Can I use CeraVe PM with Differin?

Why CeraVe PM fits this routine

Adapalene helps prevent pimples from forming under the skin. Moisturizer helps with the dryness and irritation acne medicines can cause. Differin treats acne and CeraVe PM supplies moisture, so the bottles do not need to compete for the same job.135

CeraVe PM is a lightweight lotion for all skin types, including oily skin. It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides, and helps maintain the skin's protective barrier. It is oil free, has no added fragrance and is noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Those are useful features when choosing a moisturizer for acne prone skin.13

How to apply them at night

1. 1Wash gently with a mild cleanser. Do not scrub, and pat your skin dry before applying Differin.
2. 2Spread a thin layer of Differin over the entire affected area. For facial acne, apply it across the face rather than only on individual pimples. Avoid the eyes, lips and mouth, and wash your hands afterward.
3. 3Apply CeraVe PM liberally to your face and neck. CeraVe places moisturizer after treatment in its routine.

Use Differin only once daily, ideally at the same time each day. Evening use fits CeraVe PM's nighttime directions, although Differin can also be used in the morning. More Differin will not clear acne faster and can worsen irritation. If you miss a dose, do not double the next one.245

To open a new CeraVe PM pump, twist it left and press until lotion appears. CeraVe's pump can take 10 to 20 presses to dispense lotion for the first time, which is a lot of negotiation for a moisturizer.3

Can I put moisturizer on first?

The standard Differin routine puts moisturizer afterward. If your skin becomes irritated, a dermatologist can advise applying moisturizer first, using less retinoid or applying it less often. Make those changes with their help rather than changing the medication schedule yourself.26

What should I expect?

Dryness, redness, scaling and burning or stinging are common early effects of adapalene. Irritation often peaks during weeks 2 to 4 and usually lessens after about four weeks. Moisturizer can help manage dryness; irritation is not required for Differin to work.24

Acne can look worse during the first few weeks as previously unseen pimples reach the surface. Full benefit can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. If you see no improvement after three months of daily use, stop Differin and ask a doctor.45

What should I avoid?

Avoid salicylic acid, glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acid products alongside Differin because they can worsen irritation. Adding another acne medicine also raises the irritation risk; follow your clinician's plan if they prescribe a combination. Do not wax treated areas.246

Limit sun exposure and tanning beds. Use a separate broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, alongside shade and protective clothing.46

When should I stop or get help?

Do not apply Differin to cuts, eczema or sunburn. Stop and ask a doctor if irritation becomes severe. Get urgent medical help for breathing difficulty or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.45

Ask a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Stop Differin and contact a doctor if you become pregnant or plan pregnancy during treatment. For children under 12, ask a doctor before use.4

See a doctor sooner if acne is deep, painful, causing scars or affecting your mental health rather than waiting out the full three months.7