I used Differin about five years ago. I don't recall an initial breakout. It worked okay for me, kept my acne manageable but I've never been able to get clear using a topical alone. Using it with minocycline I cleared up completely for awhile although I eventually had to add Yaz as well and stop the minocycline due to GI discomfort. Your current plan sounds like a good one. Good luck! )

My cousin had amazing results on differin but it didn't work for me. But my acne is really obnoxious and persistant. Good luck!

I am strongly against antibiotics, because I feel like they cause more damage (especially in the long run).

As for the differin, it didn't really do much for me. I've had more success with things like Retin A and Sulfur treatments....

I'm persistent with using it but i'm not sure its that much help. It certainly drys out my skin though

I was on differin for 15 weeks and it actually made my acne worse, I was on erythromycin as well. Apparently this is rare though so hopefully you will be lucky!

i started just over 2 weeks ago & it's made my acne a lot worse it was only mild before (i used to have it severe but then it was cured with accutance, 4 years later it's coming back) i really don't know whether i want to persevere with it

I started Differin (.3% gel) maybe a month and a half ago. I got my initial breakout instantly and boy was it bad. I was in tears for two weeks and was exceptionally close to giving up. My face hurt, both from burning, dryness, and the acne itself. I think my years of Epiduo made it work even faster for me. I stuck with it though, and now my marks and acne have improved tenfold and is so clearly improving every day. I would say persevere because what else do you have? Even if you're so certain it's not doing anything for you, stick to it to prove to your derm you need something more. I'm not clear, but I'm back to a state where with a very small amount of makeup, I can make it look like I'm clear, and I can once again feel comfortable wearing my hair out of my face.