Recommendations

[kizaaa]

Hello!

I recently went to the dermatologist, and she created a new routine for me. I want to know if there are any recommendations or advice any one has for me. For reference, I have acne, scarring, and dark spot prone skin.

In the morning and night, she wants me to use the Cerave salicylic acid face wash. Then, in the morning, follow up with Dapsone 7.5% gel and Vanicream with SPF. In the night, she said to use Adapalene 0.5% gel.

Should I ease in to all of these products(use them one by one)? Also, are there any do’s and don’ts with the products I have listed? Thank you!

Spoiler

[WinglessOne]

Hi @kizaaa ! I recommend you ease into adapalene, especially if your dermatologist prescribed it at 0.5% strength. That’s pretty strong… in fact, I thought the highest % allowed by the FDA (even by prescription) was 0.3%, so you must not be in the US. Adapalene at any strength can be quite drying. Did your derm tell you to use a moisturizer at night? You’ll need one. Doesn’t have to be a fancy night cream. You could just use Vanicream Moisturizing Cream or Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion (without SPF) at night. 

If your dermatologist gave you specific instructions on how to apply adapalene, then ignore what I’m about to say. 🙂 I’m not a derm—and even if I was, I’m not your derm, so take your derm’s word over mine. 

Start off by using adapalene just one or two nights a week for a couple weeks. Then increase usage to three nights a week. Gradually increase usage until you reach the frequency your derm prescribed, which I assume is every night. 

Did your derm warn you about purging? Adapalene’s infamous for causing a sudden increase of visible acne. Think of it as adapalene evicting all that crud from your skin, and stick with it. Purging usually calms down within a month. 

I hope your new routine works well for you! 

[kizaaa]

Hi @WinglessOne i know it’s been a bit since this post, but I had a quick question. How long did you purging last for? 

[kizaaa]

@WinglessOne Thank you very much for your response! Ive never used adapalene and was worried on how to use it.

I will definitely check out the vanicream! She also did warn me purging and I’ve been a bit worried about that as well. But, I’m hoping all goes well haha