Differin gel

Differin gel is a prescription-strength gel used to treat acne on the face, back or chest. It reduces the appearance of any redness, whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. It can also help with oily skin.

Differin is a topical retinoid. These treatments are derivatives of vitamin A and, alongside other popular treatments such as Tretinoin, have been used to treat acne vulgaris for decades. It is applied just once a day and it can be used on its own or with an antibiotic treatment such as Doxycycline or Clindamycin.

The gel contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that not only treat the acne, but prevent new blemishes from surfacing. It also helps to improve your skin’s overall texture and tone.

At HealthExpress, we offer the 0.1% treatment online with free next-day delivery.

Differin gel works by helping to regulate the turnover of skin cells, a process where your skin naturally sheds dead cells. This aids the skin’s natural exfoliation which helps to unblock your pores and allows any excess sebum (your skin’s oil) to escape.

Differin contains the active ingredient Adapalene, which is a topical retinoid. Primarily, the ingredient works to reduce the appearance of existing comedones (blemishes) and prevent the formation of new microcomedones (small blemishes).

Adapalene also has an anti-inflammatory effect. It prevents the immune response of white blood cells (leukocytes), which typically damage the tissue and cause inflammation when they detect the presence of the acne bacteria.

The gel should be applied to the affected areas once a day. It is usually applied before bed, unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. How long you will have to take it will depend on how you respond to treatment, and should be monitored by a healthcare professional.

You should apply Differin gel as follows:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying any skincare products
2. Cleanse your face before applying, either with water or a gentle cleanser
3. Put a thin layer of gel onto your fingertips and rub into the affected areas gently
4. Apply to the entire area, do not just apply to individual blemishes
5. Wash your hands once you have finished applying
6. Apply a gentle moisturiser and SPF (if using the gel in the morning)

This gel is for external use only. If any of it gets in your eyes, nose, mouth or any other sensitive areas of your body, immediately rinse the area with warm water. Do not apply the gel to any open cuts.

Using too much of the gel will not get rid of your acne quicker, it will likely make your skin more irritated and red. In the rare event you swallow the gel, seek immediate medical advice.

If you forget to use it, just resume taking it as soon as possible at your usual time.

How long does Differin take to work?

How quickly Differin works is different for everybody, as everybody’s skin will react differently to treatment.

Most people will start to see results in a few weeks, but it will take at least 3 months for your skin to be fully treated. Many will notice their skin will look worse before it looks better - this is normal, and part of the treatment process.

If the treatment hasn’t made much improvement to your skin after 3 months, we advise you to speak to your doctor or dermatologist for an alternative.

While it is not an immediate fix for acne, the effects are long-lasting and you will continue to see results once you have completed treatment.

Experiencing some skin reactions whilst using Differin is completely normal, as this is part of your skin’s adjustment process, although not everyone experiences them. This is called ‘retinisation’ or ‘purging’.

You may experience:

• dry skin
• irritation
• redness
• tingling or burning sensation
• sensitive skin

These symptoms are temporary and should calm down after around 4 weeks of treatment. However if your symptoms persist, consult your doctor or dermatologist.

Other less common symptoms include:

• contact dermatitis
• pain or swelling of the skin
• itching or peeling skin
• sunburn
• skin tone changes

It’s important to avoid sun exposure whilst using Differin because it can make you more prone to sunburn.

Please refer to the patient information leaflet for a full list of potential side effects. If you experience any serious adverse effects whilst using Differin, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Differin gel is suitable for most people with moderate to severe acne.

You should not take Differin gel if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will advise you to use contraception whilst using Differin to avoid getting pregnant.

You can use it if you are breastfeeding. Just ensure you check with your doctor first and avoid applying it on the chest area.

You should also not take it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Adapalene or any of the other inactive ingredients.

If you have another skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, then consult with your doctor before using this medicine.

Yes, you can use Differin gel with other skincare and acne products. In fact, it’s important you use moisturiser and SPF whilst using it as Differin can cause skin irritation and dryness.

Avoid using any harsh skincare products contain chemical ingredients such as:

• alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) e.g glycolic acid
• beta hydroxy acids (BHA) e.g salicylic acid
• retinol (vitamin A) - as the ingredients are very similar

These are just a few ingredients that are found in many over-the-counter skin care products such as serums, lotions, peels, toners, exfoliators and moisturisers.

Instead, look for products that have gentle ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid or natural ingredients like green tea extract. You should also try to only use non-comedogenic products, meaning products that do not clog your pores.

If you use any other topical acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or combination treatments like Duac, you can use them with Differin but always check with your doctor first. If you are using both at the same time, use one product in the morning and the other at night to avoid skin reaction.

You can buy the Differin 0.1% gel online for the treatment of acne here at HealthExpress. All you have to do is complete a quick online consultation which one of our UK-registered doctors will review. Once approved for treatment, your order will be dispensed and dispatched to your door with free next-day delivery.