Differin from acne: instructions for use and reviews

Differin is a drug used to get rid of acne. It belongs to the group of retinoids in the chemical structure, it has the pharmacological characteristics of the dermatoprotector.

The drug regulates the formation of epithelial cells, promotes their cornification and transformation into scales. It can be used alone or in combination with other drugs, depending on the nature of the course of the disease.

On this page you will find all information about Differin: the full instruction on application to this medication, average prices in pharmacies, complete and incomplete analogs of the drug, as well as reviews of people who have already used Differin. Want to leave your opinion? Please write in the comments.

Clinical and pharmacological group

The drug for the treatment of acne.

Conditions of leave from pharmacies

You can buy without a prescription.

Price list

How much is Differin? The average price in pharmacies is at the level of800 rubles.

Form of issue and composition

Today pharmacies offer two basic dosage forms of this drug - ointment and cream.

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The ointment has a slightly thicker consistency, but it is also quickly and easily absorbed into the skin. Application of the ointment is not difficult, but for better absorption it is applied to the affected areas of the skin with the thinnest layer. The ointment is also packaged in tubes of polymer material with a volume of 30 g, which are located in cardboard packages. To the ointment, as well as to the cream, a detailed instruction is attached, allowing to study the properties of the drug, its effect on the affected skin, prevent possible negative consequences and optimize the scheme of application.
The cream has a homogeneous light-weight consistency of light yellow or cream shade, it is packaged in aluminum tubes with a volume of 10-37 g, which are in cardboard packs with the name of the drug indicated on them, its manufacturer and the expiry date of the product.

The active component of the drug is adapalene, which is contained in both dosage forms of the drug in equal amounts. The auxiliary elements of the drug include:

carbomer;
propylene glycol;
disodium edetate;
potassium hydroxide;
purified water.

Also, depending on the type of preparation (gel or cream), it can contain the following components: natural squalene, glycerol, cyclomethicone.

Pharmacological effect

Adapalene is an active substance of the drug Differin, which is a synthetic analogue of retinoic acid and refers to dermatotropic drugs. According to the chemical structure, adapalene is a naphthoic acid derivative. The substance selectively binds to retinoic acid receptors on the nuclei of epithelial cells and stimulates the processes of keratinocyte differentiation. Moreover, binding with cytosolic proteins, sensitive to retinoic acid, is not observed. This causes the absence of a pronounced irritant effect.

Adapalene accelerates the final stage of the transformation of keratinocyte into a keratinized scale, and also weakens the intercellular bonds in the epidermis. Acceleration of the last stages of keratinization of epithelial cells and weakening of bonds between keratinocytes leads to their quicker exfoliation, thinning of the epidermis, reduction of the formation of comedones. The drug improves the release of the hair follicle estuaries from the accumulation of keratinized cells.

The anti-inflammatory effect of adapalene is due to inhibition of lipoxygenase activity, cytokines and arachidonic acid. By the force of action on the factors of inflammation, it is comparable with betamethasone. The drug does not stimulate hyperplastic processes in the epidermis. Due to the listed pharmacological actions, Differin manifests the following properties: keratolytic, sebostatic, anti-inflammatory, comedonolytic. Adapalene has a photosensitizing effect.

Indications for use

The drug is designed to get rid of acne and vulgar acne.

If rashes of mild or moderate degree, then you can use monotherapy, that is, use only "Differin". For the treatment of severe acne, other drugs will be needed.

Contraindications

Contraindications for a little medicine. Differin is not prescribed under the following conditions:

Children up to 12 years;
With a tendency to allergic reactions and hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
Neoplasms on the skin in the places of expected treatment;
Mechanical damage to the skin (abrasions, scratches, wounds);
Do not use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. You can not use it during breastfeeding.

With special care and under the supervision of a doctor, Differin is prescribed for skin diseases such as dermatitis and eczema, since the course of these diseases is accompanied by damage to the skin. Through the wound, the active substance in large quantities can enter the blood and cause dangerous side reactions as a result of an overdose.

Application in pregnancy and lactation

Do not use the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Instructions for use

The instructions for use indicate that the cream or Differin gel are applied externally.

The drug is applied pointwise to inflammatory elements or, if necessary, to the whole face. Do not rub the product into the skin! Before applying the gel / cream, you need to clean your face (without using soap and alcohol lotions).
Use the drug should be 1 time per day, preferably at night. The therapeutic effect manifests itself within 4-8 weeks of treatment, persistent improvement is observed after 3 months of therapy.

On the recommendation of a doctor, a second course can be conducted.

Side effects

During the treatment with a drug, it is possible to develop side reactions in the form of redness, peeling and irritation of the skin at the treatment sites. These phenomena are accompanied by excessive dryness of the skin, a sensation of itching and burning.

When allergic reactions occur, symptoms of contact dermatitis, lacrimation, redness and irritation of the conjunctiva of the eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) are possible. In case of any anxiety symptoms, stop using the drug and consult a dermatologist for advice and new appointments.

Overdose

Serious overdose of "Differin" can not be, because adapalen poorly absorbed. If this still happened, there is dry skin and pain in the muscles.

special instructions

It is important when using Differin not to let ointment or gel get on the lips and eyes.
In cases of skin irritation, it is necessary to cancel the remedy until it completely disappears.
In the treatment of acne, the drug can be used in combination with other agents. In this case, Differin should be applied before bedtime, and other means - in the morning.
It is recommended to avoid UV exposure and long exposure to sunlight during the period of use of the drug, as it may cause mild irritation on the skin, and also to exclude the use of cosmetic preparations having an irritating and drying property (ethanol containing agents, perfumes, etc.)

Drug Interactions

Absorption of adapalene through the skin is low, so its interaction with systemic drugs is unlikely.

No interaction with other drugs that can be used externally and simultaneously with the drug Differin is not established. When applying the drug in the evening, in the morning, you can use such drugs for external treatment of acne, as solutions of erythromycin (up to 4%) or clindamycin phosphate (1% based on the base) or benzoyl peroxide gels on a water basis (up to 10%), since these preparations do not cause mutual degradation or cumulative irritation. However, other retinoids or drugs with a similar mechanism of action should not be used concomitantly with adapalene.

Simultaneous use of the preparation Differin and means for peeling, abrasive cleansers, as well as funds with drying, astringent or irritating action (aromatic or alcohol-containing products) is not recommended.

Reviews

We picked up some responses from people about the Differin drug:

Marina. For three months I used diferinom. Everything is as expected. Yes, in the beginning there was a terrible dryness and an ecdysis (then I have a little reduced a dose, so to say). The second, third month - terrible eruptions all over the face. Nothing improved, only it became worse. Black points did not become any more. Alas, I did not get the drug.
Oksana. My husband and I are exposed to acne on the face for several years. Began to use Differin cream. My effect was noticeable during the second week of application. And her husband did not help. It turns out that his skin is coarser, the doctor prescribed a drug in the form of a gel. After 3 months we forgot about acne. Differin continue from time to time to use as a prophylaxis.
Inna. I suffer from acne from an adolescent age. I tried "Differin" to apply to problem areas, the result is quite good. This despite the fact that for a long time I could not get rid of acne. "Differin" did not have a bad effect, although, of course, it is not possible to completely get rid of its problem. Some advise to cover the face completely, but it seems to me wrong. I also read that "Differin" does not give an effect quickly, that it is effective only if it is used for a long time, as far as I really do not know. I would like to completely remove the acne and forget it as a terrible dream.

It should be noted that the drug is very active and at the beginning of therapy it can cause severe irritation and peeling of the skin, which is often reported in patients' reviews. Due to dehydration under the influence of Differin, the skin can acquire a gray and tired appearance.

After the end of the course of treatment, it takes some time to restore it, as well as a good moisturizer. The effect of the drug persists for a long time, so even despite its high cost, it is popular with patients.

Analogues

To synonyms (they contain exactly the same active substance), Differin includes the following medicines:

Adapalene gel (external);
Clenzite gel (external);
Adaklin cream (external);
Adolen gel (external).

Analogues of the drug Differin are the following drugs, intended also exclusively for external use:

Ointment Videstim;
Ointment Radevit;
Ointment Retanoy;
Gel Skinoren;
Isotrexin Gel;
Gel Effezel.
Solution Retasol.

Before using analogues, consult your doctor.

Which is better, Differin or Skinoren?

Skinoren does not have such a high effectiveness in treating acne, like Differin. However, the drug deserves attention, since it can be used as the main drug for maintenance therapy after the main course of Differin.

For example, after using Differin for 3 months, you can go to Skinoren, which is applied to the entire face skin surface several times a week. Remember that Skinoren has the ability to whiten the skin of the face, giving it a marble pallor, which should not be feared.