How to Treat Acne with Retinoid Adapalene?

Adapalene is a topical retinoid medication that doctors and dermatologists often prescribe for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It has been around for decades with worldwide usage from teens to adults.

Adapalene comes in different forms from lotion, gel or cream and works by preventing pimples from forming under your skin surface. It also decreases swelling and inflammation on your skin, thus making it a clear winner when it comes to skin care medications.

Read Also Ways to Have Healthy and Young Looking Skin

How does Adapalene treat acne

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Acne often starts with a clogged pore. Your skin cells are always renewing themselves, as old ones die they shed and expose fresh skin. However, for acne-prone individuals, the dead cells are likely to mix with oil, become sticky and instead of shedding the dead skin cells, they clog the skin pores and trap acne bacteria.

This is where Adapalene comes in. It unblocks these pores thus promoting faster skin cell turnover by targeting acne at the source before the blemishes form on your skin. The dead skin cells will not have a chance to collect in the pores hence no acne blemishes.

Moreover, Adapalene is anti-inflammatory. This means it can help with the redness and inflammation of pustules and papules that have already formed on your skin.

How to use Retinoid Adapalene

Start by washing the affected skin with soap or soap-less cleanser, after which you can pat it dry with a clean towel. Never ever, use abrasive cleansers and do not scrub your skin with force. If you have no idea what to use, ask your doctor to recommend a gentler cleanser for your skin type
If you opt to use cream or gel, make use of your finger to spread a thin film of Adapalene on the affected area. If you are using a pledget remove it from the foil pouch and wipe the affected area, gently.

However, for a glass bottle solution, use the provided applicator to apply a thin layer of the medication on the affected skin area.

Take note that you should apply this medication on the entire affected skin, and not on the single spot or pimple.
If you use a pledget, throw it away after use. Never save it for later use
After applying it as directed, you might feel some slight warmth in the area. Do not panic, it is normal and should go away sooner than you expect.

The benefits of using Adapalene

This acne-fighter has been used for years and has constantly proven to work in clinical trials
It can be used safely on the face, with the results will be visibly seen in just two weeks. For consistent results, use it daily for up to 3 months

Side effects of Adapalene

Compared to other topical retinoids, this medication is less irritating but that does not mean it does not have any side effects. So expect some dryness, flaking and peeling as well as redness and irritation. There might also be some mild burning, stinging or itching.

Nonetheless, these side effects are usually bad only on the first few weeks of use, eventually, they diminish by themselves.

However, if symptoms persist, seek medical attention or consult your dermatologist. In addition, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before use.

Tips for using Adapalene

Since this acne medication will dry out, always apply oil-free moisturizer when needed. This way you do not trigger any breakouts
This acne treatment can also make your skin a bit sensitive to the sun, so get a good sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage and aging
You will also need to stop doing some beauty treatments like waxing your lips or eyebrows while using this acne-fighter. This is because you will be risking some serious skin damage and irritation, but you can still tweeze
Another great tip is to always consult a dermatologist no matter what, before and even when you are using this medication, for safe usage