Differin against acne - will not leave acne a single chance 

Differin _

intended for the treatment of acne.
It helps reduce the number and severity of breakouts and promotes rapid healing of developing pimples. The active ingredient, adapalene, belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. It affects cell growth and reduces swelling and inflammation. Continued below ⇓
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Acne gel and cream Differin and its analogues

Therapeutic and preventive recommendations have been developed regarding diet, daily routine, rules and skin care products, etc., drugs with different mechanisms of action and cosmetics, especially for the face, with preventive and therapeutic effects.

At the same time, there are no well-founded standard algorithms for the treatment of acne depending on the clinical and morphological manifestations of the pathology; there are no specific recommendations on the choice of drugs, the stages and sequence of their use for treatment, maintenance and preventive courses.

The remedy for acne and its complications, as well as post-acne, is selected empirically depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the prevalence of the manifestations of the disease in a given patient, the location of the rash, the severity of the accompanying inflammatory process, etc.

Dermatologists and cosmetologists have been widely using medications based on topical retinoids for many years to combat this dermatosis and its consequences as local monotherapy or in combination, mainly with antibacterial drugs. In recent years, treatment with Differin (adapalene) has gained significant popularity. In clinical practice, the standard of local therapy for acne is currently the use of adapalene, basiron (benzoyl peroxide) and antimicrobial agents.

In online articles describing Differin, it is often referred to as “Differin tablets,” but even more often as “Differin ointment.” Speaking about the forms of the drug, it should be noted that it is available only in the form of 0.1% hydrogel and 0.1% cream and is intended for external use only. The composition of the drug is:

1. The active component is adapalene, a naphthoic acid derivative, which is a synthetic analogue of third generation retinoic acid.
2. Excipients.

Analogs of Differin - Klenzit, Adolen, Adaklin, Adapalene, Effezel (adapalene with basiron).

Analogs

If the drug is ineffective, drugs with retinoids or with a similar effect are prescribed. Differin cream and gel analogues are available in pharmacies in a wide range. These are Baziron, Ugrisept, Skinoren, Adaklin, Videstim, Klenzit, Radevit ointment (instructions).

How does Differin work?

In accordance with modern concepts, the main role in the mechanism of development of acne manifestations belongs to:

• hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands, accompanied by excess production of sebum;
• disruption of terminal differentiation of keratinocytes and separation of horny scales;
• blockage of the mouths of hair follicles with horny masses with the formation of closed and open comedones;
• local inflammation caused by propionbacteria acne and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Adapalene affects the pathogenetic links listed above and is the most effective remedy in complex therapy for any severity of acne. As a representative of a new biochemical class of retinoids, it has new properties and a number of advantages compared to the products of this series of previous generations. Differin is characterized by:

1. Suppression of the formation of cytokines and other inflammatory reactions, resulting in a significantly pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
2. The ability to most effectively participate in the regulation of the processes of terminal differentiation of keratinocytes.
3. Inhibition of sebocyte proliferation, due to which the size of the sebaceous glands and their production of sebum are reduced.
4. A pronounced keratolytic effect, that is, normalization of the processes of separation of horn cells in the area of ​​the mouth of the hair follicles. This is possible due to selective binding to special retinoid-sensitive receptors of the cell nuclei of the superficial epithelial layers of the skin, which results in a decrease in the adhesion of keratinocytes to each other and acceleration of their exfoliation. As a result, existing ones are removed (comedolytic effect) and the formation of new comedones is prevented.
5. Fairly good tolerability, low irritation with effective penetration of the active substance into the epidermal layers. This is ensured by the original auxiliary components of the drug, which form a hydrogel and promote uniform distribution of adapolene microcrystals in the latter.

These properties make it possible to use Differin both at the stage of initial comedonal acne and during the papulopustular stage of acne, as well as during the period of remission - as maintenance therapy.

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.

Indications for use

Differin is used externally for various manifestations and stages of acne - from blackheads, from closed comedones, which are a type of cysts formed as a result of blockage of the mouths of hair follicles with horny masses, from subcutaneous acne and from age spots after acne.

In addition, adapalene is used as an adjuvant for rosacea, despite the fact that the specific cause of this dermatosis has not been fully established, and the mechanism of its development has not been sufficiently studied. The cause of rosacea has long been considered to be the Demodex mite, which lives in the hair follicles.

Although this concept was subsequently refuted, the assumption remains that demodex has an indirect effect on the development of rosacea. In this regard, for demodicosis, complex therapy includes sebosuppressive and comedolytic drugs, the most effective of which is adapalene.

Thus, indications for the use of Differin are acne of any severity, including the presence of comedones, papules and pustules. How to use the drug?

Mode of application

Differin and its analogues are used only externally(!). It is recommended to use the gel or cream once a day - in the evening or just before bed. It is applied to a previously cleaned (without alcohol-containing products) dry surface of the skin in a thin layer, pointwise (in the presence of single elements) or broadly, including surrounding areas - if the elements are densely placed and there are large areas of damage. In this case, you should avoid getting the drug on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth, on the skin of the corners of the nose and on the lips.

Photo taken from the resource irecommend.ru

Photo taken from the resource irecommend.ru

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.

What should you not use Differin with?

Although adapalene in certain forms of the disease is recommended to be combined with baziron and antibiotics, they cannot be applied at the same time and to the same areas of the skin, since this can significantly reduce the results of the first.

Differin is also not recommended to be combined with the use of:

• other drugs from the retinoid group;
• peeling and abrasive cleansers;
• skin-drying agents, including sulfur- and zinc-containing products;
• aromatic products that irritate the skin, irritating soaps, as well as solutions (even aqueous) with salicylic acid;
• photosensitizing agents and procedures involving ultraviolet and laser radiation.

"Differin" for mature skin: side effects

"Differin" when used on mature skin can provoke the following undesirable reactions:

• the appearance of local redness, 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.

Contraindications and side effects

The main contraindications for the use of Differin preparations are:

• known facts of intolerance or hypersensitivity to the main substance or to any of the auxiliary components of the drug;
• the presence of seborrheic dermatitis;
• the presence of eczema, an area of ​​damaged skin resulting from injury or cuts or sunburn;
• damage to large areas of the skin by acne;
• children under 12 years of age, since there is no data on the safety and effectiveness of the drug in this age group.

Despite the fact that there is no clinical data on the negative effect of Differin on the course of early pregnancy, the use of Differin during pregnancy is contraindicated due to the limited nature of the available data and the impossibility of excluding its penetration into the blood in small doses.

Also, no studies have been conducted into the possibility of Differin passing into breast milk. However, it is believed that it is not possible for neonates to be exposed to it during breastfeeding due to its low systemic exposure. Therefore, the use of Differin while breastfeeding is not contraindicated, but it is recommended to take all measures to ensure that it does not come into contact with the skin of the mammary glands.

Side effects of Differin include peeling of the skin. The skin peels intensely from Differin on average in 35%, moderate peeling is observed in 6%, severe peeling in less than 1%. In addition, the main side effects are also mild burning sensations and persistent itching in the area where the cream or gel is applied, and the appearance of erythema (less than 10%). Much less common (from 0.1 to 1%) are contact dermatitis, increased severity of existing or the appearance of new acne, sunburn, and allergic reactions.

Release forms

Differin for acne has 3 release forms:

• cream;
• ointment;
• gel.

The concentration of the active substance in each product is 0.1%. Any form of the drug is released in a plastic tube. The volume of the product is 30 g.

Differin for acne is produced by a French company. Their production includes the development of cosmetics with healing effects.

Differin lotion is sold on the European market and the West. The properties and composition of this drug are identical to gel, cream and ointment. The lotion has gained recognition from people because of its ease of application to the dermis of the face. It is also used to moisturize the back.

Comparison of Differin with other drugs of similar action

Just like different dosage forms of the same drug, different drugs used for the same disease have their own indications and contraindications and are used depending on the form, stage, degree of severity, individual characteristics of the body, etc.

Differin or Zenerit

When addressing this issue, the composition and mechanism of action of the latter should be taken into account. Zinerit is a chelate complex of the antibiotic erythromycin and zinc acetate. It, like Differin, is characterized by comedolytic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

However, its comedolytic and sebosuppressive effects are insignificant. The drug has a pronounced drying effect, and against this background, acne is much more difficult to treat. Because of these properties, the drug is applied pointwise for no more than 1 month for the purpose of treating single isolated elements with a predominance of moderate inflammatory processes. The short period of use is also due to the possibility of addiction and immunity to the antibiotic.

Differin or Baziron - which is better?

Baziron AC is available in the form of 2.5%, 5% and 10% gel. The active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide. It does not belong to the group of retinoids, but due to its ability to inhibit free fatty acids, which are involved in the formation of comedones, it prevents the formation of new acne elements (comedolytic effect).

But its main effect is anti-inflammatory and bactericidal against propionbacteria acne and Staphylococcus epidermidis. These effects are due, unlike retinoids, to the prevention of the damaging effects of free radicals formed at the site of inflammation, as well as the pronounced oxidative effect of free oxygen, released in the tissues from benzoyl peroxide and which is destructive for bacteria.

Therefore, Baziron AS is used mainly in the presence of comedones with signs of an inflammatory process.

Despite the similarity of clinical results, raising the question of the benefits of treatment with one of these drugs is not entirely correct. Each of them is used under certain conditions, as can be judged from the information in the next section.

Watch the video about Differin:

Description of the drug

According to the instructions for use, Differin effectively copes with any manifestations of acne. This inflammatory pathology is characterized by the formation of rashes of various sizes and locations. The drug is included in therapeutic regimens if the following formations are present on the skin:

• closed comedones - white nodules that do not reach the surface of the epidermis;
• open comedones, or “black spots”, which form when skin pores are contaminated with epithelial particles and dust;
• papular and pustular acne, accompanied by an inflammatory process in the tissues.

In the absence of medical intervention, the nodes become deformed, ulcerate, and degenerate into rough scars. Scars also form during the healing of cysts, which are purulent cavities.

Course use of Differin allows you to prevent changes in skin relief due to the rapid restoration of all epidermal layers.

Pharmacological group and action

Differin is a representative of the clinical-pharmacological group of dermatotropic agents. It belongs to external preparations for the treatment of acne and the prevention of its complications. The pharmacological effect of Differin ointment is due to the clinical effectiveness of its active component. This is adapalene - a chemically stable derivative of naphthoic acid.

The bioactive compound stops acute and sluggish inflammatory processes and prevents their spread to healthy tissue. Adapalene modulates cell division processes and normalizes keratinization of the epidermis.

The use of gel and cream has a diverse therapeutic effect:

• elimination of excessive formation of horny scales (hyperkeratosis), clogging pores along with sebum;
• preventing the formation of microcomedones;
• stimulation of the release of pathological contents of comedones to the surface of the skin;
• disturbances in the connection of keratinocytes with pilosebaceous follicles;
• reduction in the severity of pain, itching, burning;
• acceleration of exfoliation of keratinized epithelium;

Unlike other anti-acne products, the use of Differin does not lead to excessive peeling and dryness of the dermis. There is no unpleasant feeling of “tightness” of the skin.

By suppressing inflammation in all epidermal layers, microcirculation and blood circulation improves. And thanks to the replenishment of nutrients, the restoration of damaged tissues is significantly accelerated.

Release form and composition

The drug is produced by a French pharmaceutical factory. The Differin therapeutic line consists of two dosage forms with identical active composition, but different auxiliary components.

White thick cream is packaged in 30.0 g in aluminum tubes. The primary packaging for the transparent gel is a soft plastic tube, which also contains 30.0 g of the product. The active component of Differin is adapalene, which is a retinoid-like compound in its chemical structure.

The auxiliary composition of the gel is represented by the following ingredients:

• propylene glycol;
• methylparaben;
• phenoxyethanol;
• carbomer;
• disodium edetate;
• polyxamer;
• sodium hydroxide;
• purified water.

Differin cream contains more fatty components. To form the base, the manufacturer used carbomer, macrogol, methyldextrose sesquistearate, methylparaben, and propylparaben.

The cream also contains squalene (a carotenoid), phenoexyethanol, cyclomethicone, sodium edetate, water and sodium hydroxide.

Secondary packaging of external products is a cardboard box with instructions for use inside.

Differin: cream or gel – which is better?

Regardless of the dosage form used, Differin copes well with “blackheads” and acne. But its auxiliary composition must be taken into account by the dermatologist when drawing up a therapeutic regimen. One of the main determining factors is the patient’s skin type:

• if it has large pores and sebaceous secretion is produced in large quantities, then a gel is used. It does not contain any fatty ingredients. The gel is quickly absorbed into the deepest epidermal layers, stopping the inflammatory process;
• The cream is intended for people with dry, irritation-prone skin. Throughout the entire treatment period, the product reliably retains moisture and prevents its evaporation.

The gel acts faster - the clinical effect is observed after 1-2 weeks of therapy. The effect of the cream is softer and more gentle due to its slow penetration into the skin.

Its medicinal properties are manifested when a certain concentration of adapalene is created in pathological lesions.

Application of Differin

In the case of diagnosing a mild degree of acne, in which the clinical symptoms are dominated by rashes of comedonal elements without inflammatory phenomena, and with a predominant localization on the skin of the face, Differin is prescribed once a day. It is applied to clean, dry skin and distributed in a thin, even layer not only directly on acne, but also on areas with increased oil content.

If comedonal elements predominate, the duration of the course of therapy should be at least 3 months. In the presence of an unexpressed polymorphic nature of the rash (papular and pustular elements, open and closed comedones), the duration of treatment is increased to achieve a lasting effect. Regression of the main elements is an indication for the use of Differin up to 2 – 3 times a week for several weeks.

The moderate and severe stages of acne are characterized by the presence, in addition to comedones, of widespread (face, anterior chest, back) inflammatory elements in the form of papules, pustules, purulent crusts, swelling in the peripheral zone of acne. Therapy is carried out by applying Baziron 1 – 2 times during the daytime to elements with signs of inflammation. At night, the inflammatory rash is lubricated with an emulsion or ointment with antibiotics, but it is better with Baneocin - a combined antibacterial and bactericidal drug that also reduces peeling.

Such anti-inflammatory treatment should be carried out from 3 weeks to 1 month, after which adapalene therapy continues for several months, including a maintenance regime (1-2 times a week).

In the case of a predominance of large (more than 2 mm in diameter) inflammatory elements, as well as in the presence of single subcutaneous pimples (infiltrates), Baneocin is applied 2 times a day, and Differin - at night. The course of such combined treatment is 1 month, after which only adapalene is used at night for at least 3 months. A course of maintenance therapy in the presence of common elements with a predominance of pustules is also carried out last up to 3 times a week for several months.

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:

All of the listed products belong to the pharmacy cosmetics segment, but among them there are very affordable and more expensive ones.