Should Differin be applied to dry skin?

How should you apply Differin after washing?

1. 1Wash gently with a mild cleanser, then pat dry. Use dry skin as your cue for application rather than a fixed number of minutes.
2. 2Apply a thin layer over the entire affected area. Differin tells you to use a pea sized amount for the full face, once daily, in the morning or evening, not both.
3. 3Keep the gel away from your eyes, lips and mouth. Rinse with water immediately if contact occurs, and wash your hands afterward.
4. 4Follow with moisturizer. If applying Differin during the day, let the gel dry before applying sunscreen.

The basic order is cleanser, treatment, then moisturizer, which gives the bathroom shelf a shorter job description. Makeup goes on after moisturizer and sunscreen, if you use it.4

Differin contains adapalene, a retinoid with vitamin A activity that regulates skin cell turnover and helps keep pores from clogging. That is why the gel belongs across the affected area rather than only on an individual pimple. Choose morning or evening application to fit your routine and use it consistently.5

What if your skin already feels dry?

For dry skin, choose gentle, fragrance free skincare and a cream or ointment rather than a lotion; creams and ointments provide more moisture. Pat rather than rub with a towel, because rubbing can irritate extremely dry skin. Apply moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry, not just at the application of Differin.6

Moisturizer works well on damp skin because it helps retain moisture. The damp skin advice is for moisturizer, not every tube sharing the bathroom. Keep that separate from Differin's instruction to pat dry before applying the gel.17

Persistent, excessively dry skin is a reason to pause retinoids and see a dermatologist if gentle care and moisturizing do not help. Tell the dermatologist if even moisturizer burns or stings. Do not apply Differin to eczema, cuts or sunburn. Skin affected by eczema is more easily irritated because its protective barrier does not function normally.267

What should you expect after starting?

Redness, itching, dryness and burning are most likely early on and usually lessen after four weeks. Acne may initially look worse, and results can take up to three months. Avoid abrasive cleansers, drying products and alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids; another topical acne medicine also increases irritation risk.1

For prescription Differin Gel 0.3%, irritation is also most likely during the first four weeks. Depending on its severity, your prescriber can advise moisturizer, less frequent application or stopping treatment. Follow those prescription directions rather than changing the schedule yourself.2

When should you stop or ask a doctor?

Stop and ask a doctor for severe irritation, allergic symptoms such as hives, swelling or shortness of breath, or no improvement after three months. Ask before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding; stop if you become pregnant or plan pregnancy. Children under 12 need a doctor's advice.1

Protect treated skin outdoors with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher, shade and protective clothing. Avoid tanning. Prescription Differin directions also call for minimizing sunlight exposure, and wind or cold can irritate skin during treatment.26