Application of Differin for acne, blackheads, comedones and blackheads

• cream and gel Differin - instructions for use,
• reviews from a practicing dermatologist,
• price of the drug Differin for 2021.

Differin is a drug for external use intended for the treatment of acne and papulopustular acne (pimples). The active component of the drug is the topical retinoid adapalene in a concentration of 0.1%, which effectively affects the most important links in the pathogenesis of acne and pimples - it effectively suppresses the hypersecretion of the sebaceous glands, and also normalizes the keratinization processes in the hair follicles.

Reviews from dermatologists around the world about Differin cream and gel are quite clear - this is the first choice drug for the treatment of acne and pimples. And this applies not only to the drug Differin itself, but in general to all drugs related to topical retinoids based on adapalene (Klenzit, Adaklin and others). However, it must be clarified that Differin as a single drug can only be prescribed for the treatment of acne, and for the treatment of acne, we will have to combine it with drugs containing benzoyl peroxide and/or an antibiotic.

Differin cream and gel: photos of packaging

It should be noted that these drugs can be used in patients over 12 years of age; they are dispensed without a doctor's prescription. The Differin® trademark belongs to a pharmaceutical company (Switzerland), but the production itself is carried out in France. The Galderma company is known to dermatologists all over the world because... It specializes in the production of drugs for the treatment of skin diseases. For example, it also produces the drugs Baziron and Effezel.

How much does Differin cost in pharmacies, analogues:

For Differin, the price in pharmacies will be a little over 800 rubles (for a 30 g tube), and the cream and gel forms cost almost the same. The price is for 2021. The drug Differin does not have any very cheap analogues, and we can only tell you - Clenzit gel (it costs about 750 rubles per 30 g tube), as well as Adaklin cream, the cost of which starts from 550 rubles per 30 g tube.

How to use Differin for acne

The instructions for use of the drug recommend using a gel or ointment as a course of treatment.
Differin for acne does not work with other substances, and is applied in combination with other agents. After using Differin, the skin becomes thinner. Before use, the dermatologist prescribes a moisturizer. If the dermis was sensitive or the skin became so after using the drug, then the skin has redness and a painful appearance.

This is how Differin works. To get rid of unpleasant acne you will need to complete the full course of treatment.

Before use, you will need to mentally prepare for the upcoming difficulties. The desired result can come in 3 weeks. Sometimes goals are achieved after 6 weeks.

From blackheads

Before using Differin against blackheads, you must familiarize yourself with safety precautions. Otherwise, there is a high risk of getting burned. The positive effects of using the drug last for a long time.

When using Differin, you cannot use similar products. A scrub or mask will additionally begin to irritate the skin and cause peeling.

To use the drug, you must decide in what form to apply it. The cream is suitable for use on dry and sensitive dermis. The gel is preferable for oily and combination skin.

When you first apply the product, a reaction to the substance occurs. This manifestation is considered normal. After several applications of Differin, the itching and flaking disappear.

Drugs with similar effects

The modern pharmaceutical industry is ready to offer its consumers a fairly extensive list of cosmetics and medicines - analogues of Differin. These drugs generally have similar therapeutic capabilities for treating acne or other blemishes. The most frequently asked for in pharmacies are “Klenzit” (gel), “Vidistem” and “Radevit” ointments, “Diaknel” cream.

Quite often you can hear from patients about the Baziron gel. However, this medication has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, extending to colonies of cutaneous staphylococcus and propionobacteria. These bacteria are the main causative agents of acne. In addition, “Baziron” suppresses the secretion of the sebaceous glands and saturates the skin with oxygen, normalizes trophism. In general, these drugs are too different in the principle of their effect - Differin, Baziron. Reviews from qualified dermatologists recommend not making a choice between these products, but using them in combination with each other for comprehensive skin sanitation. And positive signs will appear earlier, and the effect of treatment will last longer, the remission will be quite stable and long-lasting.

What to prefer - cream or gel

Almost every patient who has received a prescription asks the question of what to prefer - cream or gel? Which form of release will be the most effective and lead to a positive result? In this regard, it must be said that both contain adapalene - the main active ingredient - in the same volume. For this reason, the therapeutic properties of both dosage forms are no different from each other. As for the auxiliary components, after analyzing their combination, we can conclude that the cream is best preferred by those with dry and sensitive skin. The biological components of the cream can improve trophism to some extent. However, the positive effect of using the medication will develop gradually over time.

In addition to all of the above, it is worth adding that “Differin” (ointment - patient reviews focus on this fact) can be used not only for the face, but also applied to other areas of the body (back, shoulders, chest area), where acne has appeared or other skin defects covering fairly large areas of skin

Patients with normal and oily facial skin should give preference to the dosage form in the form of a gel. The gel, according to dermatologists and patient reviews, is more effective than cream. However, if the skin is dry, then using the gel will further increase the feeling of dryness. The gel form of the drug “Differin” for blackheads (reviews confirm the recommendations of the instructions for use) is applied in a thin layer to the entire surface of the face or selectively to inflamed areas. There is no need to rub in the gel.

Which is better: DIFFERIN or CLENSIT

CLENSIT.
Photo: dialog.ru The drugs are analogues of each other. Active ingredient: Adapalene. The drug DIFFERIN is produced in the form of a gel and cream. Release form of KLENSIT: gel for external use. Both drugs are indicated for the treatment of acne. The drug KLENSIT has a release form in the form of a gel with the addition of an antibiotic (Clindamycin) - KLENSIT-S. The drugs are approved for children over 12 years of age.

DIFFERIN is produced in France. The country of origin of CLENSIT is India. CLENSIT is cheaper in cost than DIFFERIN.

Release form and composition

Today, pharmacies offer two main dosage forms of this drug - ointment and cream.

1. The ointment has a slightly thicker consistency, but is also quickly and easily absorbed into the skin. Applying the ointment is not difficult, but for better absorption it is applied to the affected areas of the skin in the thinnest layer. The ointment is also packaged in 30 g plastic tubes, which are placed in cardboard packages. The ointment, like the cream, comes with detailed instructions that allow you to study the properties of the drug, its effect on the affected skin, prevent possible negative consequences and optimize the regimen of use.
2. The cream has a homogeneous lightweight consistency of a light yellow or cream shade, it is packaged in aluminum tubes with a volume of 10-37 g, which are in cardboard packs with the name of the drug, its manufacturer and the expiration date of the product indicated on them.

The active component of the drug is the substance adapalene, which is contained in both dosage forms of the drug in equal quantities. The auxiliary elements of the drug include:

• carbomer;
• propylene glycol;
• disodium edetate;
• sodium hydroxide;
• purified water.

Also, depending on the type of drug (gel or cream), it may contain the following components: natural squalene, glycerol, cyclomethicone.

What does it consist of and in what forms does it exist?

The main active substance in Differin is adapalene , which belongs to the group of dermatotropic agents created specifically to combat skin infections and parasitic lesions.

Adapalene &mdash, an analogue of retinoic acid . This is one of the forms of vitamin A, which is necessary to maintain metabolic processes in the skin and its normal regeneration.

The drug is available in only two dosage forms - gel and cream (ointment); it does not come in tablets. Each form has its own application characteristics.

Facial peeling with Differin

Quite often, the drug "Differin" is used by patients for peeling facial skin (peeling is exfoliation of the top layer of skin consisting of dead skin cells). However, any retinoid is suitable for this procedure. Hence the name - retinoic peeling. It is worth saying that applying a large amount of cream to the facial skin is called Differin peeling. Reviews about this procedure are mostly positive. But we must keep in mind that the skin can react to megadoses of vitamin A cream with irritation, burning, redness and peeling.

The procedure is quite simple and can be done at home. The face must be thoroughly cleansed, preferably using a tonic. Next, Differin or any other retinoid is applied, after a few minutes another thick layer of cream is applied. You need to leave your face alone for 20-30 minutes, then wash off the mask from the Differin cosmetic product.

Feedback about the procedure can also be negative if a person striving for beauty has an individual intolerance to the components of the product used for retinoic peeling. But for the most part, women (and men too) say that their facial skin becomes elastic, smooth, tightened, and their complexion evens out. Acne, comedones and small pimples disappear without a trace. In some patients, after the peeling procedure, the top layer of skin peels off within a few days, leaving behind smooth and even skin.

Does Differin help?

The benefits of Adapalene itself and this drug containing this component are undeniable and proven by numerous clinical data, including studies by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Which is, at the moment, the most authoritative quality control body in the World, not to mention the research of Galderma itself.

To be fair, it's worth noting that not all FDA studies of Adapalene's effects use the drug, which goes by the trade name Differin.

From blackheads and comedones

Adapalene promotes “loosening” and the normal position and growth of cells at the mouth of the pores and hair follicles; it also normalizes the composition of the skin secretion, which thanks to all this finds a normal outflow without clogging the pores.

For pigmentation and post-acne

Pigmentation is not a permanent phenomenon, as many people think, but quite long-lasting. And long-term, because damaged cells that are in the upper layers of the skin serve as a prerequisite for the formation of unhealthy cells.

Therefore, drugs aimed at stimulating the processes of normal cell development contribute to the rapid renewal of old cells into new, healthier ones, with normal pigmentation.

For acne and pimples

To summarize what was written above, we can say that thanks to the normalization of processes in the skin and timely cell renewal, an environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms is not created. Not only Cutibacterium acnes, but also Staphylococcus ssp., and Streptococcus ssp. Moreover, during the treatment of inflammation of acne and pimples, the prerequisites are already created for the growth of healthy cells, which will soon replace those damaged at the source of inflammation.

Questions and answers

Which is better: cream, ointment or gel?

In most cases, Differin cream and gel are available in pharmacies. The concentration of adapalene in any of the dosage forms is the same.

How to peel?

After using Differin for peeling, the skin becomes smooth, pores are cleaned and blackheads are eliminated.

For 3 days you will need to protect your skin from direct sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. Decorative cosmetics will cause additional skin irritation.

Therefore, it is necessary to refrain from using it. Peeling using Differin is used no more than once every 30 days.

What course of treatment?

Treatment with Differin is carried out individually. It all depends on the severity of acne, blackheads and blackheads. Positive effects can be seen 21 days after using the product.

Is it possible during pregnancy?

Contraindications to Differin indicate that the drug should not be used by pregnant women. Scientists conduct research on animals. The results were negative, so you should refrain from using acne products while pregnant.

Mistakes made when using

Improper use of the drug entails a lot of unpleasant consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid direct sunlight on the areas where the product was applied.

You will need to exclude cosmetics during the course of treatment. Do not use other products that contain alcohol.

Differin

Differin (adapalene) is a medicine used to treat acne. Acne (acne) is a common disease that affects appearance and for this reason significantly affects the psycho-emotional state. Differin is a representative of a new generation of synthetic retinoids. This is the only drug that is included in the international therapeutic standards for the treatment of comedonal acne. The drug can be used on any skin type, while most other topical medications are suitable mainly for oily skin. Available in the form of gel and cream. Visible results of pharmacotherapy are observed after just a week of using the drug: there are 37% fewer comedones (blackheads) than before the start of treatment. The average duration of treatment is 3 months. At the end of the drug course, blackheads decrease by 70-75%. Differin has a comedolytic effect, which significantly reduces the frequency of new comedones. Differin appeared in our country in 2002, and to date an impressive evidence base has been collected on this drug. The drug is effective both as monotherapy and in combination treatment of acne as part of complex therapy. Differin realizes its effects exclusively in relation to the skin, is not absorbed into the general bloodstream and does not cause the development of systemic undesirable side reactions.

The active component of the drug, adapalene, promotes regular renewal of skin cells, normalizes keratinization and differentiation of the epidermis. Differin is anti-inflammatory (prevents the course of pathological processes due to a direct effect on the components of the inflammatory reaction), comedolytic (eliminates mature comedones and prevents the development of acne), anti-comedogenic (prevents the occurrence of microcomedones). The drug does not have a photosensitizing effect, which makes it possible to use it during periodic exposure to direct sunlight. Frequency of application: 1 time per day. The optimal time to use is before going to bed. The area of ​​skin where the drug is intended to be applied must be clean and dry. Differin is a safe drug, the use of which carries only a minimal risk of side effects. Rare local reactions in the form of hyperemia and dry skin are possible. The drug is contraindicated in persons with hypersensitivity to adapalene, as well as pregnant and lactating women. Differin combines well with other acne medications, makeup products and cosmetics to moisturize the skin. Differin does not combine well with cosmetics that cause a drying effect or irritate the skin (for example, products containing ethanol).

Methods of application

It is better to use the cream just before bedtime. Apply it in gentle strokes to affected or wrinkled areas. Be sure to apply a thin layer of the product to avoid overdose. Before this, be sure to clean the dermis. The top can be moistened with bepanthenol or other creams.

However, you should not clean your face with alcohol-containing products, including lotions. You cannot use regular soap. The best option is a special washing gel. Additional peeling should be avoided. Also, before applying the product, be sure to remove all makeup using thermal water.

When applying, avoid damaged skin areas. Do not apply the product to fresh or open wounds. It's better to wait until the scratches go away and heal completely. Avoid the area around the lips, eyes, and nose. Can be applied to shoulders, back and décolleté.

In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with running water. If there is severe itching and blurred vision, or the eye hurts for a long time, be sure to consult a doctor.

The recommended treatment period is about 3 months, once a day.

You have been prescribed Differin: method of application and features

How to use Differin correctly so as not to create even more problems with already unhealthy skin?

Like any external remedy, this drug is applied to a dry face in a thin layer. Frequency of application – only at night.

Precautionary measures:

1. Differin is a strong remedy, so you cannot use it yourself: a mandatory medical prescription is required.
2. Neither the gel nor the ointment is rubbed into the skin. They are simply carefully applied - and only to the affected areas.
3. Avoid contact with eyes and red lips.
4. Since the drug causes increased sensitivity to light (photosensitivity), it is better to start treatment in winter or autumn, when daylight hours are short.

Additional recommendations

The drug can have different effects on the skin, so be sure to consult a doctor before use.

Medicines based on retinoids require careful use and only on the recommendation of a doctor. Self-use may cause undesirable consequences

After examination and taking into account contraindications and the severity of the lesion, the dermatologist will choose the most appropriate treatment regimen. Differin is usually used as an adjunct to complex therapy in combination with other medications.

Since after the first application an allergic skin reaction to the drug may occur, at first it is recommended to apply it in minimal quantities with long breaks. In the future, when the skin gets used to the drug, the frequency of application of the medication can be reduced.

After treating the affected areas, the cream or gel is left to absorb. Apply the medication only to problem skin, being careful not to get the medication on healthy skin.

If there is too much gel or cream on the skin, then the excess should be carefully wiped off with a soft cloth.

When treating the skin, be careful not to get the medicine into your mouth or eyes. If this cannot be avoided, you should rinse the affected areas with plenty of water as soon as possible and visit your doctor. During treatment, try to spend less time in the sun and avoid visiting the solarium.

The effect of using cream and gel

Surely any patient will be interested to know what medicinal properties the drug has and what results can be achieved with its help. So, Differin has an effect in several directions:

• prevents the formation of spots and scars in areas where acne occurs;
• Provides skin with nutrition and also protects from the negative effects of external factors;
• eliminates uneven skin texture, improves complexion;
• fights inflammatory phenomena, as well as the discomfort caused by them - itching and irritation;
• prevents the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, protects against further spread of infection and the formation of new acne;
• cleanses clogged pores, removes oily shine, restores the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• stimulates metabolic processes, ensuring accelerated healing of injuries, as well as cell renewal and restoration of healthy skin;
• cleanses blackheads, pimples and acne, helping the skin regain its former healthy appearance. Thanks to penetration into contaminated pores, the cream cleanses them of purulent and sebaceous deposits, restoring the skin's ability to breathe freely.

The drug Differin has no restrictions on the time of use, since it is not addictive.
However, experts recommend adhering to the indicated dosage and not applying the cream or gel to large areas of problem skin. After the first use, the symptoms of the disease may increase, including the appearance of discomfort and an increase in the number of rashes. However, these phenomena do not last long and disappear after two to three days.

If you treat the skin with Differin ointment for a long time, it gradually becomes thinner and becomes very sensitive. For this reason, you should refrain from using alcohol-based lotions and tonics to cleanse the skin, as well as cosmetics that have a drying effect during treatment.

Release form and composition

The medicine is available in the form of cream and gel. The main active ingredient is adapalene. The excipients include carbomer, phenoxyethanol, sodium hydrochloride, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, strip chambers, and purified water. The drug is supplied in aluminum tubes, packed in cardboard boxes.

The drug has low systemic adsorption. No addiction to the medication was previously observed. However, it is not recommended to use Differin without a doctor's recommendation. The instructions describe possible side effects with long-term use of the medication.

Which is better: DIFFERIN or AZELIQ

Gel AZELIQ.
Photo: uteka.ru The drugs are not analogues of each other. Active ingredient: DIFFERIN: Adapalene. Release form: cream and gel for external use. The active component of AZELIQ is Azelaic acid. DIFFERIN is applied once a day; AZELIQ gel is applied 2 times a day. The drug is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate acne, incl. in the presence of papules and pustules; rosacea, incl. in the presence of papules and pustules. Allowed from 12 years of age.

The country of origin of DIFFERIN is France. The drug AZELIQ is produced in Russia. AZELIQ is cheaper in cost than DIFFERIN.

Features of the drug

Possessing increased absorption and unique effectiveness even with short-term use, the drug for external use Differin is also in high demand due to the possibility of choosing its dosage form: two types of the drug, which have a minimal number of differences in their composition, cope equally well with the manifestations of congestion on the skin faces. By eliminating blackheads and clogged pores, the drug relieves increased stress on oily facial skin, stabilizing the processes of sebum formation, and also normalizes the pH level on it.

Modern and thoughtful, Differin (its Latin name is Differin) copes with both the initial manifestations of clogged pores and the advanced stages of comedones formation. It is easy to apply, quickly absorbed and has the most effective effect - these are the parameters that best characterize the drug in question.

Photos before and after taking Differin

Dosage forms

Today, pharmacies offer two main dosage forms of this drug - ointment and cream. Both of them have approximately the same composition, however, the cream has a less thick consistency, which ensures its best absorption. After applying the cream, there are no greasy stains left on the skin, it does not stain clothes, the shelf life of the cream is 5 years, provided it is stored correctly.

• The cream has a homogeneous lightweight consistency of a light yellow or cream shade, it is packaged in aluminum tubes with a volume of 10-37 g, which are in cardboard packs with the name of the drug, its manufacturer and the expiration date of the product indicated on them.
• The ointment has a slightly thicker consistency, but is also quickly and easily absorbed into the skin. Applying the ointment is not difficult, but for better absorption it is applied to the affected areas of the skin in the thinnest layer. The ointment is also packaged in 30 g plastic tubes, which are placed in cardboard packages. The ointment, like the cream, comes with detailed instructions that allow you to study the properties of the drug, its effect on the affected skin, prevent possible negative consequences and optimize the regimen of use.

In this video, a dermatologist talks about Differin:

Composition of Differin

The active component of the drug is the substance adapalene, which is contained in both dosage forms of the drug in equal quantities. The auxiliary elements of the drug include:

• carbomer;
• propylene glycol;
• disodium edetate;
• sodium hydroxide;
• purified water.

Also, depending on the type of drug (gel or cream), it may contain the following components: natural squalene, glycerol, cyclomethicone.

Price

The cost indicator is an important indicator of the availability of a medicine for the majority of buyers. And the drug Differin can be considered one of the most affordable today due to its cost: the price of the drug, depending on the seller, can be 450-600 rubles per tube.

Opinions of specialists and patients

The medicine belongs to imported cosmetic medicines and is characterized by high efficiency. For this reason, patients overwhelmingly speak about Differin in a positive way. Adapalene, the active ingredient of the drug, not only cleanses the skin on any part of the body from acne and pimples, but also helps to normalize the trophism of the skin and its plastic properties. Thus, it cannot be said that “Differin” for wrinkles (reviews of such an effect can sometimes be found) will be particularly effective, but that the skin will become more plastic and its appearance will improve significantly - this is undoubtedly.

Reviews from qualified dermatologists only confirm the opinion of patients who used Differin. Adapalene strictly regulates the processes of keratinization and differentiation of epidermal cells at the biochemical level, which is information confirmed by clinical studies.

The only negative factor about Differin is its high cost. But if you consider that the drug is made from high-quality ingredients and after completing the full course of treatment (3 months), the period of remission can last for years, then the price does not seem so prohibitively high. As you know, beauty requires sacrifice. And money is far from the most painful sacrifice of all.

Available analogues of Differin

• Retinoic ointment is often used against wrinkles. This is the most common and relatively cheap remedy. It allows you to restore skin damaged by time. The only drawback is increased photosensitivity. After use, it is better to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Radevit is a drug that will help get rid of superficial wrinkles. It contains a considerable amount of useful vitamins and microelements. The ointment helps to refresh the dermis, even out its tone, and give a woman a second youth. But the effect is short-lived.
• Relief is the most unusual medicine used in cosmetology. It was originally used as a treatment for hemorrhoids. However, it contains many vitamins, as well as healthy shark oil. It allows you to retain moisture in the deep layers of the thermal bath, making the oval of the face clearer and more defined.
• Zinc ointment was also used in dermatology, but in a different form. It was once used to get rid of eczema, dermatitis, and also to promote the rapid healing of wounds and abrasions. It also helps get rid of the fine network of superficial wrinkles.

Instructions

According to the general application scheme, which is given in the instructions, the cream or gel should be applied to the affected areas once a day, preferably in the evening. Before the procedure, the skin is cleansed with mild products or washed with clean water and blotted with a soft cloth.

For oily skin, Differin in gel form is best suited; for dry and sensitive skin, it is recommended to use cream. The first positive changes from treatment can be noticed after 1-2 months, provided that the drug is used regularly. It will take at least 12 weeks to ensure lasting results. If one course of taking the drug is not enough, the doctor may decide to conduct a second course of treatment.

Differin shows good results as monotherapy. At the same time, it can be combined with other local systemic drugs as part of a comprehensive acne treatment. The choice of the best treatment regimen should be made by a dermatologist, taking into account various factors. Differin is prescribed to eliminate the effects of moderate to severe acne. It is not advisable to use it for minor rashes.

For whom is it indicated and contraindicated?

Indications for use

Differin is prescribed to achieve a drying, anti-inflammatory and anti-comedogenic effect for:

• acne of varying severity,
• comedones (blackheads) on the skin of the face.

A mild degree of acne damage allows the use of a gel or ointment as a means of monotherapy - that is, without prescribing other medications.

For moderate and severe acne, Differin is effective only in complex regimens, which, on the recommendation of a doctor, also include antibiotics, antifungal and acaricidal drugs.

Contraindications

The use of the drug should be discontinued if the patient:

• intolerance to vitamin A and its forms (retinoids and their analogues)
• the joint use of zinc, sulfur, tinctures with salicylic acid has already been prescribed - everything that in itself has a drying effect,
• diagnosed eczema, seborrheic dermatitis,
• damaged skin,
• neoplasms on the face.

Differin should not be used during pregnancy : although the teratogenicity of the drug (the ability to cause defects in the fetus) has not been studied and there is no data on its harm, experts recommend that expectant mothers refrain from using it.

The effect of these gels and creams on children has not been studied , so it is worth choosing other products for them.

Then at what age can Differin be used? The exact age is not indicated in the annotations: this means that it is worth using the usual pharmaceutical rule - to prescribe the drug from 12 years of age .

Side effects

There are only two of them - redness and peeling . They occur only with an overdose caused by too frequent use of the drug and improper application of it to the skin.

Compound

Differin for acne has the active substance adapalene, which is considered a derivative of retinoic acid.

Additional components of the drug are:

• carbomer - used as a thickener;
• propylene glycol - added to moisturize and reduce the viscosity of the mixture;
• poloxamer 182 – used for cleansing and conditioning effects;
• sodium edetate – used as a detoxifying agent;
• methyl parahydrosibenzoate - added to the drug as an antiseptic;
• phenoxyethanol – additional antiseptic;
• sodium hydrochloride - used in the composition to disinfect open pimples;
• distilled water.

Depending on the form of release of the drug, additional substances vary. All components are aimed at moisturizing and nourishing skin cells. Unlike gel, cream dries out the dermis less.

The drug in any form must be stored in a cool place with low humidity. The air temperature should not exceed 25C.

It is worth noting that the shelf life of Differin gel is 3 years. The same cannot be said about the cream. It must be used for 2 years.

Application procedure

Let's figure out how to use Differin correctly in order to achieve the desired result in the shortest possible time.

Regardless of the form of release, be it cream or gel, the drug should be applied once a day to previously cleansed dry skin.

What they don't talk about

We have written more than once about the need for sufficient, complete cleansing of the skin, especially before bed. In this case, when it comes to a medicinal product, this is especially important in order to avoid unnecessary reactions with the remnants of other cosmetics that are not washed off from the skin. But it is even more important to cleanse in the morning to wash away the remnants of this drug, especially when used together with other medications, as described in the “analogs” section.

Each product, cosmetic or medicinal, has its own period of stay on the skin, during which its components interact with the environment, UV rays, chemicals and bacteria, smoke and other factors, oxidizing and changing their properties for the worse. Therefore, it is advisable that this period does not exceed 24 hours.

Before using Differin, it is prohibited to apply other cosmetics to the skin such as tonics, serums, masks and others, especially those containing other retinoids. This will help avoid unwanted chemical interactions between the products and possible side effects.

In two parts, the girl talks interestingly about her experience of using this product. I highly recommend watching it!

Course of treatment and duration

According to the instructions, the minimum time for visible improvements to appear is at least 4 weeks of daily use, and pronounced improvements occur after 3 months. In practice, everything is a little different, because depending on the characteristics of the skin, everything is individual, but, as a rule, the first changes for many are noticeable after 7-14 days.

The course of treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist and lasts at least 1 month, after which a decision is made on the need for further extension.

A 3-month course is the standard of treatment, and it is this period that appears in clinical studies of the drug, both in the treatment of acne and in anti-aging therapy to reduce wrinkles and lighten “senile” age spots, and complexion in general.

After such a course, a break of 1 to 3 months is recommended, after which the treatment can be repeated in consultation with the doctor.

Pharmacology of the drug

The main purpose of the drug “Differin” (reviews from everyone who has used the product confirms this) is the fight against acne. This misfortune appears in the presence of two main factors:

1. The sebaceous glands produce too much secretion (sebum).

2. Hyperkeratosis of the epithelium of the hair follicle is observed.

In the second case, the lumen of the follicle becomes clogged with dead and gradually exfoliating epithelial cells and a large amount (more than is necessary for the normal condition of the skin) of fatty secretion. Clogging of skin pores with these substances leads to the formation of acne and their inflammation.

The main active component of Differin, adapalene, regulates the processes of exfoliation of dead cells and keratinization. As a result, there are significantly fewer desquamated epithelial cells in the lumen of the follicle, and the process of formation of acne (fat plugs in the pores of the skin) slows down or even stops. Thus, “Differin” for acne is highly rated by reviews from a wide range of consumers.

How does the product work?

Active ingredient - Adapalene, penetrating into the skin, binds to retinoid receptors and has a positive effect on the development of cells according to the correct genetic scenario, eliminating the prerequisites for the formation of sebaceous plugs in the pores and excessive keratinization of skin areas at the mouth of the pores. This normalization of natural processes in the upper layers of the skin creates conditions for the impossibility of the formation of pathological foci of inflammation.

Gel consistency on hand

Side effects

Differin has several side effects, but often they are not noticeable. Mostly women only complain about mild tingling and irritation in particularly sensitive areas of the face. When using on dry skin, it is better to mix with oil or moisturizer.

The affected areas may change color and experience minor redness and peeling. In rare cases, mild contact dermatitis occurs. With frequent use and ignoring problems with the dermis, weeping eczema may occur.

Most complications are reversible. They initially intensify with treatment, but decline over time. Usually the symptoms stop after the middle of the course, otherwise the drug should be discontinued. If the side effects are too pronounced, then Differin is also prohibited from use.

If the symptoms do not disappear on their own, be sure to consult a doctor. In this case, a dermatologist will help. You may need to use restorative or moisturizing medications. Complications cannot be ignored, as they can develop into serious dermatitis.

Indications for use and useful tips

Differin in any form is applied in a thin layer to problem areas. The drug should not be rubbed in. You will need to use Differin at least 3 times a week.

After 2 months after the course of treatment, the condition of the dermis improves. In some cases, the dermatologist recommends consolidating the result and using Differin for another 4 weeks.

If severe inflammation and irritation occur, the course of treatment is suspended. This is carried out until the unpleasant symptoms disappear completely.

Dermatologists recommend avoiding frequent visits to the street. This applies to sunny days. If you have a passion for soaking in a solarium, then visiting this procedure will need to be postponed for a long time.

Side effects of the drug Differin -

Skin irritation (dryness, itching, burning, redness) may occur. In this case, you first need to take a break from applying the drug for several days, and then resume treatment, but for the first 2 weeks do not use the drug every day, but only 3 times a week. This usually solves the problem. Such side effects more often occur in patients with dry and sensitive skin who have chosen the wrong form of the drug (gel instead of cream).

In addition, you should not use medications or face washes containing alcohol in parallel with Differin. It should also be noted that topical retinoids increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so if you use the drug during periods of high solar activity, you must definitely use products with SPF 50. In addition, these products must be non-comedogenic, otherwise you will only worsen your acne and acne. We hope that our article on the topic: Differin price reviews was useful to you!

Product with SPF 50 for patients with acne (suspension) –

Sources:

1. Textbook on dermatology “Fitzpatrick's Dermatology” (8th edition), 2. “Etiology, pathogenesis, classification and clinical picture of acne vulgaris” (Barinova A.N.), 3. “Acne from the position of evidence-based medicine” (Anisimova M. .Yu.), 4. “Modern methods of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with acne vulgaris” (Barinova A.N.).

Instructions for use

Using Differin is not difficult. The following can be considered the main requirements for obtaining the most pronounced positive effect of the drug:

• cleansing damaged skin before applying the drug;
• the use of Differin is preferable in the evening, since at night the processes of regeneration and restoration of the epidermis are accelerated;
• after applying any dosage form of the product, there is no need to rub it in or apply a bandage;
• The drug should be applied to damaged surfaces once a day.

Features of the use of Differin appear when it is used by adults, in childhood and during pregnancy and lactation.

For adults

The dosage for adults using Differin is 1 application per day.
The preparation should not be rubbed in; it is enough to apply a thin layer of it on the damaged surface until completely absorbed. The duration of use is usually prescribed by a dermatologist, usually 2-4 weeks.

Children, newborns

In childhood, this drug should be used with extreme caution, which is explained by the increased sensitivity of children's skin and its tendency to exhibit allergic reactions. The duration of use of Differin for children and newborns is no more than 1.5-2 weeks

Treatment for newborns should only be carried out under the supervision of a physician.

During pregnancy, lactation

Since during pregnancy, when using this drug, there is a high probability of penetration of the active substance through the placental barrier, it is prescribed rarely and only if the positive results for the mother and child prevail over the likely negative consequences.

Differin is also rarely used during breastfeeding.

Which is better: DIFFERIN or Skinoren

Skinoren gel.
Photo: skinoren.ru Both drugs are not analogues of each other. The active component of DIFFERIN is Adapalene. Release form: cream and gel for external use. Active ingredient: Skinoren: Azelaic acid. Available in the form of 15% gel and 20% cream. Both drugs are indicated for the treatment of acne and rosacea, but an additional indication for Skinoren cream is hyperpigmentation (eg, chloasma, melasma). Allowed from 12 years of age. DIFFERIN can be applied only once a day (evening); Skinoren is used morning and evening. Dispensed without a doctor's prescription!

The country of origin of DIFFERIN is France. Skinoren is produced in Italy. Skinoren is cheaper in cost than DIFFERIN.

Contraindications

The main contraindication to the use of the ointment is considered to be hypersensitivity to one of the components of the drug. If there is no exact information about allergies, apply a small amount of cream to the back of your hand before use. Wait a few hours and monitor the skin’s reaction to an unfamiliar product.

You cannot use the drug if you are currently undergoing rejuvenation procedures. Do not combine with retinolic acid-based serums as it may cause an overdose. Before combining it with other courses, it is better to consult your doctor.

Reacts poorly in combination with drugs that greatly dry out the dermis. Possible consequences include irritation, flaky skin, redness and other similar symptoms. It is forbidden to use if there are any neoplasms, eczema and burns, scratches and wounds on the face. The main contraindication is seborrheic dermatitis.

Cannot be used on children - must wait until adolescence. Not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.