Can you use adapalene twice daily?

How should you apply adapalene?

1. 1Remove makeup, gently wash with a mild cleanser, and pat the skin dry. Do not scrub.
2. 2Apply a thin layer over the whole area affected by acne, rather than treating individual pimples. Use clean fingertips for a cream or gel.
3. 3Keep adapalene away from your eyes, eyelids, lips and mouth. Do not apply it to broken, sunburned or eczema affected skin.
4. 4Wash your hands. Wait until adapalene has absorbed before applying moisturizer or cosmetics.

Moisturizer can stay in the routine; the bathroom shelf does not need a complete staff replacement. Moisturizer helps with dryness and other signs of irritation. Choose skincare and sunscreen that are not oil based or pore clogging.24

What if once daily is too irritating?

Sensitive skin can need a slower start. Try a small test area first. For adapalene cream or gel, starting two to three times per week and gradually increasing to nightly use as tolerated is an option. If irritation develops, reduce the frequency or pause treatment. Stop and contact your doctor if irritation is severe or does not improve.1

When should you expect results?

Adapalene prevents pimples from forming beneath the skin's surface. Acne can look worse during the first few weeks as previously unseen pimples come to the surface. Full benefit can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Continue as directed through early worsening unless irritation becomes severe. For Differin Gel 0.1%, stop and ask a doctor if there is no improvement after three months of once daily use, rather than increasing the frequency.25

What if you miss an application?

Apply the missed dose when you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one. In that case, skip it and return to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed application.5

What belongs in the rest of your routine?

Wash gently twice daily, but keep adapalene to its own once daily schedule.6

Avoid other retinoid products, salicylic acid or glycolic acid exfoliants, abrasive cleansers and strongly drying products while using adapalene. Separate prescribed acne treatments can sometimes be used at different times of day; check the combination and schedule with your pharmacist. That is different from applying adapalene itself twice.1

Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning beds, and use sunscreen and protective clothing. Adapalene can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Do not wax hair from treated areas.25

When should you get medical advice?

Redness, scaling, dryness and burning or stinging are common early problems. Contact your doctor if symptoms are severe or persist. Seek urgent medical help for hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing. See a doctor for deep, painful or scarring acne instead of trying more frequent applications.56

Do not use adapalene during pregnancy. Stop and contact your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Ask a doctor before use while breastfeeding. Adapalene acne treatments are generally intended for ages 12 and older; children under 12 need medical advice.24