Adapalene topical and Peeling: What Users Say

• Cri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "YOU HAVE TO STICK WITH IT FOR AT LEAST 4 MONTHS, AND YOUR SKIN WILL GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER. But Differin is very worth it! I see all of these bad reviews where people give a bad review and wonder if they used the product right and read how it works. It works by pushing everything in your pores out and stripping your skin, making your face worse for a while, but then it will clear right up. You may peel until your skin gets used to it (only took me a week). Stick with it! Not only does it get rid of the acne, it makes all of your skin better. My dark spots and redness in general gone away. My face is so much healthier. Don't leave reviews until you have given it at least 4 months, that's very important. It WILL take a while to clear up. That's how it works. I've been dealing with acne for 20 years, and absolutely nothing else worked. This is the first thing that has ever worked."

• Lif...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 9, 2013

Adapalene topical for Acne "I am a 29-year-old female who has suffered from severe acne vulgaris all my life and was recently diagnosed. I used everything known to man, and when I finally saw a dermatologist, he prescribed me this as well as a face wash. The first two weeks, I had experienced redness, peeling, pain, hot to touch skin (I used cocoa butter to soothe it) just as the doctor said I would, but later into the 3rd and 4th week and even now, my skin is extremely clear and almost flawless. The difference expedited the shedding of my skin and caused the old dead scarred skin to peel off, revealing new soft, youthful, and unscarred skin. My skin is very beautiful now, and I will continue to use this medicine until my acne subsides. Great product."

• Sam...
• February 26, 2020

Adapalene topical for Acne "Did my fair share of research on this and finally bought this after being on Proactiv for 6 months (most recent product, many trips to the derm, and hundreds of $$). I use it at night followed by Hydro Boost for extra dry skin. I use Cetaphil cleanser AM and PM and Cetaphil lotion AM/as needed along with Differin PM and Hydro Boost PM. I had minor peeling and small bumps on my chin for a few days. Honestly, though, after reading the reviews, I was prepared for way worse. Don't let the reviews scare you from trying this. I'm 29, had acne since 13, and finally, I'm close to clear and my skin is glowing. Plus, my forehead wrinkles disappeared and it's only been a month."

• Mat...
• November 13, 2011

Adapalene topical for Acne "I started using this topical medicine a few weeks ago. Within the first 7-14 days, my skin was a bit dry and peeled a little bit. This is just the medicine beginning to work and exfoliating any dead skin cells. However, after about 2-3 weeks, I started to see a huge improvement in my skin. Before using, I had moderate acne, and now I would classify it as light. Make sure you use this medicine at night and wash it off in the morning. Also, after you put the medicine on your face at night, put a moisturizer on your face (preferably Cetaphil or CeraVe). During the day, do not expose yourself to prolonged sunshine as the affected areas will get red and feel greasy (not a pleasant look and feeling). This is a great medicine, but give it time."

• bee...
• March 27, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "I used to have severely clogged pores as well as scarring from cysts, but once I was prescribed this cream, it cleared everything. When I first started using it, I found that it caused my skin to have extremely dry patches, and they would flake up. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, but I would avoid talking to people up close. If you honestly want it to work, you need patience! The first 2 months, you'll notice just a lot of flaking of skin, but after the 3rd month, my skin was clear, and I had a naturally clear complexion. I honestly never had such great confidence in my skin. I was able to stop wearing such heavy makeup foundation to cover up scars and moved on to BB creams or even nothing at all! The key is patience!"

• Van...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2020

Adapalene topical for Acne "Honestly, I have a love-hate relationship with Differin! It cleared up my pimples, BUT made my skin so unbearably painful that I had to stop using it. My skin was stinging literally all day, and I couldn’t even apply a sensitive skin calming moisturizer. I also had awfully scaly and flaky skin on my eyelids/around my eyes, even though I was extremely careful NOT to apply it there."

• zap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2014

Adapalene topical for Acne "I have had acne right after I got out of high school (which is weird, right?), and I have tried all kinds of stuff (proactive, Paula's Choice, and a long laundry list of other stuff) and none of it has really helped. I tried Differin, and I must say my skin is really smooth and has way less acne. I must admit when I first tried it, my skin didn't fare well with it and began to peel horribly. After reading a few posts from other people, I used a moisturizer first and then used Differin, and no longer did I have dry, peely skin. I used CeraVe cleanser and their AM and PM moisturizer, and now I can say my skin looks fantastic with Differin and CeraVe. Acne takes time to heal, and Differin will make a difference for you!"

• Nic...
• September 4, 2014

For Acne "I had moderate-severe acne when I hit 21. It was a very tormenting stage for me, having this kind of acne. I can't go outdoors without wearing foundation/concealer to cover up redness. My self-confidence was low. Finally, I went to the dermatologist, she prescribed oral and topical treatment. I stopped taking oral antibiotics because I read that it's not good for the body. So I only maintained adapalene gel. I think adapalene helps a lot because it minimized the growth of occurring acne as well as clearing my skin. I use BP sparingly to avoid irritation and rash. Though adapalene slowly works, and it takes months to see improvements, I didn't experience flaking or stinging from it. I hope to see more improvements on my face while on it."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2015

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've had bad skin since 4th grade. I never did anything about it, I would just wear makeup and cover-up. Last year, in grade 9, I went on the pill for my skin. It completely cleared the acne on my back and chest, but my face was still bad. I eventually got put on Differin gel, and within the first week, my skin was clear for the first time! But I began getting a red rash on my face, and my skin was peeling and very sensitive to anything else I put on there, even my makeup. I've now been using it for about 4 months. To anyone who is looking to go on Differin gel, I highly recommend it, but do not judge your skin within the first few weeks because your skin will be getting used to it. I now have completely clear skin and am very happy."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2015

Adapalene topical for Acne "I'm 16, and I had really bad acne on my cheeks especially. The first couple of nights of using the cream made my skin pretty dry and flaky. The first thing I noticed with the cream is it got rid of all my pus-filled pimples straight away. It took a while, maybe 2 months, but by then my acne had cleared up so much! There were a lot of red marks left behind, but that's alright because they're not overly noticeable and they will fade away with time. For anyone that is suffering with acne, just go see a GP or a dermatologist, overcome the fear and the embarrassment of acne because the results are so satisfying."

• All...
• December 26, 2013

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've had acne since like the 7th grade, and I didn't really bother to do anything about it because it wasn't bad, but at the end of 8th grade, it got worse, so I went to a dermatologist, and she prescribed Epiduo to me, and I used it and had clear skin for almost the whole summer. But in August, when school started, my face started getting horribly dry and peeling, and it hurt. So I went back to the derm, and she prescribed Differin (0.3%) gel, and I've been using it now for 4 months, and it works great! I have to say it does get worse before it gets better."

• mar...
• September 25, 2016

Adapalene topical for Acne "Struggled with acne for years, and this has honestly been a miracle worker. I've tried many different treatments (different strengths of benzoyl peroxide, oxytetracycline, and limecycline), and I decided to use Differin before trying BC or Accutane, and I'm so glad I did! The first week was tough because my skin peeled rather a lot and felt extremely dry. However, I didn't experience any 'purging,' and the dryness was easily solved with a light moisturizer. After about 2 weeks, my skin was significantly clearer and was nowhere near as dry as before. The gel has been the best treatment I've used by far, and I strongly encourage you to persevere with it as it's a game-changer! My skin is now really clear, and I have so much more confidence!"

• Jen...
• December 19, 2008

Adapalene topical for Acne "My acne became worse within the first 2 weeks of using Differin, then all of a sudden it began to get better. The improvements must have happened at night because I would get excited in the mornings when I washed my face. I have to strongly agree with the person who posted before me. DO NOT GET YOUR EYEBROWS WAXED while using this product. My skin was ripped off and immediately turned red. A day or so later it left this large UGLY scar under my eyebrows. About a week later it peeled and was fine, but who wants to go through that."

• Dog...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2013

Adapalene topical for Acne "When I first started using Differin, my skin was really red and peeled for several days. After that, it started to look a lot better, but then out of nowhere, it started to break out more, especially cystic acne on my face, and my skin is really hot to the touch and painful. I hope it's just that it gets worse before it gets better."

• tif...
• September 27, 2011

Adapalene topical for Acne "The first topical treatment I used was Duac, and I didn't see a change in my skin. I switched to Retin-A, and I peeled so badly I couldn't use it at all. My doctor switched me to the generic adapalene gel 0.1%, and I've been using it for a few months now. It works amazingly. I can use it every night, and I've never peeled, and I was even able to stop my antibiotic. I LOVE it!"

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Gri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've had acne when I was a teenager, it cleared up during my 20s, then came back - with a vengeance - when I was 33. Differin gel and cream have been the BEST stuff I've used, and I have used A LOT of different lotions and potions, which have cost me a fortune over the years. I'm now 39 and still suffer breakouts, but I keep a tube handy for them, and it clears them up in a couple of days. I would say to ONLY put it on the papule or pustule and not on any clear skin around them. That's when it will make your skin flake and peel off! If you use it on the spots ONLY, it will work just fine. I'm also a beauty therapist, and I recommend that some of my clients see their GP for it."

• Gri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've had acne when I was a teenager, it cleared up during my 20s, then came back - with a vengeance - when I was 33. Differin gel and cream have been the BEST stuff I've used, and I have used A LOT of different lotions and potions, which have cost me a fortune over the years. I'm now 39 and still suffer breakouts, but I keep a tube handy for them, and it clears them up in a couple of days. I would say to ONLY put it on the papule or pustule and not on any clear skin around them. That's when it will make your skin flake and peel off! If you use it on the spots ONLY, it will work just fine. I'm also a beauty therapist, and I recommend that some of my clients see their GP for it."

• Meg...
• November 1, 2013

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've been using this gel for probably about 2 or 3 years now. I started getting acne in around 6th grade, whereas I didn't start my period until 9th grade. I've never had severe acne, there's just always been at least a couple of zits on my face for as long as I can remember. I had no significant peeling or dryness when I started using Differin, and I also had no immediate results. Slowly over time, however, my acne is becoming less severe and less frequent. Maybe it's because of the Differin, maybe it's because I'm growing out of it. I did stop using it last summer as a test, and my skin got worse and worse for the entire month I stopped using it. It took a solid 3-4 months after I started using it again for my skin to return back to normal."

• Ver...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2016

Adapalene topical for Acne "I have PCOS, and for the last two years, have struggled with hormonal acne. I went from rarely wearing makeup to feeling embarrassed without it. I noticed changes when I stressed less, but over-the-counter products were not working. My skin was very dry and had even started peeling. Also, I had huge cystic acne clustered on my cheeks, and after a few days of using Differin, they were gone. I didn't have the initial stage of my acne getting worse. My face is pimple-free after a week and a half. It actually has started clearing up my dark spots. (Note: I also take spironolactone daily for acne, as well as medroxyprogesterone for 10 days a month for PCOS.)"

• Ken...
• June 25, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "This gel is amazing, if you didn't stick it out for a full 8 weeks with this, then you are missing out. This gel has a purge phase that lasted about 6 weeks for me with extremely dry, flaky skin, then very oily breakouts worse than what I was trying to cure, but I bought the moisturizer, which is a must, and stuck it out. I put this on at night after the moisturizer and wash it off in my morning shower. Do not leave this on your face and go out in the sun, it says so on the packaging and could cause chemical-like burns. I absolutely love this product!"

• 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."

• 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.'"