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.
This topical medication contains adapalene, a form of retinoid (derived from vitamin A), that has been found to slow the process of excessive growth in the lining of pores and desensitizing the skin to inflammation. This makes it an excellent treatment for acne.
Adapalene gel (either Differin or Effaclar) – needed a prescription 10 years ago but is now over-the-counter. It works well to shrink pores and decrease comedones (blackheads/whiteheads).
You could start to see a reduction in acne after two weeks of treatment. Keep it up, it gets better.
Levin says topical retinoids such as Differin come from vitamin A and help normalize skin cell turnover, which also prevents clogged pores to treat and prevent acne. It's also the same ingredient that helps improve skin discoloration, texture and tone.
Applying adapalene to the areas of your skin with acne will help to unblock pores. It also has some effect on reducing inflammation. It is often used early on in acne to help to unblock pores and to treat blackheads or whiteheads and mildly inflamed spots. It is suitable for use on the face, back and chest.
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.
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.
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 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.
Conclusion: Adapalene gel 0.1% is an effective, well-tolerated topical therapy for black patients. It is able to reduce both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, as well as prevent and alleviate acne-associated hyperpigmentation.
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.
In conclusion, tretinoin and adapalene contributed to the wound healing process resulting in an enhancement of collagen production, angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation.
Differin is available OTC, classified as a retinoid and is FDA approved for the treatment of acne. In addition to treating acne, retinoids increase collagen production, which reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
And the short answer is yes! According to Health.com,Differin Gel is “useful as an anti-aging product for the improvement of fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, and sallow skin”. If you're not already using a retinol product, you could consider using Differin Gel for wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Retinol promotes skin cell turnover and unclogs pores.
Retinol helps with blackheads and whiteheads and evens skin tones. Studies show that applying retinol cream reduces pore size and keeps them cleaner, emptying the impurities that otherwise give an oversized appearance.
Laser Treatments
Several treatments are available at Dermatology and Laser Centre. Fractional ablative laser skin resurfacing decreases the appearance of pores and acne scars. For enlarged pores, Dr. Gallacher uses the Vbeam laser as well as fractionated CO2 lasers.
Apply a facial pore cleanser with salicylic acid nightly. "It's a beta hydroxy acid that has increased solubility in oil and can travel deep within pores," Dr. Feely says. You can also talk to your dermatologist about a stronger in-office chemical peel to further clear out pores.
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.
Skin purging happens when new ingredients, like retinol, promote increased cell turnover, which causes clogging and worsening breakouts. This is particularly the case as oil and debris that is trapped deeper underneath the skin comes to the surface.
Skin purging is when a new skincare product causes the skin to break out, flake, or peel. Skin purging is different from a regular breakout because it will resolve in about six weeks. To ease skin purging, moisturize, wear SPF, and gradually introduce new products.
The scar count reduction from baseline was 21.7% at week 24 and 26.9% at week 48 for the skin treated with adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel. Scar Global Assessment was clear/almost clear in 48.9% of patients at week 24 and in 55.6% at week 48. Researchers reported a reduction in acne lesions in both groups.