Skincare - Differin
What is Differin?
[Differin Gel and Cream (adapalene 0.1%) is an FDA-approved topical retinoid treatment used for acne.]1 It contains adapalene, which helps treat and prevent acne by reducing inflammation and unplugging blocked pores.
Differin was originally approved by the FDA in 1996 to treat acne in people 12 years of age and older. It works by controlling cell turnover inside hair follicles and modifying the development of blackheads and whiteheads. This helps prevent new acne breakouts on the face, chest, and back.
Adapalene is a unique type of topical retinoid that is less irritating than tretinoin. It works by penetrating deep inside the pore to exfoliate and normalize excessive cell buildup. This unclogs pores and reduces inflammation caused by acne-causing bacteria.
Differin is available without a prescription as a cream, gel, and lotion. It can be used alone or combined with benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics to treat mild, moderate, and severe acne. When used regularly, Differin helps renew the skin surface and clear up acne.
How Differin Works
Differin contains the active ingredient adapalene, which is a synthetic retinoid. Retinoids are compounds related to vitamin A that can help treat acne.
Adapalene works in a few ways to treat and prevent acne:
It accelerates skin cell turnover. Faster skin cell renewal helps open clogged pores and reduces inflammation.
It clears pore blockages. Adapalene gets deep inside pores to remove built-up oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This helps prevent new breakouts.
It has anti-inflammatory effects. Adapalene reduces redness and swelling associated with acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help existing breakouts heal faster.
It prevents clogged pores and the formation of new acne lesions. By regulating skin cell production and shedding, adapalene stops pore blockages before they start.
In summary, Differin uses adapalene to renew the skin more rapidly, reduce acne-causing inflammation, and keep pores clear. Regular use can significantly improve acne symptoms.
Effectiveness of Differin
Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Differin gel in treating acne. In one 12-week study, Differin gel 0.1% reduced inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions by up to 50% compared to placebo. Patients using Differin gel showed a significant decrease in acne lesions including papules, pustules, and open and closed comedones.
Differin works by normalizing skin cell production in the follicle. It helps prevent the formation of new acne lesions by keeping pores clear. With consistent use over several weeks, Differin leads to a full clearing of acne in some patients.
By working deep within the skin, Differin also helps to prevent new breakouts. Many patients see continued improvement over 3-6 months of use as Differin brings acne under control by treating present breakouts and preventing new ones. The benefits of Differin often persist even after treatment is stopped, as it helps normalize follicle cell production.
Overall, clinical evidence shows that Differin gel is highly effective at reducing acne lesions and controlling mild-to-moderate acne with regular use. For many patients, it can clear up acne or keep breakouts under control with minimal side effects.
Using Differin
When using Differin gel, it's important to follow the directions carefully. Differin should be applied once daily at bedtime. Only a thin layer of the gel should be applied to clean, dry skin. Using too much can increase side effects like irritation, dryness, peeling, burning, or redness.
After applying Differin gel, wash your hands thoroughly. It's also recommended to avoid applying Differin to cuts, abrasions, or eczema patches. Some people may experience excessive drying or peeling, in which case using a moisturizer before applying Differin can help. If severe irritation occurs, stop using Differin gel and speak to your doctor.
It may take 8-12 weeks before seeing full results from using Differin. Consistency is important. Patients should use Differin gel every day as prescribed by their doctor and not just when they have acne breakouts. Speak to your dermatologist if you have any concerns about using Differin or experience undesirable side effects. With regular use as directed, Differin can effectively treat acne for many patients.
Differin vs Other Acne Treatments
Differin stands apart from many other common acne medications in terms of effectiveness and tolerability. Here's how it compares:
More effective than benzoyl peroxide for inflammatory acne - Benzoyl peroxide can help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce non-inflammatory acne. However, benzoyl peroxide is not as effective as Differin at treating inflammatory acne characterized by red, swollen pimples. Research shows Differin provides better reductions in both non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions.
Better tolerated than retin-A with less irritation - Both Differin and retin-A contain retinoids that can help unplug blocked pores and speed up cell turnover. However, retin-A often causes significant irritation, peeling, redness, and dryness, especially during the first few weeks of use. Differin is a newer-generation retinoid that is gentler on the skin. Most users find it less irritating than Retin-A.
Less drying than topical antibiotics - Topical antibiotics like clindamycin kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin's surface. But they can also lead to dryness, peeling, and redness over time. Long-term use of topical antibiotics may also contribute to antibiotic resistance. Differin does not cause antibiotic resistance and is less likely to dry out the skin.
So in summary, Differin provides a good balance of efficacy and tolerability compared to many other commonly prescribed acne treatments. It is less irritating than Retin-A, less drying than antibiotics, and more effective for inflammatory acne than benzoyl peroxide. These advantages make it a top choice for many dermatologists and acne sufferers. Side Effects of Using Differin
While Differin is generally well tolerated, some people may experience side effects. The most common side effects of Differin are 1:
Dryness - Using Differin can cause dry, flaky, peeling, or tight skin. This tends to be mild and often improves over time as your skin adjusts. Using a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer can help combat dryness.
Redness - Some redness or irritation is common when starting Differin, especially during the first few weeks. The redness is usually temporary and often subsides as you continue using it.
Stinging/burning - You may feel a stinging or mild burning sensation after applying Differin, particularly during the first few uses. This typically improves as your skin gets used to the medication.
Less common side effects include [2]:
Itching - Differin can occasionally cause itchy skin. An anti-itch cream or oral antihistamine may provide relief.
Swelling - In rare cases, swelling of the face or eyes has occurred. Seek medical attention if you experience severe or concerning swelling.
Crusting - Some people develop crusty areas of skin while using Differin. Gentle exfoliation and moisturizer can help remove crusts.
Warmth - You may notice a warming sensation on the skin after applying Differin. This is not harmful but let your doctor know if it concerns you.
Most side effects are mild and tend to lessen over time. Talk to your dermatologist if any side effects are severe or do not improve. They can advise you on managing them or provide an alternative treatment option if needed.
Who Should Not Use Differin
Some people should avoid using Differin or use it with caution:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: The safety of Differin has not been established in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Adapalene can be passed to a nursing infant through breast milk, so it's recommended that women avoid using Differin if pregnant or breastfeeding.
People with sunburn or windburn: Those with sunburned or windburned skin should avoid using Differin until fully healed, as it may cause increased irritation and sensitivity.
Severely irritated skin: People with severe irritation, redness, peeling, or discomfort on their skin should avoid Differin, at least temporarily, as it may worsen irritation. Differin should only be applied to dry, intact skin that is not irritated or damaged.
In summary, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with sunburn/windburn, and people with severely irritated skin should use caution with Differin or avoid it altogether until their condition improves. Discuss any concerns with your dermatologist before starting this medication.
Interactions
When using Differin, it's important to be aware of potential interactions with other substances and activities.
Increased Sun Sensitivity: Differin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. It's crucial to apply sunscreen daily with at least SPF 30 when using this medication.
Avoid Hair Removal Procedures: Do not wax or undergo laser hair removal procedures while using Differin. The increased skin cell turnover makes these activities more likely to damage the skin.
Tell Your Doctor About Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications can interact with Differin, such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid products. Using them together may increase dryness, irritation, and peeling.
Let your doctor know if you start any new medications while using Differin, to minimize the risk of interactions. Certain antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatories may also interact with Differin. Your doctor can provide guidance on managing any interactions.
Cost and Availability
Differin is available without a prescription in a 0.1% strength gel. This lower strength is sold over-the-counter in drug stores, grocery stores, and online retailers typically in a 30-gram tube costing between $20-30.
For those with more severe acne, Differin can also be prescribed in a higher 0.3% strength gel. This requires a prescription from a doctor or dermatologist. The prescription 0.3% gel provides a higher concentration of the active ingredient adapalene for more potent acne-fighting effects. However, it also has an increased risk of side effects like skin irritation, redness, dryness, and peeling. Those using the 0.3% prescription strength should monitor their skin closely when starting treatment.
Overall, the versatile acne-fighting medicine Differin is widely accessible, with affordable over-the-counter options for mild-moderate acne and prescription strengths for more severe cases. Consulting a dermatologist can help determine the most appropriate formulation and strength to effectively treat acne with minimal side effects.
The Bottom Line
Differin is an effective over-the-counter retinoid treatment for acne. It contains the active ingredient adapalene, which works by speeding up skin cell turnover and clearing pores. This helps prevent new acne breakouts and allows existing pimples to heal more quickly.
With continued use, Differin can significantly improve acne in many people. It may cause some initial skin irritation, redness, peeling, and dryness as it increases cell turnover. However, these side effects typically improve within the first few weeks of using the medication as your skin adjusts.
Overall, Differin is a proven topical retinoid treatment that can help get moderate acne under control without a prescription. It may take 6-12 weeks to see the full effects, but patient compliance is important. Be sure to use it consistently and give it time to work. For many dealing with stubborn acne breakouts, Differin can be an effective over-the-counter option before considering prescription-strength retinoids or antibiotics.