But What Is Adapalene
Many of us are familiar with Retinols and Retinoids, which are the gold standard for anti-ageing. But where does Adapalene fall? Studies have shown that it falls just below Tretinoin but above Retinol. So, it is more potent than Retinol but wont really give you any anti-ageing benefits because it is targeted at acne.
In summary
Adapalene is a type of Retinoid that treats acne deep in the pores at the source, prevents new acne from forming and, as a result of reduced acne, restores your skins natural texture and tone.
This is precisely what I experienced in stages
- First, the Differin gel treated the old acne Ive had for months.
- Then it started to prevent new acne from forming, which I experienced when new breakouts healed very quickly.
- Next, as a result of attacking the problem from its core, my skins texture was restored, and it became smoother.
These are basically the benefits youll get from using Differin gel consistently.
Why Does Differin Gel Usually Require A Moisturizer
“Retinoids, including Differin/adapalene, can be very drying to the skin,” explains Dr. Arielle Nagler, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at NYU. “I usually ask patients to start using them every other day and increase to nightly as tolerated. They should also be used with emollients to mitigate some of the drying and irritating side effects. You can either mix them directly with moisturizers before applying them for enhanced moisturization, or you can apply the moisturizer after for better medication penetration.”
Mistake #: Putting It On Your Eyelids
This mistake is putting it around your eyes or to the thin skin of your eyelids.
If youve ever used differin or any other type of retinoid or retinol, you know it can cause some peeling and some dryness. That is to be expected.
Fortunately differin overall is not as drying or irritating as other retinoids. But it can cause some peeling, especially in the first two weeks of using it.
The last thing you want to do is get this around the thin skin of the eyelids. The skin there is very thin, its going to be more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
One tip when using differin is before you apply it to the skin, take some vaseline, which is petroleum jelly, you dont have to use the name brand, you can use generic, and just put a little bit on your eyelids.
This will prevent the differin from getting onto the thin skin of the eyelids and reduce the risk that youre going to develop, dryness and irritation around your eyes.
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Piling On The Trendy Products
Teens tend to turn to their favorite influencer and start putting what I call the kitchen sink approach on their face, Gohara said, and that can stoke the acne fire. Acne breakouts can take five days to disappear, so its important for teens to stick to a basic routine and give their skin time to heal, she said.
How Does It Compare To Other Products For Serious Pimples
Differin acne treatment is not really as effective for serious inflammatory acne as some other retinoids, such as Retin-A or Tazorac. Cystic acne, specifically, may or may not respond to adapalene 0.1% or 0.3%. In this regard, products like Retin-A on their own are often more helpful than adapalene. However, Differin in combination with other treatments could work.
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Analyzed by Simone Sydel
I am a certified Esthetician as well as a skincare, beauty, and wellness writer, and an expert in oily and acne-prone skin.Having been through the struggles of having acne for a good portion of my life, I understand exactly what needs to be done to achieve an acne-free, flawless complexion and change the perspective through which we see acne.I am a firm believer that acne doesn’t show up on our skin to destroy our lives but to teach us important lessons on stepping back, being patient, and treating our skin with kindness before everything else.This is why I’ve made it my life’s mission to educate people on taking good care of their skin and achieving their skin goals.I am passionate about sharing my professional and personal insights with those struggling with problematic and acne-prone skin, and I have helped hundreds of clients and thousands of readers make better choices with their skincare products through my private practice and my online platforms. Read more of Simone’s articles.
Side Effects Of Retinoids
Acne-fighting retinoids can cause some unwanted side effects. These include:
- swelling
- pruritus
- blistering
Severe skin irritation with this treatment is mostly associated with over-use, so adapalene gel 0.1 % might be a safe concentration unless you have a tendency for allergic reactions, or battle with any skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. In some cases, adapalene use may cause eczema, but even a thin layer of Differin gel will very likely result in severe irritation and aggregation if you already have this skin condition. You should always ask a doctor before using a topical retinoid on any pre-existing condition.
Also, most retinoids, including adapalene 0.1%, are significantly less safe for use on dark skin, as the concentrated vitamin A can lead to discoloration and light spots.
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Similar Products: Lots To Choose From
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser : This cleanser generally is priced between $10 and $15 depending on where you buy it from. It has a slightly bigger bottle than the Differin cleanser, so youll get more for your money with this CeraVe cleanser. The ingredients list on this cleanser is longer than Differin’s, too. On top of the 4% benzoyl peroxide, it also has ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to keep skin hydrated.
Glytone Acne BPO Clearing Cleanser : The Glytone wash is a splurge at $38, but the bottle is larger and the addition of shea butter means it wont dry skin as much as other options. It uses 4.5% encapsulated benzoyl peroxide to treat the skin.
Dont discount the basicness of Differin’s Daily Deep Cleansertheres a reason benzoyl peroxide continues to be a go-to acne-fighting ingredient. This formulation is not only affordable but is powerful enough to clear skin without drying it out.
- Product Name Daily Deep Cleanser
- Product Brand Differin
Mistake #: Stopping Once Your Acne Is Clear
Mistake number two that people make is stopping differin gel once they get the results that theyre looking for.
Thats a huge mistake!
Because differin gel can keep your acne from coming back and it has benefit to the skin when used long term.
Not only can it help impart ongoing acne control, it also can help in improving hyperpigmentation that you may have left over from old acne.
It can help clear up post acne marks and again its going to help prevent breakouts in the future. Its going to help minimize the appearance of blackheads, reduce whiteheads, all of those beneficial things.
In order to maintain that you need to keep using it.
I think people are under the impression that somehow its not safe to use differin every day. It absolutely is.
The only real reason that you should stop differin is if your doctor tells you to, maybe because they prescribed you something else or if you become pregnant, because using differin gel is contraindicated in pregnancy, or if its just too irritating.
Theres really no reason to stop it once you see results. Those results will be maintained by continuing to use it. If you stop it, there is a good chance that your acne may come back.
Does that mean that you have to use differin gel for the rest of your life? No, but so long as you have a a tendency towards acne, using differin gel will help keep it from flaring.
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Top 3 Adapalene Skin Care Products
Weve put together a GHS curated selection of our favorite skin care products that contain adapalene for fighting acne and breakouts. All the products weve chosen are sulfate-free and phthalate-free. Remember – results wont happen overnight. It can take up to 6 weeks of consistent topical use before you begin to see improvements, so stay consistent with your product usage.One thing to note: we do not like promoting products with parabens, but unfortunately, all the topical products currently available to consumers on the market that contain adapalene also contain methylparaben. If you want paraben-free acne products, check out salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid.
Apply this gel once a day to your face post cleansing, exfoliating, and toning.Price$
Apply this gel once a day to your face post cleansing, exfoliating, and toning.Price$$
Apply this gel once a day to your face post cleansing, exfoliating, and toning.Price$$
FOR ADAPALENE
Consistency is key
Results wont happen overnight. Although adapalene works faster than other retinoids, it can still take up to 6 weeks of consistent topical use before you begin to see improvements. Be patient – if you dont see improvement after 90 days, then we recommend trying another adapalene product or another acne fighting ingredient like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or azelaic acid
Close the cap with use
Is Using Differin For Facial Wrinkles Bad For You
Differin gel contains a retinoid, adapalene, which is the most tolerable retinoid. It is safe for your skin unless you have skin issues like eczema. However, you may experience a slight discomfort like a burning sensation and skin redness after use.
This is just your skin trying to adapt to adapalene and it should last only 2-4 weeks. However, if the redness goes beyond four weeks, you should discontinue use and see a doctor.
Furthermore, this retinoid may be bad for you if you are a pregnant or lactating mother. Differin absorbs into the skin and may in turn affect your unborn baby.
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Clogging Pores With Excess Oil
Like bacteria, oil doesnt inherently cause acne. In fact, our skin needs a thin layer of oil to protect itself from irritants. However, too much oil can cause bad skin because it can easily clog pores.
Excess oil can be produced for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is hormonal changes. When typical hormone levels fluctuate, as they do during the teenage years, those changes can trigger an increase in oil production. Once hormone levels even out, excess oil typically becomes less of an issue, but it can still cause acne for someone with an oily skin type, or if the skin is irritated.
Most people with acne fall into one of three basic categories of skin types: dry, combination, or oily. Surprisingly, all three of these skin types can be affected by excess oil. Unsurprisingly, oily skin can produce too much oil, which then combines with dead skin cells to clog pores, or combines with bacteria to create pimples.
What To Look For When Choosing A Body Wash
When shopping for a body wash, Dr. Suzanne Friedler, a board certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology, says to look for a formula that contains natural oils and hyaluronic acid, which help replenish moisture.
She also stresses the importance of bathing with warm or lukewarm water and keeping your shower under 10 minutes. For dry, sensitive skin, use body washes only in areas that need extra cleaning and follow bathing immediately with heavy cream or ointment.
If you have sensitive skin or eczema, Dr. Charlotte Birnbaum, a board certified dermatologist with Spring Street Dermatology, recommends being careful about the body wash you choose.
Its important to choose a cleanser that is gentle and fragrance-free to avoid worsening eczema or causing an allergic reaction, she explains.
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Is It Time To Get A New Cleanser To Use With Differin Gel
Youre looking for a new cleanser to use with differin gel. What do you think? Its difficult to predict future price changes. If there are no signs of production slowing, it can be worth buying now to enjoy your investment sooner. But if output is declining and prices are predicted to rise, you might want to wait until the buzz has died down before making a choice.
What Are The Downsides
Unfortunately, there can be some negative side effects to Differin, especially on sensitive skin. A high-strength retinoid will be far too harsh for this skin type, and even adapalene gel 0.1% could present problems. Gentle is always best for effective acne treatment and we generally recommend first trying a well-formulated acne treatment system. If, however, your mind is made up about trying a retinoid. ask a dermatologist before investing in Differin.
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Adapalene Skin Care Benefits: All You Need To Know
Adapalene is a dermatologist-created retinoid that is used for the topical treatment of acne and is best known as the active ingredient in the brand name product, Differin . Adapalene was created by dermatologists to be an alternative to Retin-A for those with sensitive skin: its a strong acne fighter without the harsh skin irritation often caused by Retin-A. Adapalene fights existing acne by unclogging blocked pores. Additionally, adapalenes anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and swelling from acne. Adapalene is also a comedolytic meaning it prevents future whiteheads and blackheads from forming.Fun Fact: Adapalene is the only FDA-approved retinoid available over the counter to clear acne it was approved in 2016 by the FDA and is the newest advancement in over the counter acne treatment in over 30 years.
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BEST FOR TREATING: Acne & BlemishesSKIN TYPES FOR USE: AllSAFETY: Adapalene is safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 0.3% in skin care products GHS TIP: It can take up to 6 weeks of consistent topical use of adapalene before you begin to see improvements
Best Cerave Cleanser For Fungal Acne: Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser
This cleanser has a gel consistency that lathers up nicely when it touches water and turns into a rich foam that spreads a long way, so half a pump is really what you need to remove grime, makeup, and excess oil from the entire face and neck.
Good Glow Score
Aluminum-Free, Fluoride-Free, Phthalate-Free, Contains Ceramides, Sulfate-Free, Contains Hyaluronic Acid, Dye-Free
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What Exactly Is Differin Gel
It is the most popular brand of Adapalene 0.1%, which has become a household name. There are other brands of Adapalene 0.1% like La Roche Posay Adapalene which is a lot more pricey. But Differin is popular because it is affordable and accessible in any drugstore, mainly in the US.
According to the Differin brand
Take a different approach to clearingand preventingyour acne.
Non-comedogenic
Prevents breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes and clogged pores, fragrance-free
Differin Gel contains the retinoid adapalene, the first over-the-counter active ingredient for acne in more than 30 years.
How To Choose The Most Popular Cleanser To Use With Differin Gel
The three most crucial criteria to consider are price, quality, and popularity.Price is an obvious factor to consider, as you want to ensure it is acceptable for your needs.Quality should also be examined because buying a low-quality goods will not help you achieve your main aim of obtaining the best product.Finally, while not as obvious as price or quality, popularity can be just as significant as both when it comes to attracting new customers.
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Is The Best Cleanser To Use With Differin Gel Right For Your Needs
The question that you have to ask yourself before buying any of the best cleanser to use with differin gel is whether or not they will suit your needs. Besides, you must clearly define what your needs and purposes are. From there, you can choose the best product and serve it according to your requirements.
How Do You Incorporate Differin Gel Into An Existing Skincare Routine
If youre tired of using different acne-fighting products that are taking too long to see results, you can introduce Differin into your routine. Here are some steps you can follow
- Finish up all existing Retinoids. Again you shouldnt use two Retinoids in one routine.
- Cut down on any actives that are targeted at acne. This includes Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Sulfur, and even Niacinamide, especially if you break out. The idea is to simplify your routine to the barest minimum so you can track the effectiveness of the Differin Gel. After a while, youll realise that youll probably not need these products anymore. But if you still want to use them, you can add them later.
- If you have dry skin like me and cant do without hydrating serums, you can layer them with the Differin Gel. Most of them have little to no ingredients that will interfere.
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Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser
If you suffer from dehydrated or highly reactive skin, this is the best cleanser for you. CeraVe hydrating facial cleanser is a non-foaming face wash thats suitable for all skin types. This oil-free and fragrance-free face wash is gentle on the skin and contains moisturizing and non-clogging ingredients to leave your skin glowing and refreshed.
CeraVe hydrating facial cleanser contains two powerful humectants, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, that work excellently to seal and lock in moisture.
Prevents Future Acnekeeps Pores Clean
Adapalene is a comedolytic meaning it prevents future acne from developing. By keeping pores unclogged, no whiteheads and blackheads form from trapped excess oil or dead skin cells hanging around. Because it prevents whiteheads and blackheads from coming back, adapalene is an excellent ingredient to incorporate into your maintenance regimen if you have acne-prone skin.
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