Clear skin / Acne remedies / Differin / Which is better - Differin cream or gel? What is the difference?
People with problem skin often choose Differin as a treatment.
This is a unique, effective anti-acne drug. There are two dosage forms in which the drug is available.
Which one to choose Differin: cream or gel , which is better and what factors need to be taken into account - we will consider below.
Differin: composition and effect of the drug
The main active ingredient in the composition is adapalene . It is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A.
Retinol in its pure form is rarely used, because it has a rather harsh effect on the skin of the face, causing side effects.
Adapalene penetrates the follicle and regulates the rate of formation of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. It acts on cells selectively, depending on the degree of maturity. Thus, the process of formation of dead particles slows down, the skin becomes softer.
The substance has the property of melting sebaceous plugs in the pores, which helps to gradually cleanse the facial skin. A pronounced anti-comedogenic effect is observed: blackheads gradually disappear and skin color is evened out.
The effect of the drug is achieved over a long period of time, but the result will last for a long time.
Reviews
- Lilya: “I’ve been using Differin cream for almost a week now, so far the results are good, but the doctor warned that the treatment will be very long. The general condition of the skin has improved, the redness has subsided and severe volcanic acne seems to have become smaller. I don’t have any serious problems, but since my skin is somehow unhealthy, constantly greasy and periodically covered in pimples, I decided to go to the dermatologist. At the moment, the greatest delight is caused by the reduction of oily sheen. Of course, there is still a long way to go to an ideal matte face, but the relative result is also noticeable, I will continue to use it.”
- Alexander: “The problem of acne has been familiar to me almost since childhood. Transitional age is scary to remember, even the scars remain from those acne. Now the skin condition is more or less normal, but I would like it to be better. I neglected to go to the dermatologist and bought this product at the pharmacy on the advice of a pharmacist. Not a bad result, especially since you can apply it once a day, it’s very convenient. The only drawback, as for me, is the cost; they say that analogues can be bought several times cheaper.”
- Angela: “I’ve been using Differin for two months now, at first the effect was simply amazing: almost my entire face cleared up and particularly large rashes disappeared. Then the skin began to renew: the old skin peeled off and peeled off, acne appeared again, in general, horror. The dermatologist said that this is a natural process and you need to be patient a little. I used scrubs and put on foundation for half my salary, but I met the deadline. Now I won’t say that everything is rosy, but it’s relatively good: the surface has leveled out a little, new skin appears better than the old one. There are still rashes and acne, but I think we can handle them. The only thing I’m afraid of is that in the summer I’ll have to interrupt the course of treatment, maybe everything will remain the same again.”
Indications
Indications for use of Differin:
- open comedones (blackheads);
- closed comedones (whitish small bumps on the skin);
- increased fat content;
- slight inflammation.
Differin is suitable for the treatment of mild to moderate forms of acne. If the acne is advanced and there are many inflammatory elements present, then the remedy is used in combination with others, or replaced with a stronger one.
The drug has a high degree of activity . At the beginning of use, itching, burning, exacerbation of rashes, peeling, and dry skin at the application sites are possible.
All this should be completed during the first week of the course. Otherwise, Differin is replaced with another agent of similar action.
What to use in what cases
The composition of the drugs differs by additional ingredients. The main active ingredient in both the first and second cases is adapalene. Therefore, it can be difficult to understand what will work more effectively. You need to pay attention to your skin type. For dry skin with increased sensitivity, Differin cream should be applied. The use of the cream will ensure high efficiency, while the mechanical impact on the skin will be minimal. At the same time, the product will provide additional nutrition.
For oily skin types, you should opt for a drug produced in gel form. Its effect is somewhat harsher, but the result of use will manifest itself sooner. The gel is more suitable for treating skin that has increased oily content, as it itself is prone to the formation of acne.
IMPORTANT! On sensitive skin, irritation may occur even with minimal exposure. Allergic reactions are more common for it. For combination skin, it is recommended to use gel.
There are no fundamental differences between the drugs in their cost. The average price for drugs is about 700 rubles.
Differin is a mildly acting drug that can also be used for preventive purposes. However, it makes sense to use it only when treating mild acne.
According to the instructions, the indications for use are as follows:
- the presence of open comedones (blackheads);
- presence of closed comedones;
- excessively oily skin;
- the presence of minor inflammation.
In severe forms of the rash, manifested by a large number of inflammatory elements, it makes sense to use Differin only in combination with more potent medications (or replace it).
At the initial stage of using the medicine, skin reactions may occur in the form of increased peeling, itching, burning. These reactions are due to the skin becoming accustomed to the active substance, and they should disappear after a week.
How to apply Differin correctly
Before using the drug, you must thoroughly clean your face of dirt, wash your face and pat your skin dry with a towel.
The drug is applied in a thin layer, no more than once a day . It is best to use it before bed. In a calm, relaxed state, the skin will better accept the product.
Some people prefer to apply the drug pointwise to problem areas, but it is better to do it over the entire surface of the face .
Differin smoothes the skin and acts systemically. It is able to “calculate” normal areas of the skin and have minimal impact on them. At the same time, the drug leads to a normal state of problem areas.
Contraindications
Both cream and gel must be prescribed by a doctor. There is a wide range of contraindications that apply to the use of retinoids. Despite the fact that Differin is a product for external use, it is necessary to weigh all the pros and cons before starting use.
Contraindications include:
- individual intolerance to components;
- dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema;
- the presence of injuries that violate the integrity of the skin;
- children under 12 years of age;
- skin damage from burns;
- pregnancy;
- breast-feeding.
What to choose: cream or gel?
It is impossible to compare both forms of the drug with each other: they are similar. Both cream and gel contain identical amounts of adapalene, so it cannot be said which is more effective: cream or Differin gel.
The price is also the same: from 700 rubles in pharmacies . Therefore, before choosing a specific form of the drug, you need to understand what type of skin the patient has:
- The skin is sensitive , it is easy to get irritated even from light mechanical impact. Prone to allergic reactions, requires additional nutrition. In this case, Differin cream is suitable.
- For oily , rough skin with acne-like rashes, Differin gel would be ideal. It acts a little harsher than cream, drying out the skin. Absorbs sebum and leaves your face feeling fresh.
There are no strict rules in choosing the form of the product . The degree of fat content and nutritional content is what distinguishes the gel from Differin cream.
You just need to proceed from what type of skin it is: dry or oily. For combination skin, a gel is more suitable.
Release form: features of gel and cream
This is a French-made drug. Differin comes in two forms: gel and cream. In both products, the concentration of adapalene is 0.1%.
Differin gel contains the following auxiliary components:
- propylene glycol;
- carbomer 980;
- sodium hydrochloride;
- sodium edetate;
- poloxamer 182;
- phenoxyethanol;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- distilled water.
The cream also contains a rich list of additional components and has a moisturizing, nourishing effect. Thanks to these ingredients, the drying effect of the drug is not so pronounced, so it works more gently.
What you need to know when using the drug
The recommendations are based on reviews from those who have already had experience using Differin cream or gel and managed to cope with the problem of acne:
- The result should not be expected before 4-8 weeks of use.
- The course of treatment can reach 8-12 months
- It is necessary to endure side effects that may appear in the first week of use.
- Differin will not cure severe forms of the disease
- If you have skin problems, consult a specialist to prescribe comprehensive treatment.
- If Differin is used, but no other measures to bring the body in order are taken: disordered eating continues, general skin care is not carried out properly - the effect of using the product will be minimal
- During the course of using the drug, the use of additional external agents is unacceptable: scrubs, peelings, etc. They can damage the skin and aggravate the situation
- The course of treatment is not carried out in spring and summer. The drug is highly responsive to ultraviolet radiation. This may cause severe pigmentation
- It is better not to use foundation during use.
- The drug is not rubbed into the skin
So, we found out what the difference is between Differin cream and gel . Both products bring exactly the same effect.
The choice of dosage form depends only on the patient's skin type. To obtain treatment results, you need to be patient and continue to use Differin regularly.
The ideal time for a course of treatment is from October to April . When used correctly and followed the recommendations, Differin will help you achieve clear, glowing skin!
Indications and contraindications
The drug is prescribed to patients with both multiple acne and single large pimples. It eliminates existing comedones and prevents the appearance of new ones. This complex effect on the problem is due to the normalization of keratinization of the epithelium and a decrease in the production of sebaceous secretions.
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Differin for acne is used regardless of its location. The drug can be applied not only to the face, but also to the skin of the back or chest. It is used to eliminate acne vulgaris that affects the skin of adolescents. These formations are usually localized on the middle part of the face, but sometimes appear on the shoulders and neck.
The cream and gel are not intended for treatment of children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. They are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the ingredients, the presence of neoplasms, injuries or microtraumas.
It is strictly forbidden to use Differin to eliminate allergic rashes of any etiology.
Directions for use and doses
Pre-treatment of the skin of the face and body significantly increases the effectiveness of the drug. It is necessary to clean the upper layer of the epidermis from dirt, decorative cosmetics, and sebaceous secretions.
For treatment, it is better to use an antiseptic (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine) or alcohol-free lotion.
Frequency of application: once a day. The product is evenly distributed over problem areas. It should not be rubbed in or applied under breathable or occlusive dressings. Duration of therapy is up to 3 months.
Patients often ask dermatologists whether it is possible to apply moisturizers after Differin. There have been no cases of chemical interaction of adapalene with the ingredients of other products. Therefore, you can moisturize the skin, but at least 40-60 minutes should pass between applications.
Side effects and special instructions
Side effects sometimes occur when treated with Differin. An allergic reaction develops like urticaria with a rash and itchy skin. Among the negative effects of therapy are eczema, irritation of the dermis, and changes in pigmentation.
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During pregnancy, the use of Differin is extremely dangerous. Its active ingredient has a teratogenic effect and negatively affects the intrauterine development of the fetus.
According to dermatologists, Differin is one of the most effective drugs in the treatment of acne. But only if it is used correctly and appropriately.
Often the course of acne is complicated by an associated bacterial or fungal infection. Pathogenic microorganisms provoke the accumulation of purulent exudate due to the release of toxic substances into the tissue. In such cases, Differin is not able to cope with acne. Treatment is carried out with combined antimicrobial or antimycotic agents.
