How To Use Differin Gel To Treat Your Acne & Improve Texture

This post will share how to use Differin Gel to treat your acne.

I recently introduced Differin Gel to my dry acne-prone skincare routine because I was tired of not getting any permanent solution to my recurring acne.

It felt like I was battling my breakouts, and the typical over-the-counter products weren’t doing much for me anymore.

This included Salicylic Acid and a brief stint with Benzoyl Peroxide.

When you have to keep contending with breakouts that eventually become dark spots, it also means that you’ll continue to struggle with hyperpigmentation.

I got the Differin Gel for months but couldn’t because I used other Retinal serums like the Geek And Gorgeous Retinal 0.1% and Avene Triacneal Expert Emulsion.

So, I had to wait until I finished these to prevent interference.

It’s not wise to use two different Retinoids at the same time.

Using one at a time will help you decide how effectively it treats your skin concerns.

I finally introduced it and saw results in one week, and I wasn’t even using it daily.

Old breakouts began to disappear, and new ones took less time to heal.

After about three weeks, I went days without reaching out for my staple Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant simply because my skin did not need it.

I wasn’t breaking out, and my skin was clear.

It got to a point where I didn’t need to use any Salicylic Acid product in my routine because It wasn’t necessary.

With this, I could simplify my routine and reduce actives because the Differin Gel was doing all the work.

Instead, I strengthened my skin barrier with hydrating toners and serums.

So, if you’re still struggling with acne and no longer seeing results with your staple products, this post is for you.

What Exactly Is Differin Gel?

It is the most popular brand of Adapalene 0.1%, which has become a household name.

There are other brands of Adapalene 0.1%, like La Roche Posay Adapalene, which is a lot more pricey.

But Differin is popular because it is affordable and accessible in any drugstore, mainly in the US.

According to the Differin brand;

Take a different approach to clearing—and preventing—your acne.

Non-comedogenic

Prevents breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes and clogged pores, fragrance-free

Differin Gel contains the retinoid adapalene, the first over-the-counter active ingredient for acne in more than 30 years.

But what is Adapalene?

Many are familiar with Retinols and Retinoids, the gold standard for anti-ageing.

But where does Adapalene fall?

Studies have shown that it falls just below Tretinoin but above Retinol.

So, it is more potent than Retinol but won’t give you any anti-ageing benefits because it is targeted at acne.

In summary;

Adapalene is a type of Retinoid that treats acne deep in the pores at the source, prevents new acne from forming and, as a result of reduced acne, restores your skin’s natural texture and tone.

This is precisely what I experienced in stages;

• First, the Differin gel treated the old acne I’ve had for months.
• Then, it started to prevent new acne from forming, which I experienced when new breakouts healed very quickly.
• Next, after attacking the problem from its core, my skin’s texture was restored, and it became smoother.

These are basically the benefits you’ll get from using Differin gel consistently.

So, who can use Differin Gel?

Anytime I get asked for a skincare routine for teenagers, my first response is to put them on Differin.

Instead of making them layer multiple serums for acne, Differin will sort all their skin concerns in one step.

That said, Differin is an over-the-counter product that does not require a prescription.

As such, it can be used by adults and children aged 12 and above. Yes, even your pre-teens can use Differin. It is an entirely safe acne treatment.

How do you incorporate Differin Gel into an existing skincare routine?

If you’re tired of using different acne-fighting products that take too long to see results, you can introduce Differin into your routine. Here are some steps you can follow;

• Finish up all existing Retinoids. Again, you shouldn’t use two Retinoids in one routine.
• Cut down on any actives that are targeted at acne. This includes Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Sulfur, and Niacinamide, especially if you break out. The idea is to simplify your routine to the barest minimum so you can track the effectiveness of the Differin Gel. After a while, you’ll know you’ll probably not need these products anymore. But if you still want to use them, you can add them later.
• If you have dry skin like me and can’t do without hydrating serums, you can layer them with the Differin Gel. Most of them have little to no ingredients that will interfere.

Best Practices For Using Differin Gel

• You can either decide to jump right into it and use it daily. Or you can start slowly by using it every other day. Whichever way you use it, you’ll get results.
• If you decide to use it daily, remember that your skin might purge. You might experience even more breakouts before your skin clears up completely.
• It’s best used in the PM. You can either decide to use it on dry or damp skin. I prefer to use it after layering my hydrating toners and essences. It’s simply what my skin prefers. If your skin is sensitive or easily prone to irritation, it is best layered on dry skin after cleansing.
• Make sure you’re wearing SPF 50+ during the day. If you can’t commit to wearing sunscreen, you should not be using the Differin Gel at all.
• Again, some people might experience dryness, redness and irritation. This is why it is best to ease into it first. Make sure you’re using an excellent moisturiser afterwards. Cerave Moisturizing Cream is perfect for this.
• Again, when introducing Differin Gel, simplify your routine and stop all-over actives you use in the PM temporarily. You can continue with your normal AM routine of Vitamin C & SPF.
• Whilst you’ll get results almost immediately, you need to use Differin Gel for a minimum of 12 weeks/3 months to enjoy the full benefits of the treatment.

Finally,

Introducing Differin Gel to my skincare routine is the best thing I’ve done for my skin recently.

It’s been such a game-changer for me. Instead of stressing about new breakouts, I can focus squarely on treating my old hyperpigmentation.