Adapalene gel vs cream: which should you use?

What actually changes between gel and cream?

A 0.1% product contains 1 mg of adapalene per gram; 0.3% contains 3 mg per gram. Switching from 0.1% cream to 0.3% gel changes both the base and the concentration, not just the texture. Availability and formulas differ by country and product.24

Should I use adapalene cream or gel?

Gel is a sensible starting choice for oily skin and cream for dry skin, which makes this less of a tournament than the product names suggest. For sensitive skin, cream is the usual starting preference, but either format can cause dryness, redness or discomfort. The base can affect tolerability, so do not assume every gel or every cream feels identical. Compare the pharmacy price of the exact strength and pack size, because the words "gel" and "cream" are not a price list.15

How do you apply either format?

1. 1Gently wash with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Avoid scrubbing or abrasive cleansers.
2. 2Spread a thin film across the entire affected area, not just individual pimples. Adapalene is usually used once daily at bedtime; follow your own prescription or package directions.
3. 3Keep adapalene away from your eyes, lips and mouth. Wash your hands afterwards.
4. 4Use moisturizer to help with dryness. If you apply US Differin Gel 0.1% during the day, let it dry before applying sunscreen.

Adding more acne treatments is not automatically better. Combining medicines with different actions is an established acne treatment approach, but using multiple topical acne medicines can increase irritation. Discuss additions to a prescription routine with your prescriber. US Differin Gel 0.1% directions advise avoiding glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acid products, which can worsen irritation.47

How long does adapalene take to work?

Adapalene helps prevent pimples forming beneath the skin. Acne can look worse during the first few weeks, and full benefit can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Dryness and irritation are common early on; with US Differin Gel 0.1%, irritation usually lessens after four weeks. Applying extra medication does not speed up results. If that gel has not improved your acne after three months of daily use, stop and ask a doctor.346

When should you pause or get help?

• Do not apply adapalene to broken, sunburned or eczema affected skin. Wait until it has healed.
• Tell your doctor about persistent stinging, burning or irritation. They can advise on moisturizer or less frequent application. Stop US Differin Gel 0.1% if irritation becomes severe.
• Seek immediate medical help for difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Ask a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Stop US Differin Gel 0.1% and ask a doctor if you become pregnant or plan pregnancy.
• Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen outdoors and avoid waxing treated areas.
• Adapalene treats acne in people aged 12 and older. Ask a doctor before using US Differin Gel 0.1% on a child under 12.