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Hey! I have been on differin for around 8-9 weeks now and my acne is so much worse than it was before I even got it. I'm so confused because people said it would get better around 8-12 weeks. I have loads of cystic acne on my cheeks and some on the sides of my mouth/chin.
I don't get as many whiteheads as I did but some still pop up. My new acne each day has decreased but I am losing hope. My face isn't getting any smoother! I am on antibiotics too at this point and with them it has been 5 weeks.
I am just scared that differin has ruined my face and that more acne will show up. I don't really understand either what differin does to the face either to be honest!
Anyone else have his problem would love to hear your stories!
Differin works to increase your skin cell turnover, and so it brings up stuff from underneath much quicker. Normally, a cyst or inflammed pimple takes several weeks to surface, which is why it seems like your skin is getting worse. It's not, really, it's just coming up to the skin more quickly.
I would say, though I haven't been using Differin for very long and haven't had the dreaded IB yet and can't really talk about my experience, that you should keep using it, but that this means that something internal is happening in your body to cause your acne that and you need to address that as well somehow. Acne is an internal condition and nothing you put on the skin can really stop it, only minimize the visible effects.
I agree with the above poster. You're getting a year + worth of acne in a few months so don't give up yet. Some people are fast responders to retinoids but other can take a while. give it at least 3-4 months and if there is not consistent improvement, try a stronger retinoid which you tolerate. Also, if topicals are not giving you the desired result, it is worth exploring diet changes such as paleo. You have nothing to lose really. I am 3 weeks into differin myself and I am purging. It sucks for me especially since i've done stronger retinoids with no results but i am pairing differin with hormonal supplements and a healthier diet so we'll see where month 3/4 finds me.
Now on week 9 and my face is still so red. I have swapped my facial wash to tea tree foam wash and toner and it am now using the non comedogenic moisturiser.
This process is being slow for me but there are less cysts on my face and some are clearing it but it's annoying then they come to a puss head. I just want clear skin!
I agree with the above poster. Anything else that you use should be no frills and generic so no tea tree, AHA or anything that can possibly cause excess irritation.. In terms of a face wash, I really like Cerave hydrating cleanser as it is really moisturizing. I have yet to find a moisturizer that I love.
Keep in mind that 3 months is when you should BEGIN to see improvement and not necessarily when your acne will go away.