Differin Gel (45g)

I have mixed feelings on Differin. The first week I used it, my skin started clearing up and I thought I'd found what I'd been looking for ever since acne sprung up in my late 20s (now in mid-30s). But then furious red bumps exploded all over my face during the second week. Apparently, this is fairly normal, but it was still horrifying. Also, my face felt like an oil slick all the time and my lips were incredibly chapped. I continued using Differin for week three, but then couldn't take it any more at the start of week four. I stopped using it and began applying clindamycin (which is a prescription from my doctor). Finally the acne started to clear. I hesitantly went back to the Differin, but only used it every three days. It's been a few more weeks and I'm using Differin only every other day (at night) in conjunction with the clindamycin (in the morning); this seems to be working as I still have a few pimples, but not nearly to the degree as before. My skin still feels oily the morning after using Differin, but it's tolerable. My lips are no longer chapped, but I've been careful not to apply the gel too close to my mouth. I recommend going very slowly when starting Differin.

I was looking for a fix for my hormonal breakout on my lower chin and mouth area and gave this a go. Worst decision ever. In 1-2 weeks I broke out in large cystic acne that were painful. And the worst breakout I had in years. Reading comments and the packet I thought and hoped it was "purging" and no... just no. After 2 months and being miserable over my skin I gave it up and gave Paula's choice a try and my skin cleared up. 2 weeks of using PC my face is clearing up from the breakouts caused by differin. I don't recommend. Use with caution. Repeat use with caution.When your skin is bad you might want to give everything a try but this product is a fail.

I have been a RetinA user for 30 yes for adult acne; it has been the ONLY thing, besides Accutane, that has helped my life-long problem with this horrible, disfiguring disease.. Now, my insurance company ha said I am 'aged out' and will no longer pay (i can buy it myself for $400/tube, though I know it can be bought online for much less.. Compared to RetinA, Differin is worthless!! I've used 2 tubes (each time the price has jumped up), and my skin is no better, if not WORSE now... I'll spend my money online for.the much better RetinA.

I got a mild hormonal acne issue over a year and half ago, and got my derm doc prescribed me Adapalene gel .3 (strong dose than this) + Spiro medication. I used Adapalene gel .3 every night and only took Spiro pills for a few days before the "day" started. Anyway, my point is Adapalene has worked for me and I'm using this instead of the prescription one now that my skin issue is getting better. And it works fine so far.The key is (my derm said) the medication takes at least 6 months (very slow) or more to take into effects. If your skin is reacting badly, you'd better check with your doc to be sure. Everyone has different skin types and reacts differently with medication. For me, to overcome the dryness, I put on Cerave PM on before applying Adapalene on top after that (a pea size on each region of my face and blending them in slowly). I might have diluted the medication a little, but never experienced dry or blotchy skin (face only/no neck application). And you should use it at night only. The sunlight or Salycilic acid will neutralize RentinA/Adapalene effects. And PLEASE do use 30 SPF or higher when you go outside to prevent sunburns, and do not use any scrubbing products during the time you're using Adapalene. If you have to use scrub, wait for 7 days off Adapalene first. When in doubt, check with your doc. Hope my info helps.

This is a review of a little less than four months of use.Product - First of all, the product came is pictured in the cardboard packaging with a plastic snap-open container inside. At ~15 g this was supposed to last three months but I've still got 2/3 of a tube left and it's almost been four months. It's a pretty inconspicuous gel with no scent.Use - I used about half the suggested amount every night for the first month and then the full pea-sized amount (1 cm diameter, maybe my idea of a pea is very small) every night for the other two or so months. In the beginning I experienced really bad dryness, peeling, and burning of my skin. I use a pretty intense moisturizer with it (Lancome Aqua Vital) and now have no more dryness or side effects. The "purging" phase was horrendous and lasted all the way up to the middle of the third month for me. After that point the bumps stopped appearing and my complexion just got nicer.Results - I went from getting new painful and irritated bumps every day to pretty smooth skin with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation within this time period. I'm so, so impressed. I went through two courses of Accutane. To get similar results with no prescription, lower cost, and no pregnancy/bloodwork every month is amazing!

I've been using glycolic acid for years (15% nightly & 30% peels), but recently my pores started clogging & white bumps developed deep under my skin. So after watching Dr Dray's 'A Dermatologist's Skin Care Routine' on YouTube, I decided to try some new skincare products, including Differin at night & Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser in the morning.Initially, my skin broke out like crazy, & I almost stopped using the products. But, I started to realize those deep bumps were coming to the surface or dissolving and that when a pimple developed, it healed so much quicker than normal. Then I read the comments about the 'purge' that can occur, so I decided to speed up the process by using microdermabrasion, steaming, & derma rolling, which helped tremendously. I've now used Differin for about a month, & the major purge seems to be over & most of the deep bumps are gone. Although I'm happy with the appearance of my skin now, it continues to improve. I've finished one small tube & just ordered the larger size.BTW, This isn't supposed to be used on your neck