Acne Free Adapalene Gel

Started June 8th, today is July 11, 2025 Tips that are very important if you are starting: Keep away from eyes and mouth! Wait to bring it closer once your face gets use to it. My regimen includes Vanicream facial Daily moisturizer, which is really good. You can use one layer that soaks into skin, or add a second for it to sit on skin. Then I use Versed retinol eye balm to protect my eyes and mouth but still get the retinol. I then use a pea size amount of this adapalene around my face and nose, avoiding EYES and MOUTH. Then I put an another layer of vanicream facial moisturizer still avoiding my eye lids and lips. I made the mistake using it on my eyes and mouth, my eyes felt like they weren’t producing tears for a week, and my lips were peeling so bad, it felt like plastic on my lips that hurt so bad if I smiled. I did have to purchase the Cerave healing balm because that happened, and that balm did speed the healing. But because I over did it, I had to take longer breaks. However it does say on the directions avoid eyes and mouth I believe, and I ignored it lol. I did purge but also still am. My acne is below my skin, my face is bumpy to touch although it’s not much visible, that’s why I started adapalene. I’m glad everything is coming to the surface. And if you have acne like that, you will benefit from this product. During the day I use the vanicream daily facial moisturizer and sunblock. To wash my face, I use Cerave Hydrating face wash. It has no suds but my face can feel tight at times so it’s still the best for where I’m at right now. I’m one month in. And I’m proud of myself for not giving up, my skin is changing and the adapalene isn’t as harsh as it was in the beginning. I’ll update later on progress. Also my skin when I started adapalene was dry acne prone sensitive.. my face is changing to balanced acne prone, sensitive still because of the adapalene, tightness more so but not anything the vanicream can’t fix. I’m still in the beginning of this journey. These products helped me. The Sephora mineral sunblock I got on sale for 5 bucks, it’s really good and moisturizing. I thought people should know an honest experience and that you don’t have to get the trends of skincare, find what works, and what works for your wallet. Update Aug 18th, 2025 My skin is still purging. However, my skin is brighter, and there is a noticeable difference in my acne scars. Texture has improved, pores are smaller, and my skin is no longer very dry. Some days are better than others. If I didn’t take photos, I wouldn’t be able to appreciate it as much as I do with being able to see the changes. I feel the changes in my cheeks when I wash, less bumps inside, but they are still showing up.. which is a good thing. They use to just be stuck in my cheeks. The adapalene speeds up the process for sure. 3 months in, acne has not stopped though. It’s a process for sure. Update Sept 25 2025 September 12 I switched to tretinoin. I was none stop purging with adapalene. The adapalene was an excellent starting point. But I don’t purge with the tretinoin. I started using the Parnell calming line at the same time and I have no more inflammation or itchiness. I think using something calming whether it’s a toner or serum with adapaline is a good idea. Something with centella.

Adapalene is simply a great product. I think people assume it’s not powerful because it’s OTC, but the fact that it’s well tolerated compared to prescription retinols is what makes it more effective. You can use it without major irritation, without totally drying your skin, and consistent use is the key — not strength. I use it every other night before bed. I layer it with a moisturizer. In the winter it can make my skin a little flaky, but even then my skin isn’t dry, it’s just renewing. No flaking in the rest of the year. Unscented. Non-greasy. Non-irritating. I’m 36 and regularly told I look like I’m in my 20s. Have been using adapalene for at least about 8-9 years.

Great at clearing up your skin & preventing future breakouts

I bought this product for occasional breakouts as a 40+ year old with combination skin. I currently have been using different Korean skincare products like Torriden and HaruHaru that have been super hydrating for my skin. It took this product about 3 days to undo weeks of hydration because I accidentally put a thin layer over my entire face thinking it would clear me up faster. I would not recommend you use on entire face as it will dry you out very fast. I would use sparingly in problem areas instead because it does indeed work to dry out pimples. Use on spot or small areas and it will work great. Great product for the cost and over the counter makes it better.

I use it irregularly but the improvements are visible in the photo.

Tried too many things, then saw Adapalene recommended by a Dermatologist doctor on YouTube. Checked the same product against other YT Derms, then checked Amazon and found an amazing price from this brand. Upon receiving, checked different Derm doc recommendations about applying. This is not a spot treatment; commit to applying to full face daily with moisturizer. Love this so far. I've had only 1 small pimple occur in a shaving area, and it passed in days. Holding out long term for anti-aging benefits as this is a true retinoid. Make sure to follow your doctor's advice or a trusted online Dermatologist about application.

Works and doesn’t peel skin. I have dry skin and use a good moisturizer.

It appears to be working; my skin texture is smoothing, and I have no new breakouts, but I purchased this product in January 2026, and the expiration date is 2023!!! That was incredibly disappointing, as I am not a US customer, and now have to wait for a product from another brand to arrive. Do better!!