Can I use Differin after shaving?

How to shave and apply Differin

1. 1Wet your skin and hair before shaving. After a shower is a useful time because the hair is softened. Apply a mild shaving cream or gel.
2. 2Use a sharp blade and shave lightly in the direction your hair grows. Rinse the razor after each swipe. Do not try to shave off pimples.
3. 3Rinse your skin after shaving and pat it dry rather than rubbing. Before applying Differin, check for nicks, raw patches or irritation.
4. 4Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin across the area affected by acne, not just individual spots. Avoid broken or sensitive areas, eyelids, lips, and the inside of your nose or mouth. Wash your hands afterwards.
5. 5Let Differin absorb, then apply a gentle moisturizer. Use Differin only once daily, in the morning or evening. If applying it during the day, let it dry before sunscreen.

For very dry or sensitive skin, look for shaving cream labelled "sensitive skin", which is more useful here than a name suggesting a military operation. If a blade razor keeps irritating acne, try an electric razor to see which suits you better. Replace disposable razors or blades after five to seven shaves.3

Let your razor dry completely between shaves and store it somewhere dry, rather than granting it permanent residency in the shower.3

Should I shave in the morning and use Differin at night?

That is a practical way to separate the two steps: adapalene is commonly applied at bedtime. The decision still depends on your skin, not just the clock. If the shaved area remains raw or sensitive that evening, avoid applying Differin there. If your dermatologist has given you a different schedule, follow it.24

What if shaving leaves razor burn?

Razor burn is irritation after shaving, often a blotchy red rash with burning, stinging or tenderness. A cool washcloth and moisturizer can soothe the area. Avoid fragranced or alcohol containing aftershaves, and stop shaving the affected patch until it clears. Razor burn usually lasts a few hours to a few days. Contact a healthcare professional if it does not improve within a few days or looks infected.5

Keep the rest of the routine gentle

Avoid abrasive cleansers, other retinoids, and exfoliating products containing salicylic or glycolic acid while using adapalene. Do not wax treated areas. Protect exposed skin with sunscreen offering broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance. If irritation requires changing the amount, frequency or moisturizer order, make those changes with your dermatologist's help.126

What irritation is expected, and when should I stop?

Dryness, redness, scaling and burning are common during the first two to four weeks. Acne can initially worsen, and the full benefit can take eight to twelve weeks or longer. Applying extra will not speed up results. Stop and contact your doctor if irritation is severe or persists. Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty or swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.24

If you think you are pregnant, stop adapalene and contact your doctor. Check with your clinician before using it while breastfeeding.2