What strength of adapalene is available over the counter?

Which strength and formula should you look for?

Over the counter means you can buy the medicine without a prescription. For a standalone OTC adapalene treatment, look for adapalene 0.1% gel rather than choosing by brand name alone.14

A combination gel is a different treatment from adapalene alone. Check the full medicine name and active ingredients before buying or comparing tubes. Differin's range includes cleansers, moisturizers and patches, so the logo is doing several jobs besides identifying an adapalene treatment, which is an ambitious workload for a word on a tube. Its standalone treatment listing names a 0.1% adapalene gel.56

Is OTC adapalene suitable for your acne?

Adapalene is a retinoid, a type of acne medicine that helps unclog pores and clear blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Mild acne with these spots is a reasonable case for home treatment. Large, deep, painful pimples or acne that leaves scars need a dermatologist rather than a search for a stronger shop bought tube. The UK licensed use includes ages 12 and over on the face, chest and back.157

How should you apply adapalene?

1. 1Wash gently with a gentle cleanser. Do not scrub, because scrubbing can irritate skin and worsen acne.
2. 2Apply a thin layer across the whole acne prone area, rather than putting medicine only on visible spots. Treating the whole area helps address existing acne and prevent the next breakout.
3. 3Follow your product's directions for frequency. For back acne, apply adapalene daily after showering or before bed.
4. 4Moisturize to help manage dryness and irritation. Differin places moisturizing after treatment in its routine.
5. 5Protect exposed skin outdoors with a sunscreen that is broad spectrum, water resistant, SPF 30 or higher and labelled noncomedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores.

Start with one acne treatment and use it as directed for 6 to 8 weeks before adding another. For back acne, adapalene can be used alongside benzoyl peroxide to improve results. Keep the rest of that routine gentle: harsh soaps, astringents and abrasive scrubs can worsen acne. If reaching your back is difficult, a lotion applicator can help get the medicine onto the treatment area.17

How long should you give 0.1% adapalene?

As general guidance for adult acne treatment, fewer breakouts can appear after 4 to 8 weeks, with clearing around 16 weeks if treatment works for you. Consistent use matters; acne medicine does not work overnight. For back acne, seek a dermatologist's help if there is no difference after 6 to 8 weeks. Lack of improvement is a reason to review treatment, not simply chase a higher percentage.17

When should you get medical advice first?

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, consult a dermatologist before treating acne yourself. Some nonprescription acne medicines are not safe during pregnancy. See a GP if acne is deep, painful, causing scars or affecting your mental health. Hot, swollen and red skin can indicate an infection and also needs medical assessment; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. You do not have to finish a trial of OTC treatment before seeking help.27