Why is Differin making my acne worse?

Author: Lori Beer  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

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.

Does Differin Gel make your acne worse before it gets better?

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.

How long does purging last when using Differin?

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.

What does purging skin look like?

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.

Does everyone's skin purge on Differin?

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.

Differin RUINED my skin... LOTS of pictures included

What should you not use with Differin Gel?

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.

Does Differin work on cystic acne?

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.”

What can you not mix with Differin?

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. Do not use wax to remove unwanted hair in areas where the product has been applied.

Can I exfoliate while on 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.

Does adapalene remove acne marks?

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.”

How do you use Differin for acne?

How to use it
  1. Cleanse the affected skin with a mild cleanser or a mild soap.
  2. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
  3. Apply a thin film of DIFFERIN gel or cream to the areas of acne. Do not simply treat the pimples. ...
  4. Do not wash your face after applying the gel or cream. Try not to touch the treated areas overnight.

Why does adapalene make acne worse?

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.

Is differin good for hormonal acne?

They are top-tier when it comes to treating a variety of skin issues, especially acne. Says Dr. Levin, “There are essentially three types of retinoids, all of which are vitamin A derivatives. Differin Gel became the first FDA-approved acne-treatment retinoid that is over-the-counter, [which] is a game changer.

What does cystic acne look like?

On the surface, cystic acne can look like large, red boils. Cysts, like nodules, reside deep underneath the skin's surface. But because they're filled with pus, cysts are softer than nodules. The pimples that define cystic acne burst open, often leading to infection.

Is Differin stronger than retinol?

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.

Does Differin gel get rid of acne scars?

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.

Do you wash Differin off in the morning?

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.

What is acne purging?

Skin purging refers to a reaction to an active ingredient that is increasing skin cell turnover in order to improve acne. When using prescription-strength acne medications, it's reasonably common for your skin to get worse before it gets better.

Can I put moisturizer over Differin?

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.

Can I use Differin Dark Spot Corrector with Differin Gel?

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.

What does adapalene 0.3 do?

Differin (adapalene) Gel 0.3% is a topical (applied to the skin) medication similar to vitamin A used to treat severe acne in people who are at least 12 years old.

What helps acne scarring?

What's the best treatment for acne scars?
  1. Home skin care. Using sunscreen can help limit the contrast between unscarred skin and a scar. ...
  2. Soft tissue fillers. ...
  3. Steroid injection. ...
  4. Laser resurfacing. ...
  5. Other energy-based procedures. ...
  6. Dermabrasion. ...
  7. Chemical peel. ...
  8. Skin needling.

Does Differin Gel fade hyperpigmentation?

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.

Can Differin reduce pore size?

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.

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