Differein Gel, or adapalene.
Its the only full prescription fighting retinoid available over the counter and became available
in 2016.
Its active ingredient, adapalene — has been prescribed to over 40 million people around
the world for more than 20 years.
How is it so popular?
It clears breakouts where they start and can even prevent acne before it begins; and, as
a result of that, differin gel restores both skin texture and tone.
In this video, we will look how to use differin gel to its fullest benefit, how to know if
you actually need it, as well as cover 6 key takeaways you should be aware of before starting,
so stay tuned till the end.
Hi guys, yaseen arsalan, media pharmacist here on youtube.
This weeks video is on differin gel or adapalene gel 0.1%.
Smash the like button below- Now, to get this video seen by more people so we can beat acne
together and slow down the aging process.
Differin gel has thousands of 5 star reviews on amazon, it has 4.7 stars on cvs, and basically
a near perfect score on targets website.
But what makes this acne treatment so desirable.
Before I get into what it is and how to use it, lets look at 5 things you should know
of, first and foremost.
Number 1.)
Adapalene is a retinoid and not a retinol.
There is a difference.
There are many over the counter retinol creams out there that are similar to retinoids, but
they arent the same.
Even though they are both derived from vitamin a, a powerful ingredient in the whole anti
agining world of skincare, retinol is weaker and takes longer for you to see results.
Retinoids like adapalene, are much more powerful.
Adapelne has a unique chemical structure that makes it less irritating on the skin than
other retinoids you may have heard of like tretinoin or retin A, or isotretinoin.
Adapalene comes in a 0.3% gel, that is still prescription only too, and is basically just
a stronger form.
Number 2.)
It doesnt play well with your other acne treatment.
This is why its usually applied to at night and as the last step in your skincare routine.
Because Products like benzoyl peroxide, will actually oxidize your retinoid making it less
effective, and products like salicylic acid, can lead to irritation.
You should also avoid using differin with products that contain chemical exfoliators.
These include glycolic and alpha-hydroxy acids or any drying agents, like astringents or
toners.
If you're using an exfoliator to increase that cell turnover, know that too much exfoliation
can lead to raw and irritated skin.
So what you can do instead is just use a moisturizer that will tone down the irritation and provide
adequate hydration.
Ive listed ones that I highly recommend in the description below, so definitely check
that out.
Number 3.)
Your skin might purge.
I know that sounds a bit scary, but its totally normal when you first start off using it.
This is known as the differin purge or retinization. even though it isn't a sign that the skin
is actually getting worse, it may be alarming to some.
Some may even stop applying it because they are convinced it made their acne worse.
But Think of it as an adjustment period in which the skin is getting used to the retinoid.
During the 2nd week or so, your skin may become irritated, causing dryness, scaling, redness
and even burning.This usually will end up getting cleared out on its own once all the
blockages lurking beneath the surface have been cleared and your skin starts off new
again.
So in the meantime, keep moisturizing, and wear an spf sunscreen during the daytime until
the purge is over.
I have video on which spf you should be using, so click up here to find out.
Number 4.)
It is known in the skincare community as an “anti-ager” and This is because it has
helped others with improvement of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
And Number 5.)
its not for everyone.
The FDA advises that women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding not
to use Differin.
Also, if you have ultra sensitive skin, dermatitis, or eczema, it is best to avoid using it altogether.
NOW- Lets get into how to actually use it.
Differin gel is meant for once-daily use, even when you see no signs of acne because
its designed to prevent acne from coming on.
This is why its not recommended as a spot treatment to treat a single pimple.
So if you get acne on the face, the Gel should be applied to the entire face and not just
at one spot alone.
So To start off, take a pea-sized amount and spread it thinly across the affected area
until it has been fully absorbed.
What works for some, is to apply it during the evening, before getting to bed after you
have already showered.
Make sure that you apply it onto a dry face and not a wet face, as this can cause irritation.
And a pro tip is to: Be consistent: apply it once a day, every day, and at the same
time of day.
Make sure to avoid eyes, lips, and any mucous membranes.
Also know that your skin may get more sensitive to UV light, so take steps to avoid unprotected
sun exposure.
A big question obviously with using differin is, when will i see results.
In one clinical study, patients reported up to an 87% decrease in acne after 12 weeks
of use.
Which to me, is awesome.
Check out The hashtag #DoThingsDifferin and the #DifferinChallenge to see the 12 week
journeys of others.
I hope this video was useful to you guys and that I hope you do share this video with someone
you know who can benefit from it.
Like the video, if you did enjoy it and subscribe to stay on board with all my other weekly
health and wellness videos.
Thanks for sticking tuned till the end, and as always, thanks for watching.