Is Differin Gel good for acne?

Who is Differin Gel a good fit for?

Adapalene can help with blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples, the kinds of spots associated with mild acne. Mild is a clinical category here, not a review score. Large, painful spots deep in the skin, or acne that leaves scars, are less likely to respond to products bought without a prescription; see a dermatologist for those. Moderate or severe acne, nodules, and cysts also need medical advice to reduce the risk of scarring.13

How do you use Differin Gel?

1. 1Wash affected skin gently with non medicated soap.
2. 2Apply a thin film of Differin Gel 0.3% once each evening to the whole face and other affected skin. Keep it away from the skin around your eyes and lips and from mucous membranes.
3. 3Use a moisturizer if your skin becomes dry or irritated. Use caution with other topical products that can irritate, especially abrasive cleansers and strongly drying cosmetics.
4. 4Minimize sun exposure. If you cannot avoid it, use sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas.
5. 5Do not apply Differin to cuts, scrapes, areas with eczema, or sunburned skin. Avoid waxing treated areas.

Apply acne medication over the whole acne prone area rather than only on visible spots, so it can treat current acne and help prevent the next breakout. Avoid adding another acne treatment while you are starting Differin; using one product as directed for 6 to 8 weeks makes its effect easier to judge.1

How long does Differin Gel take to work?

Acne treatments do not work overnight. When an acne medicine works, fewer breakouts can take 4 to 8 weeks, and clearing can take about 16 weeks. Acne treatments can take up to 3 months to work. For Differin Gel 0.3%, the label says treatment should be reevaluated if you have not noticed therapeutic results after 12 weeks.123

How often should you use Differin Gel?

For the U.S. prescription 0.3% gel, apply a thin film once daily in the evening. Do not use it more often than directed. If irritation occurs, the label advises using moisturizer, reducing how often you apply it, or stopping, depending on severity.24

Can you use Differin Gel every night?

prescription 0.3% gel. If irritation makes daily use difficult, reduce how often you apply it or stop according to the severity of the reaction. Use the directions for your exact tube if its strength is different.2

What should you watch for?

Redness, scaling, dryness, and stinging or burning can happen, most often during the first four weeks. These reactions are usually mild to moderate and often lessen with continued use. If they are severe, use moisturizer, reduce application frequency, or stop, depending on severity. Stop using Differin and seek medical attention if you have signs of an allergic reaction; reported signs include swelling of the face, eyelids, or lips, and itching. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, consult a dermatologist before treating acne on your own.14