Is it OK to use Differin every day?

Author: Tom Mraz  |  Last update: Thursday, January 8, 2026

Whether you get Differin as a gel or a cream, it should be applied to the affected area daily as long as you continue to suffer from acne. If your acne completely clears up, you can stop the treatment, but be aware that your acne may return at some point.

Can you use Differin every day?

How often should I use Differin® Gel? Differin® Gel should be used only once daily and integrated as an important step into your morning or evening skincare routine. Try to apply the product at the same time each day.

Is it safe to use Differin forever?

A full course of Differin treatment is 12 weeks, and unless you're getting absolutely no positive results after 6-8 weeks, we recommend following it to completion before deciding if it's worth using it again. People who benefit from Differin can continue to use it (and see improvements) almost indefinitely.

What happens if I use too much Differin?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include skin redness, scaling, or irritation.

Can adapalene gel be used every day?

Adapalene is applied to a clean face once daily in the morning or at bedtime. The patient should wash the face with a gentle cleanser and allow the face to dry thoroughly. Then a pea-sized amount of adapalene should be applied as a thin layer to the entire face.

Do Tretinoin and Differin Give the Same RESULTS? (The Answer is YES!)

Will my acne come back if I stop using adapalene?

To help clear up your acne completely, it is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a short time. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your acne may return or get worse.

Is adapalene stronger than retinol?

Both retinol and adapalene are retinoids, but they are not the same thing. Think of it like this–both broccoli and cauliflower are vegetables with florets but one isn't the other. Adapalene is stronger and more potent than retinol because it contains active retinoic acid.

What does retinol burn look like?

The skin goes red, inflamed, and peeling because retinol has chemically burned away the upper layer of skin, the new exposed skin has not had enough time to build up its natural protection film to UV light and pollutants that a good UV moisturising oil can help with and reduce the exposure to skin cancer risk, ...

Should I stop using Differin after 3 months?

Differin can be used long term (for many months or years) if needed. If after 8-12 weeks use, the acne has not cleared then other treatments can be used. These could include; combination topical skin treatments, antibiotics, the contraceptive pill in women or specialist prescribing of Roaccutane (isotretinoin).

What's better, tretinoin or Differin?

Both adapalene and tretinoin will effectively cure your acne and dark spots, although tretinoin is likely to produce results more quickly, but adapalene gel is less irritating for patients.

When to give up on Differin?

Whether you get Differin as a gel or a cream, it should be applied to the affected area daily as long as you continue to suffer from acne. If your acne completely clears up, you can stop the treatment, but be aware that your acne may return at some point.

What does a Differin purge look like?

APPEARANCE: A purge can look like whiteheads and blackheads, but it should not look like tiny red bumps—that's a sign of irritation, not purging. If you're experiencing dry patches or stinging / sensitive skin, that's a sign of irritation. Sometimes your skin just needs time to adjust to the stronger active ingredient.

Is Differin also anti aging?

As an OTC product classified as a retinoid and FDA-approved for acne treatment, Differin Gel offers several anti-aging benefits. Retinoids boost collagen production, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles. They also enhance skin circulation and vibrancy by stimulating the production of new blood vessels.

Should I moisturize after Differin Gel?

Target the Entire Face: Spread the gel evenly across the entire face, avoiding the eyes, lips, and mucous membranes. Follow with Moisturizer: If needed, a non-comedogenic moisturizer can be applied over Differin Gel to minimize dryness or irritation.

Is Differin good for hormonal acne?

You might try the over-the-counter prescription-strength retinoid (vitamin A–derived anti-acne ingredient) adapalene, found in Differin Adapalene Gel . 01% and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel . 01%. Remember to use a pea-size amount only and to ease into it with gradual use at least every other night.

How long is adapalene purge?

At 1-2 weeks, you may see redness, irritation or purging as your skin adapts to the treatment. During the first few weeks, breakouts may temporarily get worse before they get better. At 8-12 weeks is when many start seeing results, although this varies from person to person.

How to heal hormonal acne?

How do I treat hormonal acne?
  1. Blackheads and whiteheads: Topical cream (tretinoin).
  2. Inflammatory acne: Topical retinoid and/or topical antibiotic and/or benzoyl peroxide.
  3. Moderate to severe acne: Antibiotic and/or isotretinoin (retinoid).
  4. Cystic acne: Steroid injection (intralesional triamcinolone).

How to tell if Differin is working?

You should see a significant difference around the 12-week mark – clinical studies reported up to 87% acne reduction. Like any health regimen, skipping a day could lead to a setback. Continue using Differin® Gel every day, even after your skin looks clearer, for increased reduction.

Will my acne come back if I stop using Differin?

Acne treatment reduces oil and bacteria and clears out dead skin cells. If you stop using the treatment, your acne may return.

Is retinol burn reversible?

There's no quick fix or cure for a retinol burn. You'll have to give your skin time to heal. But there are things you can do to soothe your skin while you wait.

Is vitamin C serum better than retinol?

If you want to target wrinkles, uneven texture, or acne, retinol is your best bet. If you're looking for brighter skin and protection from environmental damage, vitamin C is the way to go.

What are the retinol uglies?

The Retinol Uglies: Fact vs Myths. Retinol can benefit skin in a myriad of ways. Often implemented into routines for anti-ageing and skin clearing, its potency can sometimes cause side effects in the short term. Termed 'retinol uglies', the skin shedding function of this ingredient results in sensitivity for many users ...

Is Differin or cerave retinol better?

If you have very sensitive skin, or you prefer it to take a bit longer to see results and you want less of a purge, go for the Cerave retinol over Differin. You can still see good results in 3-5 months, maybe even sooner depending on the severity of your acne.

Does adapalene build collagen?

Retinoids, like adapalene, reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. They also stimulate the production of new blood cells in the skin, leading to better skin color and the reduction of dark spots.

Does Differin help with hyperpigmentation?

It also helps to reduce the dark marks left on the skin when the acne heals (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). How to use Differin? You should use Differin the evening before bed. Gently wash and fully dry the area you want to treat before applying a thin layer of cream or gel using your fingertip.

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