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

• Roo...
• June 28, 2016

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've had acne problems since the 4th grade and have since tried tretinoin, Benzaclin, and Dalacin T, which did not help me very much. I gave up prescriptions for the last 5 years, using OTC benzoyl peroxide, when I suddenly had the WORST breakout of my life (I think from stress) with cystic acne. Family doctor gave me Differin XP gel. I've been using it for 1 month, and my acne has dramatically cleared up. I did not purge at all (maybe got 3-5 small pimples), and I peeled once while swimming outside. I was also prescribed 333 mg erythromycin tabs by a dermatologist, but did not take it yet, as it seems Differin has already cleared me up. I did skip a few days and used 4 dot-sized amounts instead of the recommended 'pea-size.'"

• Pri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 11, 2015

Adapalene topical for Acne "I used Differin, and the first month was horrible. I guess I needed to use moisturizer, especially SPF, or lotion. I got sunburned really bad all over, my face was peeling and really scabby. I just looked crazy going to school, and my face hurt so bad, so I started using it less. I even went to get my eyebrows waxed, and the wax was too hot for my face and sensitive skin, it ripped and scabbed up really bad. Ouch! But luckily, after one month of suffering, my face, and especially my nose (where I got it), was all clear, gone, and smooth! Seems like similar experiences where it starts off bad then ends up good. I now put Olay SPF moisturizer on every day and use it every other day with Cerave face wash."

• 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."

• 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."

• diz...
• October 1, 2015

For Acne "This week is my 8th week in using this product. I can say now that it really works. Before I started using this, I had cystic acne all over my face and neck, but after 7 weeks of using, things change. For the first 6 weeks, expect peeling, redness, scaly face, breakouts. I had all of this. But now I only have two pimples, not cystic acne. At first, I really wanted to stop using this because of the negative effects. Really, patience is a virtue."

• 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."

• Kai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2015

For Acne "I don't know how long exactly I've been using this treatment (probably about 1-2 months), but I have to say it's the most effective medicine I've tried. I've suffered with acne since the age of 10, and ever since I started this lotion, my skin has become so much clearer. The flaky skin and the tingling and redness are so worth it if you want clear skin in the end! Highly recommend using this for effective results."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!!"

• bgu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "I used Differin Gel, hoping it would help with my minor acne as well as my cystic acne. I used it on my chin and around my nose. I only used the product for 6 days before it started to dry my skin out to the point where it would peel off in several layers and then scab over. It made my skin inflamed, and even lightly touching it was painful."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2015

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've been using this for almost a month, and my skin is extremely sensitive, red, and peeling like crazy. When I began using this, my skin broke out like crazy as well. I start school in 3 days, and I am so embarrassed."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Mia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2015

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've always had really mild breakouts ever since college started, but I gradually lost them through Clearasil and St. Ives. But now that I'm in my junior year, I'm breaking out twice as much. My dermatologist prescribed me Differin (0.01 cream adapalene), and it was quite pricey because I was taking it alongside clindamycin, which I only put on my pimples, whereas I used a pea-sized amount of Differin on my entire face. I'm currently on my third day of Differin and clindamycin, and I have been experiencing skin peeling on my nose and a little bit of redness and tenderness. There have been more breakouts (I now have 6 pimples), and I hope it gets worse before it gets better now that it's still holiday break."

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2015

Adapalene topical "I'm 18 years old and started having breakouts in the beginning of puberty. Even though it's a part of your hormones changing and stuff, I am really insecure about the acne on my jawline and chest area. My dad took me to a dermatologist, and I got prescribed Differin. I've used the cream for about 2 weeks and can start to see small improvements. However, I have started getting flaky skin as well. Overall, it's a good product, but you need to be patient."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I’ve been using this product for about 4 months now, and it really does help your skin, and I recommend you use it at night before you go to bed. For me, the only side effect I’ve had was SUPER dry and flaky skin, that’s the only downside to this product. I try to moisturize my face right after I get out of the shower in the morning, and then I put on my makeup. Some days in the morning, even though I do moisturize, I put on my makeup, and when I’m done, I realize it looks like I have a beard because that’s how dry your skin gets. But if you do remember to moisturize, it won’t be as bad."

• 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!"

• 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!!"