What is Differin cream?
Differin Cream and Gel are prescription-only medications applied directly to the skin, making them an excellent choice for those who cannot or do not wish to take oral antibiotics. The active ingredient, Adapalene, effectively reduces inflammation and helps improve the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules.
Manufactured by Galderma, Differin once-daily Cream and Gel are available in 45-gram tubes for treating mild to moderate acute acne. Most users will see an improvement in their skin within a few weeks, but it is essential to use Differin daily for a full 3 months to achieve the best results. For more severe acne, Adapalene Differin Gel and Cream can be combined with an oral or topical antibiotic.
What is the active ingredient in Differin cream?
Differin contains the active ingredient: adapalene 0.1%.
What is Differin cream used for?
Differin Cream is used for the treatment of acne. It contains the active ingredient Adapalene, which is effective in reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of acne-related lesions such as blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules. Differin Cream is suitable for treating mild to moderate acne on the face, chest, and back. It helps to improve skin texture by unclogging pores and preventing the formation of new acne lesions.
How does Differin cream work?
The active ingredient in Differin, Adapalene, is a form of vitamin A. It works by reducing the growth of keratin surface skin cells that can block pores. Sebum, an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands under the skin's surface, is necessary to keep the skin smooth and supple. Acne sufferers often produce excess sebum, which can mix with dead keratin skin cells and block pores.
Blocked pores can lead to the formation of spots, blackheads (comedones), and whiteheads. Applying Differin Cream or Gel to the affected areas helps reduce the number of keratin skin cells and unblock the pores and sebaceous glands, allowing sebum to escape. This results in a reduction of inflammation, whiteheads, comedones, and spots.
Additionally, Differin adapalene 0.1% cream/gel increases the natural turnover of skin cells, aiding in the natural exfoliation of the skin's outer layers. This action helps keep pores unblocked, reducing the formation of spots and blackheads.
How do you use Differin cream?
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has instructed. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Differin is intended for use by adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
- This medicine is for EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
- Apply Differin at night before going to bed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Thoroughly wash the areas to be treated with water. Ensure the skin is clean and dry before applying this medicine.
- Apply a thin film of the cream with your fingertips to the affected areas and gently rub it in.
- Remember to wash your hands afterward.
- The duration of use will depend on how quickly your acne improves. After using this medicine for 3 months, it is important to see your doctor to check the progress of your acne.
If you use more Differin than you should or accidentally swallow any of the cream:
- Applying too much Differin to your skin will not clear your acne faster. Instead, it may cause skin irritation, redness, peeling, or discomfort.
- If you accidentally swallow any of this medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
If you forget to use Differin:
- Do not worry if you forget to apply Differin at the scheduled time. Simply resume using the medicine as usual when you remember.
- If you have any further questions about using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the side effects of Differin cream?
Like all medicines, Differin Cream can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you experience any of the following, contact a doctor immediately as you may need urgent medical treatment:
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat that makes it difficult to swallow or breathe
- Rash, itching, hives, and dizziness
These symptoms could indicate angioedema or a severe allergic reaction (frequency not known).
Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Dry skin
- Skin irritation
- Burning sensation of the skin
- Redness of the skin (erythema)
Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- Local skin reaction (contact dermatitis)
- Skin discomfort
- Sunburn
- Itching of the skin (pruritus)
- Peeling skin (exfoliation)
- Flare-up of acne
Frequency Not Known:
- Allergic contact reaction
- Pain or swelling of the skin
- Irritation, redness, itching, or swelling of the eyelids
- Darkening of fair skin
- Lightening of darker skin
- Application site burn (mostly superficial burns but also second-degree or severe burns)
Reporting Side Effects
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting side effects can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Does Differin cream interact with other medicines?
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking, have recently taken, or plan to take any other medications.
- Other acne treatments (containing benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin, or clindamycin) can be used with Differin, but they MUST be applied in the morning, with Differin applied at night.
- You can use cosmetics, but they should not cause blackheads or dry out the skin.
Frequently asked questions
What is Differin Gel/Cream?
Differin Cream and Gel are prescription-only medicines applied directly to the skin, ideal for those who cannot or do not wish to take oral antibiotics. The active ingredient, Adapalene, effectively reduces inflammation and improves the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules on the skin. Manufactured by Galderma, Differin is available in 45-gram tubes for treating mild to moderate acne. Improvement is often noticeable within a few weeks, but Differin must be used daily for a full 3 months. For more severe acne, it can be combined with an oral or topical antibiotic.
How does Differin work?
The active ingredient in Differin, Adapalene, is a form of vitamin A that works by reducing the growth of keratin surface skin cells that can block pores. Sebum, an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands, is necessary to keep the skin smooth and supple. However, acne sufferers often produce excessive sebum, which can mix with dead keratin skin cells, causing pores to become blocked.
Blocked pores can lead to the formation of spots, blackheads (comedones), and whiteheads. Applying Adapalene Differin Cream and Gel to affected areas helps reduce keratin skin cells, unblocking the pores and sebaceous glands, and allowing sebum to escape. This results in reduced inflammation, whiteheads, comedones, and spots.
Differin Adapalene 0.1% cream/gel also increases the natural turnover of skin cells, aiding the natural exfoliation of the skin’s outer layers. This action helps keep pores unblocked, thus reducing the formation of spots and blackheads.
What are alternatives to Differin?
Acne is a common skin complaint that affects individuals differently, so some treatments may be more effective for some people than others. It is recommended to start with over-the-counter treatments such as:
- Acnecide Gel
- Acnecide Daily Cleanser
- Cetaphil Daily Cleanser
If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, consult your GP about prescription-only options. For more information on different acne treatments, you can read our Adapalene vs. Tretinoin comparison page.
How often should I use Differin Cream?
Differin Cream should be applied once daily, preferably at night, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
How long does it take to see results with Differin Cream?
Most people will notice an improvement in their skin condition within a few weeks. However, for optimal results, Differin should be used consistently for at least 3 months.
Can Differin Cream be used with other acne treatments?
Yes, Differin can be used with other acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin, or clindamycin, but they should be applied in the morning, with Differin applied at night.
Are there any side effects of using Differin Cream?
Common side effects include dry skin, skin irritation, burning sensation, and redness. If you experience severe side effects such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or severe allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
Can I use Differin Cream if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
You should not use Differin Cream if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you fall pregnant while using Differin, discontinue use and consult your doctor. Differin can be used while breastfeeding, but avoid applying it to the chest area to prevent contact exposure to the infant.
Can I use cosmetics while using Differin Cream?
Yes, cosmetics can be used, but they should not cause blackheads or dry the skin. It is recommended to use non-comedogenic and oil-free products.
What should I do if I forget to apply Differin Cream?
If you forget to apply Differin Cream, do not worry. Simply apply it as soon as you remember, but do not double the dose to make up for the missed application.
Are there any precautions I should take while using Differin Cream?
Avoid using Differin Cream on cuts, scrapes, sunburnt skin, or areas with eczema. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or sensitive areas. Protect your skin from strong sunlight and UV light by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. If you experience sensitivity or irritation, consult your doctor.
