Adapalene topical User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)
Brand names: Differin, Plixda
Adapalene topical has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 516 reviews on Drugs.com. 55% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Adapalene topical
- JJL...
- November 18, 2012
For Acne "I am like completely happy! I have been struggling with acne since age 11 and am now 15! When I started using adapalene, I broke out so bad I almost gave up on it, but after 4 weeks, my skin started clearing up tremendously! So please don't give up if something like this happens to you with this medication! Also, yes, there will be burning and possibly dry, red, thin rashes around your lips or maybe even a fever blister. Also, you may feel dryness in the corners of your eyes and below your eyes, and the best way to prevent some of that is to use a moisturizer, but not with the medicine on, but during the day when it's all off. Hope this helps."
- Tii...
- April 3, 2017
Adapalene topical for Acne "I have been using this gel for about 2 weeks now and have had nothing but positive results. I'm not exaggerating when I say this started working on my skin immediately. I have been going through bad cystic acne breakouts and hormonal acne for the past two years now. Since I started using the Differin, my breakouts are minimal, with only one or two pimples, but nothing like before. I was breaking out with 3-5 new pimples daily, and the Differin stopped that from happening immediately. I have extremely oily skin, so the Differin did not dry out my skin. I have also changed my face cleansing products and also changed my foundation at the same time. I would highly recommend this product for anyone who is at their wits' end with adult acne."
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
- Does doxycycline work for acne?
- Nonprescription treatments for acne – so many choices!
- Can Tazorac and Differin be used together?
- mar...
- September 25, 2016
Adapalene topical for Acne "Struggled with acne for years, and this has honestly been a miracle worker. I've tried many different treatments (different strengths of benzoyl peroxide, oxytetracycline, and limecycline), and I decided to use Differin before trying BC or Accutane, and I'm so glad I did! The first week was tough because my skin peeled rather a lot and felt extremely dry. However, I didn't experience any 'purging,' and the dryness was easily solved with a light moisturizer. After about 2 weeks, my skin was significantly clearer and was nowhere near as dry as before. The gel has been the best treatment I've used by far, and I strongly encourage you to persevere with it as it's a game-changer! My skin is now really clear, and I have so much more confidence!"
- meg...
- June 24, 2016
Adapalene topical for Acne "I've always had acne, ever since puberty started! I broke out really badly at the start of this year, probably because I went on a 'TRY EVERYTHING' rampage and destroyed my own skin. But yeah, it was one of the lowest points for me in terms of my self-esteem and confidence. I really hated looking at myself, and I was so depressed. Anyway, I was prescribed Differin by my dermatologist. Alas, after many painful months of breaking out, my skin slowly but surely cleared up. I would say the initial months were VERY TOUGH, but don't give up! BE PATIENT, and you will see your skin transform! Give it at least 3 months."
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- January 14, 2016
Adapalene topical for Acne "Absolutely amazing! Since I have used this medicine, my face has cleared up in less than a month! I had a lot of bumps on my forehead and pimples on my face, including cheeks. I also feel that it is helping with my acne scars. I really hope this helps and that more people can live with clear skin :)"
- Sad...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 27, 2020
Adapalene topical for Acne "I had like a few breakouts, so I went to the dermatologist for medicine, and they told me to use Differin gel. I guess it works for some and not for all. Because I started with 2-4 pimples and then used the Differin, and now I have full-blown acne. Like all over my face, I used it consistently for 6 months. Never stopped until I realized it wasn’t working, all it did was give me more acne, and I hate my face and regret using this product. It said I would see a difference in 12 weeks and no more acne, but I saw a difference, alright... made my face horrible. So... happy it works for some people, I guess."
- Ash...
- February 28, 2019
Adapalene topical for Acne "My experience with Differin was horrible. I know they said you may get purging, but believe me it’s not worth the pain and scarring caused by the purging process. Research for more natural remedies that are soothing for your skin. This product is designed to keep you buying more since you think it will get better over time. I have read reviews where some said it got better after months, and then purging started happening again, so this sounds like a never-ending cycle. Please beware, this is not the only acne product on the market, and believe me all products don’t cause purging like this. My skin has never looked this bad. I’m in the medical field and feel so embarrassed going to work with my face like this. I figured makeup would irritate my skin more, so I’m trying to stick it out. I have stopped using Differin and wish I never started."
- Loo...
- October 16, 2016
Adapalene topical for Acne "This cream has been amazing for me. At first, I wasn't seeing anything good except more spots and sore skin. My boyfriend said, "Why am I using cream to make me look worse?" But I knew you had to stick at it. I got frustrated, so I applied peroxide as well, which was great to rid the spots fast but meant my skin all flaked off. That was horrible at the time but got rid of every scar and blemish. Like a chemical peel, I guess. Then, 2 months in, I really noticed the difference. Now, about 4 months in and for about 2 months now, I have had skin I had wished for for years. Clear and no marks, and can leave without makeup. I honestly wish this was over the counter and don't get why it isn't because it would help so many more people who don't go to the GP."
- acn...
- April 29, 2013
For Acne "I started using adapalene gel a week ago, and for the first few days, I broke out in loads of whiteheads! However, I continued applying it every night before bed, and within days, I can already see a huge improvement!"
- Jen...
- December 19, 2008
Adapalene topical for Acne "My acne became worse within the first 2 weeks of using Differin, then all of a sudden it began to get better. The improvements must have happened at night because I would get excited in the mornings when I washed my face. I have to strongly agree with the person who posted before me. DO NOT GET YOUR EYEBROWS WAXED while using this product. My skin was ripped off and immediately turned red. A day or so later it left this large UGLY scar under my eyebrows. About a week later it peeled and was fine, but who wants to go through that."
- Dog...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 13, 2013
Adapalene topical for Acne "When I first started using Differin, my skin was really red and peeled for several days. After that, it started to look a lot better, but then out of nowhere, it started to break out more, especially cystic acne on my face, and my skin is really hot to the touch and painful. I hope it's just that it gets worse before it gets better."
- Acn...
- March 24, 2015
Adapalene topical for Acne "I tried this medication when I was a teenager but did not stick with it because the irritation it caused me was unbearable. I wonder if it was because my acne was worse and my skin more sensitive at the time, but I can't remember how long I stuck with it. I started my current try with it about nine months ago. I had about one to two months of redness, itchiness, and a lot of skin flaking, but as soon as this wore off (which it did completely) as my skin adapted to it, I started noticing big improvements: I have had almost no blackheads, which were causing me a lot of scarring. For most of the month, I get no spots, and when I do, it's just a few, and they are MUCH smaller, less painful, and disappear quicker, and my skin overall looks clearer and more youthful."
- Mik...
- August 30, 2013
Adapalene topical for Acne "I had clear skin all the way up to junior year. I became stressed out due to the workload and decided to buy products that contained chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. I even purchased a system, but I believe that it dried out my skin and produced an oil flare-up. My acne was considerably worse after 30 days. I got cystic pimples. I finally convinced my parents to seek me a dermatologist. I was prescribed Differin lotion (0.3% adapalene) along with minocycline 100 mg, twice a day. I wash my face now with Purpose gentle cleansing bar. The first week I only used Differin because my insurance had not cleared minocycline yet. I saw significant improvement. Almost my 3rd month and breakouts have ceased."
- Ash...
- April 17, 2017
Adapalene topical for Acne "I used Differin gel for almost 2 years on my face. I had moderate acne that no OTC medication helped, and some prescription medications didn't help much either. Differin took about 2-3 weeks of daily use before I saw any change, but about 2 months into the treatment, my face was pretty much all clear with no pimples. It was amazing. My skin did get red and itchy during those first few weeks, but my doctor said it was common and to keep using it because my skin would get used to it. It did, and it still keeps my skin the best it's ever looked. Also, it's now available over the counter at drug stores."
- reb...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 24, 2019
Adapalene topical for Acne "I am on my 15th week of Differin currently, and my acne and scars are really clearing up. I still get some occasional pimples, but not a massive amount. Even at week 12, I had a ton of acne from when my skin was “purging,” and the scarring was unreal. I never got a massive amount of acne on my cheeks before using this product, but besides the scars left behind, which continue to clear up by the day. I’m very happy with how my face is looking, even though it took 14 weeks to be happy and see good results. Stick with it because I came on this website all the time and always heard bad reviews, but also good ones saying to stick it out, and I truly agree to just stick it out. Or try something else if you can’t/won’t be able to deal with the possible 14 weeks of unbelievable amounts of acne and scars."
- 26w...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 1, 2017
Adapalene topical for Acne "I have been using this product since it was made available without a prescription. If you are going to use it, be sure to read the instructions and warnings. This product has a period of time at the beginning of use that makes your acne worse and then clears it. I went through this process when I started taking Spironolactone, so I knew what to expect and I trusted that it would go away - it did. My skin looks and feels fantastic! I still get an occasional zit here and there - I'm pretty sure it's my fault as I'm a toucher/picker/popper. This is an easy product to add to your routine. Make sure to use it at night and wash off in the morning so you don't have to worry about sunburns. I highly recommend Differin."
- Miz...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 10, 2017
Adapalene topical for Acne "I started using Differin 0.1% in November 2016, fast forward to January 2017, and I couldn't be happier! I'm 26 and have been battling with acne since I was around 13. I have tried all sorts of products and regimes and sometimes had success, but it never lasted long. I had tried Differin before but never stuck it out long enough to see its full benefits, this time I did, and my skin is thanking me for it. I've kept my skincare regimen very simple. I use a very gentle cleanser in the morning, then a benzoyl peroxide 5% gel, then a moisturizer on top. In the evening, I use the same cleanser, then the Differin cream. I always allow it to soak in for at least an hour, then follow up with my moisturizer. This cream takes time to work, but be patient."
- Whi...
- April 5, 2017
Adapalene topical for Acne "I will be 30 in 3 months, and my skin is worse than it was when I was 16! What the hell! I find it interesting that everyone who really enjoyed this product properly used this product. I was prescribed Differin when I was in my teens, and it worked wonders! Now that it's OTC, I recently started using it again. I am at the 4-week point, so yes, my face is breaking out. I remember when I first used it years ago, the same thing happened, and with patience, my skin cleared up. I have already noticed a difference in my cheeks, which seem to not be breaking out as bad. I am patiently waiting for this period of breakouts to come and go, so I can see those great results once more. I used Differin as a teen and loved it."
- Soq...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 20, 2017
Adapalene topical for Acne "This stuff is AWESOME. Admittedly, it itched like fire for three days until I slacked off and used a good moisturizing cream. But my face is CLEAR for the first time in YEARS. I recommend Carmex to heal the dry flakes and Aveeno after that. If you have another breakout, go back to Differin. I can't recommend this stuff enough. It's worth it to itch and burn for a day or two; it's WORKING. Just deal with it. Thank you, makers of Differin!!! Screw makeup. I'm FREE."
- Kab...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 5, 2016
Adapalene topical for Acne "I had too many pimples all over my face. They were little ones and blackheads as well. I live in one of the hottest countries in the world where the sun is available throughout the year. Sandstorms occur often, which made dirt stick to my face and produce more pimples. I went to the dermatologist, he prescribed Differin 0.1 and Bepanthen (whatever how it spells). I've been using Differin since August nightly before I sleep. Now in November, I literally have zero pimples on my face, and the redness is gone. I'm really satisfied. Literally, all you need is patience for results. Bepanthen was prescribed for me for the scars and as a moisturizer, since Differin dries the face (just a little). Even though I don't have AC, I highly recommend it."
- Lil...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 13, 2020
Adapalene topical for Acne "Was on Differin for 3 months, and it never gets better. I started with 2 acne on my chin, and now I have it on my forehead, cheeks, and chin. Every day felt like a nightmare, and I had major breakdowns here and there. I had high hopes for this product, but I guess it failed me."
- nik...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 30, 2020
Adapalene topical for Acne "I was excited to start this product. I knew I was going to have a face purge. However, it has been over 2 months, and my face is really red and has so much acne. My face is worse than when I started. I don't want to give up, but it is making it so much worse, and I feel so ugly - disappointed."
- ahb...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 8, 2020
Adapalene topical for Acne "I have been on adapalene 0.1% for almost two months now. I had written a review previously, so this is an update. My skin is now mostly clear, and the quality of my skin is much better overall - I call it the 'retinoid glow.' I do still get one or two blemishes, but they aren't as inflamed. The purge is real, but for me, it only occurred when I increased my usage frequency from every other day to every day and when I increased it from twice a week to every other day. My purging phase consisted of inflamed blemishes that go away in two to three days. I used azelaic acid 20% in the day (which I had been using one month prior to using adapalene) and a sunscreen that contains 3% niacinamide. Moisturizer: Cetaphil lotion. Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser."
- Jes...
- August 31, 2011
Adapalene topical for Acne "This summer, I've broken out severely. I've tried Proactiv, AcneFree, and Clean and Clear Advantage. Proactiv didn't work at all, and AcneFree was very harsh on my skin! Clean and Clear did help, but not that much. I finally went to the doctor, and she prescribed Differin. I've been taking it for a couple of weeks now, and I am starting to see a difference. I've even noticed that my acne scars are healing and getting lighter. I haven't got any of those huge hurt-your-face pimples either."
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Adapalene topical for Acne "I've had acne since like the 7th grade, and I didn't really bother to do anything about it because it wasn't bad, but at the end of 8th grade, it got worse, so I went to a dermatologist, and she prescribed Epiduo to me, and I used it and had clear skin for almost the whole summer. But in August, when school started, my face started getting horribly dry and peeling, and it hurt. So I went back to the derm, and she prescribed Differin (0.3%) gel, and I've been using it now for 4 months, and it works great! I have to say it does get worse before it gets better."