Differin is a brand name for medicine known as Adapalene. It is used to treat acne.
How should Differin be taken?
You should first wash and dry the areas that are suffering from acne. The medication should then be applied sparingly to these affected areas at night just before you go to bed.
Adapalene actually speeds up the growth of spots that haven't appeared yet. This can result in a worsening of the condition for the first few days of using the medication. You have to continue using it for around 8 weeks before you will notice any marked improvement. If your acne seems to be getting worse then you shouldn't necessarily give up, but instead, give it some more time.
Differin should be used on its own. If you use it with other combinations of acne medicines then this can cause further irritation. Ask your doctor about any advice.
It is not known whether or not Differin gel is safe to use when pregnant and nursing. Only tiny amounts are absorbed into the body, but it is now known whether this would affect the baby. It also should not be used around the eyes, lips or nose.
Side effects of Differin gel
Side effects include:- Skin irritation
- Skin dryness
- Sore skin
- Increase risk of sunburn
Most of these side effects are not serious and will go away by themselves after using the medication for a bit. If the side effects do get to you too much then you can decrease how often you use the gel.
Differin can make your skin more sensitive to the sun which leaves you more open to sunburn. This is why you should apply it before bed. You should use sunscreen on the areas that you have treated to give it more protection. It shouldn't be used on cuts or sunburnt skin.
Dosage
In America, Differin is available in a 45g tube, and in Australia it is available in a 35g tube. You can buy it in either a gel or a cream. Differin gel contains a small amount of the active ingredient Adapalene.
Over long periods of time Differin will reduce acne outbreaks, however over short periods it will appear as if nothing is going to happen or the condition will get worse.
Although previously stated that it should be used on its own, some doctors advice using it in combination with a benzyl peroxide wash and a benzyl lotion. The lotion should only be applied in the mornings, and then you should use the gel or cream at night.
Conclusion
Differin continues to be an effective long term treatment against acne.
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