Differin Gel: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Differin Gel (adapalene) is a topical retinoid medicine used to treat acne vulgaris in people 12 years of age and older. It is applied directly to the skin to help unclog pores, reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and manage inflammatory acne lesions. It is for use on the skin only and is applied once daily, usually in the evening.

What is Differin Gel

Differin Gel is a medicine you put on your skin (topical) to treat acne in people 12 years and older. The active ingredient is adapalene, which is a type of retinoid (a vitamin A-related medicine).

Differin Gel uses

• Treats acne vulgaris (common acne) in people 12 years of age and older

Benefits of Differin Gel

• Acne Treatment: Helps treat acne vulgaris.
• Pore Unclogging: Helps prevent blocked pores and formation of new acne lesions.
• Comedone Control: Helps reduce blackheads and whiteheads.
• Inflammation Support: Helps reduce inflammatory acne lesions.
• Acne Prevention: Regular use can help prevent new breakouts.

How Differin Gel works

Adapalene attaches to certain receptors in skin cells. It appears to help normalize how skin cells grow and shed, and it affects inflammation, though scientists aren't completely sure how this helps treat acne.

Differin Gel dosage

Wash the area gently with a mild soap that does not contain medicine, then pat dry. Apply a thin layer to the entire face and any other affected areas once a day in the evening. Avoid putting the gel on the skin around your eyes, lips, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands after applying.

This medicine is for use on the skin only — do not use it in or on your mouth, eyes, or vagina. Tell your healthcare provider if you don't notice a difference in your acne after using it for 12 weeks. It is not established as safe and effective for children under 12 or adults 65 and older.

Available forms and strengths

• Gel (0.3%)

Side effects of Differin Gel

Common

• Redness (erythema)
• Scaling
• Dryness
• Stinging or burning sensation
• Skin pain
• Itching
• Skin peeling

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat
• Hives, rash, or severe itching
• Trouble breathing or chest pain

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can cause serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, swelling of the face, eyelids, or lips, and itching. Stop using it and get medical help right away if this happens.
• Avoid sun exposure and sunlamps while using this medicine, since it can make skin more sensitive to light. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when you can't avoid the sun.
• Skin redness, scaling, dryness, and burning/stinging can happen, usually in the first four weeks, and are typically mild to moderate, often lessening over time.
• Do not apply to cuts, scrapes, eczema, or sunburned skin, and avoid waxing treated skin as a hair removal method.
• It is not known if Differin Gel can harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• It is not known if Differin Gel passes into breast milk or if it can harm a nursing baby. If used while breastfeeding, apply it to the smallest area of skin for the shortest time needed, and avoid areas that could accidentally get into the baby's mouth or eyes.
• No routine kidney-dose adjustment is required for topical adapalene.
• No routine liver-dose adjustment is required for topical adapalene.
• Be careful using other skin products with high levels of alcohol along with this medicine, since they may increase irritation.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Do not freeze
• Keep out of reach of children

When to see a doctor

• Stop using this medicine and get medical help right away if you have a skin rash, itching, or hives, trouble breathing or chest pain, or swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Contact your doctor if you develop skin rash, itching, hives, chest pain, swelling, or shortness of breath, since these may be signs of an allergy.

Alternatives

• Tretinoin Gel/Cream
• Benzoyl Peroxide Gel
• Azelaic Acid