Differin Cream and Gel are both prescription acne treatments that are administered directly to the skin, making Differin an excellent option for those who are unable or unwilling to take oral antibiotics. Adalpalene, the active ingredient, works to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules on the skin.

Differin is used once a day. Galderma’s mild to severe acute acne cream and gel come in 45-gram tubes and are available in 45-gram tubes. Most people will see a difference in their complexion within just a few weeks, but Differin must be used every day for the whole three months. For more severe acne, Differin can be taken with a topical or oral antibiotic.

Differin’s key ingredient, Adapalene, is a vitamin A derivative that helps to inhibit the formation of keratin surface skin cells that can clog pores. Sebum is a natural oily material produced by sebaceous glands, which are located just beneath the surface of the skin and are necessary for keeping the skin smooth and supple. Acne sufferers frequently create an excessive amount of sebum, which can mix with dead keratin skin cells and clog pores.

Spots, blackheads (comedones), and whiteheads can all result from clogged pores. Differin 0.1 percent Cream can help lower the amount of keratin skin cells and unblock pores and sebaceous glands, allowing sebum to leave. Inflammation, whiteheads, comedones, and spots will be reduced as a result.

Differin 0.1 percent cream/gel is also effective because it boosts the skin’s natural cell turnover. The natural exfoliation of the skin’s outer layers is aided by this. This movement will help keep pores open, preventing spots and blackheads from forming.

Differin Ingredients

Adapalene 0.1 percent is the active component in Differin.

Carbomer 934P, Macrogol-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, glycerol (E422), natural squalene, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), disodium edetate, methyl glucose sesquistearate, phenoxyethanol, cyclomethicone, sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, cyclomethicone, sodium hydroxide.

• After bathing with a moderate cleanser, apply Differin cream/gel to the afflicted areas once daily in the evening.
• Apply a small amount to the affected regions and lightly rub in with clean hands.
• If Differin is administered correctly, it will create symptoms comparable to a minor sunburn, such as mild itching, redness, and warmth, during the start of treatment. This is natural and will pass.
• To get the best results with Differin cream/gel, you should use it for up to THREE months at a time, depending on your response. After a few weeks, you should see an improvement. The ‘Differin cleanse’ is the name given to this period.

While you can use cosmetics and moisturisers while taking Differin cream, you should wait until it is completely absorbed before applying anything else. Because Differin has a drying impact on the skin, it’s crucial to avoid using any toiletries that contain alcohol or other skin-drying substances.

Side effects of Differin

Differin, like all topical treatments, has the potential to cause allergic reactions. Before starting therapy, we recommend that you perform a spot test.

If you use Differin cream or gel, you may encounter the following negative effects:

a rash a burning, stinging, or tingling sensation dry skin itching or redness

For additional information, see our Differin side effects page, and before using, read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicines for a complete list of side effects.

It’s normally well-tolerated, and people who review Differin give it high marks.

Differin Warnings

• If you have a skin condition called eczema, do not use this drug on places where you have cuts or scratches.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, and nostrils, as well as other very sensitive body areas. If you come into contact with something you shouldn’t, wash it with warm water right away.
• Avoid direct sunlight and UV light from artificial sources. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor if you suffer sensitivity or irritation while using it. You may be urged to use the gel less frequently or stop using it altogether for a brief period of time. If you’re unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking, have recently taken, or may take any of the following medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• Other acne medications (such as benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin, or clindamycin) can be combined with Differin, but they must be administered in the morning and Differin at night.
• Cosmetics are permitted, however they must not produce blackheads or cause the skin to become dry.

Differin should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Differin, you should stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor for additional instructions.

Differin alternatives

Acne is a widespread skin problem that affects people differently, so some people will respond better to specific treatments than others. If you have acne, it is recommended that you begin by using over-the-counter remedies.

If you’ve tried over-the-counter remedies and they haven’t worked, talk to your doctor about prescription-only possibilities. Please see our Advice for Acne page for more information on all of our acne treatments.