Differin Gel

Key points

• Works by increasing the turnover of skin cells                     
• Clears acne, prevents breakouts and restores skin tone
• Available as a gel for oily skin types and a cream for dry skin types

Buy Differin gel & Differin cream online

You can buy Differin gel or Differin cream online from Chemist Click. You cannot buy Differin over the counter, so you will need to complete a short consultation, for one of our pharmacists to review. It will then be dispatched from our UK pharmacy. Next day delivery options are available.
 

What is Differin and how does it work?

Differin is a prescription only medication used to treat acne. It is primarily used for acne that is on the surface of the skin, such as blackheads and whiteheads. The active ingredient in Differin is called adapalene. Adapalene is a retinoid, which is a class of medicine that is derived from vitamin A. It works by regulating cell turnover, ensuring that pores do not get clogged up and form acne. Increasing skin cell turnover allows the skin to naturally exfoliate, ensuring that oil and dead skin cells do not block pores and form blackheads or whiteheads. Adapalene also serves as an anti-inflammatory, reducing the redness and swelling that accompanies acne, helping to restore skin tone and texture. Unlike other acne treatments, Differin gel does not contain any antibiotics, therefore it should be used to treat mild-moderate acne.
 

How long does Differin take to work?

It can take anywhere between 2-8 weeks for Differin to work. It usually takes around 12 weeks for the full benefit to be seen.

Differin may not work, or may stop working for several reasons, for example, if you have severe acne, or you have developed an infection. If you have not seen an improvement after 3 months, you should visit your doctor for additional or alternative treatment. 

1. Wash your hands and the affected areas, where you will be applying Differin
2. Rub a thin layer of Differin to the affected areas
3. If you have acne on your face, apply a thin layer all over your face
4. Avoid using Differin around your eyes

Important note: Differin should be used at night before bed. This is because adapalene can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Differin results can be seen from as early as 2 weeks. The best way to assess results, is by taking progress pictures, so that you can assess week by week improvements.  

Here is what you can expect week by week:

Week 2

You may start to experience redness and irritation to your skin. This is normal, and a sign that Differin is working. The treatment is helping to push out dirt and bacteria from under your skin to the surface. This is known as skin purging. It usually lasts for 2-3 weeks, and you should continue to use Differin.
 

Week 6

The purge should have settled, and you should start to notice that your acne is clearing, and your skin should start to look noticeably clearer.
 

Week 12

You should notice a significant improvement to your acne after 3 months. Do not stop using Differin or reduce the frequency of application.

Side effects of Differin include:

Common (affecting up to 10% of users)

• Dry skin
• Skin irritation
• Burning sensation on the skin
• Skin redness

Uncommon (affecting up to 1% of users)

• Skin reaction
• Skin discomfort
• Sunburn
• Skin itchiness
• Peeling skin
• Acne flare up

The Differin purge (what to expect)

The differin purge is when your skin becomes irritated and inflamed. You may even notice acne breakouts. This is because Differin is helping to push dirt and bacteria from underneath your skin to the surface. It is a sign that the treatment is working. The Differin purge usually starts from the second week of treatment and lasts for up to 10 days. You should continue to use Differin during this period. You may use a hypoallergenic moisturizer during the day, to help relieve symptoms.

Avoid using Differin if you are: 

• Pregnant – If you fall pregnant whilst using Differin, you should stop using it and make an appointment to see your GP
• Suffering from severe eczema or skin conditions – Adapalene may aggravate certain skin conditions and you should avoid its use on those areas
• Exposed to areas of ultraviolet light such as sunbeds or very sunny areas
• Under the age of 12

Do not use Differin if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It can cross the placenta and affect the development of the baby’s bones and teeth.

Differin is safe to use whilst breastfeeding.

Active ingredient: Adapalene 0.1%

Inactive ingredients: Carbomer 934P, macrogol-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, glycerol (E422), disodium edetate, natural squalane, methyl glucose sesquistearate,  sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, cyclomethicone, propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and purified water.

Differin gel vs Differin cream

• Both forms of Differin contain adapalene 0.1%, and therefore, have the same effectiveness.
• Differin gel is usually the product of choice for those with oily skin, as it can have a drying effect on the skin.
• Differin cream is used for those with a more sensitive skin type as the consistency of the cream does not dry out as quickly and is less irritating.

Differin vs tretinoin

• Both are vitamin A derivatives, and work in the same way
• Tretinoin is more irritating to the skin
• Differin is more suited as an acne treatment
• Tretinoin is more suited as an anti-aging and anti-wrinkle treatment

Differin vs Epiduo

• Both Epiduo and Differin contain adapalene, however, Epiduo is considered the stronger treatment of the two as it includes benzoyl peroxide, an antimicrobial ingredient that eliminates bacteria on your skin.
• Epiduo is also available in a form which contains adapalene 0.3% (Epiduo Forte).
• Epiduo is not available as a cream, so may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Drugs.com. (01 March 2024). Differin. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/differin.html [Accessed 4 March 2024].