22 replies to this topic

[Scary Monster]

I have not been using differin very long but it seems to be starting to help, which is great for me as I had to stop taking my last medication due to other problems.

Its worth bearing in mind that there will be VERY VERY few people on these boards for whom differin has worked wonders, although there are a lot of people out there for whom it has. Catch is because they are no longer having problems with their acne they are not on these boards to tell you about it!

I'd say try it, but you have to use it every day like they say, it doesn't work if used occasionally.

[Baravykas]

Btw one of the main mestakes people make is use differin once a day in the begining. I used it twice a day for the first 1,5 month and only when my face was under control I used it once. I think its absurd that there is no diference between its use once and twice.

[junkeroos]

WHAT IS DIFFERIN®?
Differin® (adapalene) is the first new topical treatment for acne since Retin A (tretinoin) was introduced in 1972. Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid analogue and it functions in a manner similar to that of tretinoin but demonstrates greater effectiveness and is gentler on the skin. In medical studies Differin® reduces the number and severity of acne lesions after 12 weeks of therapy. Differin® has demonstrated greater effectiveness than the highest strength of topic Retin-A gel. Furthermore, patients on Differin® experience significantly less skin dryness and skin irritation than those using Retin-A.

WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a disorder of the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands) located at the base of the hair follicle resulting in plugged pores and outbreaks of varying degrees of acne lesions commonly referred to as pimples and zits. Acne lesions occur most commonly on areas that have the highest concentration of sebaceous glands: face, neck, upper back, chest and shoulders. When these oil glands become overactive and plug up the primary lesion of acne, comedones, commonly referred to as a blackheads (open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones) develop. Comedones are non inflammatory lesions characteristic of Grade I acne. The classic "pimple" develops as the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) beneath the skin thrive on this oil and produce redness and pus, Grade II - Grade III. As this infection spreads into the deeper layers of the skin pustules and cysts can develop, Grade IV.

HOW DOES DIFFERIN® WORK TO TREAT ACNE?
Differin® (adapalene) 0.1% is applied directly to the face or the affected area and it works deep inside your pores reducing controlling improper skin buildup and reducing the inflammatory component of acne . Acne forms when hormones trigger an abnormal accumulation of skin cells and an overproduction of oil in skin pores. The pores (hair follicle) become clogged, forming a plug, and enable bacteria to grow and comedones (whiteheads & blackheads) and papules and pustules and nodules (pimples) develop. It works by controlling the improper accumulation of skin cells that plug the pores and helping skin cells shed normally rather than allowing them to accumulate in pores. Differin® is effective at clearing up pimples, whiteheads and blackheads by clearing the pores of oil-blocking skin cells.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIFFERIN® GEL, SOLUTION & CREAM?
Differin® comes in a gel, solution and cream formulated specifically for the special needs of people with acne.
Differin® (adapalene gel) Gel 0.1% is a clear, odorless, oil-free and alcohol-free gel that is specifically designed to meet the needs of most patients. It's a light gel that feels nice on your skin. It doesn't contain alcohol which can overly dry your skin and it isn't oily so it won't leave any greasy residue behind.
Differin® (adapalene) Cream 0.1% is an odorless and elegant cream designed specifically designed for patients with sensitive skin who need the power of Differin® in a product that their skin can tolerate. This cream absorbs quickly and easily.
Differin® (adapalene) Solution 0.1% contains alcohol and is harsher on the skin and more irritating than either the Gel or Cream. This solution is designed more for younger acne patients with very oils skin and truncal acne and it causes MORE irritation than the gel. The solution comes in an Dab-o-matic applicator or single use Pledgets. Due to the more severe side effects and skin irritation resulting from Differin® solution over the Gel or Cream, we DO NOT prescribe Differin® in solution form over the internet!

WHEN & FOR HOW OFTEN DO I USE DIFFERIN®?
Differin® is applied to the skin once a day in the evening before bedtime. Differin® must be used consistently as there is no instant or immediate cure for acne.
Step 1: Wash the affected area with a mild nonsoap cleanser
Step 2: Pat dry with a soft towel to remove excess water. Never rub harshly.
Step 3: Apply a pea-size amount of Gel or Cream. Spread a thin film evenly over the entire face, avoiding the eyes, lips, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. Try not to touch the treated areas.
Step 4: Wash your hands
With proper care and treatment, acne can be controlled and scarring may be prevented. Use Differin® exactly as prescribed. Applying excessive amounts or using the formulation more than once a day will not produce better results and may cause severe redness, peeling and discomfort.

HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE RESULTS?
Differin® affect cell accumulation and reduces the inflammatory response within the pores. During the first 1 - 2 weeks of treatment, your acne may appear to get worse. Don't despair. This is expected and just means that the medication is working on pimples that you may not yet see. Continue using the product. It can take up 8 - 12 weeks before you start to see improvement and with continued use further improvement is expected. How long it takes to clear your pimples will depend on the severity of your acne. Larger pimples or more severe cases of acne may take longer to clear than milder cases. Use Differin® consistently even after your acne goes away on areas where outbreaks usually occur for prevention. If your acne does not start to improve within 12 weeks, check with your own doctor.

HOW DOES DIFFERIN® DIFFER FROM RETIN-A & OTHER RETINOIC ACIDS?
Differin® is a formulation of adapalene which is a new synthetic retinoid analogue that has demonstrated greater effectiveness than the highest strength of topical Retin-A gel or other retinoid topical products. In addition Differin® is MUCH GENTLER to your skin than other retinoid products with significantly less skin dryness and skin irritation. Adapalene functions in a manner similar to that of retinoid products but with greater effectiveness and less irritating side effects. Retinoid therapy has been recognized for more than 20 years to be excellent acne therapy, but its usage has been limited in many patients due to it's side effects. Differin® has been shown to be more effective with better tolerance and less side effects
Benefits of Differin®: excellent tolerability, quick penetration into hair follicles where it can exert its anti-inflammatory, and comedolytic effects.
Differin® Gel and Cream are both formulated specifically for the special needs of patients with acne.

CAN DIFFERIN® BE USED ALONG WITH OTHER SKIN MEDICATIONS OR PRODUCTS?
Differin® should not be used along with other anti-acne products containing Retinoid, retinoic acid, trinitoin or Vitamin A such as Retin-A, Retinol, Renova.
Differin® should not be used with any skin products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid.
Differin® should not be used with any abrasive or medicated soaps, astringents, alcohol, lime, or witch-hazel products, or any products than can be drying or irritating to the skin.
Differin® should not be used with products containing alpha hydroxy, hydroxy or glycolic acid containing products.
Differin® can not be used with any peeling agents, glycolic peels, chemical peels or laser peels.
Differin® should not be used with benzoyl peroxide, Skinoren or Azelex as they may be drying or irritating.
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Differin® can be used with topical anti-acne antibiotic treatments such as erythromycin, clindamycin, Dalacin-T or Cleocin-T if applied in the morning and Differin® is applied in the evening before bedtime. The two can not be applied at the same time. Always check with your prescribing doctor before adding Differin®. Differin® can be used with non-oily noncomedogenic moisturizers and cosmetics

WHAT KIND OF CLEANSER SHOULD I USE WHILE USING DIFFERIN®?
Acne is not caused by dirt, and too much vigorous washing can dry your skin or even aggravate your acne. Cleansing twice a day is sufficient with a mild, NONSOAP, fragrance-free cleanser such as Cetaphil® Cleansing Bars or Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleansers. Do not use medicated soaps and cleansers that have a strong drying affect.

CAN I WEAR MAKEUP WHILE USING DIFFERIN®?
Yes, you can wear makeup. Do NOT use oil-based makeup or cosmetics that have an abrasive, drying or peeling action. Make sure than when you buy cosmetics, moisturizers or any other skin products they are labeled as "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic." This means that they are not likely to cause whiteheads or blackheads.

WHILE USING DIFFERIN® SHOULD I USE A MOISTURIZER?
Since acne medication including Differin® can be drying, it may be helpful to use a moisturizer. Use a mild, fragrance-free, non-oily, non-irritating moisturizer that is noncomedogenic. Make sure your moisturizer does NOT contain alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids, retinoid, retinol, vitamin A, trinitoin, or any other drying or irritating agent. Cetaphil® Moisturizers are a possible choice.

WHILE TAKING Differin® CAN I USE TANNING BEDS OR SUNBATHE?
When using Differin®, you must avoid all sun exposure possible because Differin® makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Do NOT sunbathe. Do NOT use tanning beds or sunlamps. When using Differin® you must ALWAYS take proper precautions to protect sun exposed skin using sunblock, hats and protective clothing. Never apply Differin® to sunburned skin!

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS of Differin®?
Differin® is gentle on the skin, but 10-40% of patients do experience some skin irritation which is reversible when the treatment is discontinued or reduced in frequency. The most common side effects are erythema (redness), drying, scaling, irritation, pruritis (itching), burning, stinging and acne flare-up. Most of these reactions are not severe and occur during the first month of treatment and resolve with continued use. About 20% of patients experience a feeling of stinging, pruritis or burning immediately after application. During the initial weeks of therapy if these adverse effects are too bothersome, you may try decreasing the frequency of use and as your tolerance improves increase frequency to recommended once a day usage.
If severe irritation occurs, blistering, crusting or swelling discontinue use and check with your physician.

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