Some pharmacological drugs can not only relieve certain pathologies, but also eliminate age-related and facial wrinkles. Among such products, a worthy place is occupied by Adapalene cream, which, in addition to its main action, exhibits an anti-aging effect. The medicine is well tolerated and is available from pharmacies without a doctor's prescription.
Composition of "Differin"
In order to obtain smooth and youthful skin, girls often use pharmaceutical preparations, which have a completely different direct purpose. This also applies to Differin cream, usually used to combat rashes on the face. But thanks to the peculiarities of the composition, the product began to be used to get rid of wrinkles.
The main active ingredient is a substance called adapalene. It is a retinoid obtained synthetically. It was this substance in the cream that made it possible to use Differin against wrinkles.
Retinoids are preparations of the well-known vitamin A, from which they get their name. They have rejuvenating properties: they significantly slow down the process of skin aging, reduce the severity of wrinkles (mainly expression lines around the eyes), and help preserve collagen.
Expert opinion
Tatyana Somoilova
Cosmetology expert
But those who hope to remove old and deep grooves with Differin should not count on an immediate positive result. As a rule, even the most elite anti-aging cosmetics cannot cope with such wrinkles. “Differin” is advisable to use only against fresh, recently appeared wrinkles.
In addition to the retinoid, the drug contains various excipients. Moreover, the set of components differs depending on what form of Differin is used:
- 0.1% gel, in addition to 1 mg of adapalene per 1 g of product, contains propylene glycol, water, carbomer, sodium hydroxide and some other auxiliary compounds;
- in the cream, glycerol, cyclomethicone and others are added to the already mentioned substances.
We recommend reading about how to effectively remove wrinkles under the eyes. From the article you will learn about the causes of wrinkles, methods of combating wrinkles under the eyes at home and in a beauty salon. And here is more information about which cream to choose for mature skin.
Skin aging. How does this happen?
The skin is our largest organ. By area. On average - almost 2 square meters. Let's remember what our skin is made of in order to understand the mechanics and causes of aging.
The epidermis is the top layer of skin, or rather 5 layers, which consist exclusively of dead cells. Behind the epidermis comes the dermis , which already consists of two layers. The latter of which contains collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and fibroblasts. They make our skin even, smooth and elastic.
How do the first wrinkles appear?
The production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin decreases over the years. Thus, the “foundation” of our skin begins to gradually deteriorate. The epidermis increases in size, and collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin - which have supported it all this time - decrease. The skin becomes thinner, and the epidermis partially “falls” into the dermis. The older we get, the less collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin there are in the skin, and, accordingly, the more wrinkles there are.
These are the internal causes of wrinkles. There are also external ones, there are not many of them.
- Smoking
- Exposure to sunlight
We will not dwell on them in detail. Both factors dehydrate our skin, so we must give up cigarettes, and in the summer we must protect our face with SPF creams.
Main purpose of the product
According to the instructions for use of Differin cream and gel, they should be used to treat acne. However, as mentioned earlier, the drug can be spread on those areas of the facial skin that are full of fine wrinkles. If you regularly use the product, the dermis will become smooth and will also be cleared of acne and even the oldest blackheads.
As a rule, the rejuvenating effect of using Differin cream or gel against wrinkles does not occur immediately. Small grooves are smoothed out after several months of active use of the drug. Typically, noticeable results can be achieved after 3-6 months of using the product.
Before and after using Differin cream
How it works
When Differin is applied to the skin, adapalene forms a bond with specific cell receptors. Their function is to respond to vitamin A and its derivatives. This means that the drug does not greatly irritate skin cells.
The active substance accelerates the life cycle of the dermis. Because of this, rapid renewal of skin cells occurs. Dead scales are separated from the follicles. This process does not provide an opportunity for dead skin cells to accumulate and form a blood clot.
The appearance of new cell detachments is reduced. This reduces the risk of acne. Differin cleanses the dermis of accumulated plugs. If you touch the skin of your face, you can feel smooth skin. The dermis becomes clean and acquires an even tone.
Read how hormonal pills work for acne. About heparin ointment for acne. More details here.
Which is better to choose - gel or cream?
Differin, used for wrinkles, comes in two forms. The choice of gel or cream is determined by the characteristics of the skin. Therefore, experts recommend determining the type of your own dermis before going to the pharmacy, so as not to worsen its condition under the influence of the product.
Despite the fact that the concentration of the active substance in both forms of release is the same, only one of them is suitable for a particular person. For those with dry and dehydrated skin, experts recommend choosing Differin anti-wrinkle cream. The drug contains a large number of moisturizing components.
Cream and gel "Differin"
Sometimes on the Internet you can find negative reviews about the product, where girls who used Differin complained about drying out their skin. Most likely, they simply made the wrong choice of the form of the drug, preferring the gel. But “Differin” for wrinkles, produced in this form, is designed specifically for oily and problem skin.
Despite the fact that the cream is considered somewhat less effective than the gel, you should not choose a product based only on this parameter. It’s not for nothing that exactly two forms of release were created. The gel will help oily skin not only smooth out fine wrinkles, but also eliminate shine. A cream aimed at flaky and dry dermis will help retain moisture and saturate it with nutrients.
Watch this video about how Differin works on the skin of the face:
Composition and release form
| Active substance | Adapalene (synthetic analogue of retinoic acid) |
| Additional connections | Glycerin, methylparaben, cyclomethicone, PEG-20, sodium hydroxide and others |
Main properties of ointment with adapalene:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anti-acne;
- comedolytic;
- sebostatic (normalization of sebum production).
The medication is widely used in the treatment of acne to eliminate the symptoms of acne. In cosmetology it is used as an anti-aging agent. The cream is especially useful for skin lacking vitamins.
The instructions for use of the drug say that the cream can cause side effects, manifested in the form of:
- burning;
- itching;
- increased peeling;
- excessive dryness;
- irritation;
- erythema;
- changes in natural skin color.
Those with sensitive or dry epidermis are most prone to the development of negative phenomena. If discomfort or a feeling of tightness occurs, the drug should be immediately washed off the face and not used in the future.
An individual sensitivity test performed before the first application of the ointment allows you to minimize the risk of developing undesirable conditions. To determine the reaction to adapalene cream, treat the skin of the elbow or wrist and wait 20-40 minutes. If any negative reaction occurs, you will need to stop using the product.
Differin is produced by Laboratoires Galderma (France) in two forms - cream and gel. Bottle volume 30 ml. The active ingredient adapalene is a synthetic analogue of retinoic acid. The amount of active component is identical - 0.1%. The products differ in the composition of excipients.
Differin has keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, sebostatic, comedolytic properties. The exact mechanism of action of the active component is unknown, but with regular use there is a significant improvement in problematic skin. The therapeutic effect begins to appear after 2 weeks, persistent improvement is observed after 8-12 weeks of active treatment.
Effect after using Differin:
- drying;
- anti-inflammatory;
- emollient;
- antiseptic;
- exfoliating;
- comedolytic.
The cream dissolves sebaceous plugs, improves the functioning of the glands, eliminates existing rashes, and prevents new ones.
Adapalene practically does not react with other substances, so the cream can be combined with other medications. Combined use with erythromycin, clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide is allowed. Differin is applied in the evening, other topical medications are applied in the morning.
Simultaneous use with drugs with a drying effect leads to increased side effects of Differin. This includes alcohol-containing products with salicylic acid, sulfur, zinc, and resorcinol.
Adapalene has a complex effect on the epidermis:
- eliminates pathogenic microorganisms;
- exfoliates the stratum corneum;
- removes dead follicular epithelial cells;
- stimulates the synthesis of collagen fibers and elastin, restoring the natural elasticity of the skin;
- helps visually reduce the depth of facial wrinkles;
- normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands;
- improves the process of microcirculation in subcutaneous fat;
- eliminates inflammation, stops suppuration, and prevents the re-development of acne.
The effect of Adapalene is similar to peeling, which removes the upper keratinized layer of the epidermis.
The external agent is contraindicated for use in the following cases:
- period of gestation and breastfeeding;
- severe skin irritation;
- when the integrity of the epidermis is violated;
- the presence of malignant neoplasms, tumors;
- children's age (under 12 years);
- individual intolerance;
- sensitive skin type.
The intense action of the active compound can lead to the development of negative effects:
- photosensitivity reactions;
- chemical burns;
- allergic reaction;
- skin soreness, discomfort;
- swelling at the application site.
How to use Differin for wrinkles: instructions for rejuvenation
Instructions for the safe and successful use of Differin for rejuvenation include several points:
- remove decorative cosmetics using a neutral “wash” (preferably without sulfates);
- rinse your face with clean water and pat dry with a soft towel;
- Apply a thin layer of cream or gel to the entire face (use no more than a pea-sized amount of product);
- Do not smear it on the upper eyelids or too close to the edges of the eyes on the lower ones.
While using Differin, you should not use cosmetics containing alcohol, do peelings, or cleanse the skin with scrubbing compounds. In the mornings, you should moisturize your face with a suitable cream, and during the day, protect yourself from sunlight.
The instructions for use of the drug say that when used as directed, it should be lubricated on the affected areas once a day in the evening. But this method does not work if Differin is applied to wrinkles. The girls who followed the instructions noted that in this case the dermis becomes very dry.
Therefore, it is necessary to figure out how to properly use Differin for wrinkles. Some representatives of the fair sex advise applying the drug to the skin of the face once every 3 days or generally limiting use to once a week. Then the skin will not suffer much from drying out.
General recommendations for using Differin for wrinkles should be noted:
- It is best to use the drug immediately before going to bed.
- The cream or gel is applied to clean and dry dermis.
- At the same time as using Differin for wrinkles, you should constantly moisturize the skin. To do this, it is worth expanding your arsenal of facial care cosmetics. For example, experts recommend using a daily moisturizer, as well as periodically making masks.
Facial moisturizers
- When applying Differin to the face, you should avoid getting the product on the mucous membranes. Otherwise, you need to rinse them immediately with running water.
- Direct exposure of the skin to sunlight should be avoided.
- You should stop using alcohol-containing products (for example, various lotions) while using the drug. Otherwise, there is a risk of drying out the skin even more. It is also not recommended to perform peelings using scrubs.
- Differin should be applied in a thin layer. Do not spread the product too thickly or rub it in. This can lead to redness and flaking.
Watch this video about the features of using retinoids:
Contraindications for use and possible side effects
Differin is freely available in pharmacies, but doctors do not recommend experimenting or self-medicating. First of all, because the official instructions indicate contraindications to the use of the drug:
- a history of an allergic reaction to any irritant (additional research will be needed to prevent this);
- some dermatological diseases, for example, eczema, psoriasis (they will need to be put into stable and long-term remission);
- already completed pregnancy, its planning and the period of breastfeeding.
In addition, the doctor may add some internal pathologies to the list of contraindications, for example, severe liver damage, kidney and urinary tract diseases.
Separately, the instructions indicate the possibility of side effects with long-term use of Differin, and this happens by default (the course lasts 3 months). If you experience a feeling of dry skin, tightness, itching, burning, or redness, you should definitely consult a dermatologist. Often, with such side effects, it is enough to reduce the frequency of treatment procedures to one every 2 days.
And one more important point: retinoids greatly increase the photosensitivity of the skin. Therefore, when using the drug in the hot season, when solar activity is especially aggressive, it is necessary to combine it with a sunscreen, but always water-based.
Sunscreens
Moisturizing cream after Differin
To give your skin complete care, you should use a moisturizer daily 30-40 minutes after washing off Differin (it’s best to apply a composition with an anti-wrinkle retinoid at night). The following products are suitable for morning use:
| "Cetaphil Derma Control" | It will protect oily and combination skin from the sun, saturate it with moisture, but will not allow inflammatory elements to form. And most importantly, the cream does not provoke a negative reaction of the epidermis, which tolerates the influence of retinoids. | |
| "Lipobase" | Contains natural components (oils, ceramides, lactic acid, carbomer) that attract moisture to the skin. The product is also advisable to use for oily or combination skin types. The cream does not contain synthetic fragrances, so there is no need to fear a negative reaction with Differin. | |
| "F99" | Contains milk thistle oils, Omega-3 fatty acids, glycerin, so it is more suitable for dry, irritation-prone skin. | |
| "Uriage Hydrolipidique" | This is an emulsion for thin skin that lacks nutrition. It contains glycerin, fatty acids, unique thermal water, but the composition is without parabens. | |
| “Noreva Aquareva Moisturizing day cream Rich textured” | The cream is created for dry skin that lacks moisture. The composition copes not only with hyaluronic acid deficiency, but also with redness, itching, and discomfort. | |
| "Skin-Absolute" from "Filorga" | The day cream contains hyaluronic acid, a unique anti-aging NCTF complex. Therefore, it is especially good for aging skin of any type. | |
| "Filorga Hydra-Filler Mat Gel-Creme Hydratant" | This moisturizing cream-gel is indicated for normal and combination skin. |
All of the listed products belong to the pharmacy cosmetics segment, but among them there are very affordable and more expensive ones.
How to stop aging? Tips from Elena Malysheva.
- Monitor the air humidity level. Indoors – humidity should be 60%. Even dry air causes the skin to die and age because moisture is drawn out of the skin.
- Don't use facial oils. Oil does not help moisturize the skin because it does not retain moisture and simply accumulates on the surface. In addition, oils clog pores and lead to skin irritation.
- Choose the right face cream. It should contain hyaluronic acid, urea and glycerin.
Choosing a cream: the best anti-aging ingredients
These three components help retain moisture in the skin. 1 gram of hyaluronic acid holds 6 liters of water. 1 gram of glycerin is one and a half liters and 1 gram of urea is a liter.
Elena Malysheva says: “Of course, the parameters of hyaluronic acid are better than others. But usually this component is added to creams in small quantities. It is much easier to find a cream with a high urea content. For example, 10% urea is super hydrating. Most often, such cosmetics can be found in special lines for people with diabetes.”
Elena Malysheva generally advises using any cream with urea for the face, for example, for the heels. According to her, this is just a marketing ploy by companies - separate creams for hands, feet and face. Moreover, she herself regularly uses urea cream for her heels. Here's a first-person story.
Can I use heel cream on my face?
Cosmetologists and dermatovenerologists may disagree with Elena Malysheva. The structure is the same, but there is still a difference between the skin of the heels and the skin of the face.
Irina Kulakova is a dermatovenerologist and cosmetologist at the Clinic of German Medical Technologies.
“Let's start with the fact that the skin of the face, hands and feet are very different. Even if we take the stratum corneum of the skin (epidermis) for comparison, it is thin and very sensitive on the face. On the hands, the stratum corneum of the skin is more developed, and on the feet it is the most powerful layer, so the creams will differ greatly even in their softening components and base. Foot cream is the richest, it is adapted to pass through this entire thick stratum corneum. If you use foot cream on your face, you can get a problem in the form of a rash, clogged pores, even up to the germination of blood vessels: the skin will not be able to process such a base and for it it will be like a greenhouse film, under which infections can develop. Hands are often in water and get injured, so hand cream contains glycerin and special healing components, they soften and nourish the skin of the hands. If hand cream containing glycerin is applied to the skin of the face, then instead of having a moisturizing effect, the skin will begin to peel off. In foot products, the emphasis is more on healing cracks, antifungal effect or reducing sweating. It all depends on the problems that need to be solved with the help of cosmetics.”
So what should I do?
Elena Malysheva chooses a pharmaceutical heel cream because she is sure: it is impossible to find a cream with all three components in sufficient concentration - urea, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. We have also been looking for such a remedy for a long time. It turned out that it exists!
What to give preference: Differin or age-related cosmetics
The effectiveness of using the drug against wrinkles depends on many factors. In this regard, many women are trying to figure out what will be more useful - Differin or age-related cosmetics.
It was previously noted that the pharmaceutical drug helps to get rid of only small wrinkles. Therefore, young women under 35 years of age can limit themselves to using only Differin. At this time, the first signs of aging appear, which the drug can cope with on its own with regular use.
After this age, the skin begins to fade faster, wrinkles deepen, and new ones appear. Of course, you can continue to use Differin, but now it alone will not be enough. In addition, people who have tested the drug on themselves noted that it deals mainly with wrinkles around the eyes. And he is no longer able to smooth out the grooves on his forehead.
Therefore, the older the woman, the less advisable it is to use Differin alone. The drug can give a noticeable result only in combination with age-related cosmetics, which, unlike pharmaceutical products, are directly aimed at solving the problem of skin aging.
Contraindications
Not every girl can use Differin for wrinkles. Since this drug is intended to treat inflammation, it has a number of contraindications, including:
- increased sensitivity to the main active ingredient – adapalene, which is expressed in the occurrence of an allergic reaction;
- seborrhea;
- eczema;
- acute dermatitis;
- psoriasis.
Retinoic dermatitis
Doctors advise pregnant and lactating women not to start using Differin. The product is also contraindicated for children under 12 years of age.
Who is Adapalene contraindicated for?
The cream should not be used by pregnant and lactating women. Also, you should not use it under the age of 12 years, if there is an individual intolerance to the components.
Pathologies that are contraindications to the application of the drug include tumor-like formations on the skin, injuries and impaired integrity of the epidermis. If there are diagnoses such as “dermatitis”, “seborrhea”, “eczema”, the ointment is used with increased precautions and in consultation with the attending physician.
"Differin" for mature skin: side effects
"Differin" when used on mature skin can provoke the following undesirable reactions:
- the appearance of local redness and flaky areas;
- burning sensation on the face;
- feeling of sand in the eyes, redness of the whites, swelling of the eyelids;
- the appearance of rashes similar to allergic ones;
- the occurrence of acne or an exacerbation of the problem if it was already bothering you;
- skin soreness.
Side effects from the first two points are the most common. All other unpleasant changes are quite rare.
The listed symptoms can occur on their own, but they are also provoked by exposure to the sun after applying the product and the use of cosmetics with strong flavoring components along with it.
Why does Differin make your face oily?
The face from Differin may become oily for the following reasons:
- A cream is used, not a gel. This composition contains more components that can activate the sebaceous glands. Therefore, when your skin type is oily, but there are signs of aging, it is better to apply anti-wrinkle gel.
- Temporary skin reaction to a retinoid-like component. These substances have a rather aggressive effect on the cells of the epidermis and deeper layers, awakening their internal resources. On the contrary, retinoids reduce the production of sebum, that is, they suppress the activity of the sebaceous glands. And at the beginning of use, they resist this by increasing fat production.
- Using excessive amounts of product. It is not completely absorbed, so a greasy shine remains on the face.
Cream Differin
What are the anti-aging properties of the cream?
The main component of Adapalene exhibits the following effects:
- exfoliates dead skin cells of the epidermis;
- activates collagen production;
- neutralizes free radicals;
- increases the firmness and elasticity of the dermis;
- helps smooth out wrinkles;
- returns healthy color to the skin.
With the use of this product, rapid rejuvenation of the upper layer of the epidermis and equalization of its overall tone are noted.
In reviews from cosmetologists, the effects of Adapalene are often compared to peeling - a procedure that effectively removes the upper stratum corneum of the skin. With the use of the cream, the process of cell regeneration is activated, the depth of wrinkles is visually reduced, and sagging areas are tightened.
The drug helps quite quickly - positive changes become noticeable after 3-4 procedures. The product temporarily reduces the protective functions of the skin and increases its sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, for which reason it should be used in doses.
Cost of the product
“Differin” for wrinkles, containing adapalene, cannot be classified as a cheap drug. A cream purchased at a pharmacy will cost the fair sex approximately 680-900 rubles. If you order the product online, the price will increase slightly. The lower price limit is about 800 rubles.
The cost of Differin anti-wrinkle gel is practically no different from the cream. In pharmacies it can be purchased from 700 to 1000 rubles. But do not forget that the price can vary greatly in different pharmacies. Therefore, it makes sense to look for the point with the lowest price at which the drug is sold.
Despite the fact that “Differin” for wrinkles is quite expensive, its price is completely justified, because its effectiveness has been noted by many people. A tube of 30 grams lasts a long time, as the product is used very sparingly.
Cream "Differin" for wrinkles: reviews from cosmetologists
Judging by reviews from cosmetologists, Differin anti-wrinkle cream helps better with oily and combination skin. Its rejuvenating effect is to eliminate dead cells and stimulate the reproduction of new ones (synthesis of collagen fibers). But for dry skin, experts advise using not only adapalene cream, but also other more effective care products.
The result of using Differin gel
Does the drug have analogues?
One of the main substitutes for Adapalene is a cream called Differin. This product contains an identical active ingredient. The drug has similar indications for use as the original, and is also used to smooth out wrinkles.
The main difference between the two medications is cost. You can buy pharmaceutical products at the following prices:
- Adapalene – from 350 rub. for 15 g;
- Differin – from 500 rub. for the same volume.
Deciding which is better, Adapalene or Differin, can only be based on personal preferences and individual tolerance of a particular drug.
