Adapalene topical and Itching: What Users Say

• HPD...
• October 16, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've been using Differin for 13 weeks now, and I'm still breaking out in painful cystic acne EVERYWHERE. I've got 10+ cystic pimples on my forehead, whereas I've never had them there before, and it's been two weeks, and they're still not gone. It's painful, itchy, makes you self-conscious AF. I hate it. If your skin isn't too bad but you're thinking about it, find an alternative. It's not worth it. I feel like I have depression because of this."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

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

Adapalene topical for Acne "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!"

• Tee...
• October 22, 2016

Adapalene topical for Acne "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!"

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

For Acne "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!"

• Lun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "Give it time. It took longer than 12 weeks to work for me. It took about 4 months for me. I previously had severe acne, 'aggressive' cystic acne, where I was ashamed to go out in public, and now it's mild to moderate acne. It's not perfect, but a vast improvement. Doctors wanted to prescribe me Accutane in the past, which I cannot take because of my mental health. Differin has been a lifesaver, though, but you have to be patient. My acne is not gone, but Differin has been a success. I only wear a thin layer of makeup now by choice, and my foundation and concealer routine used to take an hour before Differin. I also use benzoyl peroxide-clindamycin gel, which complements Differin well. STAY PATIENT! The first month is hard because your face will get extra sensitive and sometimes burned a little bit in the beginning, but Differin is worth it, I promise."

• Lau...
• October 12, 2016

Adapalene topical for Acne "This gel has been horrific for my skin. As a result of taking it, I have come up with an allergic reaction on my neck and around my eyes, which is so painful, itchy, and red. I really wouldn't recommend trying it unless you are really desperate. I have read a lot of other reviews where people said this happened to them too, but the GP never informed me of the potential side effects."

• Yay...
• October 19, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "I was prescribed Differin by my dermatologist in March 2019, and it has been the best decision I've made for my skin. I complained to her about my acne and how I had hyperpigmentation from it. When I started using Differin, my skin was pretty sensitive for a week, it felt like I had a burn on my face, but it was bearable. I wouldn’t say my skin purged like crazy because, as I was getting more breakouts, the acne got smaller right after. Mind you, my skin is usually oily and not sensitive. After about two months, my skin was dramatically clearer. The red marks on my skin have also gotten lighter but still haven’t gone away completely. I love waking up with clear and smooth skin because I wouldn’t have thought this was possible seven months ago."

• 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."

• Hil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "UPDATE: I had to quit. Just a quick reiteration of my backstory: I had been using benzoyl peroxide for a long while with okay results. I still would have 2-3 zits on my face sometimes (mostly around my time of the month), but looking back, it wasn't too bad. I just started to notice my skin was looking dull and congested, so I thought I needed to change up. My dermatologist suggested Differin last time I saw her, so after much research, I decided to give it a try. I knew there was going to be a purge phase, so I thought I was prepared. I was not. TODAY: I look like I have a disease on my face. After week 8, and seeing no improvement and suddenly developing itchiness that was driving me crazy, I made an emergency appointment with my dermatologist. I am now on 3 medications to counteract the effects of Differin. It may work for some, but unfortunately, I was not one of those people. I regret it so much. Please be cautious, because I now have months of recovery ahead of me."

• skm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "Differin burned my skin and destroyed my moisture barrier. I've stopped using and am now a week off of it, and all other actives and cleansers, and am still red, itchy, and have super visible pores. I guess I am just one of the people who are extra sensitive or allergic to retinoids, as I've heard many people have had a wonderful experience with it."

• WTF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I'm reporting back after not knowing whether to keep using this product or not... For 2.5 months, I had acne for the first time in my life because of Differin! The skin 'purging' never got better. The bleeding from just washing my face left spots that took forever to heal. My face hurt for weeks. Red, flaky areas around my mouth, I'd itch and get tingles. I had a million bumps under my skin, uneven, leathery, burnt skin. I stopped using Differin, and now it's been 2 weeks of washing with antibacterial soap/charcoal bar, applying hydrogen peroxide as a toner, and then 2 drops of tea tree oil mixed with salicylic acid clarifying moisturizer, and my face is super soft. All my dry skin patches are gone, I have no pimples, no blackheads. Very upset I wasted my time thinking this product would work. ***THE ONLY THING I would recommend it for is fine lines and wrinkles (I'm 32), and it does wonders to apply to forehead and laugh lines with no irritation. Hope others find this useful."

• gir...
• July 7, 2016

For Acne "I'm on around my second week or so, and my skin is itchy, red, drying out, and burning. To top it all off, my acne is getting worse. I heard you have to wait a few weeks before it starts getting better, but wow, my face looks really bad right now. I don't even want to go out in public!!!!!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2017

For Acne "I've been using adapalene 0.3% for 11 weeks now. I've read other users' reviews, and it seems like people tend to negatively rate it due to the irritancy that occurs initially. You should expect irritancy when you first start using this. I've experienced flaking, redness, and itchiness, which have mostly subsided now. The right support products help minimize irritancy: a gentle, non-foaming cleanser, moisturizer, and daily SPF are essential. Learn from my mistake: I used an AHA-based product to help loosen the flakes, but it only exacerbated the irritation, so I'd recommend avoiding chemical and physical exfoliants until your skin seems well-adapted to adapalene. The bottom line: my skin is smooth and acne-free after 11 weeks of use."

• NCR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "I have oily skin. Since 2 years ago, I maintained a skincare routine that manages to get rid of my dry patches and dehydrated skin, but cystic acne is still a concern. BP doesn't work on me, and 2% salicylic acid ceased to work on me after a while. So I tried 0.1% Differin. First day, I experienced crazy itchiness, so the following day I decided to amp up my moisturizing game. DO NOT USE THIS WITHOUT A GOOD MOISTURIZING ROUTINE, BE WARNED. I apply Differin once every other night, and my routine for those nights is (in order of application) hydrating lotion, Differin, cream moisturizer, a spritz of hydrating mist, gel moisturizer, and sleeping mask mixed with tamanu, rosehip, and grapeseed facial oil. I don't have a waiting time, because my skin can tolerate it. I stopped having itchiness since the first day, and now my problem areas no longer have texture, and cystic/less severe acne goes away on its own with very minimal scarring (if any)."

• 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!"

• Mad...
• November 29, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "My dermatologist told me I should try Differin since it would work the same as the prescription gel that worked wonders for my skin. After a few weeks of use, my skin broke out so bad. I had at least 3-4 painful, deep, and red pimples on my face at all times along with many bumps on my forehead and cheeks. I knew, though, that both medications I went on had a purge stage where my skin got bad, so I kept using it. Finally, I have been using Differin for almost 2 months and my skin is clear and smooth again. My scars are beginning to fade again and I'm praying it stays this way. My tips are to keep up with using Differin and only use a small amount. Like, very small. Too much made my skin so itchy and red and wasn't effective. Besides the 3 weeks of terrible skin, I think retinoids work very well for mild acne with a bit of patience and chugging tons of water each day."

• ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2019

For Acne "My dermatologist prescribed adapalene cream for my acne. I had forehead acne that seemed not to go away for the past year. The first week I used it, my skin had to adjust first to the cream, as it brought itchiness and dryness, but I continued nonetheless. After 2 months, the pimples were all gone! So before you describe it as a non-effective drug, just remember that people have different skin types, which react differently to creams. I never even purged."

• jur...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 20, 2019

For Acne "I'm in the middle. I had already been using a steady face care routine when I started adapalene. I mainly bought it to try to keep the big cystic bumps away and to improve texture. I didn't have any retinization period, and my skin tolerated it very well. However, I would say it didn't work any better than the benzoyl peroxide I had been using already. I am now battling some rosacea, and my skin looks ruddy, so it certainly doesn't help to smooth the skin texture at all. In all, I think it works for helping acne on a moderate level, but it really has zero anti-aging abilities and doesn't do anything for the texture of skin."

• DDD...
• October 8, 2017

For Acne "It's been almost a month, and it's making my acne worse. Worst in my forehead area. I've been having acne for almost 4 years and didn't try any medication. I started using this as directed by the dermatologist. To tell the truth, I'm tired of answering the same question people ask me every day. What's wrong with your face!!! But honestly, I feel although my acne is getting worse, my face is lighting up, and it's much softer than before. So I know it's working out. I'm having new breakouts every day, but I clearly see a difference others fail to see. So I'm hoping to continue this as I think it will work out sooner as I have also seen reviews. Sweating will make your face itchy if this is applied, causing more breakouts."

• dai...
• August 4, 2021

For Acne "I got acne due to coming off the pill. I was put on lymecycline for 9 months, which when I spoke to a professional, said that I should've only been put on for 3-4 months max. After 9 months, I saw that my acne gradually got worse again, so I was prescribed adapalene and doxycycline. Every day I've taken doxy and every night applied adapalene with a moisturizer (I have sensitive skin), but it didn't stop the purge, which I was very aware of happening. It was itchy, painful, and not nice to look at from weeks 2-8, but now I'm going into week ten and it's less bumpy, less irritation, and definitely less spots appearing. All that's left is to fade pigmentation, which I knew would happen. I'm overall happy with the progress of my skin as it hasn't been a linear experience with my skin, but now I feel it going back to normal."

• MMG...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 19, 2019

For Acne "I tried both the 0.1% and 0.3% versions of this medication. The 0.1% basically did not produce any side effects, but also really didn’t yield any significant improvements with my skin. The 0.3% was horrible! My skin became so sensitive and itchy. I got whiteheads in weird areas, like under the corner of my nostril, despite the fact I specifically didn’t apply it to that area. I wouldn’t recommend this product."

• Jla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2019

For Acne "I'm a 24-year-old male, and I developed some minor acne on my chin, despite never having had acne before. Nothing I got over the counter worked, so I went to the GP and was prescribed adapalene alongside an oral antibiotic. The side effects were nasty; I had red, dry, peeling, and itching skin for three weeks, even in places I hadn't applied the gel. By week four, I was past the 'purge,' and my breakouts slowed. However, this was short-lived, as by week six, my skin got worse; I broke out in places I had never broken out (my jawline, forehead, cheeks, and all around my mouth were covered in angry, inflamed spots, and my chin started breaking out again too). While these spots were coming to a head and healing faster, they left red marks like never before. My neck was also red and itchy all of the time, despite not applying it anywhere near my neck. I carried on using the gel for 12 weeks to see its full effect. Honestly, I wish I never bothered; it's made my somewhat minor acne almost severe."