A person applying Differin Gel in front of a mirror
What’s the deal with Differin?

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It can be difficult to treat and it can be frustrating.

Differin Gel is the first and only over-the-counter (OTC) retinoid acne treatment that’s been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This topical medication contains adapalene, a form of retinoid (derived from vitamin A), that has been found to slow the process of excessive growth in the lining of pores and desensitize the skin to inflammation. This makes it an excellent treatment for acne.

Pros

  • Available over-the-counter (OTC): This means that you don’t need a prescription to start using Differin Gel.
  • Less irritating than other retinoids: Similar types, like Retin-A, work significantly faster, but can cause skin inflammation.
  • May reduce the appearance of fine lines and acne scars: Early studies showed the formula may have a hand in doing more than just clearing up acne.
  • Easy application: You only need to apply a pea-size amount at night.

Cons

  • Requires consistent use: If you don’t use it on a regular basis, you might not see results.
  • Can irritate skin: Studies have found that a common side effect is sensitivity to sunlight.
  • May make acne worse: Some users report an increase in acne when starting out with Differin Gel.
  • May also cause dry skin: Other users find that their skin became dry with regular use.

Differin Gel

Differin Gel is manufactured by Galderma Laboratories LP. The gel contains 0.1% adapalene, a third-generation retinoid, meaning it’s a derivative of the first retinoid used as topical medication (sold as Retin-A).

Differin Gel is the first acne treatment the FDA approved in more than 30 years. Adapalene has been used to treat acne for more than 20 years.

Retinoid helps regulate cell turnover. It helps with the removal of the initial layer of skin cells to promote the production of new, healthy skin.

In addition, this fat-soluble retinoid penetrates the skin cells and, according to 2019 research, it reduces water loss and protects collagen (a protein in your body that improves skin elasticity) from degradation.

The research states that vitamins A and its derivatives are some of the most effective substances slowing the aging process.

In the U.S., Differin Gel is available in many places.

There are other products on the market that contain adapalene. For example, Proactive sells an adapalene gel, as does La Roche Posay, neither of which requires a prescription. Both of these gels are comparable in price to Differin Gel and use the 0.1% suspension.

If you have a prescription, you can get Differin Gel in a 0.3% concentration.

Differin Gel drug facts

Differin Gel treats acne vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, which contains the hair follicle and sebaceous gland.

Acne may be caused by a variety of reasons, including:

  • Higher oil production. Having oily skin doesn’t mean you’ll have acne. But if the oil gets trapped because old skin cells are not sloughed off quick enough, this starts an inflammatory process that leads to acne.
  • Microbial changes. Experts know the delicate balance of the microbiome affects many parts of the body. In particular, Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermis) play a role in the process of inflammatory acne.
  • Abnormal keratinization of skin. When too much keratin (a protein in hair, skin, and nails) sheds inside the hair follicle, near the pore opening, clogging often happens.
  • Inflammation. This happens when a pore gets clogged and a cascade of cellular processes are set off. When there’s blockage, blackheads can form.

Increasing cell turnover leads to the removal of the skin.

If you have a problem with your nose, it is likely caused by trapped sebum. The oils can escape faster with the help of Differin Gel.

Thepurge period is when the skin may get worse because Differin Gel works at the cellular level. Your body is adjusting to a new regimen. The cells will eventually turn into something that is pushed to the surface.

After 12 weeks of consistent use, you will notice Differin Gel is working.

You should wash your face before applying Differin. You can apply a thin layer of Differin Gel to dry skin and then use a moisturizers.

You can apply Differin Gel at night or in the morning. If you decide to use it in your morning skin care routine, you should dry it before applying SPF. You should apply it at the same time every day.

You can get Differin Gel at most retailers, including Target, Walmart, and CVS Pharmacy. It’s also sold in beauty stores, such as Ulta Beauty, and online through Amazon.

A tube of Differin Gel costs around $12.

Differin Gel is not covered by insurance. However, you may be able to use your flexible spending account (FSA) to buy Differin Gel. An FSA is arranged through your employer and allows the purchase of certain goods tax-free.

  • If you have persistent skin problems, Differin Gel is a good option. The 0.1% solution works best for moderate and mild breakouts.
  • If you have severe acne, you may benefit from a stronger suspension, like the 0.3% adapalene, but you’ll need a prescription for this higher concentration.
  • If your skin has been damaged by yourAcne, Differin Gel may help to promote a more even skin tone and decrease the appearance of scars.
  • As a 2006 study pointed out, Differin Gel is a good option for people who have had acne and are looking for a product that will help prevent future acne. While this study examined a stronger suspension of adapalene, the results showed reduced scarring in patients who used this treatment over a 4 month period.
  • If you are The woman is pregnant. or breastfeeding, you should speak with a doctor. Those who are The woman is pregnant. can be affected by retinoids. It is not approved for people under the age of 12.
  • Differin Gel should not be used in conjunction with products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acids, which may make irritation worse.
  • “If you use more than one product at a time, you may experience irritation. You shouldn’t use wax to remove hair in areas where you’ve applied the gel.”

The first 4 weeks are when redness and irritation are most common. retinization is the process in which your skin adjusts to new levels of vitamins A and C.

The company has a website with common side effects.

  • It was dry.
  • redness
  • irritation
  • burning or stinging

These symptoms usually peak around 2 to 4 weeks. They should subside shortly after, but if they don’t, you should consult a dermatologist or doctor. You can use a mild moisturizer to lessen some It was dry..

A common alternative to Differin’s adapalene is tretinoin, a medication used to treat acne and sun damage. Like adapalene, tretinoin has also been found to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.

retinoic acid is also known as trenoin. The prescription-strength cream works by speeding up the life cycle of skin cells. It makes the cells divide and die faster, which leads to the production of newer and healthier cells.

“You will have to get a prescription for the product because it is a synthetic version of vitamins A and C. It isn’t as safe as Retinol and is not well-liked by sensitive skin.”

If you are, you should steer clear of tretinoin.

  • The woman is pregnant.
  • breastfeeding
  • frequently exposed to the sun

If you are on any other medications, you should tell your doctor if it will interact with tretinoin.

It is also used in the body. You should wash your face and wait at least 20 to 30 minutes before applying the medication.

Consumers have been very positive about Differin Gel. The 4.5 star average rating on Amazon is for Differin Gel. Consumer reviews tend to be positive, boasting the results they have seen after consistent use.

Other reviewers talk about skin It was dry. that accompanies Differin Gel use. Others warn that It was dry. may increase if you apply it right after washing your face.

Negative reviews have burning sensations and side effects.

The complaints on the Better Business Bureau disclose instances of reimbursement challenges. Most appear to be rectified.

Does Differin Gel really work?

The short answer is yes. Most dermatologists love and recommend Differin Gel, and the slew of positive reviews probably speak for themselves. Additionally, as an older 2006 study pointed out, Differin Gel is a good option for people who have had acne and are looking for a product that will help prevent future acne.

The results of the study showed that patients who used the treatment over a period of four months had less scarring.

How long does Differin take to work?

The first few weeks of using Differin Gel can cause your skin to become more prone toAcne is caused by the medication working on the skin After 12 weeks of consistent use, Differin Gel should work.

Does Differin Gel remove dark spots?

Differin has another product for that: Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum. It helps to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation, blotches, age spots, and even freckles.

It is difficult to treat the condition of edam. In the year of 2017, Differin Gel was approved for sales.

Adapalene has been shown to be an effective treatment for the symptoms ofAcne. It can help improve the appearance of the skin.

For Differin Gel to be effective, it must be used consistently and for an ongoing period of time. It is safe and effective, and it is not harsh on the skin like some other retinoids.

Tracee Herbaugh is a writer and journalist who lives in the Boston area. She writes about culture, lifestyle, health, and family relationships. You can view her work online or find her on Twitter.