Since adapalene works by stopping pimples from forming under the skin's surface, just spot-treating existing pimples won't be effective. 2 You have to apply it all over the face, like you would a moisturizer, for it to work properly. When first starting treatment, don't be surprised if you continue to break out.
It's highly effective, but you can't use it like a typical over-the-counter acne product. It's not a spot treatment and should not be used to treat a single pimple. For example, if you get acne on the face, Differin Gel should be applied to the entire face.
Adapalene should be applied to the entire affected area, not only to a single pimple or spot. You may feel a slight warmth or stinging in the place where you applied adapalene. This feeling is normal and should go away by itself in a short time. If you used a pledget, discard it after use.
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
During the first 3 weeks you are using adapalene, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. Full improvement should be seen within 12 weeks, especially if you use the medicine every day.
The active ingredient is adapalene, which helps decrease swelling and inflammation, prevent breakouts, and treat scarring. According to Garshick, “it can help discoloration and textural changes that go along with acne scars by evening out the skin tone and boosting collagen production.”
0.1% Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment
"This is what helps with fine lines and overall skin thickness." On how it works to banish pesky dark spots, Tareen said, “It exfoliates the surface of the skin cells to prevent the brown spots and mottled pigmentation that contribute to an aged appearance."
Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum helps to lighten post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation, blotches, age spots, and even freckles. When used every day it can improve overall skin tone and clarity.
Some users report an increase in acne when starting out with Differin Gel. May also cause dry skin. Other users find that their skin became dry with regular use.
Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel, for example, can help treat acne. Studies have found evidence to suggest adapalene is just as effective as stronger retinoids, but the skin tends to tolerate it better.
Generally speaking, dermatologists say purging should be over within four to six weeks of starting a new skin care regimen. If your purge lasts longer than six weeks, consult your dermatologist.
Full improvement should be seen within 12 weeks, especially if you use the medicine every day. You should not stop using adapalene if your acne seems worse at first, unless irritation or other symptoms become severe. Check with your doctor if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.
Answer: Hi Darren, Differin Gel and Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum should not be used together. After your existing acne has healed, we recommend replacing Differin Gel with the Dark Spot Correcting Serum to heal any acne marks or scars.
During the first few weeks of using adapalene, your acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin. It may take 8 to 12 weeks to notice results from this medication. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
You should only combine retinoids with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid using extreme caution. “The combination of a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide is a mainstay of acne therapy, although the combo can also be dry and irritating,” says Karen Hammerman, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Garden City, New York.
Retinoids are generally used with other bleaching creams. Creams containing tretinoin acid, Retin-A, tazarotene, and adapalene (Differin) will also end up helping in the lightening of freckles if applied consistently over a period of several months.
Retinoids like OTC Differin Gel can reduce the size of pores that have been enlarged as a result of clogging and sun damage. "By applying a topical retinoid solution, you can dissolve bacteria that causes acne and treat sun damage at the same time," explains Engelman.
According to Dr. Sheila Krishna, it's totally fine to use vitamin C with over-the-counter retinol products or dermatologist-grade retinoids—which, BTW, is the broader term for vitamin A derivatives, including retinol, tretinoin, and adapalene, just to name a few.
Did you know? Both retinol and adapalene are retinoids, but only adapalene is FDA-approved to treat acne. Gel) regulate skin cell turnover to keep pores from clogging and to control inflammation.
The dose used to prevent spots from returning is often lower than that used to treat acne. It is common to need maintenance treatment for a number of years to keep acne away. The brand of adapalene gel called Epiduo® can cause bleaching.