How Should I Use Differin
Use Differin exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Use exactly as directed on the label. Do not use in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Using Differin in larger amounts than recommended will not make it work faster, and may cause unpleasant side effects.
Do not take by mouth. Differin is for use only on the skin.
Differin is usually applied once daily in the evening.
Wash your hands before applying this medicine.
Clean your skin with a mild non-medicated skin cleanser before applying the medicine. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Apply a thin layer to the entire face or other affected skin areas. Avoid applying the medicine to the creases of your nose, or on your lips.
Do not apply to open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Do not apply any other skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
You may use a skin moisturizer if your skin becomes dry while using Differin. Avoid creams or lotions that contain alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids.
It may take several weeks before your acne improves, and it may get slightly worse for a short time when you first start using Differin. Keep using the medication as directed, even if you think it is not working.
Do not use Differin to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
Can Differin Gel Be Used During Pregnancy
BySarah H | Submitted On January 26, 2007
From research done on the use of differin gel during pregnancy, it has been noted that topical adapalene should only be used by women of childbearing age after they have received contraceptive counseling and it is strongly recommended that topical adapalene should not be used by pregnant women. So it is safe to answer the question by saying no Differin Gel may not be used during pregnancy. Studies indicate that there have been reports of birth defects by women who were exposed to topical retinoids and adapalene during pregnancy. It is also not recommended for women who are nursing as the drug may be excreted through the mother’s milk.
For people who are not pregnant and would like to use differin gel for the treatment of acne here are some tips you might want to follow. You should apply differin gel only once a day in the evening before bedtime, to the affected acne areas, a very small amount of gel should be used, but be sure to avoid contact with the eyes, lips and areas surrounding them. Do not use differin gel more that once a day because no matter how much you use it will not help that acne to vanish any faster, but you might end up with irritated skin with symptoms such as redness and swelling. It is recommended that you apply differin gel to areas where pimples usually form on a regular daily basis.
What Should I Avoid While Using Differin
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Differin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors.
Avoid using other skin medications that contain sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid .
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
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Side Effects Of Using Differin
As a retinoid , you may experience retinization which is completely harmless. This process is characterized by redness, dryness, scaling, and maybe a burning sensation.
All these are a way of your skin adapting to the retinoid and it should not last beyond 4 weeks.
People with eczema are however warned about using differin on their skin. Also, being a retinoid, it is unsafe for pregnant women and lactating mothers. Retinoids penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, this can cause birth defects in the unborn baby.
First Retinoid Approved For Over
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Differin Gel 0.1% , a once-daily topical gel for the over-the-counter treatment of acne. Differin Gel 0.1% is approved for use in people 12 years of age and older.
Differin Gel 0.1% is the first in a class of drugs known as retinoids to be made available OTC for the treatment of acne, and contains the first new active ingredient for acne treatment for OTC use since the 1980s. Differin Gel 0.1% was originally approved in 1996 as a prescription product for the treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older.
Millions of consumers, from adolescents to adults, suffer from acne, said Lesley Furlong, M.D., deputy director of the Office of New Drugs IV in the FDAs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Now, consumers have access to a new safe and effective over-the-counter option.
Acne is a common skin disease that affects approximately 50 million people in the United States. Acne pimples form when hair follicles of the skin clog up. Generally, pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults. Acne can cause scarring and have adverse psychological effects . Several OTC and prescription treatment options are available for people with acne.
Differin Gel 0.1% is distributed by Galderma Laboratories, L.P., based in Fort Worth, Texas.
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It Doesnt Always Play Well With Others
In addition to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, you shouldnt apply Differin while also using products that contain chemical exfoliators or drying agents . Like retinoids, exfoliators increase cell turnover, but too much exfoliation can lead to raw, irritated skin. Toners, meanwhile, can be too drying when used along with a retinoid.
Instead, follow Differin with an ultra-rich moisturizer that will calm irritation and deliver much-needed hydration. We like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion , a cult favorite thats famously gentle.
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It’s Not A Spot Treatment
Bad breakout? You’re probably better off treating it with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
The reason, experts explained, is that while Differin offers one of the best forms of defense against breakouts, it isn’t nearly as effective on existing blemishes. “Differin mostly works before acne forms and doesn’t target bacteria,” said New York City-based dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, author ofSkin Rules. “It’s best when used on a regular basis.”
Note: Benzoyl peroxide can cause your retinoid to oxidize and become less effective, and salicylic acid can be irritating. If you’re dealing with an active pimple, you should hold off on Differin while you spot-treat.
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Things To Consider While You Are Using Adapalene
- Pregnancy: Do not use adapalene if you are pregnant, or if there is a chance you could become pregnant.
- Be aware of skin sensitivity. If you get redness, dryness, peeling or a feeling of burning on your skin, try applying adapalene every second night, or less often . As your skin gets used to adapalene, you can then apply it every night. If your skin is sensitive, you may also wash off the adapalene after 1 or 2 hours of applying.
- Use sun protection: Adapalene makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. It’s important to avoid unnecessary sun exposure and sunlamps, and when outdoors protect your skin by applying a good sunscreen .
- Using make-up: You can wear make-up while using adapalene just remember to remove the make-up before applying adapalene. Some cosmetics products have a dry, abrasive or peeling action and may irritate the skin when used together with adapalene. Check with your doctor or pharmacist which ones you can use.
Is Using Differin For Facial Wrinkles Bad For You
Differin gel contains a retinoid, adapalene, which is the most tolerable retinoid. It is safe for your skin unless you have skin issues like eczema. However, you may experience a slight discomfort like a burning sensation and skin redness after use.
This is just your skin trying to adapt to adapalene and it should last only 2-4 weeks. However, if the redness goes beyond four weeks, you should discontinue use and see a doctor.
Furthermore, this retinoid may be bad for you if you are a pregnant or lactating mother. Differin absorbs into the skin and may in turn affect your unborn baby.
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It Doesn’t Always Mix Well With Other Products
In addition to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, you shouldn’t apply Differin while also using products that contain chemical exfoliators or drying agents . Like retinoids, exfoliators increase cell turnover, but too much exfoliation can lead to raw, irritated skin. Toners, meanwhile, can be too drying when used along with a retinoid.
Instead, follow Differin with an ultra-rich moisturizer that will calm irritation and deliver much-needed hydration. We like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion , a cult favorite that’s famously gentle.
Is It Safe To Use Acne Medication During Pregnancy
Only if you use the right kinds. Here’s how to know what’s safe and not safe for your unborn baby.
Q: My face has been breaking out like crazy since I got pregnant six months ago. What can I use to treat it?
A: Breakouts during pregnancy aren’t at all uncommon — they’re due to your elevated hormone levels. But while nonpregnant women can use a range of prescription drugs for acne, those who are expecting need to be more careful. Specifically, pregnant women should avoid these four types of prescription acne products:
Accutane , which can cause birth defects, as well as increase the risk of miscarriage and infant death
Hormonal therapies , which can lead to birth defects
Topical retinoids , which pass into the bloodstream and so on to the fetus and
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Mistake #: Putting It On Your Eyelids
This mistake is putting it around your eyes or to the thin skin of your eyelids.
If youve ever used differin or any other type of retinoid or retinol, you know it can cause some peeling and some dryness. That is to be expected.
Fortunately differin overall is not as drying or irritating as other retinoids. But it can cause some peeling, especially in the first two weeks of using it.
The last thing you want to do is get this around the thin skin of the eyelids. The skin there is very thin, its going to be more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
One tip when using differin is before you apply it to the skin, take some vaseline, which is petroleum jelly, you dont have to use the name brand, you can use generic, and just put a little bit on your eyelids.
This will prevent the differin from getting onto the thin skin of the eyelids and reduce the risk that youre going to develop, dryness and irritation around your eyes.
First Retinoid To Become Available Over
WASHINGTON — The FDA approved adapalene gel 0.1% , a retinoid used in the treatment of acne, for over-the-counter use in persons 12 years of age and older.
This was the first time that a retinoid has been approved for over-the-counter use in acne treatment. Differin gel is also notable for containing the first new active ingredient in the treatment of acne to be made available over-the-counter since the 1980s.
“Millions of consumers, from adolescents to adults, suffer from acne,” said Lesley Furlong, MD, of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research in a statement. “Now, consumers have access to a new safe and effective over-the-counter option.”
Adapalene was first approved in 1996 as a prescription treatment for acne, and the American Acne and Rosacea Society had previously stated that the drug was safe to use in adolescent patients ages 12 and older.
In April, the FDA’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee recommended the OTC approval by a 16-0 vote. Post-marketing studies presented to the committee showed that consumers can understand the product label, determine whether the product is right for them, and use the product appropriately. In addition, a study of absorption of the drug through acne-affected skin when applied daily over a large surface area , showed that absorption is limited even with maximal use.
- Symptoms do not improve
- No improvement after 3 months of use
- The patient has an allergic reaction to the drug
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About My Skin: Prone To Breakouts
Right before I started testing the Differin Daily Deep Cleanser, I broke out in a few of the worst pimples Ive had in months. I also had some stubborn blackheads on my nose and peppered across my cheeks that werent going away no matter how much I tried to coax them out.
I was interested to see if a cleanser specifically designed for breakouts could clear them because, despite my acne-prone skin, I dont use many products specifically designed for acne. While I occasionally use Differins flagship product, the adapalene gel, as well as exfoliating toners like the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, I mostly focus on supporting my skins health with moisturizers and serums.
Products, such as those with benzoyl peroxide, that can dry skin scare meIve found my skin behaves much better when I keep it hydrated, and the drying ingredients combined with drier areas had me worried the cleanser would do more harm than good. To combat this, I followed up each application of the cleanser with First Aid or Topicals Like Butter if my skin needed extra moisture.
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Should You Use Differin With Moisturizer At Night
Yes, you should. Experts advise that the best time to use differin with a moisturizer is at night. This doesnt mean its less effective with daytime use but the retinoid will work in sync with your bodys auto-repair that happens at night.
During this time, adapalene is more effective in addressing aging concerns such as wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, at night, your skin is protected from sun exposure which can cause skin photosensitivity with adapalene.
Most importantly, you should use the differin gel once a day.
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Mistake #: Using It With Retinols
Retinols are cosmeceutical ingredients that youll find in anti-wrinkle creams. These work similar to differin, they have many of the same outcomes.
Some people ask is it okay to alternate one day using differin and another day using a retinol.
No! All that does is lead to excessive irritation. It doesnt help you out, it doesnt give you more acne control, its not better, its not more anti-aging. None of those things, it just wastes your money, causes too much irritation.
Many retinols are a slow release formulation, theyre slowly released into your skin. You may use one and not have any irritation and then say Im going to piggyback it with my differin gel.
Differin gel will start working faster than the retinol and then all of a sudden, the retinol is going to start working to peel your skin, to exfoliate it, and youll get a lot of dryness and irritation.
You dont want to use differin gel and a retinol together and that includes alternating them, like differin one night, retinol the next night.
Dont do that!
Its okay to skip a night of using differin if you have too much irritation, but on that skipped night, dont use another retinol. That defeats the purpose of skipping a night of differin.
It doesnt help you get acclimated to differin. It should only take about two weeks to get acclimated to the dryness and peeling of differin and then that subsides and it really starts to go to work.
Its A Retinoid Not A Retinol
While there are many over-the-counter retinol creams on the market, Differin is a retinoid. Theyre similar, but not exactly the same, explains Ava Shamban, MD, a Beverly Hills dermatologist and founder of SKIN FIVE. Both ingredients are derived from vitamin A, a powerhouse anti-ager that increases cell turnover, but retinol is much weaker than its prescription counterpart and can take longer to deliver noticeable results, she says.
Nor are all retinoids the same. Differin is adapalene and has a slightly different chemical structure than other retinoids, making it less irritating, says Dr. Shamban.
Differin is the only retinoid currently available over the counter you still need a prescription for its stronger form, Differin Gel 0.3%, as well as for other types of retinoids, such as tretinoin , isotretinoin, and tazarotene.
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How We Made Our Picks For The Best Acne Treatments For Pregnancy
Searching for new skincare can be overwhelming, which is why we did the work for you. We first pulled products that met the safety standards established by the AAD and ACOG. From there, we conducted editorial research, focusing on popularity, innovation, design, quality, value and ease of use, with feedback from OB/GYN and other experts. We also had What to Expect staff and contributors road-test products at home, and sought help from real parents in the What to Expect community to provide insights on products that are effective at tackling acne, yet gentle on your skin during pregnancy.
Here are pregnancy-friendly acne products that will help you get rid of existing pimples, prevent new breakouts and erase dark spots to give you that bun-in-the-oven glow everyone keeps talking about.
See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist
