Keep up with the waiting to apply till face is completely dry. of forehead pimples with heads and a couple around my jaw and around the corners of the mouth. Geriatric Use. I definitely purged during that switch, but then my skin cleared up a lot. It’s a multi-benefit, dermatologist-recommended retinoid specifically used for clearing acne. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. B. Dreno, J. Tan, M. Rivier, P. Martel, R. Bissonnette, Adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel reduces the risk But I feel I may have to wait until the air is not so dry. It keeps dead skin cells and oil from plugging up your pores and helps prevent comedones from forming. I offer my advice as a long-time user of adapalene 0.1% gel, and also the advice of my dermatologist to hopefully help some of the people who are interested in trying it. EDIT: many users have pointed out that Target is having a sale in all stores through Jan. 14: buy 2 15g tubes for $13 ea and get a $20 target gift card (so, in a way this is a 2 month supply for $6). Many pharmacies offer a generic option of adapalene in either 0.1% or 0.3%. I’ve had to really step up my moisturizer game since starting tretinoin. Reddit is a social news and entertainment website where registered users submit content in the form of either a link or a text ("self") post. I'm on Adapalene/BP and yes purging like that is normal, a similar thing happened to me. I'm late to this thread, but may I ask if differin worked well for you? You'll have to wait until the end of the 3 months (or however long you are prescribed for) until you see no more purging. Check with your doctor if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks. Do not wax treated area or apply topical products that may further irritate skin (eg, astringents, abrasive soaps and cleansers, exfoliants, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid) In the daytime I use a hydrating toner and then 2 different moisturizers, the top layer moisturizer I mix with jojoba oil. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn). Benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel and sulphur ointments are two over-the-counter topicals that can be used during the day in conjunction with differin at night. Anecdotal: my skin (previously not very sensitive) was extremely dry and sensitive while I used Differin. You could jump right in and use it every night, but from what I understand this can aggravate dry skin and cause peeling for some people. Can someone please explain how you're supposed to spread a pea size amount across your whole face or am I just extremely stupid and missing something. Topical vitamin A–based drugs called retinoids—the most used and most studied anti-aging compounds— may reduce fine lines and wrinkles. You can use benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or other non-exfoliating treatments during the day over the whole face or as a spot treatment. It notice it comes back once you stop using it for a few weeks. To trick my mind into thinking I’m still doing the adapalene every night, I use bakuchiol on nights I don’t use adapalene, it’s super gentle. Use Adapalene gel, 0.3% exactly as your doctor tells you to use it. How Does it Work? Adapalene paired with a benzoyl peroxide gel is one of the most potent things that is available OTC in the US right now. Adapalene has been prescribed to more than 40 million people over the last 20 years. If after 2 months, your skin is not starting to improve, it is possible that differin will not work for you (although I suggest that you continue to try for the full 3 month period). I did something similar to you where I switched to every other day, and for a bit afterwards, my breakouts were coming back. It is possible to introduce some light exfoliation after your skin has become adjusted to differin after at least 3, maybe 6 months. yes! Addendum: Differin sells a 1 month bottle (15g) and a 3 month bottle (45g). Whatever you feel you can do comfortably. Definitely refer to your derm, but I heard putting your moisturizer first before adding the adapalene helps with the adaptation process because of how dry your skin will get. If you have a sams club near you it's $28 for a 60 grams. Finally clearing up, all thanks to you’re work here. Seeing as you’re already a patient, they’ll be more than happy to handle little questions like this. Using only a 1-month supply and then abruptly stopping could irritate your skin. For discussion about all things skincare: products, techniques, trends, and more. Applying moisturizer before the topical is a good idea, I even mix mine together as my derm recommended. I quickly realized my skin was becoming raw, dry, red, and super itchy. It is normal for adapalene treatment to take 1-4 weeks before there is a noticeable improvement in your skin. Basically the texture of the gel is quite wet, making it easier to spread a small amount to a large area. Adding a drop or two of oil like squalane to your moisturizer is a good way to beef up your hydration. Yes it will dry you out a lot. Consider buffering, adding extra layers of hydration, using fewer nights per week, etc. Please let me know if there is anything I have missed that is worth noting! You can build up to everyday. Results will not happen overnight. Take this with a grain of salt because I only use OTC 0.1%, but maybe you could ask your derm about if switching to every other day has something to do with it? In the mornings, she told me to apply topical clindamycin (an antibiotic) before moisturizing as well. It was my non-prescription segway into later starting tretinoin. Hang in there! The question of whether adapalene is a good anti-aging ingredient like other retinoids comes up fairly often. I found it very hard to even find a moisturizer that didn't make my face sting or burn when I used it. I have also seen a lot of confusion about how to use it and how it works. She wasn't too specific about where moisturizing should fit in, before or after, but I started out washing my face, letting it dry for 5 mins, applying the adapalane, letting that dry for 5 more mins, then applying my moisturizer (Neutrogena sensitive skin oil free moisturizer). Sorry for bringing this back up, did mixing the adapalene with moisturizer reduce the effects? It basically dilutes the adapalene a bit, but I think the end goal is supposed to be using the adapalene before the moisturizer (so as not to dilute it?). Great points! Would appreciate any help or insight! It is classified as a keratolytic, or, in simpler terms, a super exfoliator. You may notice a slight sting… Felt almost like a sun/wind burn. Protocol is to apply a pea-sized amount to the whole face every night or every other night. I recently realized that Proactive Md also had an adapalene acne treatment gel available, so I thought I would try that one out and compare the Differin to the Proactiv MD. I’ve been meaning to review Differin for quite a while now. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. My new barrier moisturizer I think has played a huge roll in it though too. Do not apply more, and do not spot treat—this can irritate the skin. Recently there has been a lot of excitement over seeing differin in pharmacies and stores. Like a barrier healing one. She told me to apply a pea-sized amount of the adapalene gel after cleansing (I use vanicream gentle facial cleanser). AM – 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (any brand) short contact therapy 5-10 minutes prior to washing – Simple Kind to Skin Wash Gel Adapalene and other retinoids activate some of the same receptors, and since topical use of tretinoin has shown to increase procollagen as well, it’s likely that it will provide improvement on atrophic scarring as well. Q. I did the same thing and I wasn't totally clear at 3 months and my derm chewed me out for not following instructions and applying everday lol. Some products are to be used at bedtime. I'm interested in trying Differin, but I'm concerned about not being able to use the product around my acne-prone mouth without it peeling. A sun protection cream can also help if you are out in the sun on bright days, even if it is cloudy. Do not take adapalene by mouth. So, I started applying almost 2 layers of moisturizer after washing my face, letting it dry for 5-10 mins, then applying the adapalene and it was working much better for me. This comes from my dermatologist, who said to me that differin works the best when combined with topical or oral antibacterials/antibiotics. Side effects of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide that are similar include skin irritation, redness, dryness, itching, flares of acne, and increased sun sensitivity. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Differin is a retinoid. Whatever the effort to find the routine for you, it's worth it! Is it normal to purge multiple times during the process, considering I'm only on week 4 of use? Scientists believe that when adapalene is applied to the skin, it affects the growth of skin cells and thereby reduces the formation of pimples. Do not put on sunburned skin. Now, I use it till I see the first sign of irritation then take a night or 2 off. Sunscreen was out because I couldn't find one that didn't sting and irritate my skin further. Differin does not function as a spot treatment. A primary care physician or a dermatologist can suggest something stronger if that isn't working for you. I initially used it every other night but my skin became super sensitive and peeled. I would start light, maybe 3 times per week for a month or two, and work up to every other night or every night. You can build up to everyday. Moreover, DNA damage was triggered and DNA repair was suppressed synchronously with adapalene treatment, which accounted for the mechanism of S‐phase arrest induced by adapalene. Do not apply any topical product to the same area where you are using adapalene, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. EDIT: For anyone who finds that differin does not work for them, my advice is to see a doctor. To trick my mind into thinking I’m still doing the adapalene every night, I use bakuchiol on nights I don’t use adapalene, it’s super gentle. Apply Adapalene gel, 0.3% 1 time a day. Differin caused my previously not sensitive skin to get much more sensitive as well. Replying because I'm curious about this as well. In clinical trials, differin improved acne for most patients within about 3 months. Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide are topical agents used for the treatment of acne vulgaris (pimples). After doing some research, I decided that I should see a dermatologist to get a prescription for a topical retinoid such as tretinoin. It is not a good idea to exfoliate while this is happening, especially not at first, as it could cause horrible irritation. Differin works well when combined with antibacterial therapies. This should NOT be a painful process. Also, yes, your regular doctor or even a nurse practitioner at the minute clinic can write prescriptions for acne treatments. Does it provide any other additional benefits other than exfoliation and smoothing of the skin? Can I mix adapalene with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid? I read on mayo website that after 12 weeks if you see no difference with Adapalene, it’s probably not a good option for you. I would recommend buying the 3 month bottle and using all of it because it will take that long to see if differin will work for you. I just bought mine today and I wanted to let everyone know that it's on sale at Walgreens for $11.99. Do not use Adapalene gel, 0.3% in or on your mouth, eyes, or vagina. :). Of course, what adapalene does best is get rid of acne. I stopped for several days (approx 3) till my skin healed. All in all I had an okay experience with Differin. I'm going to try to do it every other night again soon. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed. Adapalene has similar acne-fighting and exfoliating properties to tretinoin, but it’s not quite as harsh. Bonus: it's cheaper than most people's co-pays (including mine) used to be. A primary care physician or a dermatologist can suggest something stronger if that isn't working … I've been using it for 8 months now with pretty good results. Differin works by preventing your pores from clogging and is said to prevent redness and inflammation and received FDA approval as an over-the-counter treatment in July of 2016. It is effective against acne conditions where comedones are predominant. Adapalene treats acne deep in the pores at the source, prevents new acne from forming and, as a result of reduced acne, restores your skin’s natural texture and tone. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Differin does NOT work well with chemical exfoliants. It works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and inflammation.. Adapalene is available under the following different brand names: Differin. For some products it does not matter. If you don't have acne but want to use it for anti-aging how often should you use it? Adapalene is a gel used for the treatment of acne vulgaris . I wouldn't have bothered getting an appointment with a dermatologist to get tretinoin had adapalene not shown me how much my skin really likes those sorts of products. Yep, that’s pretty much how it goes. Have you considered calling the Derm's office? If you want to try, start light. Most offices have an “on-call” PA or NP to answer quick straightforward questions like this over the phone. This! Other users then vote the submission "up" or "down", which is used to rank the post and determine its position on the site's pages and front page. Differin isn't exactly an exfoliant. It increases cell turnover which causes more skin cells to shed off than normal (since more are being produced). What brand names are available for adapalene? Occlusives (like your Vaseline) are great too. I used to use 0.3% adapalene too. Adapalene (Differin) Adapalene is a retinoid that: treats acne 15-19. decreases oiliness 19. Press J to jump to the feed. 1 31 32. Now my skin is awesome though. It is also advised to avoid using other products that contain glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids, as they can further contribute to the drying effect of the gel. In 2017 Proactiv came out with their new line of products, ProactivMD, which includes an adapalene gel as its third step. Adapalene works wonders OP! My skin looks a lot more fresh and young. Skin irritation: Apply moisturizer, reduce application frequency, or discontinue. It’s Differin, an acne gel that’s a synthetic form of retinoid known as adapalene. They will know better than anyone here, but as it stands it sounds like maybe you should be applying it less frequently until your skin gets more used to it. Adapalene gel, 0.3% is for skin use only. Keep using the medication as directed, even if you think it is not working. Only the 0.1% version is currently available over the counter, while the 0.3% version is still prescription-only. It's a rough process...but still the only thing that worked for me so far. You can experience an initial breakout. Keep up with the waiting to apply till face is completely dry. Differin causes skin cell turnover. Adapalene paired with a benzoyl peroxide gel is one of the most potent things that is available OTC in the US right now. Is adapalene available as a generic drug? How is Differin different from other exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, etc.? Just trying to clear my skin! Used Epiduo and Clindoxyl for a long time prior to the beard, which did clear my younger acne, not sure if it left a empty battle field when i stopped too. I have also had to be careful around the eyes and mouth. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Differin. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the scacjdiscussion community. i had severe acne and its cleared it all up. now dc after first eye rolling when they had their first breakouts also use it and can't believe the difference. It also helps to reduce inflammation.1 Depending on what your dermatologist decides, you’ll use adapalene either once or twice a day. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. How long does adapalene take to work topically? My steps were: cleanse, toner, serum, oil, wait 10 minutes, adapalene, wait 10 minutes, cream. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Differin Adapalene Gel must not be applied on broken, sunburned, or irritated skin. Adapalene is used to treat acne. So I'm on my 4th week using Adapalene 0.3% (prescribed by my derm) and I'm wondering if my experience so far is normal? I also started using eucerin's rich cream afterwards to help moisturize. I used it for about 4-5 months with some success and eventually stopped because I felt that ultimately the increased dryness was causing my face to react to products to which it didn't previously. This is particularly concerning for people who are also taking tetracycline antibiotics for acne, as the sun sensitivity is amplified and can lead to damage (speaking from first hand experience; I once got a 2nd degree burn while I had spf 60 on in a very extreme climate). Adapalene is not as irritating as most retinoids, so patients can use this more frequently.” It's so gentle, Levin adds, "It can be used day or at night." i had to back away from,the mouth area at first because it would make my lips raw-sensitive to acidic foods, like dressing with vinegar. Adapalene helps keeps those bumps and blackheads at bay. Using lots of layers also saved me through accutane! However, adapalene does still do some of the same things that tretinion can do, like smooth and re-texture the skin. I had to go down to every three days. Adapalene is found at a concentration of 0.1% or 0.3% in Differin Gel. Remember - consistency is key for optimal results. This is why it is recommended to apply it at night. A retinoid is simply a derivative of vitamin AThe two most popular being tretinoin, an anti-aging all star known widely by it’s brand name Retin-A, and Accutane (isotretinoin) — an oral prescription drug for severe cases of acne. Adapalene belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. I got pizza face for the next 2 months - apparently it's "purging" out all the acne you would have had. Do not use more Adapalene gel, 0.3% than you need to cover the treatment area. This should NOT be a painful process. In addition to increasing cell turnover, they encourage the production of healthier skin cells, increase collagen production and can have the effect of reducing acne, sun damage and the appearance of wrinkles. The exact mechanism of action is not known. Use this medication as directed by your doctor or the product package, usually once daily at bedtime. I have to do another three months because of it. I suggest checking out the following links for more info on types of retinoids and how to use them: http://www.skinacea.com/retinoids/types-of-retinoids.html, http://www.skinacea.com/retinoids/use-retinoids-right-part-one.html. Adapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid primarily used in the treatment of mild-moderate acne, and is also used off-label to treat keratosis pilaris as well as other skin conditions. I never had that crazy initial breakout, and it did improve my skin to a certain extent. I’ve been using Differin as a breakout preventative for two years (once it became available without a prescription). This is a big deal in the treatment and management of mild-to-moderate acne at home, as it is the only prescription strength retinoid available in every major drugstore (and Amazon!) Same question: is this the same as Retin-A? If you get adapalene in any of these areas, rinse well with water. It works by stopping pimples from forming under the surface of the skin. I started using this for anti-aging about two months ago. the sub r/tretinoin has good retinol types. I didn’t correlate the two (and I’m still not 100% sure it is), but decided to try not using a new serum I was using and returned to using adapalene everyday and my breakouts are gone again. Adapalene is in a class of medications called retinoid-like compounds. If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before using this medication. My derm recommended this as a "beginner retinol" since I have such sensitive skin. Even cheaper at cvs: $10.99 for 0.5 oz http://www.cvs.com/shop/beauty/skin-care/face/differin-gel-prodid-1190782?skuId=213858&DCSext.TriadCampID=B5226. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the SkincareAddiction community, Press J to jump to the feed. I started using it in October over moisturizer + vaseline around my eyes, nose, & mouth, and sunscreen in the morning. in the US. This shedding is often confused for exfoliation. This is more or less exactly what happened to me- I just have sensitive skin. Tretinoin, under the brand name Retin-A, was the first retinoid. i was going to add something similar regarding the skin around the mouth. Using differin is a true test of patience and can sometimes be a struggle, but is worthwhile for many people. Use Differin sparingly around your eyes and mouth, because the skin is very thin and delicate there. Loved adapalene/differin gel. Do not put on cuts, scrapes, eczema, or damaged skin. I started every day like you and my skin lashed out me. I did use my Elta MD UV clear sunscreen the day before all of these pimples popped up, so I don't know if the sunscreen clogged me or if this could just be another purge? I’d get a more moisturizing moisturizer especially for night. Safety and efficacy not established in children <12 years of age. If you were to feel the texture of adapalene it would make more sense. My doctor ended up recommending Epiduo, a combination of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and 0.1% adapalene gel. Differin Gel (adapalene 0.1%) is the first and only retinoid available OTC for the treatment of acne. But its great! The main difference is that adapalene is not as harsh on the skin as tretinoin, and apparently works with different receptors in the skin than tretinoin. If you want more of a schedule then start with maybe every other day or a break every third day. Exfoliants can actually work really well with differin since they will remove all those extra dead cells and reduce flakiness. I play the trumpet so any sort of weirdness with my skin, from acne or peeling, kinda messes up my playing. To help with the negative side effects... slow down your use. This is weaker than retin-A. Do not apply product to abrasions or cuts or to eczematous or sunburned skin. I’d get a more moisturizing moisturizer especially for night. I had to use Vaseline in a ring around my eyes and lips to stop the Differin "migrating" and causing irritation, even when I gave these areas a wide berth. Cookies help us deliver our Services. On July 8, 2016, Differin .1% Gel was approved by the FDA for over-the-counter sale. Also I would be careful about not applying every night. Use of one of these can also help minimize the initial breakout. Do not use adapalene topical to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor. These areas must be allowed to heal first before using the product. I also began applying vaseline around my eyes, on my lips, and around my nostrils before applying the adapalene gel. Use on your skin only. Do not use sunbeds. Differin causes sun sensitivity. I’m finally starting to see some serious improvements that I’m really happy with and I started like a week before xmas. If you’re feeling super dry you can sometimes put down a layer of moisturizer first to kind of add a “buffer” before applying the adapalene. That was my experience with adapalene. Q. All you need is a pea-sized amount for the entire face. How does Differin (adapalene) work against acne? I also apply toner and oil before the topical/moisturizer because my skin is very sensitive to it, and I still see the results. Insufficient experience in controlled clinical studies in patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently to adapalene than younger adults. Adapalene is used to treat acne.It may decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do develop. The reason they shouldn't be used together initially is because they are both irritating so it's best to build a tolerance to the differin before adding an exfoliant. I decided that using adapalene every other day was more comfortable, but still as effective in my case. What is Differin? Adapalene works by revving your cell turnover into high gear. Use of sunscreen during the daytime is suggested, especially for those who spend time outside. Adapalene is only available with a prescription, while benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter (OTC) and in generic form. Before using, gently clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser an… EDIT: For anyone who finds that differin does not work for them, my advice is to see a doctor. Unfortunately, for some people this can also lead acne that is currently forming to come to the surface. If applied to the same area treated with adapalene, the following products may cause mild to severe irritation of the skin: The most common reason for treatment failure is stopping treatment too soon thinking it is not working. Call your doctor if skin symptoms do not begin to improve within 8 to 12 weeks of using this medicine. the vinegar would burn so bad because that skin was kinda raw, but you couldn't tell by looking and it wasn't otherwise painful or irritated. It can take up to 6 weeks of consistent topical application of adapalene before you begin to see improvements. At the time of this article’s writing, Differin, generic, and ProactivMD are the only FDA approved options for over-the-counter adapalene gel. My face was super dry, flaky, red, and burned. Differin causes you to lose layers of skin. Did you ever have acne around your lips? Fast forward to week 4, and now I have another purge (I think?) http://www.cvs.com/shop/beauty/skin-care/face/differin-gel-prodid-1190782?skuId=213858&DCSext.TriadCampID=B5226.