Can I use Differin with PanOxyl?

Why use both?

Adapalene is a retinoid, a treatment with vitamin A activity that helps keep pores from clogging and reduces inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne causing bacteria. Dermatologists combine these types of treatment because they address different causes of acne; prescription Epiduo contains both adapalene and benzoyl peroxide.234

Compatibility does not mean you need to start both together. If you are treating mild adult acne yourself, start with one active treatment and use it as directed for 6 to 8 weeks before adding another. If you already use prescription acne medication, ask your prescriber before adding PanOxyl.15

How to use them in one routine

1. 1Choose your wash. PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash contains 4% benzoyl peroxide; Acne Foaming Wash contains 10%. PanOxyl advises starting with the lowest percentage. Among these two washes, that means the 4% Creamy Wash.
2. 2Use PanOxyl in the morning. For the 4% Creamy Wash, wet the skin, massage the wash into it for 1 to 2 minutes, rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Its directions start at once daily, with a gradual increase to twice daily only if needed or directed.
3. 3Moisturize and protect your skin. Choose a moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Use sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance, and seek shade or wear protective clothing.
4. 4Use Differin at night. Wash gently with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Apply a pea sized amount of Differin Gel to the full face, avoiding the eyes, lips and mouth, then moisturize. Differin's directions allow morning or evening application, but only once daily.

Differin is not a spot treatment, despite the understandable appeal of giving each pimple its own appointment. Apply it across the acne prone area rather than only to visible pimples, so treatment addresses existing acne and helps prevent the next breakout.25

What if your skin gets dry or irritated?

Dryness, redness, scaling and burning or stinging can occur during the first 2 to 4 weeks of adapalene treatment. If using both products together irritates your skin, separate morning and evening use rather than applying both in the same session. Reduce PanOxyl use if irritation occurs, and speak to your doctor about persistent stinging or burning and whether Differin should be used less often. Avoid scrubs, drying toners and additional exfoliating acids such as salicylic or glycolic acid.147

Do not apply Differin to sunburned, broken or eczema affected skin until it has healed. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics and hair, so rinse PanOxyl thoroughly, use a white towel and avoid the hairline.14

How long until you see results?

Acne treatment is a gradual process, not a before and after photo with the middle conveniently removed. Allow roughly 6 to 8 weeks to judge whether breakouts are decreasing. Differin can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer for its full benefit, and acne can initially look worse as previously unseen pimples surface. Using more medication will not speed up results.34

When should you get medical advice?

Ask a clinician before starting this routine if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. See a dermatologist for deep, painful pimples, scarring or acne that has not improved after several months. Stop treatment and seek urgent medical help for hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.457