An Overview of Adapalene Uses
Adapalene (
Differin®) is a prescription medication licensed to treat acne. It is also occasionally used "
off-label" for a few different, unapproved uses.
Adapalene is one of many different prescription
acne medications currently available. Like many acne medications, adapalene can make the skin appear worse before it gets better. Often, the skin may become irritated, red, and flaky. However, this usually gets better with time, and clearer skin should be noticeable within a month or so.
If your skin has not improved within two to three months, you should be reevaluated by your healthcare provider -- it's possible that a different treatment strategy will be necessary.
Your healthcare provider might recommend that you use adapalene alone or with another acne medication. Because adapalene is applied in the evening (typically at bedtime), your healthcare provider may recommend a different type of
acne treatment for use in the morning.
How Does the Medication Work?
Adapalene belongs to a group of medications known as retinoids, meaning it is chemically related to
vitamin A. Some other well-known retinoids include Retin-A
® and
Accutane®.
Adapalene and other retinoids are thought to work by suppressing inflammation and slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells.
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