Can I Use Differin Cleanser With Differin Gel

What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Using Adapalene Topical

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to adapalene.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions.

It is not known whether adapalene passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

It is not known whether adapalene will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant.

Adapalene is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

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.

Combination Treatment Is Best For Clear Skin

Combining Differin with benzoyl peroxide bumps up the efficacy tremendously. Benzoyl peroxide is an acne-fighting agent that can kill a high percentage of P. acnes, so applying a thin layer of adapalene gel 0.1% as well, can significantly decrease moderate to severe cystic acne and keep new acne from forming.

Some products combine adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, but this is not ideal for all skin types. For more flexibility and better results, use Differin with a serum that contains benzoyl peroxide. For example, add Exposed Skincares Acne Treatment Serum to a Differin routineits benzoyl peroxide will help the Differin, plus its green tea extract to heal, calm, and protect the skin.

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Differin’s Daily Cleanser Cleared My Acne Without Stripping My Skin

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• Can cause irritation

• Must be followed by moisturizer

Differin’s Daily Deep Cleanser can help clear acne-prone skineven if its sensitivewithout drying skin or costing too much.

• Specs

We purchased Differin’s Daily Deep Cleanser so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

Benzoyl peroxide is a well-known ingredient to anyone whos tried product after product to clear acne as a teenager . More than 10 years later, Ive mostly abandoned the ingredientit gives me flashbacks to high school and bleached pillowcases, three-step skincare routines, and too oily skin.

But because benzoyl peroxide still reigns as a top acne-fighting ingredientand the breakouts on my jawline persistI was excited to see if Id written off the powerhouse ingredient too early. Enter, Differin’s Daily Deep Cleanser. It’s an acne-clearing face wash formulated with BP that’s designed for sensitive skin. My curiosity was peaked. Could this cleanser actually clear my breakouts without wreaking havoc on my skin? Read on to discover my results.

Price: Around $14

Why Does Differin Make Your Face Red

You may experience redness on your face while you use differin to treat wrinkles because your skin is still trying to acclimatize with adapalene. This skin acclimatization is called retinization. And it should not be a cause of worry.

This phase occurs for about the first 2-4 weeks of using differin. It may come with a stinging or burning sensation, dryness, and skin scaling. Like earlier mentioned, it is not a cause for alarm. However, if redness continues after 4-6 weeks, discontinue the use of differin gel.

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The Feel: Clean Skin Without Flakes Or Tightness

The cleanser is best applied to an already wet face and then massaged into the skin for about 20 to 30 seconds. It feels foamy and slick going on and has little to no scent. After I rinsed it off, my skin felt clean but not overly dry or tight. Moisturizer is a must, though. Ive found that if I forget to put on moisturizer or massage the cleanser into my skin for too long, that too-tight feeling creeps up on me.

I wouldnt rely on this cleanser to remove makeup on its own, instead, double cleanse to remove makeup and then use the Differin cleanser on bare skin so its ingredients can penetrate the skin without makeup or dirt in the way.

Stress Often Causes Inflammation

Stress can cause inflammation because our bodies dont always distinguish between literal, physical stressors and emotional stressors. If we are very tense about a big test coming up, our body reads the stress as a threat. It prepares for an invasion by going into fight or flight mode. One way it protects itself is through the inflammatory response. If the skin is inflamed, there is less of a chance anything dangerous will enter it because the tissue around the pores becomes slightly swollen. Unfortunately, stress is a common part of daily life, meaning our skin may always be slightly inflamed.

Inflammation leads to acne because it traps oil, bacteria, and dead cells under the surface of the skin. This can clog the pores, causing blackheads and whiteheads. Or, it can allow the bacteria to generate a minor infection, which leads to pimples and cysts.

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It’s A Retinoid Not A Retinol

While there are many over-the-counter retinol creams on the market, Differin is a retinoid. They’re similar, but not exactly the same, explains Ava Shamban, MD, a Beverly Hills dermatologist and founder of SKIN FIVE. Both ingredients are derived from vitamin A, a powerhouse anti-ager that increases cell turnover, but retinol is much weaker than its prescription counterpart and can take longer to deliver noticeable results, she says.

Nor are all retinoids the same. “Differin is adapalene and has a slightly different chemical structure than other retinoids, making it less irritating,” says Dr. Shamban.

Differin is the only retinoid currently available over the counter you still need a prescription for its stronger form, Differin Gel 0.3%, as well as for other types of retinoids, such as tretinoin , isotretinoin, and tazarotene.

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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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.

How To Use Differin Gel With A Cleanser

Now that you have an idea of some of the best cleansers to use with Differin gel, its important we take a look at how to actually use this gel with your preferred cleanser.

Step 1 Wash Your Face with a Cleanser

The first requirement in using Differin gel is to wash your face with a cleanser to help get rid of all the makeup dirt, debris, dead skin, and excessive oils. This will help open the pores enabling the Differin gel to penetrate deep into where acne begins and stop its outbreak.

The cleanser you use on your face should be non-irritating, paraben and fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and greasy-free, as discussed above. Using a harsh comedogenic cleanser on your face is harmful as it blocks the pores leading to the increased outbreak of acne.

To use a cleanser on your face, first wet it using lukewarm water before applying the product of your choice. From here, you can gently rub the cleanser onto your skin to get rid of all the dirt before rinsing thoroughly with clean luck warm water. Lastly, pat dry using a soft clean towel.

Step 2 Apply the Gel

The next thing to do after cleansing your face is to apply the Differin gel. This is the most important step when using Differin gel to treat acne. For best results, you must ensure to use this gel consistently. To avoid forgetting to use it, you can incorporate this gel into your everyday skincare routine.

Precautions to Follow In Using Differin Gel

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Differin Gel And Cystic Acne

Cysts are primarily caused by P. acnes bacteria, and retinoids are not bacteria-killers. Acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil are better for that. Increasing cell turnover without at the same time reducing bacteria and caring for the skin, can, and most often will, make acne worse before it gets better. Thats because it takes time for pores to open up and material to escape. As such, Differin does ultimately reduce bacteria on its own, but it can take 2-4 weeks and be quite unpleasant. Combining Differin with a bacteria-reducing product and a good, water-based moisturizer will ensure a much more pleasant and more effective treatment experience.

It Doesn’t Always Play Well With Others

In addition to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, you shouldn’t apply Differin while also using products that contain chemical exfoliators or drying agents . Like retinoids, exfoliators increase cell turnover, but too much exfoliation can lead to raw, irritated skin. Toners, meanwhile, can be too drying when used along with a retinoid.

Instead, follow Differin with an ultra-rich moisturizer that will calm irritation and deliver much-needed hydration. We like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion , a cult favorite that’s famously gentle.

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How Does Inflammation Happen

The skin can become inflamed for a number of reasons. Stress and irritation can both cause inflammation because they represent a threat to the body. Anything from unconsciously and repeatedly touching the face to using the wrong kind of toothpaste can irritate the skin. It becomes inflamed to prevent the irritant from spreading or penetrating deeper.

About My Skin: Prone To Breakouts

Right before I started testing the Differin Daily Deep Cleanser, I broke out in a few of the worst pimples Ive had in months. I also had some stubborn blackheads on my nose and peppered across my cheeks that werent going away no matter how much I tried to coax them out.

I was interested to see if a cleanser specifically designed for breakouts could clear them because, despite my acne-prone skin, I dont use many products specifically designed for acne. While I occasionally use Differins flagship product, the adapalene gel, as well as exfoliating toners like the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, I mostly focus on supporting my skins health with moisturizers and serums.

Products, such as those with benzoyl peroxide, that can dry skin scare meIve found my skin behaves much better when I keep it hydrated, and the drying ingredients combined with drier areas had me worried the cleanser would do more harm than good. To combat this, I followed up each application of the cleanser with First Aid or Topicals Like Butter if my skin needed extra moisture.

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What Products Should You Not Use With Differin For Wrinkles

When using adapalene, you should not use products that contain chemical exfoliators like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Also, you should not use products that can dry out your skin before and after applying differin gels.

Although these products can increase cell turnover, they can also cause skin irritations. Even worse, they can make your skin break out with acne and other blemishes.

Furthermore, while using differin gel to treat wrinkles, avoid too frequent and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Also, you should avoid tanning beds. UV rays contact with differin can aggravate and cause skin breakouts.

Additionally, stay away from facial hair removal waxes while using differin gel to treat wrinkles.

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.

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How To Apply Adapalene

Work up to it

Always patch test before applying to your entire face! Apply Differin or any other adapalene product in the evening to a small area on your forehead . Wait about 4 days before reapplying to see how your skin will react. It takes 3-4 days for the side effects from the first application of an adapalene product to become apparent. If there is no irritation after 4 days, apply a thin layer of Differin or another adapalene product to your entire face once a day .

Apply to entire face

Adapalene works best when applied to your entire face because it fights acne at the source by working at a cellular level to unclog your pores. It’s great because it clears acne and helps prevent future breakouts.

Less is more

Applying more of Differin or any other adapalene product will not make it work faster. In fact, over applying Differin will damage your skins protective barrier causing dried out skin as well as giving bacteria and other impurities the opportunity to more easily get inside your skin and cause future breakouts.

Best Cleansers To Use With Differin Gel

Differin gel carries the day as the only over-the-counter retinoid acne treatment available in the market today. This gel contains .1 percent adapalene that helps clear acne by preventing the growth of acne-causing cells and decreasing inflammation and swelling.

Approved by FDA in 2016 for over-the-counter use, Differin gel helps clear breakouts deep in the pores and prevent acne before it starts. This gel is highly recommended for treating mild and moderate acne. Before applying this gel to your face, you must first cleanse it using a mild, non-drying, and non-irritating cleanser.

Washing your face with a cleanser helps get rid of all the makeup dirt, excess oils, and debris hence creating a clean surface for the gel to penetrate and heal your skin faster. But what is the best cleanser to use with Differin Gel? Read on to find out.

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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.

Side Effects Of Retinoids

Acne-fighting retinoids can cause some unwanted side effects. These include:

• swelling
• erythema
• 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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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: it’s a strong acne fighter without the harsh skin irritation often caused by Retin-A. Adapalene fights existing acne by unclogging blocked pores. Additionally, adapalene’s 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