Can I use Paula's Choice BHA with Differin?

Why not use both for clogged pores?

Salicylic acid exfoliates skin and opens clogged pores. Adapalene helps prevent pores from clogging by regulating skin cell turnover. A topical retinoid can treat blackheads, whiteheads and some pimples, so Differin already addresses more than inflamed spots. Adding BHA is not automatically necessary just because you have blackheads. More than one topical acne treatment can increase irritation, especially during the first few weeks of Differin.124

Can I use BHA in the morning or on alternate nights?

Separating the applications is not a reason to disregard the advice to avoid salicylic acid while using adapalene. Do not treat morning BHA and evening Differin, or alternating nights, as a default workaround. Paula's Choice permits pairing its BHA with retinoids generally, but for a Differin routine, follow the medicine's specific precautions.36

How should I use Differin instead?

The supporting routine is a gentle cleanser and moisturiser, not an audition for every bottle in the cupboard. If BHA has already left your skin irritated, delay starting Differin until that irritation has gone away.14

1. 1Gently cleanse your skin and pat it dry. Do not scrub or use an abrasive cleanser.
2. 2Apply a thin layer of Differin Gel over the entire acne affected area, not just individual pimples. Avoid your eyes, lips and mouth, and wash your hands afterwards.
3. 3Follow with moisturiser once the adapalene has absorbed.
4. 4Protect your skin during the day with sunscreen, shade and protective clothing. Choose broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Differin Gel's directions are once daily, at the same time each day; morning or evening is acceptable. If you apply it in the morning, let it dry before sunscreen. Applying more will not improve or speed up results. For sensitive skin, a clinician can advise a slower start: NHS adapalene instructions describe starting two to three times weekly and increasing towards nightly use as tolerated. Follow your own label or prescription.146

What should I expect while leaving BHA out?

Adapalene can bring previously unseen pimples to the surface during the first weeks, so acne can initially look worse. Full benefit can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Dryness, redness, scaling and burning or stinging are also possible early on, and irritation commonly eases after two to four weeks. Do not respond to slow progress by adding BHA. If Differin Gel produces no improvement after three months of daily use, stop and ask a doctor.467

When should I stop or get help?

• Stop Differin and ask a doctor if irritation becomes severe or does not improve. Ask about adjusting frequency rather than pushing through increasingly irritated skin.
• Do not apply Differin to broken, sunburned or eczema affected skin.
• Get urgent medical help for difficulty breathing or swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Ask a doctor before using Differin if pregnant or breastfeeding. Stop and contact a doctor if you become pregnant or plan pregnancy.
• Check with your pharmacist before adding medicines, and do not add another retinoid while using adapalene.

What if I choose BHA instead?

For Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA used separately from Differin, apply to clean skin and leave it on. Start every other day and assess your skin's response; follow with moisturiser and daytime SPF. These are BHA's standalone directions, not a schedule for combining it with Differin. If you have a salicylate allergy, check with your doctor before using it.3