What is Differin Gel (Differin Adapalene Gel) 0.1% w/w 45g? 

Differin Gel is a topical medication, designed to treat acne vulgaris. It contains adapalene, a retinoid that targets the cell turnover process in the skin. The pores are less likely to get clogged with extra skin cells; this helps decrease the outbreak of acne. It is generally prescribed for patients who have mild to moderate acne. 

It is applied directly to the affected areas once daily. It comes in a 45g tube, which makes it easy to apply on a daily basis. This gradually improves the texture and clarity of the skin and is the most popular way to treat acne. 

What is Differin Gel (Differin Adapalene Gel) 0.1% w/w Used For? 

Acne Treatment: Differin Gel is primarily used to treat acne. It targets the root cause of acne by preventing the formation of clogged pores and reducing inflammation. 
Unclogging pores: Differin helps to keep the pores clear by increasing the skin's cell turnover rate, which helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and other debris inside the pores. 
Anti-Inflammatory Action: Adapalene in Differin Gel also reduces the inflammation that often accompanies acne, thus relieving swelling and redness. 
Skin Texture Improvement: As the gel works overtime, it helps improve the overall appearance and texture of the skin, making it smoother and more even. 

How Differin Gel (Differin Adapalene Gel) 0.1% w/w Works? 

Differin Gel works by disrupting the natural skin processes. It is a retinoid which regulates the shedding of skin cells. This avoids pores from clogging with surplus dead skin cells, which often leads to most acne cases. 

Differin prevents those cells from piling up and block pores, thus preventing one of the main causes of acne. 
It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the redness and swelling of acne. 
It smoothens the surface of the skin over time, which reduces the visibility of scars and marks left by acne. 

When to Take Differin Gel (Differin Adapalene Gel) 0.1% w/w for Acne? 

When to Take Differin Gel If you have a mild to moderate condition of acne, you could use Differin Gel for treating it. This gel is generally safe for most people, from teenagers to adults over the age of 12. So, based on this, it is a good product to use when your typical treatments that you use over the counter for your acne are just not working. 

Who Should Use Differin Gel Differin Gel? 

It is for individuals with mild to moderate acne. It is very useful for those people who are searching for a topical treatment that would prevent new breakouts and make the skin appear smoother. People who have oily or combination skin tend to benefit from this gel more. Differin is also good for men and women and is suitable for adolescents and adults. 

Who Should Not Take Differin Gel?  

Avoid this medicine if you are allergic to adapalene or if you have any other allergy to any ingredient present in Differin Gel. Precautions must be taken while using this medication if you are pregnant or a breastfeeding woman. This medication is contraindicated in individuals having sensitive skin and in cases of severe acne, such as cystic acne, without consulting a doctor first. 

Additionally, those who have a history of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis should not use Differin Gel without a doctor's prescription. 

Can You Buy Differin Gel (Differin Adapalene Gel) 0.1% w/w Over the Counter? 

Differin Gel, which contains Adapalene 0.1% is available as an over-the-counter pharmaceutical in the UK to treat mild to moderate acne. It is available for anyone of 12 years or older. Other strengths are also available in the market which requires prescription from the physician. Users should always consult healthcare provider for the instructions for the best results. 

Alternative Medications 

Aside from Differin Gel, there are various treatments for acne, which might work as good alternatives, such as: 

Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is available in several concentrations and kills the bacteria that contribute to the cause of acne development. It helps dry out excessive oil and keeps pores from clogging. 
Salicylic Acid: It is an ingredient that exfoliates the skin, preventing pores from clogging up, thus keeping acne at bay. 
Oral Antibiotics: Tetracycline and doxycycline are antibiotics that can be used to reduce the occurrence of acne by killing bacteria that cause inflammation. 
Oral Retinoids: For severe cases, oral retinoids like isotretinoin are prescribed to treat cystic acne. 
Topical Antibiotics: Clindamycin and erythromycin work directly on the skin to target the bacteria causing acne.

How to use Differin Gel (Differin Adapalene Gel) 0.1% w/w?  

Use Differin Gel as follows for best results: 

1. Pre-treatment Skincare Routine: Start with a mild soap-based cleanser that can gently remove dirt, oils, and makeup. Then pat the face dry with a clean towel. 
2. Apply a thin layer: Dispense a pea-sized amount of the Differin Gel onto the tip of your finger. Pat the gel thinly onto the involved areas of the face. Using too much medication can cause irritation. 
3. Steer Clear of Sensitive Regions: Avoid application around the eyes, mouth, and any wounds or cuts. This region is very sensitive and can easily react to the medication. 
4. Wait Before Using Other Products: Let the Differin Gel be absorbed completely before using any other skincare products like moisturisers or sunscreens. 
5. Use Consistently: For optimal results, apply Differin Gel in the evening as a part of your skin care regimen. Improvement is often slow and may take several weeks.

Active Ingredient:

Adapalene (0.1% w/w) 

Inactive Ingredients:

Water, glycerin, carbomer, sodium hydroxide, and all other typical ingredients in topical gels. 

Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the full ingredient list — especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Differin Gel is usually well tolerated, but there are some side effects that can occur: 

Dry Skin: Users experience dryness, especially in the first few weeks of using the product. 
Redness: Redness on the skin, especially in the areas where the gel is applied, can occur. 
Peeling: Peeling of the skin is common because the gel increases the rate of skin cell turnover. 
Itching: Some users experience itching in the treated areas. 
Burning Feeling: There might be a mild burning feeling upon application, especially if the skin is sensitive. 
Sensitivity to Sun: The medication is known to cause sensitivity to sunlight; sunscreen is advised. 
Rashes: Rashes can occur at times due to the gel. 
Swelling: In rare cases, swelling can be seen in the treated areas.  
Severe Irritation: If the area of your skin becomes severely red, begins to peel, or feels painful, you should stop using the gel and seek medical attention. 
Allergic Reaction: In case you feel any allergic reaction like swelling or breathing issues, consider this an emergency situation. 
Contact Dermatitis: If the area of skin inflames or over-irritates, this may indicate an allergy towards the gel.