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Overview
What Is Differin Gel?
Differin cream or gel is a medicine used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris where comedones, papules and pustules predominate. Differin cream is best suited for use on dry and fair skin. It is appropriate for the treatment of acne of the face, chest, or back.
Differin can decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and allow the quick healing of the pimples that may develop. Differin belongs to a class of medications called retinoids.
Differin cream or gel contains the active ingredient adapalene, which is used for the treatment of acne. Adapalene is a form of vitamin that works by reducing the growth of the keratin surface skin cells that can block pores.
How Do I Use Differin Cream or Gel?
- Differin cream or gel should be applied to the affected areas once daily in the evening after washing the area with a mild cleanser
- Apply a small amount to cover the affecter areas using your fingertips, you should wash your hand before application.
- Rub the product in gently.
- When starting treatment with Differin if used correcetly, you may notice some itching, redness and warmth- similar to how a sunburn might feel. This is completely normal anf should subside.
To get the most optimum results from Differin cream or gel to treat your acne, it is important to use the product for up to THREE months, continuosly depending on your response. You should see some type of improvment after a few weeks. During the intial period, you will see a Differin Purge is when your acne will return on usually the second week of traetment and it can potentially feel and look worse. This is to be expected and you must contine with the treatment as normal.
You can use cosmetics and moisturisers whilst you are using Differin Cream, however it is advised that you wait for the cream or gel to be fully absorbed into your skin before applying any of these products. Differin can and will most likely dry your skin out. It is therefore important to avoid using products that contain alcohol or product in general that may also dry out your skin.
Does Differin Cure Acne?
Differin (Adapalene) is a chemical that exhibits similar effects to tretinoin. It is much more stable than tretinoin. In a 12 week study, more than 900 patients were either treated with Differin or tretinoin. Both agents were found to be equally effective. The main difference that was noted, was Differin has a faster onset of action and less irritation compared to tretinoin. If Differin is used daily, it has been discovered that this product is capable of reducing acne by up to 87% in just 12 weeks.
How Does Differin (Adapalene) Work?
The active ingredient in Differin is adapalene. Adapalene is a third generation topical retinoid. Adapalene works by increasing the total turnover of skin cells. What that means is through various biochemical pathways it can prevent the formation of microcomodone- this is a precursor to a spot acne lesion. In summary Differin can stop the spot forming before it comes to the surface of the skin. Differing helps to unblock the pores and sebaceous glands (glands that make natural oils / sebum for your skin). Adapalene can also behave as an anti-inflammatory to help reduce redness and swelling in the skin
Can I Use Differin When Pregnant?
Differin cream or gel should NOT be used during pregnancy, unless advised by a consultant or specialist in dermatology. Online Mens Clinic cannot offer this treatment who is pregnant. There is a potential that Differin could cause harm to the developing baby so you should use effective contraception whilst using Differin to avoid getting pregnant.
Review Date
1 January 2025
Next Review
1 January 2026
Published on
10 December 2019
Last Update
6 February 2026
Differin 0.1% Cream/Gel FAQs
Medically reviewed on January 1st, 2025
What is Differin?
Differin cream or gel is a medicine used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris where comedones, papules and pustules predominate. Differin cream is best suited for use on dry and fair skin. It is appropriate for the treatment of acne of the face, chest, or back.
Differin can decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and allow the quick healing of the pimples that may develop. Differin belongs to a class of medications called retinoids.
Differin cream or gel contains the active ingredient adapalene, which is used for the treatment of acne. Adapalene is a form of vitamin that works by reducing the growth of the keratin surface skin cells that can block pores.
How does Differin work?
Differin cream works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and inflammation.
Sebum is produced by glands under the surface of the skin called sebaceous glands. Sebum is a natural, oily substance needed to keep the skin supple and smooth. People who suffer from acne often produce too much sebum in their skin, which can mix with the dead keratin skin cells resulting to blocked pores. Blocked pores result in the formation of spots, blackheads and whiteheads. The application of Differin cream or gel to the affected areas of the skin will help reduce the amount of keratin skin cells and unblock the pores and sebaceous glands, which will allow the sebum to escape. This results in the reduction of the inflammation, comedones, whiteheads, and spots.
Differin cream or gel also increases the natural turnover of the skin cells to aid in the natural exfoliation of the outer layers of the skin. This action helps in keeping the pores unblocked, which results in the reduction of the formation of spots and blackheads.
What are the benefits of using Differin?
Differin cream or gel is beneficial in the reduction of the number of acne, blackheads, and skin spots. It is also effective in decreasing swelling and inflammation in the skin.
Differin cream or gel is effective in keeping the skin supple and smooth. It effectively smooths and exfoliates the skin to keep the pores unblocked, thus reducing the formation of spots and blackheads.
It is still not fully established but Differin has been observed to be effective in reducing wrinkles.
How do I use Differin?
It is necessary that before you use any over-the-counter product for self-treatment to read and follow all the directions on the information leaflet that comes with the product package. If you have any question about Differin, ask your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed Differin, ask him for advice on how to use the product.
Wash and dry your hands before applying Differin. Clean the affected area of the skin using a mild or soapless cleanser and pat the skin dry. Using your fingertips, apply a small amount of Differin in a thin layer, usually once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not apply the medication to the area of the inner lip or inside the nose or mouth. Do not apply Differin to cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.
Call your doctor if eye irritation develops while you are using this medication.
Your acne may appear worse during the first few weeks of use of this medication. It is because the medication is working on pimples that form inside the skin. It may take up to 8 to 12 weeks to notice results from the use of this medication.
Use Differin cream or gel regularly to get the most benefit from it. Use it about the same time of each day to help you remember that you have to apply the cream or gel. Do not use a larger amount or use it more often than what is recommended by your doctor. Your skin will not improve any faster if you use this medication more often than what is recommended. It will only increase the risk of developing peeling, redness and pain.
Differin is available in different strengths and forms, such as a cream or gel. The best type of medication for your use will depend on the condition of your skin and how you respond to the treatment. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse.
Can I buy Differin online?
You can safely buy Differin online at Online Mens Clinic. You will need to have first an online consultation with our medical team before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Differin is the right medication for your medical condition.
A fully qualified team
Our experienced pharmacists are all registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council in the UK.
