What is Differin Gel?

Differin (adapalene gel) Gel, 0.1% is an acne medicine that can give you the positive results you are seeking.

Differin Gel is effective at clearing up pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads by clearing the pores of oil-blocking skin cells. It works to help skin cells shed normally rather than allowing them to accumulate in pores. Yet Differin Gel is gentle. Its a light gel that feels nice on your skin. It doesn't contain alcohol which can overly dry your skin and it isn't oily so it won't leave any greasy residue behind.

The most common adverse reactions to Differin ® Gel, 0.1% were limited to mild or moderate irritation of skin. Severe cutaneous irritation occurred infrequently.

Acne Formation and How Differin Gel Works

Acne forms when hormones trigger an abnormal accumulation of skin cells and an overproduction of oil in skin pores. The pores (hair follicles) become clogged, forming a plug, enabling bacteria to grow. This may cause the follicle walls to rupture and inflame the surrounding areas. Although the exact mode of action of Differin Gel is unknown, it is suggested that it may normalise the improper accumulation of skin cells, effectively treating acne by unplugging clogged pores and helping to keep them clear. In addition to its effectiveness and its low potential for skin irritation, Differin Gel is a cosmetically elegant formulation; it is an odourless, oil-free, and alcohol-free gel that is specifically formulated to meet the special needs of most acne patients' skin.

Instructions for use

Apply Differin at night.

Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and pat dry. Apply a thin film of the gel to the areas of acne and leave on overnight.

Let the Differin gel dry. Try not to touch the treated areas and wash next morning with a mild soap or cleanser.

Be patient, you should notice some clinical improvement after 4-8 weeks and more improvement after further use.

Differin topical gel should be used with caution by nursing mothers and only in areas away from the chest.

Differin topical gel should not be used by women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant during treatment because of the risk of adverse effects on foetal development. There have been isolated reports of birth defects in babies born to women using adapalene and other topical drugs with a similar mechanism of action during their pregnancy.

The safety and efficacy of Differin gel has not been studied in relation to children under the age of 12 years.

Things you must not do

Differin topical gel should not come into contact with the eyes, lips, angles of the nose, mucous membrane and open wounds.

If accidental contact occurs rinse thoroughly with water.

Avoid exposing skin treated with Differin gel to excessive sunlight. Use a sunscreen gel and wear protective clothing if exposure to strong or prolonged sunlight cannot be avoided. Do not use a sunlamp while treating your skin with Differin gel.

Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also be irritating. Avoid the use of oil-based makeup and gels. Cosmetics with an abrasive, drying or peeling action may cause extra irritation.

Unwanted effects

Do not be discouraged if Differin causes redness, burning or peeling at the beginning of the treatment. These effects most commonly occur during the first month of treatment and should decrease with continued use.

If a serious reaction occurs, discontinue use of Differin gel and consult your doctor. If the reaction is less severe use the gel less often or stop for a while until the irritation dies down.