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.
An ultra-nourishing and replenishing serum is your best — and safest — move for a bedtime serum after Differin. Go with a formula that has soothing, hydrating ingredients to bind moisture to skin without clogging pores, like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel.
Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum with 2% Hydroquinone is no longer available since over-the-counter (OTC) hydroquinone got banned as part of the CARES Act.
This differin dark spot correcting serum is a keeper! It is a slightly watery gel that requires only a dime sized amount rubbed onto your dark areas. Used twice a day consistently day and night I noticed a difference in my dark spots within 3 days.
It works. This really works but it takes time, I put it on the dark spot every night and within 3 weeks I start seeing the spot lighter.
If your acne has left scarring and redness, Differin Gel may help promote a more even skin tone and decrease the appearance of scars. As a 2006 study pointed out, Differin Gel is a good option for people who have had acne and are looking for a product that will help prevent future acne.
Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum contains 2% hydroquinone the highest percent of hydroquinone available over the counter. And hydroquinone is considered to be the most effect skin bleaching agent on the market.
The exfoliating properties of the adapalene are beginning to fade many of my older dark spots (finally!), while the benzoyl peroxide is eliminating my whiteheads faster than any product I've ever used.
While Green says that retin-a (tretinoin) or retinoids are best, retinol is the next best bet without a prescription. “Retinol is a weaker over-the-counter formula of retinoids and can provide similar benefits in reducing the appearance of dark spots, although it will typically take much longer,” Green explains.
Conclusion: Adapalene gel 0.1% is an effective, well-tolerated topical therapy for black patients. It is able to reduce both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, as well as prevent and alleviate acne-associated hyperpigmentation.
Dark spots got you down? Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum helps to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation, blotches, age spots, and even freckles. Plus, when used every day, it can improve overall skin tone and clarity, restore skin uniformity and improve luminosity.
So if you're currently battling a bad breakout and have already applied some of your trusty benzoyl peroxide, it's best to hold off starting your Differin treatment. Other products to avoid would be chemical exfoliants or drying agents like toners. After all, Differin is a retinoid that increases cell turnover.
Studies have also shown that niacinamide reduces the irritation of retinoids, (7) so it's a good companion to have should you decide to try differin.
Differin Gel should not be used in conjunction with products containing alpha hydroxy, salicylic or glycolic acids, which may worsen irritation. Irritation may occur if using more than one topical acne product at a time.
Retinol also stimulates collagen production, which is another way it diminishes dark spots. Not only will dark spots be reduced, but wrinkles and sagging skin will also begin to diminish, and the effects of retinol products will continue to work just as effectively over time.
“If the retinol you're using is too strong for your skin causing inflammation, darker skin tones may have a higher risk of discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, from the use of it," she adds. Dr. Icecreamwala recommends starting with a retinol that is 0.3 or 0.5 percent.
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.
If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.
For acne scars, professional treatments options include chemical peels, microneedling, and lasers. Dark spots are best treated with either lasers or chemical peels. Multiple sessions may be needed to fully fade spots or scars.
Try a vitamin C or vitamin E product (both of these are safe to use at the same time as adapalene).
A mild OTC benzoyl peroxide cream can be used during the day and a topical retinoid like Differin can be used at night. After medication is applied a moisturizer should always be applied.
Answer: Examples of dark spots include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (caused by acne). Mederma, however, is not designed for dark spots. It does not reduce melanin levels so it cannot influence the appearance of hyperpigmented skin.