Im 17, I have i think mild acne. I want to start Differin but i am too afraid of the pruge stage! i hope that maybe because my acne is not that bad it the purge might not be that bad as well. if anyone can tell about their experience with it? also considering going on a bp regimen. thanks !
among other things my doctor issued me differin cream.
i have no proof but personally i think these harsh creams causes long term side effects, like redness / sensitive skin.. because that's what happend to me... + this cream is not even that good.
https://www.acne.org/differin-adapalene-0.1-gel-reviews-21/
if your 17 your probably going through hormonal acne. just my option but for now, i would say avoid all these harsh creams (including BP). growing up, i was quick to use every thing and anything and i feel now im paying the price, when maybe i could of grown out of it(?)
My morning routine:
antibiotic prescribed face wash
thayers alcohol free witch hazel as toner
aloe vera gel
ponds cream
apieu natural block sun cream spf 40
burts bees brightening eye cream
Night routine:
aveeno ultra calming foaming cleanser
the prescribed antibiotic face wash (yes i did double cleansing)
the witch hazel toner
the burts bees brightening eye cream
differin gel
For the 2nd week to around the 4th week, i used aloe vera before differin gel because my skin got SUPER sensitive to the point where it would hurt to touch my face or it would really really sting when ghe cold wind blew against my face. I would wait 20-30 minutes before applying differin after aloe vers because I wanted the aloe to soothe first.
For me, differin was a huge success story. I was 16 turning 17 when I started breaking out this year in late January. Here are some pictures in chronological order.
July 2017 : super obsessed with beauty, my face, makeup and skincare. I had a very intricate skincare routine (i followed the korean skincare trends w the 10 steps ans everything) and i rarely ever broke out.
Feb 23 2018: very stressed and depressed. This is right before I went to the dermatologist for treatment.
Feb 28 2018- after 4-5 days of Differin and additional antibiotics 
March 3 2018
March 7 2018 (possibly the worst my acne has been)
March 30 2018 (showed improvement from worst point)
May 17 2018 (acne all cleared, there is still some hyper pigmentation, redness, large pores)
May 21 2018 
My older brother Didnt have an IB (or purge) when he used Differin. Do you think this would be reason to believe i wouldnt either? i slowed my way into daily treatment and im seeing results already (I have been slowing into it for about a month, daily use for 2 weeks) Thanks for any help!
Face history: VERY oily. Have moderate acne and many pigmentations due to acne scars.
My differin story:
week 1-3:My breakouts improved alittle. Iwas also taking oral antibiotics during this time for about 2weeks only.
Week 4-5:I brokeout on my cheeks and chin area (about 6 pimples in total).I thought this was the purging stage.
week 6-7: My face suddenly cleared up. No pimples; only pigmentations.I was less oily also.
week 8: My chinBROKE OUT HORRIBLY.I had 12 pimples (6 were big)on my chin area alone. I discontinued using differin and regretted it.
week 9: My chin breakout tamed down. ButI started to breakout midly on my forehead also (1-3 small but visible pimples). I had those injected via cortisone because I cannot tolerate it anymore. I changed my diet (lesssweets and dairy!). I was also prescribed to use DUAC.
week 10- My chinbreakouts healed.But I started to breakout mildly on my cheeks and still on my forehead. I continued using differin and DUAC. I also had my pimples injected.
Week 11- 12- My skin has significantly improved! I noticed my breakouts are smaller and they heal easier.
Week 13- Almost clear; only pigmentations. I have very few pimples and they are very small.
My advice: Stick to differin. Just have pimple injections if you cannot tolerate the breakouts. Also, DUAChelped a lot.
Right now, I use AHA gel to peel off my pigmentations.