Topical Anti-inflammatory
Efficacy
52%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
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.
Used Dapsone (Aczone®)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
March 2, 2016
Losing effect?
Initially, my skin became very dry but I noticed immediate improvement. MY face was completely clear for a few weeks. I have completed my second month of aczone. I am using aczone alongside Diane 35. During my periods I do notice my cystic acne returns. Aczone is great for treating scarring (past and present). Although, I feel that Aczone is not as effective anymore as my breakouts have become more severe around my period (which could be due to the Diane 35) and the Aczone has little effect when I do breakout now.
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.
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.
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.
November 29, 2015
I recently started aczone myself along with differin. I'm experiencing a breakout as well. Are things getting better for you?
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.
September 24, 2015
Still debating if this is right for me..
It's only been a week since I started aczone, but I have to say I am seeing some small results.. Some parts of my face like my chin and one cheek haven't gotten any new breakouts, but my forehead broke out really bad this week and I got one big pimple on my cheek. I used the aczone as a spot treatment and it seems to have shrunk things a little but I wouldn't call it a miracle like some people on here are saying! I don't think this prevents anything though. I use a neutrogena gentle cleanser before I put this on.. What does everyone else use to prevent new pimples??? I'm also not using any other prescriptions and I feel like maybe I need to be for this process to be more successful
September 29, 2015
I am on Spironolactone and Retin-A along with Aczone. I had previously been on minocycline for quite a while before switching to Aczone, therefore I was already clear. I can't really say how well Aczone would do to be the thing that clears you up. The spiro plays a huge roll in my face staying under control also. But the three meds together has been working wonderfully for the past 3 months. I was terrified to go off of the minocycline, but the Aczone twice daily has been perfect.
September 29, 2015
I am on Spironolactone and Retin-A along with Aczone. I had previously been on minocycline for quite a while before switching to Aczone, therefore I was already clear. I can't really say how well Aczone would do to be the thing that clears you up. The spiro plays a huge roll in my face staying under control also. But the three meds together has been working wonderfully for the past 3 months. I was terrified to go off of the minocycline, but the Aczone twice daily has been perfect.
September 29, 2015
I am on Spironolactone and Retin-A along with Aczone. I had previously been on minocycline for quite a while before switching to Aczone, therefore I was already clear. I can't really say how well Aczone would do to be the thing that clears you up. The spiro plays a huge roll in my face staying under control also. But the three meds together has been working wonderfully for the past 3 months. I was terrified to go off of the minocycline, but the Aczone twice daily has been perfect.
September 29, 2015
I am on Spironolactone and Retin-A along with Aczone. I had previously been on minocycline for quite a while before switching to Aczone, therefore I was already clear. I can't really say how well Aczone would do to be the thing that clears you up. The spiro plays a huge roll in my face staying under control also. But the three meds together has been working wonderfully for the past 3 months. I was terrified to go off of the minocycline, but the Aczone twice daily has been perfect.
April 27, 2015
TEST BEFORE YOU USE IT!!!
i dont want to be super negative about this product but beause i can see how it would work for many. ive been using clyndoxel gel for a year and love it but is a bit drying so i tried out this product on some areas on my chin. my skin s very dry on my chn and im not sure if its the residue of clyndoxel on my skin or the dryness but my skin turned like dark brown after i used this and i had to miss school the next day until the skin was finally exfoliated off. im just saying but test it on a small area of skin before rubbing it on your whole face. it did work for my acne tho
December 6, 2013
Aczone..
I've been using this for a month and no results. Good thing that it doesn't burn and peel my face. I have really sensitive skin. I'll just continue on.
November 25, 2013
Aczone user for almost 1 year. 15 yrs old, moderate/severe acne, dry/sensitive skin
Pros:
Reduces scarring and pore size
Doesn't dry out skin (good for sensitive skin too!)
Wears well underneath makeup
Cons:
No major effects on acne
EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE!!! $75 per tube
My derm. originally put me on Aczone because my acne wasn't too severe, but I would get tons of blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, and a few nodules. This cream is a good alternative for someone like me who has very dry skin but yet still has acne. I have been using Aczone for almost a year now, and it hasn't done much for my acne. The most it has done for me is reduce scarring and maybe slightly reduces the amount of pimples I get. The only reason why I continue to use this stuff is because I do feel it somewhat keeps my acne under control (whereas it would freak out). I'm going back to the derm. soon, so hopefully I can try something new. I have to admit though, that when you put it on after washing your face it leaves the skin looking/feeling very nice and smooth. I think it might slightly reduce pore size too, which is a plus. Bottom line is, if you're looking for a treatment for serious acne, or to see long-term results this isn't the product for you. It has also been a money pit...which sucks so much. $75 per tube!!!
November 11, 2013
Pretty Good
Pros:
Doesn't dry out skin
Helps most whiteheads and small pustules
Good consistency
Cons:
Doesn't help big pustules/cysts
Can be greasy if used too much
I have been on Aczone for a little less than a year. I really like the consistency of the gel and it doesn't dry my skin out at all. The bad news, it really didn't prevent the big pustules and small cystic pimples I would get around my chin. It is slightly greasy so I tend to load it up at night and put a light coverage during the day. I started accutane a week ago (for the big pimples I get) and I can still use aczone without it drying out my skin (i just put it on problem areas to prevent the IB). Overall its a pretty good product and keeps most of my acne at bay without damaging my skin!
January 7, 2013
Pros:
Doesn't dry skin
Scentless
Goes on easily under makeup
Seems to help with inflammation
Cons:
Doesn't noticeably do much.
I've was prescribed this with Tretinoin to help with the initial breakout. It does not seem to help prevent acne, it just seems to help with the swelling, if that makes sense. I have actually stopped using this cream and started using BP instead as a treatment since the Tretinoin was giving me a horrible breakout. I'll conisider using it again if my skin gets better. Bottomline, I would recommend this to someone with ight acne. For me, it wasn't nearly strong enough.
Pros:
No burning
No peeling
No redness