Adapalene topical and Burning: What Users Say (Page 2)

• itw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 26, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I believe it was a combination of IUD, stress, and hormone changes (pregnancy almost 4 years ago) that ruined my face over a period of 3 years. My forehead, cheeks, and chin had lots of pimples. I turned 30 six months ago. 10 months ago, I got a spot on my face that was the worst in my life that it wouldn't even surface for me to pop. It wouldn't go away after 2 months, so I decided to see a dermatologist. She put me on oral doxycycline for a month, with topical clindamycin for nighttime and Differin gel for daytime. On top of the meds, cold weather and dry heat inside buildings at the time were making my skin burn so badly. Then, I figured out that putting lots of good gentle, plain lotion right after washing my face really helped. Sunscreen was super important. Now I continue to use Differin to help with hyperpigmentation since I couldn't help picking at my face when I wasn't supposed to! No more pimples. My skin keeps getting better day by day. Remember to apply lotion after washing your face!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2016

For Acne "HORRIBLE!! This should be taken off the market!! I've had a rash, red peeling all over, even where I don't put it. Whiteheads worse than ever... No, just no. My skin burns all the time. IT DOES NOT WORK. I have noticed girls with darker skin or tan skin seem to like this. Those like me with whiter-than-white skin, it's wretched on. This is not for all skin types, that is for sure. If you want clear skin and have white skin that burns, stay away from this waste of money."

• non...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "Never again. After a week of use, one morning I woke up and my skin was burning. I couldn't even wash it with water, it hurt me so bad. I got a burn, dryness, and WAY MORE acne than I have ever had. My pores were all clogged, and my skin hated me. I followed all of the instructions: used a very mild soothing cleanser and moisturizer, didn't use salicylic acid or anything like that, used sunscreen, only applied once a day, etc. It's awful. I thought it would improve my skin condition and acne scars, but it made me look even worse. What a waste of money."

• Kel...
• September 19, 2016

For Acne "I definitely recommend Adapalene Gel. I have had acne for the past 3-5 years. I am 29. I never had acne like this before this time period. I was skeptical at first, but now I can leave the house without trying to unsuccessfully cover my redness, scarring, and pimples. The scarring is still there, but it is faint. There are only 2 small negatives I experienced while taking it... 1. When my face sweats (wearing a hat, being in a hot room, or working out), it just burns badly. 2. When I started it, my face felt like it was on fire a lot. Initially, I switched to every other day when using it. Now, I use it before bed with CeraVe moisturizer. I only use 1 PEA size for my entire face. Don't overdo it. It'll help you, just need to be patient. :)"

• Bar...
• February 26, 2016

Adapalene topical for Acne "2 weeks into the treatment, the first week was awful, burning, redness, peeling, more pimples. Slowly improved. I'm feeling a lot better, still a little bit of peeling and dry skin and a pimple here and there, but it doesn't burn anymore. They say 8 weeks, others 3 months to see results, so although it's too early to say that Differin won the battle, I have to say that I'm satisfied. Also, I use Clinique bar soap in the morning, Clinique acne cream, and tonic. And at night just St. Ives scrub and Differin. I wear my regular makeup, Revlon, but I want to switch to Clinique. It doesn't hold all day, my skin starts to get itchy in the evening. Just be patient!"

• Bre...
• June 22, 2016

For Acne "I've been using adapalene gel for approximately one week, and I am absolutely miserable. Although I am already seeing active acne clearing up very successfully, my skin is peeling to an extent that I would deem as overkill. It is at the point that I don't want to leave my house because of how bad the peeling is. Not only this, but my skin is in a constant state of pain and sensitivity. In order to try and decrease the side effects of this medication, I took to the adapalene gel website to look for tips. They suggested that I use an oil-free moisturizer to attempt to calm the burning sensation already present in my skin. Upon doing so, it was as if my skin was doused in gasoline and set ablaze with a blowtorch. Be prepared for the pain."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "So I wanted to try this because it was once a prescription medicine, and I wasn’t having any luck with other OTC brands. I read reviews and thought, “Oh, it can’t be THAT bad” (with the side effects), but let me tell you, I was WRONG. Day one isn’t bad, day two a breeze, but by day four or five, my face was raw and super dry as anything. My skin has never flaked in my life, and I looked like a man with a beard. Anything, including extremely sensitive lotion, BURNED my face. Even tears burned the hell out of my face. The drug works quickly, and it does work getting rid of blemishes. In my opinion, the side effects aren’t worth it to me. I stopped applying the drug to my face, and I’m unsure whether I’ll start up again in a few days. My face needs a rest!"

• Maz...
• June 8, 2016

For Acne "Within 3 days, my active spots disappeared, and my skin appeared to be glowing. I've only been using it for just under a week, and out of nowhere, my skin has been burning from the use of the gel, and it's been peeling a lot, leaving my skin very sensitive. My acne scars are lightening, though already, so I'll keep at it for now, and hopefully, the pain will subside."

• Uns...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2019

For Acne "Started using this rubbish about 5 months ago. When I started using it, it was every 2 days due to the fact that it would burn my skin, especially any area around my orbitals. After I noticed my acne progressively getting worse, I started to use it every other day, as I felt that the issue was just my hormonal acne. This eventually turned to every day. I regret it now. My face is full of post-inflammatory hyperpigmented acne scars, and the acne became worse. Moreover, I developed tiny little bumps all over my face and milia around my nostrils and the area around my chin. My skin felt so sensitive to touch and wash, and the acne hurt so bad. I consciously decided to stop using Differin completely last week and go back to Duac Once Daily. I was really hoping I had found the holy grail given the effects of retinol, but my skin has never looked worse, and I am 29!"

• Zac...
• January 13, 2021

Adapalene topical for Acne "I am a 22-year-old male. I have mild to moderate acne mostly on my chin but very few on my cheeks and forehead. I decided to start using Differin alongside benzoyl peroxide 2.5%. At first, I started using 10%, it burned my face completely, so I stopped using it immediately. After that, I switched to the 2.5%, and it still caused me some major allergies and inflammation, so I quit it. Now I have been using Differin cream for over 2 months (about 9 weeks) consistently. I would give my face a break for a couple of days when it gets inflamed then go back to it. My acne didn't go away, it has gotten worse than ever. The purge has lasted way too long. I'm kind of worried if it will get better soon. For anyone who's using any type of acne treatment, make sure to wear some broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, at least SPF of 30. I hope that my purge will be stopping soon and have a clear face."

• she...
• July 27, 2021

For Acne "I understand there is a purging phase, but when will this horror ever end? This is the worst product I have ever used. I used it for 3 days, and my skin started burning, peeling, and then... breaking out like never before. I discontinued after the 3 days, but 3 months later, I still have the worst acne of my life. New breakouts every day in different places, splotchiness, disfiguration of my face. I'm wondering if this stuff has permanently ruined my skin. It royally messed it up. I cry myself to sleep, and all of my mental health conditions have taken a nosedive. I feel suicidal because of this horrendous product. Every day it's like waking up to a worse nightmare. I look in the mirror and vomit and scream and start hysterically crying. My skin used to be nearly flawless, and I thought this product would give my skin an extra boost. It did the opposite. I am beyond livid. This product should be illegal. It makes my stomach turn. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT!"

• Kal...
• August 9, 2016

For Acne "I am 15 years old and have had acne in my T-zone area with the occasional cluster on my cheeks for about a year and a half. I have been prescribed 0.3% adapalene gel and am so frustrated with it! The first three weeks blew my mind in how clear my skin was, but now my acne is worse than ever! My little bumps that I had on my forehead have now turned into big bumps. I have now read the reviews and see that it gets worse before it gets better, so I hope that is the case with me. It had been about a month and a half. I have also noticed my eyelids and the corner of my mouth being very dry and peeling. My skin burns when I apply moisturizer sometimes, but I fight through the pain."

• sis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 16, 2020

Adapalene topical for Acne "I’ve been using the Differin adapalene gel for a year now, along with the Differin moisturizer. I have also been using the new cleanser since it came out. Differin, for me, started out horribly. My skin burned, peeled, then purged, and it was awful, but afterwards, it got better. However, the gel is NOT a miracle product. It does work to heal breakouts faster, however, it does not prevent them. I struggle with acne on the face, chest, shoulders, and back. I would recommend the cleanser 100% for the face, and I would recommend the gel to people with mild acne on the face. I think if benzoyl peroxide could be sold higher than 10% and they had that, it would be better for the body, as it does make breakouts smaller and helps them heal faster, but for me, it feels like a waste of time and product for the body. The moisturizer is great. If you have dry and/or sensitive skin, I do not recommend the gel for you!!"

• Bes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2017

For Acne "I'm 24 and have mild to moderate acne on my chin and red hyperpigmentation spots from old pimples. I've tried benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, but this is more effective and also helps with hyperpigmentation from old acne. I also prefer not to take a pill (antibiotics, Accutane) to treat acne. I was excited to find this over the counter. The first 3 days I used it, my acne got worse. Within a week, however, my pimples dried up. It is very effective. I gave 9/10 and not 10/10 because my face has been very dry, and sometimes it burns a little. This is a normal side effect I expect to get better with using it more. You can use this every other night if your skin gets too dry."

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've always had hormonal acne -- started when I was in my teens. I'm now in my 50s and it hasn't stopped! I tried so many products, and I wash my face morning and night, but by the middle of a month, the big cystic acne and whiteheads return. I just began my Differin regimen -- face wash, gel (0.1%), moisturizer, and sunscreen. My skin is in the 'irritation' phase -- feels irritated and slightly burns when heat or sunlight hit it. I noticed the cystic acne quickly turned into whiteheads (looks really ugly), but I see it works fast! I'm going to keep up the routine... face wash morning + sunscreen -- which reduces the irritating feeling I experience -- then face wash and moisturizer at night, which is soothing for me. I'll get better skin yet!"

• LJA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I first started using the 0.1 gel with Aczone for the first 10 weeks of use. I had been using Aczone for a few years prior and pretty sure it wasn’t working anymore, and all the Differin did was make me constantly break out throughout those 10 weeks (keep in mind I had mild acne when I first started). Finally, at 10 weeks, I switched to the 0.3 gel (nighttime) and clindamycin phosphate 1% gel (morning and night), and now I am starting to see improvement. I’ve been using that combination for the past 3 weeks and currently only have 1 active tiny little pimple as opposed to the multiple I had 3 weeks prior. My face is currently red, peeling, and burning from increasing the dosage as it gets used to it, but I didn’t have any more of a purge than the active pimples I had before switching. If anything, my face is dramatically clearer since switching. I’ve also cleaned out all facial moisturizers/makeup and have switched to silicone and oil-free to help keep my pores unclogged."

• Ari...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "Horrible. I’ve been using it for about a week now, and my skin has cleared up a bit, but then I woke up one morning and had terrible burns on my nose, cheeks, and under my eyes. It has been burning badly and hard for me to sleep. I wouldn’t recommend it. NOT GOOD FOR MY SKIN."

• Ari...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "Horrible. I’ve been using it for about a week now, and my skin has cleared up a bit, but then I woke up one morning and had terrible burns on my nose, cheeks, and under my eyes. It has been burning badly and hard for me to sleep. I wouldn’t recommend it. NOT GOOD FOR MY SKIN."

• thi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "This was an absolutely awful product for me. It made my face burn, cannot use the skin products you’re used to using. It will make you get HUGE red marks all over your face because of how inflamed it makes your face. It does not assist in fading scars, your face will look AWFUL even if you do go through with the full product for the 6-month MINIMUM span. Absolutely ridiculous! It will cause cystic acne all over and will lower your self-esteem rather than fix the acne! My recommendation? Go to your local doctor and get a prescription for pills that will help your acne! Three months in, my friend's face is very clear, I will take her recommendation! Awful product."

• Gib...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2016

For Acne "I had a great experience using this product when using the appropriate skin care routine (using harsh products will make your skin peel and burn and can be frustrating, even painful). I wanted to share what products work for my sensitive skin (I don't have any discomfort using Differin since). Clinique Take the Day Off Oil Balm, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, Costco Kirkland Makeup Wipes (only makeup wipes gentle enough for my face). After putting on my eye cream and Differin at night, I moisturize with Seaberry Face Oil Moisturizer from Fresh, then follow with a lip balm."

• Zoe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I don’t know why, but for whatever reason, I’m the only person who became an oil factory after using the gel cleanser. Everyone is talking about how harsh and drying it is, causing burns and flakes and whatnot. I experienced none of that. It made my face feel soft and seemed to really help speed up the healing of a few popped zits that I had when I began using it. But within 3 days, I realized my skin was literally greasy to the touch, which is something I’ve never experienced ever. I’ve never really understood what oily skin even meant until now. I’ve always been borderline dry but mostly normal, but after a week of use, I could take my fingers and swipe them under my eyes and around my nose, and instantly my hand would be shiny, greasy, and most disturbing of all, really smelly. The oil created literally smelled like a perm! I tried to push through, but I started getting blackheads everywhere, which is also something I’ve never dealt with. No thank you, Differin!"

• Ben...
• January 22, 2022

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've always had normal skin with a few blemishes, and I had two to three pimples every now and then. I was doing research on products for breakouts and found this and bought it the next day. On the first day, I got some burns, but read it was normal and kept going. I've been using this for only a week, and I just had a major breakdown in my bathroom crying because of it. I woke up with five cystic pimples, and I have never in my life had cystic pimples or had them in those places. They hurt so bad I immediately washed my face with water, and I am never ever going to use it again. Makes your skin look so bad. Definitely not worth it. Would give it minus one if possible. Please do know your skin type, mine is combination to oily and a little sensitive, and please do not ignore the red flags. If your skin does not tolerate it, throw it away! This product was awful for me!!"

• K M...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "I’m in my late 30s and deal with mild adult acne (mostly hormonal). After the first week or so, I thought I was off to a great start, and then everything changed. My face burned and peeled. Then the “purge” made me so self-conscious, embarrassed, and downright sad that I quit after week four. I had pimples popping up everywhere except my eyeballs. Seriously. There were pimples where I never break out. I finally searched online and read reviews NOT on the Differin website. Some said it cleared up after 12 weeks! I was never going to be able to deal with that outrageous skin for 8 more weeks! It’s not worth your money. No one should have to deal with weeks of extreme breakouts for a chance at clearing up acne 3 months later. I can’t believe they sell this. Please don’t buy this. I don’t want anyone else to feel as sad as I did."

• gre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 28, 2017

For Acne "At first when I started using it, I had really terrible dry peeling skin, and it burned so much. Your doctor will tell you that it works in a few months, but that was not the case for me. I just kept using it because I was not done with the tube, and at about 6 months, I was about 80% clear. Right now I am at 8 months and only have a few pimples, which can be easily treated with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. However, if I stop use for an extended period of time, acne gets worse. Adapalene is useful, but the side effects at the start are really terrible and include peeling skin and more pimples. To combat this, make sure to get a moisturizer, especially for dry skin."

• Sam...
• September 22, 2015

Adapalene topical for Acne "A dermatologist (a different dermatologist than I usually see) recommended starting to use Differin along with taking my Doxycycline. I have been using the topical gel for 3 days on my face and back, and I only have negative things to say. My face is peeling badly, and the skin is very red and irritated. I have tried different moisturizers, and they just burn. The outer corners of my eyes are red and painful. My back broke out with large blister-like pimples. I do not have sensitive skin, and my acne is not very bad. I feel this product has actually worsened my condition. I am going to stop using Differin immediately. I don't know how long it's going to take my skin to heal."