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. It's meant for once-daily use, even when you see no signs of acne.
It's also not approved for anyone under the age of 12. 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.
It doesn't happen to everyone, but it's worth noting. Retinization is the adjustment period in which the skin becomes acclimated with adapalene, the retinoid in Differin Gel. During this time skin may become red and irritated.
Don't just dab this medication on individual pimples. 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.
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.
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.
Skin purging typically looks like tiny red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They are often accompanied by whiteheads or blackheads. It can also cause your skin to become flaky. The flare ups caused by purging have a shorter lifespan than a breakout.
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. It could be that you need to adjust the dosage and/or frequency of application.
Best overall cystic-acne treatment
He recommends Differin, the only prescription-strength retinoid that's available over the counter. Dr. Samer Jaber, the founder of Washington Square Dermatology, adds, “Differin should be the first OTC product someone with cystic acne should use.”
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.
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. Do not apply any topical product to the same area where you are using adapalene, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
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.
Adapalene is used to treat acne. Adapalene is in a class of medications called retinoid-like compounds. It works by stopping pimples from forming under the surface of the skin.
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.”
Purging is slightly different, appearing on the skin mostly as blackheads or small skin-coloured bumps just under the surface of the skin. But it is also possible for purging to cause similar spots to a breakout, too.
Differin Gel
Adapalene is one of Murphy-Rose's favorite blackhead-fighting ingredients and it is found in ProActive's gel. Murphy-Rose recommended this gel because she finds it helps to “treat stubborn blackheads” and can help prevent pimples from forming.
Common side effects of Differin Gel include a brief sensation of warmth, stinging, tingling, or irritation immediately after applying the medication. Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using Differin Gel.
Applying retinol is a long-term treatment which promotes fresh skin, fewer blemishes and reduction in acne breakouts. Whereas in the short term, it can lead to acne breakouts, skin peeling, dryness, and a range of other frustrating temporary outcomes. The purge phase usually lasts for two to six weeks.
You might also get more breakouts once you start using retinoids. Keep calm and stick with it. “It's common to see acne get worse before it gets better, as the retinoids can cause a mass 'purge,'” says Robinson. Basically, as skin cell turnover increases, new clogs rise to the top.
Remember, that 'retinoid uglies' are likely to be temporary, and it will take time before you see the end result. You have three skin layers—the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Your epidermis is your visible layer, and renews approximately every 28 days.
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.
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.
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.