Can you use adapalene every day?

Should you start using it every night?

Once daily is the standard schedule, not a requirement to push through irritation. For a sensitive start, apply to a small test area first. A gradual introduction can mean using adapalene two to three times a week, then increasing towards every night as tolerated. Follow your prescription or package directions, and agree changes with your prescriber if adapalene is part of a prescribed treatment plan.23

How to apply adapalene

Differin's basic routine is cleanse, treat and moisturize, which is mercifully short of needing a contents page. Prescription creams, gels and combination products should follow their own directions; Differin Gel 0.1% allows morning or evening use, while adapalene is generally applied at bedtime.14

1. 1Remove makeup, gently wash with a mild cleanser and pat the skin dry. Do not scrub.
2. 2Spread a thin layer over the whole area affected by acne, rather than individual spots. For Differin Gel 0.1%, the brand specifies a pea sized amount for the full face.
3. 3Keep adapalene away from your eyes, eyelids, lips, nose and mouth. Wash your hands afterwards.
4. 4Follow with moisturizer once the adapalene has absorbed. If you apply Differin Gel during the day, let it dry before applying sunscreen.

What happens during the first few weeks?

Dryness, redness, scaling and burning or stinging are most likely during the first two to four weeks. Irritation usually lessens after about four weeks. Acne can initially look worse as previously unseen pimples come to the surface. Early worsening alone is not a reason to stop, but severe irritation is.16

Allow eight to twelve weeks or longer for the full benefit. Do not apply extra or use adapalene twice daily to accelerate results. If Differin Gel has produced no improvement after three months of daily use, stop and ask a doctor. Once acne is controlled, retinoids can serve as maintenance treatment to help keep skin clear.136

What else can stay in your routine?

A gentle cleanser and moisturizer belong in the routine, without giving every bottle on the shelf a speaking role. Avoid other retinoids, abrasive cleansers, drying products and exfoliating acids such as salicylic or glycolic acid. More than one topical acne medicine increases the likelihood of irritation. Benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics can be part of an adapalene treatment plan, but follow the prescribed combination and schedule rather than adding them yourself.246

Protect treated skin from sunlight: seek shade, wear protective clothing and use water resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Avoid tanning beds and waxing treated areas. Do not apply adapalene to broken, sunburned or eczema affected skin.36

When should you stop or get advice?

Stop and ask a doctor if irritation becomes severe or does not improve. Seek immediate medical help for hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Ask a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding; stop if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant.126

Differin Gel is for ages 12 and older; younger children need a doctor's advice. Large, painful, deep pimples or acne that leaves scars need dermatologist treatment rather than relying on shop bought products. If you miss an application, skip it when the next dose is nearly due and never double up.167