Adapalene is used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years of and older. Adapalene is in a class of medications called retinoid-like compounds. It works by stopping pimples from forming under the surface of the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide and adapalene are among the most effective topical agents used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Despite the fact that there are a lot of studies with benzoyl peroxide and adapalene alone, there are only a few studies comparing these two drugs.

Adults and teenagers - Apply a small amount as a thin film once a day, at least one hour before bedtime. Apply the medicine to dry, clean areas affected by acne. Rub in gently and well. Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Full improvement should be seen within 12 weeks, especially if you use the medicine every day. You should not stop using adapalene if your acne seems worse at first, unless irritation or other symptoms become severe. Check with your doctor if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.

Can Adapalene be used daily? Yes, one must use it regularly for 4-8 weeks, once daily at bedtime, for best results. It's better to apply it in the nighttime for at least 1-2 hours, as there will be no sun exposure at that time.

Adapalene is applied to a clean face once daily in the morning or at bedtime. The patient should wash the face with a gentle cleanser and allow the face to dry thoroughly. Then a pea-sized amount of adapalene should be applied as a thin layer to the entire face.

Salicylic acid is less effective than adapalene but more affordable compared to brand name adapalene products, such as Differin or La Roche-Posay.

A brief sensation of warmth or stinging may occur right after applying the medication. Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using the medication. These effects usually decrease with continued use.

What is the application procedure for Adapalene gel? First, wash, clean & pat dry the acne affected area and your hands before application. Then apply a gel in a thin layer using your fingertips on that area, rub gently and keep it for at least 1-2 hours.

Initially, you should use the medicine every other night for the first two or three weeks. If you are tolerating the medicine OK then move up to every night. If you are getting too much irritation, then use it every 3rd night. Your goal is to eventually work up to using Differin every night.

Michele Farber, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, recommended La Roche-Posay's adapalene gel as another OTC retinoid to consider. It contains 0.1% adapalene to help unclog pores, fight acne and reduce the appearance of scars and discoloration.

Both retinol and adapalene are retinoids, but they are not the same thing. Think of it like this–both broccoli and cauliflower are vegetables with florets but one isn't the other. Adapalene is stronger and more potent than retinol because it contains active retinoic acid.

“Regular use of a topical retinoid like tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), or tazarotene (Tazorac) has been shown to both prevent and reduce the appearance of acne scars, and these are commonly prescribed by a dermatologist as part of an acne skin-care regimen,” says Shah.

Until your face gets used to the Differin, it is best to be careful around the eyes, mouth, and nose since these areas get irritated the easiest. Initially, you should use the medicine every other night for the first two or three weeks. If you are tolerating the medicine OK then move up to every night.