Adapalene topical for Acne User Reviews (Page 4)

• Hil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2019

Adapalene topical "I wanted to share my experience with Differin as someone in the middle of the dreaded acne purge. I am coming into 6 weeks, and I have to say this has been the worst my skin has looked since I first started breaking out 17 years ago. I am not only getting whiteheads that seem to burst at the most inopportune times, I am also getting a lot of actual raised acne. It is all happening in the majority of problem areas. The worst thing is that it is happening in clusters. It seems to be more painful than my normal breakouts since they come hard and fast. They also subside fast, but as of right now... more seem to be not far behind. Right now I can't help but give this 1 star because this is pure awfulness... plain and simple. That being said, I am moving forward using the medication. I will update next week and week 8 when most of the purging is supposed to be at an end."

• Jes...
• August 31, 2011

Adapalene topical "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."

• ahb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2020

Adapalene topical "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."

• tif...
• September 27, 2011

Adapalene topical "The first topical treatment I used was Duac, and I didn't see a change in my skin. I switched to Retin-A, and I peeled so badly I couldn't use it at all. My doctor switched me to the generic adapalene gel 0.1%, and I've been using it for a few months now. It works amazingly. I can use it every night, and I've never peeled, and I was even able to stop my antibiotic. I LOVE it!"

• Che...
• August 16, 2017

Adapalene topical "I needed to share an honest review. I got Differin to get rid of these stubborn invisible pimples around my chin. Basically, they're clogged pores. They appeared even though I wash my face daily and nightly and exfoliate regularly with expensive products. Then I found Differin. I've been on it about 3 weeks now. Although I have gotten breakouts all over, my forehead is its clearest it's been. The pores on my cheeks are getting smaller and clearer. My nose has practically no problem areas anymore. The invisible pimples/clogged pores are subsiding dramatically. I am getting breakouts in those areas, but my face looks radiant anyway."

• Anonymous
• June 4, 2020

Adapalene topical "My acne returned when I turned 19 (I’m 29 yrs old now). Since then, I’ve had mild/moderate acne. I was just sick of having acne, so I gave Differin a go. The first 2 weeks, my skin didn’t form any new pimples, it was clear, with small spots, but my skin was very dry and irritated. By week 4/5, I had massive red irritated breakouts, my purge had begun. Several infected pores turned into a big spot. My routine: use hydrating serum, then apply an oil to my sensitive areas, such as around my eyes and nose. Followed by a pea-sized amount of Differin, I would wait for that to dry, then apply oil all over, then a moisturizer. I used a low pH cleanser. Week 6/7, my skin started to clear up, my forehead was clear. Week 8, I had a huge breakout on my chin and mouth. Some are reoccurring spots, I’m not sure if this is a 2nd phase of purging or ones that didn’t surface until now. I will continue with it up until the full 12 weeks, hoping this is the last of the purge!!"

• For...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2017

Adapalene topical "I've been battling acne ever since I was a teenager, and now I'm 23, still battling acne until here recently. I had heard about Differin, and how adapalene can help stubborn acne. I purchased the gel about 2 weeks ago, and I must say my breakouts are almost gone. I dealt with dryness and a burning sensation the first few days, but my skin got used to it after that. What helps is washing your face, applying moisturizer, and then applying the Differin. This makes it less harsh for the skin. I can't wait to see how my skin will look in 2 months. Don't give up on this stuff, it's a work in progress."

• Ada...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2014

"I have had mild to severe acne since freshman year of high school. I was always afraid of what a dermatologist would say, and so I procrastinated on going for a while. Once I finally decided to go, my derm prescribed a clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide mixed topical gel. And adapalene, as well as ketoconazole for these little bumps on my forehead that the derm said were not acne. This regimen has tremendously improved my acne. I am almost completely clear after using it for about a month. I did not have severe breakout as some have mentioned when I initially began using adapalene. I feel like I can feel my face again. It is much smoother, and I only have a couple of scars left and maybe 2-3 pimples as opposed to 6 or more. I would definitely recommend this!"

• ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2021

Adapalene topical "I've just passed the 2-month mark after having my doctor prescribe it to me. I've always used benzoyl peroxide, which has always worked for me, but I told my doc I didn't want to put something on my face every single night for the rest of my life. She prescribed Differin. She said I had to wait at least a month to see improvements, as purging is normal. 2 months later, and I'm still purging. I've gotten painful acne in places I didn't have it before, and I'm overall very unhappy with the results. The prescription says it may take 1-3 months to see results, so I will continue for another month, but I don't think it'll make a difference. Would not recommend."

• Ary...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2021

Adapalene topical "So I had high hopes for this product. Not only because I had exhausted most topical solutions for my acne, but because I had seen some great reviews online. My acne was mainly on my cheeks and some spots here and there on my forehead and chin. I never really experienced cystic acne until I started using this product. Three months in, and the purging hadn't stopped. I thought I'd give it more time. Four months in, the acne is cystic and has shifted to my forehead. My right cheek is mostly clear, but I have acne on my left cheek. I'm one week away from five months, and my skin feels greasy. I'm getting blackheads on my forehead, not to mention I now have pitted scars and hyperpigmentation from the ongoing purge. I'm contemplating whether I should continue with this product till month six or pack it in and start trying to clear my HPI and scarring. Right now I'm in the process of making my own coconut kefir so I can heal my gut using probiotic-rich foods. I honestly feel like I'm at my wit's end."

• Buz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 18, 2017

Adapalene topical "I used Differin when it first arrived on the market. I'm a black woman, btw. Stopped cause it was making my face peel. Maybe five years later, the derm told me to use it again along with doxy pills, and it cleared my skin up without flaking this time. Every time I stop using it for a while, I get acne again. I'm 25, and I still get breakouts depending on what I'm eating (I love junk). I think I will stick with it and not go long without using it even for tiny pimples. Only had the flaking and burning the very first time using, so my advice to newbies is to not use as much when you are just starting it. And take care of your insides. Stay hydrated. Your skin must get used to it for it to work. No more doxy, only this gel. Skin is supple again!"

• Mol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2025

Adapalene topical "Exactly on the 12-week mark, my skin changed dramatically and has been clear for about 2 months now. The purging phase is real though! My acne got way worse-I almost gave up on it so many times. If you have the patience and don't want to use something stronger like Epiduo, I recommend it. Just give yourself at least 12 weeks before you expect clear skin. I'm glad I persisted though-touch wood-but this is the clearest/softest my skin has been in a year!! I would give it 10/10 but giving it 9/10 because the purging phase was tough-but hey, it worked in the end."

• Bea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 20, 2019

Adapalene topical "My dermatologist prescribed this before it was OTC, and it may have been a higher dose then, but it still works with the 1%. I do not have severe acne, but it is cystic, especially around my menstrual cycle. What I have learned to use and what my doctor recommended was to only use Dove sensitive soap with the product. I wash my face with it before I apply it. You want to be sure to use it on your entire face, not just particular spots here and there. Sometimes I could even wear it under my makeup, but at night is easiest for me, once a day. Anyway, when my skin did get really dry, my solution is always Vaseline, all over your face for one night, maybe two. It's messy and feels very gross, but worth it. I always have baby soft skin without dryness, and my wrinkles are less present after a night of this. Lastly, although I do still get cystic acne on Differin, it's less often, and they come out more easily if and when I do pop them. Hope this is helpful."

• acn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2014

Adapalene topical "I began to use Epiduo and Differin one month ago. At first, I was disappointed because I had unrealistically high expectations for how fast they would work, but once I got over that and realized it would take time, I was fine. I used Velocity moisturizer for the dryness, and it didn't work at all sadly, but then I switched to Cetaphil, and my skin began to improve because it was no longer too dry. My skin isn't where I want it to be yet, but looking back at older pictures before using the products, I know it's on its way."

• Get...
• June 4, 2017

Adapalene topical "I have been using Differin for 15 weeks, and this is the best my skin has looked in years. And I am excited that it'll keep getting better from here. The initial breakout phase was terrible! So for anyone going through that now... keep going, there's a bright light at the end of the tunnel!! Antibiotics won't hurt too!!!"

• kan...
• March 5, 2016

Adapalene topical "Acne has been a problem for me since 8th grade, and I started using Differin my first day of senior year (major mistake due to it making your skin 'purge' the first couple of days/weeks). By the end of October, my skin was mostly clear, and by the beginning of December, my face was completely clear except for the occasional pimple every once in a blue moon. At the beginning, it would make my skin burn, especially during sports. It's sensitive to sun, so definitely use sunscreen when you're out. All around, miracle medicine."

• Bar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 12, 2019

Adapalene topical "Differin really works for acne, you just have to keep using it. I remember when I was in my late teens, I started breaking out more than when I was younger. I went to a dermatologist. At that time, it was only available by prescription. I remember her telling me to wash my face and gently pat it dry. Make sure your face is very dry before applying a small, thin amount on your face. She also told me that I would start breaking out even more a couple of weeks after I began using it. It gets deep in your skin and pushes all the oil to the surface. Your skin may get a little red and itchy. You will also start to see a little flaking on your skin. Don't give up. Keep using it. Eventually, it will clear up acne. When I started breaking out more, I would apply my makeup to cover it up. I like to put it on at nighttime after I wash my face. Give it a try!"

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2008

Adapalene topical "This medication helped to clear up my acne within the first couple of weeks of use. However, I think my body developed a resistance to the active ingredient, and some (not all) of the acne returned. The severity of the acne was much less than before treatment. One negative side effect I experienced was increased sensitivity and a red rash that extended down my neck. Whatever you do, do not get your eyebrows waxed while using this product. My skin was ripped off with my eyebrows when I had them waxed."

• Kri...
• August 12, 2016

Adapalene topical "This has worked wonders! A little rough for the first couple of months, but even then, my cystic acne lessened, and the pimples I did have were raised and easy to get rid of. Stick it out for 3-4 months, and you'll see!"

• Cwe...
• June 16, 2017

Adapalene topical "I've only been on Differin for about 3 weeks now, but I've been noticing huge improvements. I am going through an initial breakout but haven't experienced any burning or drying, not even the first few days. I use a CeraVe foaming cleanser, rinse, and immediately apply my moisturizer to my wet skin in the shower (to avoid water loss). I then apply Aquaphor to the skin around my lips, nostrils, and eyes. My dermatologist refers to this as preparing the orifices (to avoid any irritation or dryness). I then dot the Differin around my face and rub it in. In the morning, I wash my face with a 0.5% salicylic acid wash from Murad and apply a physical sunscreen (I use CeraVe's)."

• Tee...
• October 22, 2016

Adapalene topical "Started Differin almost 2 months ago. I had some cystic acne on the chin and some pimples on the cheeks before starting Differin (i.e., mild acne). Three weeks after starting Differin, I started to get a bunch of whiteheads on one side of my cheek. It wasn't that noticeable until 1-2 weeks (4-5 weeks in) that the whiteheads became incredibly noticeable - very raised, incredibly itchy. The whiteheads eventually became pimples, meaning that I had 5-6 pimples in this little patch. Worst acne I have ever had (I am assuming this is the initial breakout period). Eight weeks on Differin now, and that one side and spot of my cheek that had all those whiteheads has cleared up over 50%. Can't wait to see what happens in the next 2 weeks! Hopefully acne-free!"

• Zam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2019

Adapalene topical "I am 34 years old and female. For the past 6ish years, I started getting breakouts. Sometimes they're terrible. I get painful deep pimples, cystic acne, and blackheads. About 7 months ago, I started realizing how bad my scarring was getting. NOTHING WORKED THAT I TRIED. Well, maybe for a few days it would work. But nothing ever consistently worked. I tried salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, all at different doses with moisturizer, toners, etc. Anyway, when I tried Differin, it did not start working for a few weeks. Maybe 2-3 weeks. But I kept doing it. Initially, the side effects are facial redness and skin flaking. I pushed through that part of it, and my breakouts STOPPED. Like completely stopped. I will start to get minor breakouts if I skip a few days of Differin. Once I begin again, it starts working again. I always use a good moisturizer in the morning when I wake up, and I apply the Differin at night. This stuff is awesome for acne, and it really works."

• sid...
• April 19, 2015

"I have had mild acne since I was 12. I have tried all over-the-counter stuff and oral antibiotics. Nothing ever worked well. After a month on adapalene, I have noticed a nice difference in my skin. I have had very mild flaking, but no burning on the 0.01%. So far, I have not had a huge breakout from it as some have reported. My skin looks the best it has in years. I hope it stays this way. Some of the scarring has improved, but not gone completely. So far, I love this product and wish I had tried it sooner. I was terrified after some of the reviews I read. My coworker recommended I used it on one cheek for a while to see how my skin reacted. Might be a good way to start for some."

• Car...
• December 9, 2018

Adapalene topical "This product is awful and has made my life hell for the last 11 weeks. I am a 30-year-old with mild comedonal acne on my cheeks. Other products haven't worked for me, so after a LOT of research, I decided to give Differin a try. I knew I would experience redness, drying, and a purging period where my acne would get worse and that it's normal. I read hours of reviews where people told me to stick with it until the 12-week mark. I am 3 days away from that mark and my face has NEVER looked or felt this bad in my life. I have painful red pustules popping up every night and continued redness and drying despite constant moisturizing. It's bad enough I have adult acne and that I've been trying to stick it out with this product for 12 weeks, but this product has made it SO MUCH WORSE! I will be sure to tell everyone I know NEVER to use it. I am embarrassed and upset I wasted my time and money for the last 3 months to make my face look worse. Not only that, but now I have SCARS all over as well."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2013

"This has helped me a lot! I started using Adapalene Gel 0.1% (prescribed by my doctor) only last week, and my acne has gotten much better. I get lots of redness in between my eyebrows, pimples on my forehead, little (not severe at all) bumps around my nose, and I have scars on my chin. Now, the problem around my nose is completely gone, and the scars on my chin are hardly visible. In between my eyebrows is less red, and my forehead is starting to clear up. I hope that in a couple of weeks it will almost be gone! Side effects include dryness around the applied area and itchiness or irritating spots under or on the corner of your eyes. I apply it at night after washing my face and rinse it off in the morning. I love this product!"