Dr. Badreshia adds that it can help treat all types of acne, such as blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory pimples, while also improving uneven texture and post-acne dark marks and scars. But the biggest benefit of adapalene, she says, is prevention of these pesky breakouts. “It treats the entire acne-prone area, including developing clogged pores you cannot see yet,” she says. “Making it valuable for maintaining clearer skin.”
The Downsides
Adapalene has the same downsides that you’d find with any retinoid. Dr. Garshick lists dryness, redness, peeling, burning, or irritation may occur when you’re first starting to use it. And though it is gentler than retinoids such as tretinoin, she says that it is best to use caution if you have eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin.
Dr. King adds that your skin can still be sensitive to the sun when using any retinoid, so be sure to use SPF daily. Adapalene is also not recommended for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, she says.
How do you get adapalene?
Dr. Garshick says that adapalene has historically been a prescription product, but now adapalene concentrations of 0.1% are approved for OTC, with concentrations that are higher still needing a prescription. So it’s pretty easy to get.
You’ll find great options like the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1%, which Dr. Garshick describes as a lightweight gel formula that is perfect for acne-prone skin. Other gel options that experts love include the Neutrogena Evenly Clear Retinoid Adapalene Gel 0.1% or the PanOxyl 0.1% Leave-On Gel.
How do you use adapalene?
Dr. King says that when you start using adapalene, try applying it every other night just to see how your skin tolerates it. If your skin can take it, then you can up the frequency of use. Dr. Garshick adds that applying a pea-sized amount to your entire face after you cleanse and before you moisturize.
It’s best to use it with gentle and hydrating ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. She likes something like the SkinFix Adapinoid Gel, which mixes adapinoid (a precursor that converts into adapalene), with niacinamide and squalane to calm inflammation and hydrate dry skin.
And be careful with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid if it’s not already combined into the same product, as it might cause more irritation or dryness. Something like Differin Epiduo, which combines adapalene and benzoyl peroxide in its formulation and was approved this past May for OTC use. “It isn’t simply another adapalene gel,” says Dr. Badreshia. “The combination addresses clogged pores with adapalene, while benzoyl peroxide adds an antimicrobial component for inflammatory acne.”
You can use adapalene in the morning or at night (Dr. Garshick wouldn’t recommend using it more than once a day). Dr. Badreshia recommends that those with melanin-rich skin use products to protect the skin barrier to prevent additional dark marks. You’ll also want to avoid using it on areas that have been freshly waxed, and be sure to always disclose to a practitioner that you’re using adapalene if you’re about to get a chemical peel or facial treatment. For any deep, painful breakouts, scarring, or lack of improvement in your acne after a couple of months, check in with your dermatologist.
