24 replies to this topic

[mysecretinsecurity]

Good evening! As I am very new to posting on this website, I would like to keep a follow up of my journey with the Differin Cream 0.1%.

 

I have been struggling with acne for not as long as many others, but it's still an issue I'd like to confront.

I've been dealing with "bad" acne for about 8 months. (I've had acne before that, but it wasn't much of anything compared to now).

 

My biggest problem area of acne is on my forehead.

I'm a junior in high school, and the stress has been adding up since day 1 of school. It really does suck when acne just decides to come at what seems to be the most stressful times of your life so far (stress is a known acne causer, so no surprise there haha). 

Right now, it's probably the worst it's been in a few months. After researching and thinking, I decided I needed to do something about it. Thus, I started Differin yesterday.

 

 

Throughout my acne life so far, I have used (including Differin of course):

 

- Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser, 0.5% Salicylic Acid*

- Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser*

 

- St. Ives Apricot Scrub, 2% Salycylic Acid

- Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque (this still is awesome)

- Acne Masque with 10% Sulfur

 

- Clindamycin Phosphate Topical gel 1%

- Retin-A Gel 0.025% (not using)

- Clearasil Rapid Action Treatment Cream

 

- Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50*

- Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream*

- Coppertone ultraguard suncren lotion SPF 70+

- Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 70

- Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 35

 

As far as home remedies, I have used so many. From honey, oats, yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, etc.

 

Hair products (just because people say that hair products can be a causing factor of acne):

- Matrix Biolage Full Lift Volumizing Shampoo*

- Pantene Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Conditioner*

- Head & Shoulders itchy scalp care 2 in 1 with eucalyptus*

- Matrix Biolage Smoothing Shine Milk Spray* 

- Pureology Anti-Fade Complex Color Max UV Defense Spray*

 

- bareMinerals Pure Transformation Night Treatment (This broke me out SO much worse than I already was. It made me so frustrated and upset, it was awful.  If you'd like to hear more about it, let me know.)

 

 

* = using currently

 

If you have any questions about any of these products that I've used (or any questions at all), I am more than happy to let you know my experience/input. 

Edited by mysecretinsecurity, 13 February 2013 - 08:04 PM.

[mysecretinsecurity]

It is only day 3. My acne is the same really. Nothing major changing...just got a huge big PAINFUL pimple on my forehead, ouch. That's all that's really bothering me the most at the moment. 

 

I am still continuing to use the 0.5% Salycylic Acid Foaming Cleanser in the morning, while then applying the Differin at night, then the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. 

 

I'll probably try to log back in every week or every few weeks, depending on when I can. No one's responding or anything, so it'll probably just be more of a thing for me to see how I'm doing progressively over time.

 

Thanks for reading. 

Edited by mysecretinsecurity, 14 February 2013 - 08:38 PM.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Day 5 - skin is dry of course. It's hard because the weather here is very cold, so that doesn't really help. I have been using the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream...but I feel like I'd need to use a LOT to make it not dry. Ohhh, the urge to pick

It's odd, my little bumps are receding, but I have 2-3 new bigger PAINFUL pimples on my forehead. Not sure how I feel about this!

Edited by mysecretinsecurity, 16 February 2013 - 11:39 PM.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Week 1 - Skin looks awful. My face has at least 7 huge pimples that are really hard to cover up with make-up. Also very dry and painful, no matter what I do. Didn't feel like going to school today because it's that bad.

I'm going to school anyways. I feel terrible.

[LinhD]

I was on Differin .3% sometime ago. I remember the IB was worse for me than compared to my Retin-A IB experience. Just stick with it Differin takes quite some time to bear any results. I remember my dermatologist used to tell me to wait like 3 months. I hope it works for you!

[mysecretinsecurity]

Thank you for your input, I appreciate it.

I'm going to stick with it, for sure.

Thanks again!

[mysecretinsecurity]

Day 12 - Skin is still red and inflamed...basically all of my pimples are turning into white heads. Some of them hurt so much, but not much I can do about it.

 

It's weird because, now my skin is going back to getting more little pimples everywhere. 

The first few days in, those bumps went away...now there's more coming.

 

 

It seems like my skin is changing so rapidly!

[tragictwist]

I just started Differin last Friday and am so scared to keep using it... Please keep updating your journey! 

[ph12ivos]

keep on with it dont stop... i just closed my 6 months on differin and i might get one pimple every 2-4 weeks... after the 3-4 month mark ur gonna be clean .. first 2 months are a pain tho... dont stop ... btw i reccomend betainisoda face wash.. it has povidone and iodone.. that and differin alone have kept me clear... and i also use a natural tea tree oil with rosemary moisturizer (natural)...  also a thing to add is if you dont want scarring or anything close to that dont use retin a or sallycilic acid with differin and drink a bit of vit c... ah and one more thing to add i drink 2g of omega 3 fatty acids (helps with inflammation in body)and 3-5g of vit c  (helps with healling faster) a day too

[mysecretinsecurity]

I just started Differin last Friday and am so scared to keep using it... Please keep updating your journey! 

Ah I know, I'm a scaredy cat too! It took me so long to finally start it. I will try my best to update when I can!

keep on with it dont stop... i just closed my 6 months on differin and i might get one pimple every 2-4 weeks... after the 3-4 month mark ur gonna be clean .. first 2 months are a pain tho... dont stop ... btw i reccomend betainisoda face wash.. it has povidone and iodone.. that and differin alone have kept me clear... and i also use a natural tea tree oil with rosemary moisturizer (natural)...  also a thing to add is if you dont want scarring or anything close to that dont use retin a or sallycilic acid with differin and drink a bit of vit c... ah and one more thing to add i drink 2g of omega 3 fatty acids (helps with inflammation in body)and 3-5g of vit c  (helps with healling faster) a day too

 

Still trying to get through...thank you for your words and advice! Speaking of the omega 3, I'm eating a nut mix that is a "omega-3 mix" haha. CX

Edited by mysecretinsecurity, 28 February 2013 - 03:35 PM.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Day 16 - My skin is less bumpy (not by much), except one side of my forehead is very red, bumpy, dry, and painful.

 

But other than that, it's not really as painful anymore. Feels a little bit smoother...

 

All new pimples are still turning into whiteheads...it's really odd and frustrating because I hate how they look, and they're just difficult to conceal.

 

A big thing: dry. skin. sucks. so. bad.

So many flakes and scabs, it's awful...but it's a good thing, right? Or so I would assume. (Being that it's healing?)

My doctor did warn me about the flaking, so I'm not surprised. Just irritated by it.

 

 

I'm using aloe vera gel or neosporin to heal open wounds (some of them pop so easily because my skin is so dry).

 

Also, I'm using Yes To Carrots Nourishing Softening Facial Mask every day to help combat dry skin; it's very nice! 

 

Last note: do NOT exfoliate and/or over cleanse every day or too often even.

It may seem like you are getting rid of dry skin and flakes, but if you exfoliate too much, it will actually make your skin DRIER. So be very careful! Once a week of exfoliation is plenty.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Day 19 - I think it's safe to say that my skin has been/is at the IB. 

 

 

I applied a mask yesterday that consisted of: 

1) Oates ~ better to grind them...do not use instant.

2) Non-fat Plain Yogurt

3) Honey ~ local or organic

 

Let it sit for 25 minutes then gently wash it off, pat dry with towel.

 

It feels really nice for moisture and when your skin just feels really bumpy and gross.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Week 3 - The same side of my forehead is still really bad: painful, red, dry, bumpy.

The rest of my forehead is getting more bumps too.

It hurts to raise my eyebrows or to make any sort of movement involving my forehead.
Bottom line: It's painful and bumpy.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Day 24 - Ouch...still red and bumpy and flaky. More white heads, and white heads turning into scabs..so difficult to handle! 

 

Should I take minocycline?

My doctor prescribed it to me, but I didn't want to start off too heavy.

 

What do you think I should do?

 

Right now I'm just doing Differin every night with the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream (30 minutes after).

[mysecretinsecurity]

Week 4 - Skin continues to be bumpy. Flakes and dry skin. Scabs. Very sensitive (as it has been for the last few weeks).
There's an odd huuugeee pimple that had multiple whiteheads; now it's a huge pimple with multiple scabs.
It's basically a bunch of yellow-y scabs overtop a raised pimple (about the size of a penny).

I've been using an exfoliator once/twice a week. The Yes To Carrots mask almost every night before Differin.

I somehow got the courage to put on my make-up and go to school and feel at least "better" than I did a few days ago. I was coped in my house for the last 3 days, was feeling down the entire time.

 

~ Started minocycline around this time (100mg - twice a day)

Edited by mysecretinsecurity, 14 March 2013 - 07:56 PM.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Day 30 - My forehead is so. RED. and. DRY. The last few days have been when I started to notice that my skin is just becoming more and more red.

The acne is starting to recede, which is good. But gosh, the redness is spreading like crazy (plus PIH has always been the fate of all of my pimples).

 

That's the worst of it. Redness and dry/flakyness. Still bumpy, yes.

I think my skin is just very sensitive from Differin, so I'm not surprised of course.

 

Can it be over yet? lol..... 

[lionheart88]

I'd like to see how long this takes to work for you...I need some inspiration right now lol. I've been on differin gel 0.1% for 14 weeks now, so I'm at the stage where everyone says I should be getting clear and it's just not happening. I had an IB around weeks 6-8 which was horrific, but although that passed, my acne is still terrible, I have a big section on my right cheek/chin that is just full of inflammed acne- that is the worst of it, but it's still on my entire face and it hurts so much! Differin does make your face sensitive - if I cry the tears feel like acid on my face and you can forget about most creams/cleansers, I just use a simple cleanser. I used to have back and chest acne when I was a teenager but that disappeared - now it's spreading to my chest again. I feel like it's getting worse not better, I don't want to put you off as it may work for you as it seems to for lots of people, but just be aware that I don't think it does for everyone...I'm sticking with it for now, maybe it just takes longer than 4 months for some people?? I'd like to see how you get on

[mysecretinsecurity]

I'd like to see how long this takes to work for you...I need some inspiration right now lol. I've been on differin gel 0.1% for 14 weeks now, so I'm at the stage where everyone says I should be getting clear and it's just not happening. I had an IB around weeks 6-8 which was horrific, but although that passed, my acne is still terrible, I have a big section on my right cheek/chin that is just full of inflammed acne- that is the worst of it, but it's still on my entire face and it hurts so much! Differin does make your face sensitive - if I cry the tears feel like acid on my face and you can forget about most creams/cleansers, I just use a simple cleanser. I used to have back and chest acne when I was a teenager but that disappeared - now it's spreading to my chest again. I feel like it's getting worse not better, I don't want to put you off as it may work for you as it seems to for lots of people, but just be aware that I don't think it does for everyone...I'm sticking with it for now, maybe it just takes longer than 4 months for some people?? I'd like to see how you get on

 

Hi there. Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it. They say that it should be coming into the clearing effect around the 3 month mark, and if it doesn't seem to be working for you by that time, you might want to talk to your doctor/derm. Although, there are a few people I've seen on acne.org that keep at it and it works for them. It can be difficult finding out whether or not it's purging your skin, or if you could be allergic, or if it just doesn't work for you. If your skin doesn't seem to be getting better, I would definitely advise you to talk with your doctor and at least look around some more.

 

I am definitely at my break out (week 5) and I'm surprised I haven't broken down in tears yet! 

Thanks again. Keep updating on your journey as well! You're a real trooper; I admire people like you! 

Edited by mysecretinsecurity, 19 March 2013 - 03:58 PM.

[lionheart88]

I'd like to see how long this takes to work for you...I need some inspiration right now lol. I've been on differin gel 0.1% for 14 weeks now, so I'm at the stage where everyone says I should be getting clear and it's just not happening. I had an IB around weeks 6-8 which was horrific, but although that passed, my acne is still terrible, I have a big section on my right cheek/chin that is just full of inflammed acne- that is the worst of it, but it's still on my entire face and it hurts so much! Differin does make your face sensitive - if I cry the tears feel like acid on my face and you can forget about most creams/cleansers, I just use a simple cleanser. I used to have back and chest acne when I was a teenager but that disappeared - now it's spreading to my chest again. I feel like it's getting worse not better, I don't want to put you off as it may work for you as it seems to for lots of people, but just be aware that I don't think it does for everyone...I'm sticking with it for now, maybe it just takes longer than 4 months for some people?? I'd like to see how you get on

 

Hi there. Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it. They say that it should be coming into the clearing effect around the 3 month mark, and if it doesn't seem to be working for you by that time, you might want to talk to your doctor/derm. Although, there are a few people I've seen on acne.org that keep at it and it works for them. It can be difficult finding out whether or not it's purging your skin, or if you could be allergic, or if it just doesn't work for you. If your skin doesn't seem to be getting better, I would definitely advise you to talk with your doctor and at least look around some more.

 

I am definitely at my break out (week 5) and I'm surprised I haven't broken down in tears yet! 

Thanks again. Keep updating on your journey as well! You're a real trooper; I admire people like you! 

 

Yeah I need to make an appointment with my doctor in the next two weeks anyway since my antibiotics are running out. I am considering just stopping the antibiotics and differin altogether since my acne seems to be worse off now than when I started, the only thing putting me off is what if I break out even more! I don't think I can handle that right now. The break outs are the worst! At least you know what's causing it and that it won't last forever. I can't even remember having clear skin, I've had acne since I was 12, so offically half my life I'll let you know what my doctor says...thanks

[mysecretinsecurity]

 

I'd like to see how long this takes to work for you...I need some inspiration right now lol. I've been on differin gel 0.1% for 14 weeks now, so I'm at the stage where everyone says I should be getting clear and it's just not happening. I had an IB around weeks 6-8 which was horrific, but although that passed, my acne is still terrible, I have a big section on my right cheek/chin that is just full of inflammed acne- that is the worst of it, but it's still on my entire face and it hurts so much! Differin does make your face sensitive - if I cry the tears feel like acid on my face and you can forget about most creams/cleansers, I just use a simple cleanser. I used to have back and chest acne when I was a teenager but that disappeared - now it's spreading to my chest again. I feel like it's getting worse not better, I don't want to put you off as it may work for you as it seems to for lots of people, but just be aware that I don't think it does for everyone...I'm sticking with it for now, maybe it just takes longer than 4 months for some people?? I'd like to see how you get on

 

Hi there. Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it. They say that it should be coming into the clearing effect around the 3 month mark, and if it doesn't seem to be working for you by that time, you might want to talk to your doctor/derm. Although, there are a few people I've seen on acne.org that keep at it and it works for them. It can be difficult finding out whether or not it's purging your skin, or if you could be allergic, or if it just doesn't work for you. If your skin doesn't seem to be getting better, I would definitely advise you to talk with your doctor and at least look around some more.

 

I am definitely at my break out (week 5) and I'm surprised I haven't broken down in tears yet! 

Thanks again. Keep updating on your journey as well! You're a real trooper; I admire people like you! 

 

Yeah I need to make an appointment with my doctor in the next two weeks anyway since my antibiotics are running out. I am considering just stopping the antibiotics and differin altogether since my acne seems to be worse off now than when I started, the only thing putting me off is what if I break out even more! I don't think I can handle that right now. The break outs are the worst! At least you know what's causing it and that it won't last forever. I can't even remember having clear skin, I've had acne since I was 12, so offically half my life I'll let you know what my doctor says...thanks

 

I think your doctor will help you find something that might benefit you, because another thing is that your skin might becoming used to differin...but I wish you luck in that! Don't stop using differin abruptly, I heard that it can be very bad.

I'm sure that there was an initial cause of my acne, but other factors that came into my life (stress, hormones, poor eating, poor sleep, etc.) ended up feeding off of each other, making matters...much worse. I think that's how most people come to get worse and worse acne; at least that's what I'm assuming. 

Again, wishing you luck! I'll still be updating as well. It's comforting to know that there are other people out there going through the same situations.