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 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.
Q. Can I mix adapalene with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid? Do not use adapalene at the same time as products containing alpha hydroxy acids (i.e. glycolic acid or lactic acid), benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. This combo can be extra irritating, so you'll have to make a choice.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Differin? Differin may interact with products containing alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, alcohol/lime/menthol, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid.
Instead, follow Differin with an ultra-rich moisturizer that will calm irritation and deliver much-needed hydration. We like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion ($13; amazon.com), a cult favorite that's famously gentle.
“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 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.
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.
Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using the medication. These effects usually decrease with continued use. If any of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
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. Hormonal acne – A combination of products may be effective but you will likely need a hormonal remedy.
According to Dr. 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.
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.
Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel minimizes the appearance of post-acne scars, while visibly improving the appearance of rough, textured skin.
You can either mix them directly with moisturizers before applying them for enhanced moisturization, or you can apply the moisturizer after for better medication penetration."
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.
Pairing the two ingredients is safe and can make retinol easier to use. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin, which reduces the risk of irritation caused by retinol. Niacinamide and retinol can be combined in one product or used as separate products.
Garshick said that Differin's gel won't “make your blackheads disappear overnight” but she noted that, with “consistent use,” it will help treat existing blackheads and “prevent new ones from forming.” She also called this over-the-counter retinoid a “must-have” for anyone dealing with blackheads because it helps to ...
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.”
Retinoids like OTC Differin Gel can reduce the size of pores that have been enlarged as a result of clogging and sun damage. "By applying a topical retinoid solution, you can dissolve bacteria that causes acne and treat sun damage at the same time," explains Engelman.
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.
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.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol. As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they cancel each other out.
In short: yes, you can use vitamin C and retinol together; try retinol at night and vitamin C during the day—always with sunscreen.
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.