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

• C__...
• October 6, 2015

Adapalene topical for Acne "Differin XP has been a miracle product for me. As a girl who's had moderate breakouts since the age of 13 (am now 23!), I have to say sticking to this product has been very well worth it! For the first 2 months, yes, my skin was very dry and even flaky, and yes, it did turn me off a bit - but I was warned of this side effect and decided to just keep going with it. I was able to battle the flakiness with the use of exfoliants, and even in the first few months, I felt my breakouts were happening less often and were less severe. Now, 8 months later, the flakiness is no longer an issue and I find using this product has boosted my quality of life, although I still do get the occasional few tiny pimples - it does its job."

• ahb...
• January 14, 2020

Adapalene topical for Acne "I had mild to moderate acne. By that, I mean 3-4 active blemishes at any one time. But the marks they leave behind had accumulated since they take so much longer to disappear, so I decided to do something about it. I have been using adapalene 0.1% for about 6 weeks now. But for the first 3 weeks, I only used it twice a week. My skin cleared up completely. For the past 3 weeks, I have increased the frequency to every other night. For the first two weeks, my skin wasn't showing much change. Now it is the third week into this new routine, and I am experiencing dryness and irritation around the eyes and mouth. These dry patches would burn slightly when I apply moisturizer or sunscreen. Not the best feeling in the world, but bearable. 5 new blemishes have also started popping up. 3 of these were actually small comedones that never really surfaced until now. I suspect the other two were microcomedones deep within. This is a difficult stage, but I am determined to power through."

• Sor...
• August 5, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "I used this acne gel before. First time by itself. It irritated my skin. My skin was red, dry, and patchy. I stopped, thinking maybe this was like a reaction. To later find out, it takes a little while to get used to. But as for the second time, I used the whole range. The cleanser, the gel, and the moisturizer. Then I started to see the difference everyone has been raving about. It has been only 3 weeks, but my skin is softer and less patchy. My forehead acne has completely gone away. But my chin cystic acne is apparent. But it had definitely gotten smaller. However, this product made me break out like never before. Basically, my whole face became a whitehead central. But it is working. My acne marks, scars, and acne are less apparent."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2016

For Acne "I was very skeptical about using Differin cream as I had done a lot of reading and had obviously read about the dreaded initial breakout! A side note, I am also on lymecycline 408 mg (tetracycline is the same) and I'm on Lucette BC. When I first started using it, I left it on for an hour to see how my skin reacted, then washed it off. I have been leaving it on overnight now for about a week and a half. Yes, I have broken out. Any worse than usual? No. In fact, the breakouts healed, were less aggressive and red. Currently, the only side effect I've got is the corners of my mouth being a bit sore and dry. My skin is very soft where I use the cream. My advice, start slow! And use it so sparingly!! Literally the tiniest bit. I am pleased so far. :)"

• Ann...
• May 27, 2013

For Acne "I've been using Differin and Clindamycin for several weeks due to moderate acne around my chin and jaw, mostly painful whiteheads. The meds have made a difference, clearing up the many scars and reducing breakouts. It has caused mild irritation (flakiness, dryness, peeling, and itchiness). I try applying a non-oily moisturizer to reduce these side effects but then risk more pimples. Moreover, I warn against waxing! I have two rough, discolored, and sensitive patches of skin recovering from waxing my upper lip. It started out as just burning and redness, so I'm hoping there won't be a scar. So, be sure to avoid these treatments when using Differin."

• Akr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2019

For Acne "I want to share something very important, which my doctor told me to take care of while applying this gel. 1. Always use this at nighttime just before going to bed, and within 5 minutes of its application, light should be turned off, as this medicine makes skin light-sensitive. People who complain about scars caused by this drug just recall if you followed it while applying the medicine or not. If not, then it can cause scars. 2. The quantity of the gel to be used is only peanut size if you are applying it on your full face. Don't ever make the mistake of over-layering your skin with this drug, or you might face the severity of it. 3. After the application of the gel, don't touch your face again and again in order to avoid the adverse effects. 4. Never apply it near the eyes and lips area, as it can cause extreme dryness."

• Sta...
• December 26, 2017

For Acne "I am a 42-year-old female who has suffered from acne on and off since early childhood. Differin is a miracle for me. Tips: Apply once daily (at night) to clean, dry, moisturized skin. It is very important to apply moisturizer to clean, wet skin and massage in. Allow the skin to air dry, and after 20-30 minutes, apply the Differin. This cuts down on the drying, flaking, and stinging. Only a pea-sized amount of the Differin is needed for the entire face. Don't use in combination with salicylic acid. It deactivates Differin. It is very important to resist the urge to scrub or pick at the skin. In the morning, use a physical sunscreen (30-50 SPF), as it makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. Hope this helps. Everyone should moisturize!"

• Jul...
• August 12, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I have been using Differin for about two months. I use the face wash and the moisturizer at night. Using the moisturizer, I did not experience the dry, flaky skin others have. My acne is definitely better. I am able to use less makeup and less concealer now."

• Rac...
• December 17, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've been using Differin for 3 months. I'm 40 years old and have had acne my whole life. I also need help with pigmentation and oiliness, this is supposed to help. I started using it at night and in the morning. I never had any dryness or irritation. It has not helped my pigmentation at all. I think it has helped my current acne slightly and has definitely helped the oiliness on my cheek area, decreasing my pore size. Didn't help oil in any other area. I notice that when I am using this, I do not get any new breakouts. If I miss days, I will feel a pimple coming under the skin, and it may be a little red, but as long as I put this on as soon as I feel it, it disappears and never makes it to the surface. Differin is the only medication that has ever done that. I must say this is the best product I've used."

• hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2016

For Acne "I follow my derm's instructions to a T and only apply a pea-sized amount to the affected areas of my face nightly after a mild foaming cleaner. Make sure to avoid the eye and lip area by a few cm at least! My derm also recommended Vanicream moisturizer to help combat dry, red, peeling skin, and it's been a lifesaver to use after the cream has soaked in. The first week I used the cream, my skin consistently looked better even overnight! My existing pimples were smaller, my skin tone was visibly smoother and brighter, and when I felt my nose and chin (usually rough and bumpy due to whiteheads), it felt smooth and clear. Hasn't helped with my huge nose blackheads as much-I'm hoping with time these will fade too."

• 103...
• November 27, 2016

For Acne "I have very fair skin, and my dermatologist prescribed me adapalene because I had hormonal acne. After less than a week of using this cream, I got dry, painful eczema-like patches in places I didn't even put the cream. I can't put lotion on the spots to make them better because it stings. I would not recommend this cream to anybody with fair skin."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've dealt with acne since my early teens. Tried many prescriptions and OTC remedies to no avail. Now that I am in my 30s and taking skincare much more seriously, I decided to try Differin again since it's available OTC along with the face wash. I use the face wash every morning and night and the gel every night. I got the normal side effects in the beginning: dryness, some peeling, and redness, but I didn't let that deter me. Now I am going into week 7 and am beginning to see the difference. I still get little breakouts, but it's nowhere near as bad as before. Persistence with this medication is key. Give it time to work. I can tell that my skin tone is becoming much more even. My old scars are starting to fade. For the first time since my early teens, I am confident in my skin."

• Luc...
• December 3, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I had clear skin more or less until I was 18, then my skin broke out so bad, and I had spots all over the lower sides of my face for so long. I tried literally everything. At 19, I tried Differin, aware that my skin might get worse for a bit from the reviews I had read. The purge was pretty bad. My skin was red, raw, flaky, and so dry. It brought out all the spots from under my skin and didn’t seem like it was going to get better: the spots under my skin were still there, but the surface of my skin was so fragile. I decided to squeeze all my spots on my face (risky, I know). The scars lasted maybe like 4 months, but the spots stopped spreading after I did that and kept applying the Differin. Now my skin is so much better. I maybe get 1 tiny spot every two weeks instead of waking up with about 3 new spots a day. Differin was definitely a long-term solution for me."

• Af1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 22, 2015

For Acne "From the age of 10, I have suffered from terrible spots and acne. At age 15, I was at my worst. I had more acne than face! My GP prescribed me the cream, and after a few days, I realized my spots were becoming alive and sore. The cream made my face dry and flaky. However, two months into the treatment, my face became almost fully clear, and many people asked if I had skin surgery. This cream works wonders, however, the initial few weeks are very horrible. Overall, if you're getting treatment for acne, GET THIS CREAM!!"

• 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."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2019

For Acne "I have always had minor acne starting in middle school, but once I got to my junior year of high school, it started to get worse. I went to my doctor, and she prescribed this cream. I used it for 12 weeks, and by the end, my skin was basically clear. I still have a couple of scars, but after being off the cream for about a month or two, they seem to be fading. Now, I use the cream as a spot treatment if I get a pimple, and the cream usually clears it up within a couple of days. During the use, my skin got dry and flaky, and sometimes red and irritated in some areas. However, I found that using a moisturizer a couple of times a day fixed that problem."

• NIN...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 6, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I recommend this product to anyone. The results are amazing, for better results, use it at nighttime. Works better if you avoid exposure to the sun. If you use it during the day and you have exposure to the sun, it will cause black spots. You don't need to use too much, otherwise, using more than needed will cause dryness. You can apply moisturizer on top to avoid dry skin, but it really works."

• 10y...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 6, 2017

For Acne "In August 2016, my face broke out really badly, and I had a ton of little dots all over my face. I was prescribed adapalene 3%. When I first started using it, it made my face peel, it was so dry. I started using it with the ELF face moisturizer, and it got a little better. My face was extremely red, acne-filled, and painful for a couple of months. BUT in December of 2016, my face was completely acne-free. This stuff makes your skin worse before it gets better, but if you're patient with it, it is so worth it! My nightly routine is to wash my face, apply the adapalene, and then apply Persa Gel 10% on top. Then in the morning, I use a gentle, oil-free face wash and the ELF moisturizer. Now (June 2017), I only get a pimple or two when I'm PMSing."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2015

For Acne "I have only been on this for a few days, and I followed the instructions that said to apply to the whole face. I had no acne on my cheeks or chin, and my only problems were my nose and forehead. Although it is clearing my forehead, it is making my cheeks extremely dry and sensitive. From now on, I will only put it on the acne."

• Nou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2016

For Acne "Adapalene worsens acne the first two weeks, but you have to be patient because wanted results may need up to 3 months to appear. I am a drug information specialist at a dermatology hospital, and I realized that our patients get fewer flakes and dryness when washing out adapalene after 15 minutes to half an hour, sometimes after 2 hours. That's what most consultants in our hospital advise patients with."

• tay...
• February 19, 2016

For Acne "This gel has dried my skin out so badly I could barely put makeup on because my skin was flaky and very painful. It has cleared up some of my acne (I have hormonal acne), but it's definitely not worth the pain from the dryness. Steer clear of this."

• NBP...
• November 2, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I am almost 32. Don't have acne, but I get occasional breakouts. Proactive was the ONLY treatment that worked to clear and even out my skin, but it's so expensive. I'm always running out of the toner before I'm finished with the 3 steps, and it's not readily available in all stores. Tried antibacterial washes, benzoyl peroxide products, acne kits...still had the occasional pimple. Tried baking soda and apple cider vinegar, which is what led me to Differin. ACV purges your pores, so my entire face was covered in tiny pimples under my skin. After the first day of using Differin, I saw results, it had only been one day, but I could tell the breakout from the ACV wasn't worsening. Day 4, I have no pimples, but I noticed my face by the sides of my mouth was dry and red. Day 6, the peeling. Almost like using Retin A, but not even close to severe dryness. Says side effects should subside, but in all honesty, this product is not complicated to use, results are fast."

• Per...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I had good teenage skin, mild acne in my 20s (controlled with occasional benzoyl peroxide), dull skin at age 35 (so began Elizabeth Arden's 8-hour ointment - not meant for face, but what a glow it gave me!) and painful noticeable nodular-cystic acne affecting the T-zone face area at age 36. I stopped the 8-hour cream, needled the nodules (leaving skin unevenness), used Oxy-10, Lenovate, and Isotrex gel. Age 37: all failed, so I changed to: - Differin: acne continued in initial 'purge'. After 6 weeks, significant reduction in number + size + pain of nodules and cysts. After 7 months, dryness and some white flaking (despite cetomacrogol emollient) but fewer, infrequent + mild breakouts - not painful nodules/cysts. - Zinplex - milk reduction. Instead, eat yogurt + cheese. Observational studies support this. - bread & caffeine reduction. I stopped eating store-bought bread and instead make my own with whole grains. I eat bread less! I drink water/herbal infusions. Not an evidence-based approach."

• Kaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I used Differin as well as about 6 other prescription acne products in high school. They didn't work so well or clear up the acne, but left me with painfully dry, patchy, flaking skin. I tried Differin again after about 10 years because the sulfur products that were working stopped being effective. After about 4 months of use, my skin is completely clear and feels so soft. My skin was already looking better after one month. It had also helped fade the dark marks from my acne."