Adapalene For Acne And Its Side Effects

adapalene for acne

What Is Adapalene

Adapalene is a drug used to treat skin disease disorders, especially acne. This drug is one of the third generations of topical retinoid-active ingredients, with less irritation than other retinoids. 

Adapalene is proven effective in treating mild and moderate acne. According to research, the efficacy of adapalene in treating acne Vulgaris is one of the most effective compared to other active ingredients.

Adapalene For Acne And Its Side Effects

Adapalene was first made FDA-approved in 1996. Adapalene works by reducing inflammation and stimulating the new cells to grow. Since this active ingredient is strong medicine, adapalene is under a doctor's prescription.

What Does Adapalene Do

This is adapalene to your skin if you have acne-prone skin,

• Reduce Blackheads

Blackheads occur due to the sebum accumulating on the skin, then clogging the pores. This blackhead is the beginning of acne formation. Adapalene works by reducing the blackheads and preventing them from performing.

• Reduce Inflammations

Adapalene has effects as an anti-inflammatory, which results from inhibiting arachidonic acid from getting released and getting oxygenated by the enzyme system, which can lead to the formation of eicosanoids, which recognize as the fundamental of the inflammatory process. 

• Treating acne

Adapalene works effectively to treat your acne problem from the deep of the skin, cleanse your pores, and prevent new acne.

• Exfoliate the Skin

Besides treating acne and preventing blackheads from performing, adapalene also helps your skin to exfoliate and eliminate dead skin cells.

Un-exfoliate dead skin cells will have a higher chance of clogging your pores and developing more acne. Therefore, using this active ingredient to treat acne is a perfect choice.

• Stimulate New Skin Cell

Due to the exfoliant effects, adapalene also stimulates new skin cells' growth. This retinoid will increase the turnover of your skin cells, which in the end, it will help your skin to fade away acne, dark spots, and other hyperpigmentation.

• Regulate Sebum Productions

One of the causes of acne-prone skin is excess sebum production. Sebum is natural oil produced by sebaceous glands or oil glands, and it works to moisturize your skin. However, some people will have oily and acne skin due to excess sebum. 

Excess sebum will clog your pores with dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells and lead to acne. Adapalene will control your sebum production and eliminate excess oil that can cause acne.

Type of Adapalene

There are 3 types of adapalene,

• Adapalene cream

This type of adapalene is suitable for those who have dry skin. Adapalene cream is easy to be absorbed by the skin.

• Adapalene lotion

Adapalene lotion can be used for all skin types and hairy areas. The common effect that can occur while using adapalene lotion is irritation and a burning sensation.

• Adapalene Gel

Adapalene gel is aimed at those who have oily skin. However, using adapalene gel can cause irritation, itchy, and burning sensations on the skin. 

Adapalene Trademark

Trademarks of adapalene in the market are Differin, Evalen, and La Roche Posay. 

The common adapalene that can be found is 0.1% adapalene, considered an over-the-counter drug, and Adapalene, 0.3%, which needs doctors' prescriptions.  Adapalene 0.3% is stronger than Adapalene 0.1%.

Adapalene Side Effects

Similar to other retinoid-active ingredients, adapalene will likely cause some side effects, especially if this is the first time you have started trying to use adapalene medication.

Following some common adapalene side effects,

• Itchy Skin
• Burning sensation
• Dryness
• Redness

People who start using adapalene will also experience purge, a skin condition that gets worse at the beginning of using the product, and usually, it takes between  2 weeks to 4 weeks. After that, your skin will slowly improve, and improvement can be seen.

However, in some cases, people who have allergic to this active ingredient will experience below,

• Swelling of the eyelids
• Watery or red eyes
• Difficulties with breath
• Skin irritation getting worse, such as redness and burning sensation
• Extreme dryness
• Conjunctivitis

If the symptom of an allergic occurs, please contact your doctor immediately.

How To Use Adapalene

Before using adapalene, ensure you follow the instructions listed in the packaging or follow the doctor's guidelines on how to use adapalene.

Please only decrease or increase the dose of the medicine after discussing it with your dermatologist or your doctors.

Use adapalene only once daily, before bedtime, after you thoroughly cleanse your face. Below are the simple steps to use adapalene.

• Wash your face using a gentle facial facewash.
• Apply a thin layer of adapalene to the acne-prone area.
• Always wash your hand after applying the adapalene.
• Avoid mouth, nose, and eyes area.
• Do not cover your acne area using an acne sticker or others.
• Apply only at night time or before you go to bed
• Always use sunscreen in the morning

Adapalene Warnings

According to the FDA - US Food and Drugs Administration, Adapalene goes into the C category, and it has a risk to pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

According to FDA, the following are the pregnancy risk category references,

• N  -  (Unknown)
• X  -  (Contraindications)
• D  -  (There is positive evidence of risk)
• C  -  (Possibly risky)
• B  -  (No risk in some studies)
• A  -  (No risk)

The experiment on animals shows the abnormalities or side effects on the animal's fetus, but the studies on pregnant women still don't have controlled research.

In addition, it is still unknown whether adapalene will be absorbed into breast milk if used by breastfeeding women. Therefore, please consult with the doctor before using this product.

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