Adapalene topical and Burning: What Users Say

• Col...
• March 22, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "I love seeing the 1 ⭐️ ratings and reading about how they used the product incorrectly and blame the company for that. It says on the pamphlet to avoid UVs. You can't just blob it on and then go to the beach, it literally says not to do that. If it burns your face, you're using it more than once a day or you're using it too much. Before you use a product as strong as this, please educate yourself on how to use it properly. This product will start to show results for most within a couple of days if you just use a light coat once a day, at the same time, every day. Be sure to read the box, it has a list of products that aren't compatible with this gel, and make sure not to use those on your face or else it will burn worse than scalding water on your face."

• Kit...
• October 12, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I have to wonder if people leaving reviews are paid to do so or get some benefit out of it because Differin is terrible for me. I've been using it for a few days shy of two months, and it has not helped at all. It creates new cystic acne in places I never had it before, all over my forehead and the sides of my face. The stupid wash they tell you to use also burns while using Differin and makes my skin oily as hell. I am so embarrassed to leave the house, and all I can do is cry. Thanks for nothing!!"

• Tur...
• August 3, 2014

For Acne "I was prescribed this medicine by my dermatologist. After a matter of days, my face started burning more and more, agonizing each day. Until finally, it hurt to put just about anything on my face. I know I can't be the only one!"

• JJL...
• November 18, 2012

For Acne "I am like completely happy! I have been struggling with acne since age 11 and am now 15! When I started using adapalene, I broke out so bad I almost gave up on it, but after 4 weeks, my skin started clearing up tremendously! So please don't give up if something like this happens to you with this medication! Also, yes, there will be burning and possibly dry, red, thin rashes around your lips or maybe even a fever blister. Also, you may feel dryness in the corners of your eyes and below your eyes, and the best way to prevent some of that is to use a moisturizer, but not with the medicine on, but during the day when it's all off. Hope this helps."

• 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."

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

Adapalene topical for Acne "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."

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

Adapalene topical for Acne "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!"

• kan...
• March 5, 2016

Adapalene topical for Acne "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."

• Cwe...
• June 16, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "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)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "30, male, extremely oily skin. I had cystic acne, and I have some of the worst scars, and now I get the occasional huge cyst/pimple. I rotate my use of this daily-one day cheeks, one day forehead, one day nose, kind of like that, because all over every day, even a thin layer, it burns because it's too potent. On this, I realized my brow ridge and nose produced less oil, and they look less 'congested.' I've been on it 3 months now. For the first time, I've healed a cyst without a scar in my life. There are absolutely fewer lines on my forehead, my nose gets no cysts and looks smoother like my forehead. To prep skin for dryness this causes, I use the CeraVe PM moisturizer before Differin. It just dries me out too much on bare skin. I also use SPF 50 daily on my face. I live in an area with a high UV index all year."

• Pin...
• December 15, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "STICK TO IT!!!! I did and my skin looks amazing. At first, I saw more acne, especially whiteheads. I also got really dry skin, but I moisturized all the time and it relieved it. You can also get burning, irritating skin, but don't give up. Eventually, you see your skin clear, even-toned, and tighter. I also noticed some of my fine lines gone. I know you might want to give up, but DON'T. I'm 50 years old and I never had pimples until the past two years. Nothing worked. I went to the dermatologist, got prescription meds, but the only thing that worked was this product."

• SD9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "This is a miracle in a tube! I had moderate to severe adult acne and would have breakouts on my cheeks, jawline, and chin that would leave dark marks for months. I have oily/sensitive skin. At first, the gel burned a lot, and I got a few more pimples, which are side effects of the product. But now, after about a month, my skin is adjusting and looks better than it has in years! Little to no pimples and dark marks are fading! My routine: Morning - wash face in lukewarm water with Dove Exfoliating Soap, then apply Aveeno Clean Complexion moisturizer. Makeup - e.l.f. Blemish Control Primer and BB Cream. Night - same as morning routine, but add Differin gel after washing face with soap, and apply Aveeno moisturizer about an hour afterward if needed."

• Anonymous
• July 25, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "Well, I've only been using this face med for a few days, and my skin burns and is super dry! I put it on at night, go to bed, and wash my face in the AM and apply makeup, but I can't wear makeup because as soon as I apply it, my face burns very bad. What do I do? Had anyone experienced this?"

• 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."

• lay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2015

Adapalene topical for Acne "I only started using Differin a week ago. It has made my skin very red, like in the first 3 days, I got a red rash-like thing below my lips and on my cheeks, and it burns. It also has made around my eyes very dry. I am going to start using it every second day for my skin to get used to it, but I really hope that it will work. Just give it time, people, and don't overuse or get worried if your skin becomes red because that is a side effect if you have sensitive skin."

• 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."

• car...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 3, 2013

For Acne "I really do like the effects of adapalene on my skin. The texture is smoother, smaller pores, and all the other things you'd expect from a retinol gel. Thanks to those of you who warned against waxing while applying this gel. I did not read that on the information, and no one told me. I had pretty intense burning when I had my brows waxed. The scars are still a little visible."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "I started using Differin at 48 years old. I really got into skin care in the last 8 years and could never get rid of my blackheads and bumpy skin texture. Seriously, I’ve tried all OTC products from drug store to department store. The dermatologist told me to try Differin, and it might even help my wrinkles. Differin has cleared my skin to the best texture I’ve ever had without one blackhead. My skin is so soft. I’ve been using it for seven months. I started slow, using it every 2-3 days because of redness and burning. I found an extremely heavy-duty moisturizer without any retinoids in it, which helped me work up to using it daily. Make sure you’re not exfoliating with any other products in the first month or two. If you’re burning and red, then skip a day or two. It takes your skin a while to adjust, but the outcome is so worth it. Some of my sun spots have lightened as well. As far as wrinkles go, I’d say they are a tad better."

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 30, 2020

Adapalene topical for Acne "Okay, so my acne was incurable, horrifying, and painful. NOTHING helped until I tried Differin. It took about 2 months to clear up. It stung like crazy, and it hurt, and it burnt, but I went through it because it was my last option. After it finally cleared up, my face was like a baby’s bum. Perfect. I love Differin, but it’s super expensive."

• Mom...
• October 10, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "I tried a lot of things for my acne, and none of them had worked before Differin gel. It's irritating to have acne at 34 years old. I didn't think anything would help. Differin gel was affordable, and I could get it at Walmart, so I tried it and was pleasantly surprised. This is the first thing that worked for me. You only need a very small amount, and you only need to apply it once a day. Any more than that, and it will burn your skin. It's a small tube, but it lasts a long time. I would highly recommend it."

• Ren...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "When I say nothing, I mean absolutely nothing helped my face to prevent breakouts and the scarring left behind until now. My mom bought this for me and within three days, yes, three days, my face looked so good! It was only $15 too. I've been to two dermatologists, and whatever they prescribed me made my skin worse. Anything over the counter also made my skin worse over the years. Definitely worth a try and also no burning or irritation for 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."

• 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!!!!!"

• Thi...
• March 28, 2015

For Acne "Dried my skin out and almost burnt it a bit, it hurt so bad, and the only thing I could put on to relieve it was cold water. I think it must work for some, but it doesn't on people with sensitive skin!"

• rut...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2019

For Acne "Skin broke out so bad the first 8 weeks. My face burned, was red, and had cystic acne all over my chin. I was going to give up. But I read all the reviews, covered it up with makeup, and pushed through. So glad I did, still getting some acne on the chin but it is 13 weeks later and skin is looking so much better. So glad I pushed through!"