What is Differin Gel?
Differin Gel is an over-the-counter topical retinoid treatment used primarily to treat acne. The active ingredient in Differin Gel is adapalene, a compound derived from vitamin A. Adapalene works by speeding up cell turnover and preventing pores from clogging up with dead skin cells and oil. This helps to both treat existing breakouts and prevent new acne from forming.
Differin Gel was originally only available by prescription, but it became FDA approved for over-the-counter use in 2016. It is now widely available without a prescription at drugstores and retailers like CVS, Target and Walmart.
How Does Differin Gel Work?
Differin Gel contains a 0.1% concentration of adapalene. This retinoid works by binding to specific retinoic acid receptors in skin cells. This triggers cell communication and normalizes excessive cell reproduction that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Adapalene also has anti-inflammatory effects to calm redness and swelling associated with acne lesions.
With regular use, Differin Gel works in the pore lining to prevent new breakouts and unclog pores by keeping dead skin cells from accumulating. Most users start to see results within 6-12 weeks as older acne heals and no new blemishes appear.
Benefits of Using Differin Gel
Some benefits of using Differin Gel for acne treatment include:
- Prevents new breakouts and clears existing acne
- Unclogs pores and reduces blackheads/whiteheads
- Anti-inflammatory to reduce acne redness and swelling
- Exfoliates dead skin cells to prevent pore clogging
- Generally well tolerated for most skin types
- Non-prescription formula with proven results
- Affordable and accessible acne treatment option
Clinical studies found up to an 87% decrease in acne lesions after 12 weeks of consistent Differin use. However, keep in mind that results will vary from person to person.
Potential Side Effects
While generally well tolerated, using Differin Gel can sometimes cause side effects like:
- Dryness
- Peeling
- Redness
- Irritation
These reactions are more common when first starting use as your skin gets adjusted to the formula. Using a gentle moisturizer can help offset dryness and irritation when using Differin Gel. Those with very sensitive skin may not be good candidates for this acne treatment.
Comparing Differin Products
The Differin brand offers a few different specialized skin care products in addition to the original Differin Gel:
Differin Gel
The OG Differin Gel contains 0.1% adapalene as an acne-fighting active ingredient. This prescription-strength retionid is packed into a gel base that spreads easily and absorbs fast. The original formula works best as an all-over acne treatment or spot treatment for breakouts.
Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel
This specialized scar gel contains ingredients like collagen-boosting peptides to help smooth away uneven texture from past acne. The formula helps resurface skin and visibly reduce the look of scars and marks from old blemishes within 12 weeks.
Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Post-acne marks and scars often leave behind dark spots and discoloration. The Dark Spot Correcting Serum uses niacinamide as its star ingredient to lighten and fade hyperpigmentation without harsh chemicals. With continued use, those frustrating dark spots left from acne can become less noticeable.
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
Acne-prone skin tends to run on the oily side. This lightweight daily moisturizer provides hydration while controlling excess shine with oil-absorbing technology. It also contains SPF 30 sun protection to shield skin from UV exposure that can darken acne marks.
What Do Customers Say in Their Differin Gel Reviews?
Differin Gel gets overwhelmingly positive reviews online. On Amazon, it earns a 4.5 out of 5 star overall rating after more than 41,000 customer reviews. Happy users say it really helps clear stubborn cystic acne and hormonal breakouts where other treatments failed.
The most common feedback is that it takes patience and consistency when using Differin Gel. Many reviewers say they saw major improvements after 2-3 months of continued daily use. Others had to adjust to side effects like peeling skin and dryness before their skin acclimated and cleared up.
Some of the positive things customers highlight about Differin Gel in their reviews include:
- "My cystic hormonal acne has improved so much thanks to Differin!"
- "I suffered from acne for years and this is the only thing that finally worked."
- "It really helped with my adult acne and I get so many compliments on my clear skin now!"
- "It dries you out at first but my breakouts were gone in about 10 weeks."
- "I use it with a gentle moisturizer to avoid flakiness and it keeps my skin smooth and blemish-free."
Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, Differin Gel seems to work well for most acne sufferers. Just be prepared for an initial adjustment period. Using moisturizer to counter dryness can help mitigate undesirable side effects.
Is Differin Gel Worth Trying?
For those struggling with stubborn breakouts, Differin Gel is definitely worth trying out. As an affordable, accessible acne treatment option available without a prescription, you don‘t have much to loose. The proven acne-fighting benefits typically outweigh minor irritation or dryness during the first few weeks of use.
However, Differin Gel may not be the best option for people with very sensitive skin prone to reactions. Discontinue use if excessive peeling, burning or redness occurs and consult your dermatologist. They may recommend a lower concentration retinoid instead.
But for most normal to oily, acne-prone skin types, Differin Gel can provide excellent results. Just be consistent in applying it all over affected areas daily. And introducing a non-irritating moisturizer into your routine helps control dryness. Doing so means you can stick with Differin Gel long enough to experience its full breakout-busting benefits!
