DIFFERIN GEL (ADAPALENE)

About Differin Gel

Differin gel is a retinoid medication that helps treat chronic acne in people who are at least 12 years of age. This drug contains the active ingredient Adapalene, which acts like vitamin A to repair and renew the skin. It is provided in a gel format, and should be applied directly to any affected areas. You will need to obtain a valid prescription from your doctor if you wish to buy Differin Gel or its generic equivalent Adapalene. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Differin Gel Works

Adapalene, the active ingredient in Differin gel, reduces the growth of the keratin surface skin cells that can block pores. This helps to unblock the pores and sebaceous glands allowing the sebum to escape. This reduces the formation of blackheads and spots. Adapalene also increases the turnover of the skin cells, which aids the natural exfoliation of the outer layers of skin.

More About Acne

Differin gel is used most often to reduce severe acne symptoms, which include redness, swelling, pimples, and other blemishes. These symptoms usually develop when dirt and oils become trapped in the pores, causing a blockage of sebaceous glands. This leads to an accumulation of the skins natural oils, known as sebum. Bacteria on the skin feed on sebum and produce waste products which further inflame the sebaceous glands, causing acne. Irritant substances can leak into the surrounding skin causing further inflammation.

Acne vulgaris, the most common type of acne, appears most often on the face, but may also be found on the chest, back and upper arms. Acne affects approximately 90% of adolescents and can lead to serious and permanent scarring.

Before You Use Differin Gel

Ask your doctor if Differin Gel is safe to use if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Advise your doctor of other medical conditions or allergies you are being treated for and list any OTC and Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements, to be certain Differin Gel is the right medicine for you. It may take 4 to 8 weeks to see the results when using Differin Gel so be patient.

Proper Use of Differin Gel

While using Differin Gel, you should avoid shampoos, soaps, and other cleansers that contain harsh chemicals, as well as prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or tanning beds. Also, try to prevent Differin Gel from getting in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Failure to follow these instructions may result in lowered efficacy and more severe side effects. You should not apply Differin gel to cuts, open wounds, sunburned areas, or areas of the skin with eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.

Possible Differin Gel Side Effects

• Burning, stinging, or itching at the application site
• Dry skin
• Increased susceptibility to sunburn
• Redness
• Peeling

You should check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience excessively dry, red, swollen or blistered skin.