's approval, this is just what worked for me. My best advice, STICK WITH IT, you will not see results immediately.
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December 7, 2015
My opinion of Aczone
The following statements are my experiences and my opinions. I was on Aczone at two different times over about a 3 year period. Aczone is a pretty good anti inflammatory. However, it does not do much in terms of preventing new acne from forming. Over time, it decreased in effectiveness. Also, it is very expensive without insurance. As a result, I switched to a more natural treatment that is far superior than any prescription.
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May 22, 2016
I had the exact same experience!!! I agree 100 percent. Aczone is great for the first year, but it really stops being effective after that.
October 11, 2018
Can you please tell me what you are using that is more natural? I have had pimples but nothing like I have the past year. I finally went to a dermatologist who treated me with antibiotics. But as soon as I stop it comes back with a vengeance. I have decided to stay away from antibiotics because it is just not good for you to take like that. So I am on a search to fix it myself.
October 11, 2018
Can you please tell me what you are using that is more natural? I have had pimples but nothing like I have the past year. I finally went to a dermatologist who treated me with antibiotics. But as soon as I stop it comes back with a vengeance. I have decided to stay away from antibiotics because it is just not good for you to take like that. So I am on a search to fix it myself.
July 29, 2014
It really works!
My cousin gave me sample tubes of this product and swore by it! So I decided to try it. She said just be consistent! I did and it works! My acne on my right side of my face is clearer. The dark spots are lighter and my complexion is looking great! I'm trying to get a prescription from my dermatologist!
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December 30, 2015
Two Words: Live Saver
This product is absolutely amazing. This (plus birth control) cleared up my horrible acne in a few months! I use it every night, and I can immediately tell a difference in the morning that it has worked. Thank goodness this product exists. The only down side is that it is super expensive, but luckily medical insurance is a thing, and I find it completely worth the value. I also think a large reason my skin has improved so much (my dermatologist told me it has improved 75%), is because of the birth control, and I was taking Alesse. It did wonders! I had to switch to Mirvala but I'm hoping it'll stay the same. Seriously, give it a try!
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February 13, 2015
Stick with it for 12 weeks
I tried this product for my adult acne. I was on Clarifoam but it smelled like rotten eggs and made me smell bad too. When I first tried Aczone, for the first month it made my skin much worse. Like it brought cysts to the surface that were festering. At about 6weeks it started to improve. I almost quit it but I was researching another medicine my dr called in, Clindamycin, to replace the Aczone, and I read on the company website that you have to give it 12 weeks to get the full effect. My dr never told me that it might takes weeks to work. Aczone has fewer side effects so I stayed with it. I am very happy with it. Doesn't dry your skin. My only complaint is that it dries and leaves a white, slightly powdery finish on my 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.

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.