Should Differin go before or after moisturizer?

How to apply Differin and moisturizer

1. 1Wash with a mild cleanser that does not dry or irritate your skin. Remove makeup and pat dry rather than scrubbing.
2. 2Spread a thin layer of Differin over the whole area affected by acne, not just individual spots. Keep the medicine away from your eyes, lips, nose and mouth.
3. 3Let Differin absorb before applying moisturizer. Use absorption as the cue rather than adding a fixed countdown.
4. 4Apply a gentle moisturizer. During the day, use sunscreen as well; let Differin dry before applying sunscreen.

US Differin Gel 0.1% can be used once daily in the morning or evening, preferably at the same time each day. Applying more, or applying it twice daily, will not give faster or better results. Continue using it after acne clears to help prevent future breakouts.1

When should moisturizer go first?

Moisturizer first is an option for reducing retinoid irritation, especially with a stronger retinoid. Make that change with your dermatologist's help. They can also adjust the amount or frequency instead of asking you to push through increasingly uncomfortable skin. UK adapalene instructions allow starting two to three times weekly and increasing toward nightly use as tolerated.23

Daily moisturizer helps skin tolerate adapalene, so it is not merely the decorative member of the routine. You do not need to skip moisturizer because acne makes your skin feel oily.6

Should skin be damp or dry?

Apply Differin to dry skin. Moisturizer alone is often applied to slightly damp skin after washing to trap water, but that general advice does not change Differin's clean, dry skin directions. For the default routine, dry your face, apply Differin, then moisturize after the medicine absorbs.16

Which moisturizer should you use?

Choose a gentle moisturizer labelled "noncomedogenic", meaning unlikely to clog pores, "won't clog pores", or "oil free". Avoid adding salicylic acid, glycolic acid or other alpha hydroxy acid products, which can worsen irritation. If other acne medicines are prescribed, follow the planned combination rather than adding treatments yourself.126

What should you expect?

Dryness, scaling, redness and stinging can occur during the early adjustment period, called retinization. Irritation usually lessens after about four weeks, and some people never experience it. Acne improvement can begin after two weeks, but full benefit takes 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Early breakouts can temporarily worsen.57

When should you stop or get help?

Stop and speak to your doctor if irritation becomes severe or persists. Do not apply Differin to broken, sunburned or eczema affected skin. Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Protect treated skin with sunscreen and clothing, and avoid tanning beds and waxing treated areas.1345

If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss adapalene with your doctor. Stop treatment if you think you are pregnant and contact your doctor; moving moisturizer before Differin does not resolve pregnancy precautions.35