Topical retinoids are a class of medications commonly used to treat acne. In acne vulgaris, hair follicles become blocked by dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil (sebum). This results in skin blemishes, including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. Adapalene works by regulating skin cell turnover, which helps prevent the pores from clogging and forming pimples. It also decreases inflammation in the skin.
Adapalene is available by prescription as a topical cream, gel, lotion, and solution. It is available as a topical gel over-the-counter (OTC), meaning you can purchase it without a prescription from a healthcare provider.
What Is Differin Used For?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Differin to treat acne vulgaris in people 12 years and older. It can help control existing acne and prevent new pimples from forming. However, it is not a cure.
Brand Name(s): Differin
Drug Availability: Prescription, OTC
Therapeutic Classification: Topical retinoid
Available Generically: Yes
Controlled Substance: N/A
Administration Route: Topical
Active Ingredient: Adapalene
Dosage Form(s): Gel, cream, lotion, solution
How to Use Differin
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for using Differin or check the package label. The prescription products come as a gel, solution (liquid), or cream. OTC versions of adapalene are available as a gel. The OTC version is the lowest concentration available.
The following are tips for applying Differin to your skin:
Before applying, wash affected areas with a gentle, non-medicated cleanser. Apply a thin layer to all affected area(s) once daily in the evening following cleansing. Do not use this medication as a spot treatment only. Since it works to prevent future acne, it must be applied to all areas prone to acne. Do not apply to areas of the skin that are sunburned, broken, or affected by eczema. Instead, wait until the skin has healed. This medication is for the skin only; do not get any product in the eyes or mouth. Rinse thoroughly with water if this occurs. Wash hands after applying the product to affected areas.
Storage
Store at room temperature (between 68 F and 77 F). Do not store it in the bathroom. Protect the medication from freezing temperatures. Keep it out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Off-Label Uses
Although there are various FDA-approved topical therapies for rosacea, topical retinoids like adapalene are sometimes used off-label if needed. However, they are generally avoided due to their side effects.
What Are the Side Effects of Differin?
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
If you don’t see an improvement in your skin condition after 12 weeks of constant use, follow up with your healthcare provider to see if you should stop this medication.
Common Side Effects
Side effects commonly associated with Differin involve skin irritation, such as:
DrynessPeelingRednessBurning sensation or stinging
However, these side effects are usually temporary, so be patient if you feel as though your skin has gotten worse after starting treatment. The irritation will usually decrease after two weeks of regular use.
Routine use of a moisturizer can help relieve skin irritation or dryness from using adapalene. Avoid products containing alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid, as these can cause additional irritation.
Also, remember that adapalene, like other topical retinoids, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen (with a high SPF) and wear protective clothing over treated areas if spending time outdoors.
Severe Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Angioedema: This may include face or lip swelling. Hypo- or hyperpigmentation: Changes in skin pigmentation can occur.
Additionally, tell your healthcare provider if skin irritation has not gone away after consistent use of your medication. You may need to stop taking adapalene.
Dosage: How Much Differin Should I Use?
Modifications
Due to the possible effects of this medication, there may be changes to how it is used. Therefore, it is important for users to be aware of the following when taking Differin.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your healthcare provider may send a report to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For topical dosage form (gel): For acne: Adults and teenagers—Apply a small amount as a thin film once a day, at least one hour before bedtime. Apply the medicine to dry, clean areas affected by acne. Rub in gently and well. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Pregnancy
No studies have been done in humans to determine if Differin is safe in pregnancy. One published meta-analysis comparing outcomes in pregnant people exposed to topical retinoids in the first trimester with non-exposed pregnant people did not detect a significant increase in the rates of major congenital malformations.
This data should reassure people who used topical retinoids before learning they were pregnant. However, it is not sufficient to recommend the routine use of topical retinoids during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
It is not known if adapalene is excreted in human breast milk. Because adapalene is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream after topical administration, experts consider it a low risk to a nursing infant.
Age
The safety and effectiveness of Differin have not been established for children under 12 years of age or people over 65.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Differin, skip the missed dose and resume the next dose at your usual time the next day. Do not double up on the medication to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose: What Happens If I Use Too Much Differin?
There is no published information about adapalene overdose amounts. However, excessive use of other topical retinoids can result in severe redness, peeling, or discomfort. Only apply the amount as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Differin is also only meant to be applied directly to the skin; it should never be ingested.
Precautions
What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Use Differin?
Do not use Differin if you are hypersensitive to adapalene or any of its inactive components.
Do not apply any topical product to the same area where you are using adapalene, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If applied to the same area treated with adapalene, the following products may cause mild to severe irritation of the skin:
Hair products that irritate the skin, such as permanents or hair removal products Skin products for acne (such as clindamycin or erythromycin) or other skin products containing a peeling agent (such as benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur) Skin products that cause one to be more sensitive to the sun, such as those containing spices or lime Skin products that are too drying or that contain a large amount of alcohol, such as astringents, cosmetics, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions Skin products that are abrasive, such as some soaps or skin cleansers
Your doctor may ask you to use other topical products, such as benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or erythromycin, during your treatment with adapalene. Applying the products at different times of the day will lessen the chance of causing skin irritation.
If your skin becomes too dry or red at any time, discuss with your doctor whether you should continue using adapalene. Applying creams, lotions, or moisturizers as needed helps lessen these skin problems.
During treatment with this medicine, avoid getting too much sun on treated areas and do not use sunlamps. Since your skin may be more prone to sunburn or skin irritation, use sunscreen or sunblocking lotions regularly with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Wear protective clothing against sun, wind, and cold weather.
What Other Medications Interact With Differin?
Topical preparations containing sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or other topical soaps, astringents, strong drying effects, or high concentrations of alcohol should be used with caution due to the potential for increasing skin irritation.
What Medications Are Similar?
Differin is a topical retinoid used to treat acne vulgaris. Other topical retinoids include:
Tazorac (tazarotene)Retin-A (tretinoin)Aklief (trifarotene)
People generally only use one topical retinoid at a time. Using more than one increases the risk of skin irritation. It is common to use other topical medications in different families (e.g. antibiotics) at the same time as a topical retinoid.
How Can I Stay Healthy While Using Differin?
Acne can be a frustrating condition to manage. Whether mild or severe, acne can impact your emotional and social well-being. You might feel embarrassed by how it looks or frustrated by how to control it.
Differin is one topical retinoid option that you might try. There are both OTC and prescription versions, so don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider which product might be best for you.
When using Differin, remember the following:
Differin increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors and avoid tanning beds. If you get a sunburn, stop using Differin until the skin is healed. Avoid excessive exposure to extreme wind or cold temperatures, which can dry or burn normal skin. Do not wax skin that is being treated with Differin. Use a mild, non-medicated facial cleanser, and avoid frequent washing and harsh scrubbing or manual exfoliation.
You may notice a temporary worsening of acne after starting this medication. It is important to continue consistently using it. Be sure to follow up regularly with your healthcare provider, who can adjust the strength of your Differin product depending on your skin’s response and any side effects.
For people with very sensitive skin, you may need to start with an every-other-day regimen and increase to daily use as tolerated.
