Differin gel, containing adapalene 0.1%, has been used now for several years in the topical treatment of mild to moderate acne. It has comedolytic and anti-inflammatory activities,and is equally effective and less irritant than other topical retinoids. Adapalene has been shown to maintain therapeutic effect achieved after three months of monotherapy for further three months. Furthermore, its effect in maintenance therapy has been shown in several studies after initial combination with topical or systemic antimicrobials. Skinoren 15% gel (azelaic acid) is an alternative treatment affecting several pathogenetic factors of acne, which has potential in maintenance therapy due to its good tolerability and safety and missing contraindications concerning long-term treatment, which allow even use in pregnancy.