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.
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.
Step 2: Differin or other acne topical treatment
"Differin is the only topical that can be applied day or night," says MacGregor, but it should always be applied to skin directly after cleansing and patting — never rubbing — skin dry.
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.
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 15g tube of Differin can be used once a day, every day, up to a 30 day supply.
Absolutely not. It's a common, temporary reaction that will usually subside after about 4 weeks of use. Use of Differin Gel should not be discontinued, but be sure to always use it just once daily. Try a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer, like Differin Soothing Moisturizer, to help manage irritation.
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.
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.”
Do not apply this medicine to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds. Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes, lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying.
Adapalene may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Therefore, it is best to apply it at night and wash it off in the morning.
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.
It's a gel that contains adapalene, a medication that decreases inflammation, prevents new acne from forming, treats blackheads, and helps even out discoloration, he explains. Zeichner says you can use a pea-size amount and start applying it every other night as your skin gets adjusted to it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most importantly, watch for positive results between week 2 and week 12. But before you achieve your best skin, you may experience a few mild side effects that subside after about week 4. Overall, Differin Gel has superior tolerability compared to other retinoid acne treatments that don't contain adapalene.
Can I wear makeup with Differin? You can wear cosmetics or moisturisers while using this medication, but you should not  apply them at the same time. Wash your skin thoroughly before applying Differin, wait for it to be absorbed into your skin, then use any cosmetics and moisturisers.
Dark spots on the face can result from hyperpigmentation, which is a common skin condition that occurs when the skin produces too much melanin. Hyperpigmentation can be due to sun exposure, scarring, aging, and more. Many dark spots are harmless.
Blackheads are caused by dirt and oil that clog your pores and turn black when exposed to air. Help prevent and get rid of nose blackheads by incorporating a combination of cleansers with Salicylic Acid, pore strips, and gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine.