Can you use adapalene with sunscreen?

How to use adapalene and sunscreen

1. 1At bedtime, remove makeup and gently wash with a mild soap or soapless cleanser. Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing or scrubbing.
2. 2Apply a thin layer of adapalene over the entire area affected by acne, not just individual spots. Keep it away from your eyes, eyelids, lips and the inside of your nose or mouth. Wash your hands afterwards.
3. 3If you use moisturizer, let the adapalene absorb first. Moisturizer can help relieve dryness and irritation.
4. 4During the day, protect treated skin with sunscreen, clothing and a sunhat, including on cloudy days. SPF 50 is a practical choice for this routine.

The usual adapalene schedule is once daily. If you are starting treatment and have sensitive skin, a clinician can help you introduce it less frequently and increase as tolerated. For prescription adapalene gel 0.3%, the directions specify a thin film once daily in the evening. If your prescriber has instructed morning use instead, follow that schedule and continue daytime sun protection.34

Which sunscreen should you choose?

Look for a sunscreen labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. A noncomedogenic label is a more useful shopping clue than a bottle promising a new personality. For acne care generally, the same shopping rule applies to other skincare and makeup.5

Sunscreen does not replace limiting sun exposure during adapalene treatment. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, and be particularly careful if you burn easily or spend substantial time outdoors. Wind and cold can also irritate treated skin.146

What if your skin becomes irritated?

Redness, scaling, dryness and burning or stinging are recognised adapalene side effects. With gel 0.3%, irritation is most likely during the first four weeks and usually lessens with continued use. Depending on severity, the next step can be moisturizer, less frequent application or stopping treatment. Speak to your doctor if irritation is severe, persists or becomes bothersome.146

Avoid harsh or abrasive cleansers and products that strongly dry the skin. Do not add other acne treatments to the same areas unless your care team has told you to combine them. A gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen cover the supporting skincare jobs, without giving the bathroom shelf a procurement department.16

Do not apply adapalene to sunburned, broken or eczema affected skin; wait until the skin has healed. Stop adapalene and seek medical attention for an allergic reaction. Trouble breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat requires emergency medical help.12

What should you expect from treatment?

Adapalene helps clear blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Acne can initially worsen, and the full benefit can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Applying more or using it more often will not speed improvement and can irritate skin. If gel 0.3% has not produced results after 12 weeks, have your treatment reviewed. Deep, painful spots or acne that leaves scars warrant medical care rather than relying on products bought in a shop.2347

What if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?

Adapalene is not generally recommended during pregnancy. If you think you are pregnant, stop treatment and contact your doctor. Speak to your clinician before using adapalene if you are trying to conceive or breastfeeding; sunscreen does not change those precautions.23