Dapsone (Aczone®)
Results
Side Effects

Often known by its brand name, Aczone®, dapsone is a topical medication called a sulfone antibiotic that works primarily by suppressing the growth of acne bacteria and decreasing inflammation in the skin.

It is normally applied once a day.

3.9
77
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:

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December 11, 2014
Surprized
I've had mild to serve acne since I was 16 years old. I'm 24 now and mostly have acne around my chin and lips area. I've tried various topical before throughout the years from my dermatologist but they never worked very well for me. So when my Derm recommended this topical I was very skeptical. However, I have been using Aczone for 4 months now and can't believe the results. The only other thing that worked this well for me was the pill micocyclin and only while i was on it. This stuff doesn't seem to prevent acne but accelerates the healing process once acne appears. I apply it only to the acne wants it starts to appear and it stops the growth of pimples and they fade away after 3-4 days. It works on white heads as well as the bit deep painful pimples. It has also worked on the acne on my shoulders and back. This product does not dry out my skin. At first I used it twice a day only applying it only to affected areas and now that my skin is clear I keep it handy for when I notice a new pimple coming in. I probably only use it 5-6 times a week now. Wonderful stuff
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July 5, 2014
Suprisingly effective for maintenance
In combination with tretinoin at night, this has been surprisingly helpful. It has markedly reduced the amount of larger breakouts I get. I still have some small under-skin pimples that are note very visible, and some blackheads. But this helps keep a lid on the level of breakouts for me. The downside is the cost. This is the single most expensive component of my acne treatment right now, so I often relay refilling it.
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June 2, 2012

Pros:

Acne was gone within a week
No irritation or side affects
No burning or stinging
Doesn't smell

Cons:

It is a little chalky when applied and dries

I was given this after 6months of accutane and it is great my skin never looked better. I use this in the morning, and differin .3% at night these are great products.
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February 4, 2012

Pros:

-Not overly drying, like most topical treatments.
-Helps with redness.
-Seems to help with pimples so far.

Cons:

-Kinda pricey without coupons.. 25.00USD with coupon.. 100.00 without it.

I have redness and sensitive skin. Pretty much a tough combo to deal with!! I have tried alot of treatments, like Ziana gel, but they always dry my skin out. Finally, my derm gave me this to try. It didn't break me out in the beginning, and I was quite pleased! Also pimples are getting smaller, and disappearing. I have been using this for a week now. My face looks pretty darn clear! :)
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October 2, 2017
Works so well! Get the discount card!
(I think my first review got deleted) I'm 30yo, with non-inflammatory adult acne. I've been using aczone off and on for 6 years. It clears my skin with zero irritation or dryness! I see immediate improvement and almost total clearing by the two week mark. I use it daily until clear, and then as a spot treatment if I have a breakout around my period. Every now and again, my acne randomly flares up. I just use it full force again, and aczone knocks it right out. A lot of the other reviewers have cited the high price. Be sure to ask your dr for a promo card and/or samples. The first time I got a script, my dr gave me a handful of sample tubes that lasted for a good two months and were super helpful when traveling! If your dr doesn't have a card to give you, got to the aczone website. You just enter in some of your info, and they will email you a discount card. I have NEVER paid more than $35 a tube! One tube lasts me many many months.
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December 30, 2014
it works!
before i started using "aczone" i tried ALOT of different medications but nothing worked and my skin was very irritated and red so i just couldnt even look myself in the mirror without wanting to just breakdown in tears.the first week i started using my facewash "citaphil" the redness went down and then the aczone was working so my acne has improved ALOT and now i can look at myself upclose in the mirror and be confident!
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January 10, 2014
It's not a miracle cure - but it DOES work!

Pros:

No Smell
Good for Sensitive Skin (Non Drying)
Little goes a long way

Cons:

Expensive

I have adult acne - I never had acne in my teens - and it has been a struggle to get it under control. The type of acne I have is cystic with large nodules that are very painful with several angry red pustules, and a lot of scarring. I have been on a regimen of retin-a 0.05% at night with Aczone in the morning for about 6 months, and I have had really good results. Do I still get acne - yes. Is it like it was before - definetly not! When I do get a cluster of pimples (usually right around my period) I double up on the Aczone and even put it on under my Retin A at night, and it clears up withing 2 days. I will say that this product is very expensive (with just my insurance I have to pay $90!) HOWEVER they offer coupons a lot on their site so I wind up paying around $25 for a 30g tube, which is worth it to me. A tube lasts me far longer than a month, because I use it for spot treatment only.
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October 3, 2015
Prepare for the purge
Purging was not given as a possible side effect to me, but after a week, all of the dormant milia on my face began to bubble up into pustules, pop and then heal fairly quickly. The reason I give this 3 stars is because my face currently resembles a mountain range and looking at myself in the mirror is tough. I'm not sure how long this is going to continue but I'm hoping it will calm down soon. I would recommend it if you have tried Otc products, birth control, dietary changes and still experience breakouts. Be diligent and don't give up. I might change the rating if things improve. -update- it's been about two weeks and the pustules, the whiteheads, are beginning to subside on the sides of my face. I had a retinoic acid peel last week which helped the top layer of skin slough off and bring even more dormant milia to the surface. Initially, my face was very scabby and dry, and now, a week later is beginning to fade. The skin is still very dry, and I'm willing to deal with that. My chin still has a way to go as I can see small little closed comedones, I am using the aczone (I didn't for a few days after the peel) and it is slowly, very slowly improving. I will continue to use the aczone and think it has potential. I definitely think I need to focus and stick through this since I'm turning 36 soon and I deserve to have clear skin for once in my life.
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Kimmy5
November 29, 2015
I recently started aczone myself along with differin. I'm experiencing a breakout as well. Are things getting better for you?
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Mopedgirl
January 14, 2016
I'm turning 36 this year too and am not happy with how my face looks. Let's just say Aczone is not making any zits heal faster, if anythings it's giving me painful bumps under the skin "cysts." I don't really have cystic acne so it's actually making me extremely nervous. My doctor told me to go on birth control to level my hormone, which I'm also worried about since I'm on the older side. Lets just say my Face hasn't looked or hurt this bad. Going to discontinue and get back to a milder regimen while these stupid birth control pills level out.
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August 18, 2015
Really works
my dermatologist suggested I use this alone with cerave to help my acne. It's very drying, but it goes on the skin easy and dries up acne quickly! If you put it on the night before, in the morning, a lot of pimples will be completely flattened and barely visible. Make sure to use sunscreen and lots of moisturizer when using this product.
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lcalabrese79
September 29, 2015
I haven't had a problem with it being drying, and I also use Retin-A. Is there a possibility that you are using too much at one time? I use a pea sized amount for my entire face. I stay clear and don't get dryness.
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October 28, 2012

Pros:

works
doesn't stain
no smell
light
works great under makeup

Cons:

takes time to work, twice a day (morning and night)

I was on Doryx and Ziana but i still had a lot of hyper pigmentation left from my blemishes no matter what! Even if i didn't touch them at all, i would have a dark spot and redness. Aczone is great! it has a creamy white consistency (its the newer version). It doesn't seem to work at first, but over time my skin has REALLY improved. I have much much less pigmentation left and its great on any blemish i'll get. Just use it religiously and you'll see some great results. I've been using it since june or july and by september it made a huge difference.
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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