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How does Differin work?

Differin contains the active ingredient adapalene, which is a retinoid medication developed from Vitamin A. Retinoids control skin cell shedding and so reduce the blocking of pores which leads to the classic symptoms of acne, i.e. blackheads, whiteheads, inflammation, pustules, and cysts.

Who can use Differin?

Differin is recommended for mild acne at step 2 of the Dr Fox acne treatment plan. It is especially good for blackheads and is used if there has been no improvement after using non-prescription benzoyl peroxide. It can also be used alongside antibiotic treatments like lymecycline capsules.

Who should not use Differin

Differin is only licensed for use in over 12 year olds and adults. Dr Fox only prescribes for over 18s.

Differin should not be used on cuts, grazes, sunburn, or eczema.

How to use Differin

• Differin should usually be applied at night before going to bed.
• Wash and dry the skin which is affected by acne.
• Use a thin amount of gel (for greasier skin) or cream (for drier skin).
• Rub it in gently using the fingertips.
• Avoid eyes, lips, and nostrils.
• Wash hands well after applying Differin.

What's a good treatment plan?

Treatment with Differin should be continued for at least 8 weeks. If after that time there is no improvement, treatment should be stopped or new types of treatment should be added.

After 3 months, treatment should be reviewed, and if acne has cleared Differin can be stopped. Acne may not come back, but if it does, treatment with Differin can be restarted.

Differin can be used long term (for many months or years) if needed.

If after 8-12 weeks use, the acne has not cleared then other treatments can be used. These could include; combination topical skin treatments, antibiotics, the contraceptive pill in women or specialist prescribing of Roaccutane (isotretinoin). See Dr Fox acne treatment plan for more details.

Using Differin with other acne treatments

Differin can be used with other skin (topical) preparations containing clindamycin (Duac) or erythromycin (Zineryt) or benzoyl peroxide (available from pharmacies over the counter). When other topical medicines are used with Differin these should be applied at a different time of the day. Differin should not be used at the same time as other topical retinoids including isotretinoin, tretinoin, and trifarotene.

Differin side effects and cautions

Side effects from Differin are most likely to be skin related as very little of the active ingredient is absorbed through the skin. There is often redness, soreness, and some inflammation when treatment is started. This can be helped by either using Differin less often, e.g. every other day, or by starting with only a couple of hours use and then washing it off, and gradually increasing the time period before washing off. If the inflammation is severe or doesn't settle then Differin should be stopped.

Using Differin more frequently than once a day will not increase effectiveness, but will increase the chances of side effects.

Sensitivity to UV light is increased and sun avoidance measures, including the use of high factor sun cream, are recommended.

Differin is for use on the skin only. Avoid contact with mouth and eyes. If accidentally swallowed, contact a doctor straight away.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid use in pregnancy.

Differin can be used by breastfeeding women, although application to the chest area should be avoided.

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