Differin

Differin is an adapalene topical medicine used to treat acne and for acne scar treatment. Differin is available in gel or cream form, in 30 g or 45 g tubes. The cream form is generally used by patients with sensitive skin, as although the concentration is the same in both the cream and gel forms, the cream is milder to the skin. Differin works by allowing skin to heal and renew itself more quickly, and is similar to vitamin A.

Side effects of Differin gel or cream are rare and usually mild. The most common side effects are redness, burning, or irritation of the skin in the area where Differin is applied. These side effects are most common when patients first begin to use Differin. If an allergic reaction to Differin is severe enough to cause swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately. Differin may also cause sensitivity to sunlight, so patients should use sunscreen when outdoors. Do not use strong soaps or perfumes on the areas that are being treated with Differin. Pregnant or nursing women should not use Differin without first consulting with their doctor. Differin may also cause changes in skin color. Notify your doctor if this occurs, or if you have a history of Differin-related allergic reactions.

The effectiveness of Differin will vary from patient to patient. As Differin may take 2-3 months for visible results, and must be applied daily, patients who stick with the regimen will have more success than those who do not. In fact, acne may appear worse when a Differin regimen is first begun, but do not give up. Use Differin exactly as prescribed for best results.

When deciding whether to use Differin or another product such as Retin A, it is important to consult your doctor. He or she will advise you which product is best for your individual needs. For example, women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant must not take Retin A, as the active ingredient tretinoin is known to cause birth defects. On the other hand, tretinoin has also been shown to decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Differin's active ingredient adapalene is not used to treat wrinkles. You should not buy Differin without being under a doctor's care. At-home kits of solutions such as glycolic acid are available at a lower price for those who want to try a less concentrated remedy.