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. Hope this helps!
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.
Differin Gel is different. 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.
Do not apply any other skin products unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. You may use a skin moisturizer if your skin becomes dry while using adapalene. Avoid creams or lotions that contain alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids.
Differin Gel should not be used in conjunction with products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acids, which may make irritation worse. Irritation may occur if you use more than one topical acne product at a time. You also shouldn't use wax to remove unwanted hair in areas where you've applied the gel.
0.1% Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment
According to Dr. Mohiba Tareen, a board-certified dermatologist, Differin's hero ingredient — adapalene, a type of retinoid — also fights the classic signs of aging: fine lines, dark spots and dull skin.
Adapalene gel is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of acne and has demonstrated clinical lightening of solar lentigines with twice daily application.
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.
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.
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.
Applying adapalene to the areas of your skin with acne will help to unblock pores. It also has some effect on reducing inflammation. It is often used early on in acne to help to unblock pores and to treat blackheads or whiteheads and mildly inflamed spots. It is suitable for use on the face, back and chest.
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.
“You can mix other forms of topical retinoids such as adapalene [now OTC] with benzoyl peroxide, but this can increase the risk for irritation and inability to tolerate the topicals.”
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 (adapalene)
Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) is the most effective over-the-counter treatment for mild acne. Treats acne. Differin (adapalene) is commonly used for treating acne, but, it can cause skin irritation. Available over-the-counter from many brands.
Adapalene (Differin) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are different medications, but they are both used to treat mild-to-moderate acne. Adapalene (Differin) contains adapalene, and Retin-A contains tretinoin.
No, skin darkening does not happen with this retinoid. But in the initial weeks of its usage, temporary skin reddening may occur. Consult the doctor if redness persists for a longer time or gets worse.
“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.
Bottom line - it's highly effective in the treatment of acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, even in sensitive skin.
There are several skincare ingredients that can help fade the sun spots on your face. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests getting a topical product with active ingredients like retinoids (such as Tretinoin, retinol, adapalene, or tazarotene), vitamin C, kojic acid, glycolic acid, or azelaic acid.
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.
Best Classic: Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter. The intense antioxidant properties in this formula noticeably reduce acne spots and scars in 12 weeks (according to the brand), and it's gentle enough for daily use.