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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Initially, you should use the medicine every other night for the first two or three weeks. If you are tolerating the medicine OK then move up to every night. If you are getting too much irritation, then use it every 3rd night. Your goal is to eventually work up to using Differin every night.
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.
Then wash your hands. ️ Don't apply Differin to broken, sunburnt or sensitive areas of skin, or skin affected by eczema. Also take care to avoid getting it on your eyelids or lips, or in your eyes, nose or mouth. If you accidentally get the cream or gel on these areas, wash it off with warm water.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Differin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel minimizes the appearance of post-acne scars, while visibly improving the appearance of rough, textured skin.
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.
“Purging is neither good nor bad. It can happen after using excellent products but, equally, it also frequently occurs when the skin barrier is compromised prior to starting with a product or treatment.
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.
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.”
Make sure to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30 sunscreen can help. Keep on keepin' on! Differin Gel is still reducing acne-causing clogs, so it's important to keep using it daily.
Works well, not harsh or drying
I regularly include witch hazel as part of my skincare routine so I was happy to try Differin's Pore-Minimizing Toner with witch hazel.
Does Adapalene cause skin darkening? No, skin darkening does not happen with this retinoid.