Deriva MS Gel: price, uses & cheaper substitutes

Acne may actually look a little worse in the first 2 to 4 weeks as blocked pores clear. Visible improvement usually takes 8 to 12 weeks of nightly use, so stick with it.

On the whole acne-prone area, as a thin layer. Adapalene works by preventing new pimples from forming, not just by drying out existing ones.

It is best applied at night, because sunlight breaks it down and makes the skin more sun-sensitive. Use a sunscreen in the morning instead.

Both contain adapalene 0.1%. Deriva MS uses a microsphere aqueous base that some people find less irritating; Adaferin is the original Galderma brand. Your dermatologist will choose based on your skin type.