How do you use Differin Gel for the first time?

How to apply it the first night

1. 1Wash gently with a mild cleanser and pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Do not scrub.
2. 2Spread a thin layer over the full area where acne appears. If treating facial acne, apply it across the whole face.
3. 3Keep the gel away from your eyes, lips, mouth, and nose. If it gets in your eyes, flush with water, then wash your hands.
4. 4Use it once that day. If you apply it in the morning, let the gel dry before putting on sunscreen.

How much Differin Gel should you use?

For facial acne, Differin's directions call for a pea sized amount spread over the full face. Use just enough to make a thin layer over the affected area; adding more does not make results come faster and can worsen irritation. For acne elsewhere, the label says to cover the affected area with a thin layer.12

Should you apply moisturizer before Differin Gel?

Moisturizer is not a plot twist in an acne routine: adapalene can dry and irritate skin. If your skin feels dry, use moisturizer every day; an oil free or noncomedogenic product is unlikely to cause acne. Differin's routine includes moisturizing after treatment, which makes moisturizer the quiet co star of a very short sequence. If you want to put moisturizer on first to reduce irritation, ask your dermatologist; the American Academy of Dermatology says a dermatologist may recommend that order, especially with a stronger retinoid.245

What should you avoid using with Differin Gel?

Keep the rest of your routine gentle while you start. Avoid abrasive cleansers, products that dry your skin, and alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids, which can worsen irritation. Using more than one topical acne medicine at a time also makes irritation more likely, so do not add another acne treatment unless a doctor or pharmacist has advised you to. Do not wax areas where you apply Differin, and do not apply it to cuts, eczema, or sunburn.1

What should you expect, and when should you stop?

Dryness, scaling, redness, burning, or stinging can happen, especially in the first few weeks. Acne can also look worse at first, and previously unseen pimples may come to the surface. Irritation usually eases with continued use, but stop and ask a doctor if it becomes severe or you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, or trouble breathing. It can take 8 to 12 weeks or up to three months of daily use to see results. Ask a doctor if you see no improvement after three months.13

Who should check before using it?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before using Differin. Stop and ask a doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using it. If you are under 12, ask a doctor before use; do not use Differin if you are allergic to adapalene or an ingredient in the gel. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your prescription and nonprescription medicines and the skin products you use, especially if you have sensitive skin or are already irritated. Adapalene can increase sensitivity to sunlight, so limit sun exposure and use sunscreen outdoors.13