How to eliminate blackheads using Differin gel and cream

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 ⇓
Acne

- signs, causes and treatment
A vaccine against inflammatory acne
has been successfully tested in mice, but has not yet been shown to be effective in humans.
Acne
is common among...

Read more…

everything on this topic

Main properties of Differin cream and gel

Adapalene is the name of the main active substance in Differin. Regardless of the form of release of the drug (cream or gel), the standard package contains 1 mg of this component. It has 3 main properties:

• accelerates the removal of acne naturally, they open and pour out on their own;
• prevents the formation of new comedones (voluminous blackheads);
• has an anti-inflammatory effect on a specific pathological focus.

Synthetically developed adapalene affects the epithelial cells that line the hair follicle and has a beneficial effect on the processes of exfoliation and accumulation of dead epithelial particles. As a result, there are no plugs on the inner surface of the follicle, which makes it impossible for fat accumulations (the same acne) to form in the pores of the dermis.

We recommend reading about the best acne remedies. From the article you will learn about the causes of acne on the face, pharmaceutical preparations and folk remedies for acne, and nutritional rules. And here is more information about popular anti-acne procedures.

Causes of blackheads

Our skin is made up of many cells. The function of the pores is to connect the surface of the skin with the internal glands. The ducts of the glands through which the skin removes sebaceous secretions can be seen in a magnifying mirror. Natural fat is used by the epidermis to protect and nourish cells.

Blackheads appear when this well-functioning mechanism is disrupted and the pores cannot remove sebaceous secretions to the surface of the skin. This happens because the pores become clogged. As a result, lard begins to accumulate and thicken. Gradually, under the influence of the external environment, the fat in the pores oxidizes and darkens. This is how closed comedones appear.

Most often, people with oily skin face this problem. Their glands secrete a lot of sebum, and their pores are enlarged. But often girls with normal and dry skin have to deal with blackheads.

The appearance of dots is the result of clogged pores with dirt, cosmetics and dust. Therefore, its main cause can be considered insufficiently thorough facial cleansing or improper care. Externally, comedones can be easily disguised with a thick layer of foundation. Often they begin to bother you only after inflammation. In place of the dots, dense white balls appear, which cause a lot of inconvenience and pain.

Self-cleaning and squeezing out dirt from the pores is strictly not recommended. Only a professional cosmetologist can carry out this procedure correctly and under sterile conditions. In addition, cleaning only gives temporary results. To forget about this skin deficiency forever, you should establish proper care. Special remedies for blackheads will help speed up the improvement.

How to use for acne

“Differin” is a drug for external use, and the procedure algorithm will be as follows:

1. Cleanse your facial skin of dust, dirt and decorative cosmetics.
2. Degrease the dermis with a lotion containing a small amount of alcohol and its derivatives.
3. Apply the drug in question in a thin layer to the entire surface of the face, regardless of the location of the acne.

Dermatologists recommend carrying out the procedure in the evening, just before bed. The duration of the course of treatment is 3 months and although the first positive results will be noted already in the 4-6th week of using Differin, the therapy cannot be interrupted, otherwise the resulting effect will quickly disappear and the condition of the facial skin will return to its original state.

This product for external use can be combined with other drugs of the same effect; the compound “Differin” with medications made on the basis of benzoyl peroxide or creams and ointments containing antibiotics (for example, “Erythromycin”) will be especially effective. In this case, the remedy in question is applied in the evening, and all others - in the first half of the day, the gap between procedures should be at least 6 hours.

If after a three-month course of treatment for acne with Differin the problem is not solved, then you cannot continue therapy on your own; you will need to consult a doctor and get new prescriptions.

Differin analogs

By analogues we mean drugs with the same principle of therapeutic action, but their composition of active ingredients is different. Analogues include the following drugs:

• We see;
• Radevit;
• Retanoic ointment;
• Isotrexin;
• Effezel;
• Retasol.

All of the listed drugs are of domestic origin and can be easily purchased at online pharmacies. Their price is lower than that of French diferin, but it belongs to premium level drugs. It was created in the world center of cosmetology, so its effectiveness is beyond doubt.

Baziron or Differin?

Baziron is an antiseptic; it is based on benzene peroxide, intended for external use and is available in the form of a gel. Its therapeutic effect is manifested in a pronounced antimicrobial effect, which is directed against staphylococcus and propionobacteria - the main causative agents of acne.

The drug is able to saturate the skin with the necessary oxygen , normalizing trophic processes. Baziron inhibits the synthesis and secretion of sebaceous glands, after exposure to the gel, the skin receives the necessary hydration and becomes softer, and pathological hyperemia goes away.

If we compare Bazeron and Differin, their actions are different, but in their therapeutic effects they are very similar. Dermatologists usually prescribe both drugs to be used together in treating acne. After such use, a positive effect is observed, and in the near future after the start of acne treatment. The lasting result remains for a long time.

Skinoren or Differin?

Skinoren also belongs to the same group of antiseptic agents; it is based on azelaic acid, which has a strong antimicrobial effect . It also actively influences follicular hyperkeratosis, bringing the functioning of the epidermal elements back to normal. The drug manages to eliminate the problem of oily skin; the composition of the drug affects the amount of free fatty acid fractions in the lipid structures of skin cells.

The medicinal cream can whiten the skin; after application, marble pallor appears, so do not be alarmed. It is best used after the main course of treatment with Differin. Typically, experts recommend using Differin for 3 months, and then using Skinoren, applying it to the face once a day several times a week.

Differin or Clensite?

These two drugs are identical in composition, they contain the same chemical substance - adapalene . Clenzit is produced in India, and Differin is produced in France, so Clenzit is cheaper. The buyer must decide for himself what is best for him to choose. Clenzit is a generic product, in simple terms this means that the gel contains all the same substances in its composition as the original product.

Differences may be in production technology and in obtaining the finished active compound. The difference may also be reflected in the chemical purity of the drugs. Since Clenzit is cheaper in cost, you can try it first and if it suits you, continue treatment; if not, then switch to Differin.

Does Differin really help with subcutaneous acne?

For acne, the drug in question shows high effectiveness, and it does not matter whether there are white or black dots on the face. In general, retinoids (and Differin is their synthetic analogue) are considered the gold standard in dermatology for solving the problem of acne. Some doctors believe that products made with salicylic acid have the same powerful effect, but according to research results this is not the case.

As for classic subcutaneous acne, experts agree on the irrelevance of using Differin against them. For successful therapy, you will need drugs that are able to have antimicrobial and antibacterial effects, and these are those that are made on the basis of benzoyl peroxide.

Dermatologists warn that in case of multiple problems (pimples and blackheads) of the facial skin, it is worth using combined therapy and using both Differin and gels with an antibacterial effect at the same time. Moreover, a specialist should select an additional drug, taking into account the characteristics of the facial skin type and the general health of the patient.

Only in this case will it be possible to minimize the risks of developing an allergic reaction, which often occurs when using several medications with different effects at once.

Watch this video about acne treatment standards:

Application

When using Differin to get rid of acne and blackheads, it is applied to problem areas where there are rashes, once a day in the evening, on dry and clean skin (washing should be done without using soap or alcohol-containing products).

At the beginning of treatment, it is better to do this every other day to give the skin time to get used to the potent product.

Apply a very small amount of the drug superficially, without rubbing. In the morning you should definitely use skin moisturizers.

Be sure to avoid contact with the mucous membranes of the lips and eyes.

Back to the beginning of the article

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

Why do blackheads appear?

At their core, comedones are plugs in the skin pores.
Our skin has sebaceous glands that secrete oil. Thanks to this, the skin itself does not dry out. However, the activity of this system may be disrupted for various reasons. Due to various problems in the body, sebum becomes too viscous or produces too much of it. A sebaceous plug forms at the mouth of the hair follicle. This is a white or yellow comedon. If the fat comes out, it oxidizes and becomes dark in color. Plus dirt from outside - here you have a black dot! There are different ways to get rid of comedones: mechanical cleansing of the face using scrubs or special devices in the salon; the use of masks that cleanse pores; ultrasonic cleaning and others. However, the problem may be that blackheads appear again and again, which causes distress to their owners. In addition, not everyone has the opportunity and desire to constantly go to beauty salons. However, there is a reliable remedy that helps to deeply cleanse the pores and forget about this problem for a long time. This is Differin for blackheads.

Cost of the product

Differin cream for acne costs around 1000 rubles, the gel is about 100 rubles cheaper. You can use analogues of the drug in question, which are produced in India and cost around 500 rubles, but dermatologists are unlikely to vouch for their effectiveness.

We recommend reading about how to use zinc ointment for the face. From the article you will learn about indications and contraindications for the use of zinc ointment for the face, use in cosmetology, and a recipe for a mask with zinc ointment. And here is more information about the treatment of acne scars.

“Differin” can help solve the problem of acne, regardless of the person’s age, whether he is a teenager or a mature, elderly person. You just need to take 3 competent steps: visit a dermatologist and get a prescription, use the drug strictly in accordance with the instructions, monitor your health and immediately respond to its deterioration.

What should you avoid?

1. Petroleum products. These include petroleum jelly, paraffin, mineral oil, various fatty acids and alcohols. They cover the face with a thick film, creating a greenhouse effect. The skin begins to secrete fat more actively, but it cannot easily come to the surface. This may cause new blackheads to appear. All of the listed substances are categorically not recommended for oily and combination skin, but they can benefit those who suffer from dryness. Petroleum products rarely cause irritation and replenish the lack of moisture. They are often used in hypoallergenic pharmaceutical cosmetics.
2. Silicone. It can be found in decorative cosmetics, as well as in such a popular product as BB cream. It helps to even out the surface of the skin due to the fact that it gets clogged into enlarged pores. But the positive external effect has a negative impact on skin health. She stops breathing normally, her color deteriorates, and inflammation appears.
3. Emulsifiers, thickeners and emollients. Lanolin, triglycerides and myristates cause new pimples to appear.

Side effects

In the first days of therapy, you can often hear negative reviews about the drug. The fact is that the effect of a product based on adapalene cannot be called gentle. At the site of exposure, the skin may turn red and begin to peel. The discomfort can be compared to a slight burn. For this reason, many people stop using Differin cream, deciding that it is simply not suitable. In fact, such a reaction of the epidermis to accelerated regeneration is absolutely normal. The side effect goes away; after 3-4 days, redness is not observed when applying the drug.

Pigment spots are another unpleasant phenomenon associated with the use of adapalene-based products. To avoid having to deal with the problem, it is advisable to plan the course of therapy for the winter period. It is not recommended to stay in the sun for a long time. You will also have to temporarily give up decorative cosmetics. Regular powder can provoke an exacerbation of inflammation on the skin of the face.

At the beginning of therapy, unpleasant phenomena such as redness and itching of the skin may occur.

Composition and release form

On the domestic market, the product is presented in two forms. In pharmacies you can find Differin gel or cream. In both cases, the active ingredient adapalene is contained in the same concentration - 0.1%. The following substances are used as additional components: polyethylene glycol, glycerin, methyl glucose sescistearate, distilled water, sodium edetate. The drug goes on sale in plastic tubes in a dosage of 30 g. This is usually enough to undergo a course of treatment for acne on the face.

On the foreign market, Differin for blackheads can also be found in the form of a lotion. It also contains ethyl alcohol, which helps dry out inflammation on the skin. Differin cream remains the most popular. This remedy not only fights existing rashes, but also prevents the further development of acne. In addition, the cream perfectly moisturizes the skin and makes it soft. The product can be used for both the face and body.

The main difference between gel and cream is the storage features. The gel may not lose its properties for three years from the date of production, but the cream will have to be thrown away after two years. At the same time, the active component (adapalene) is not at all sensitive to environmental factors. The medicine can be stored anywhere at a temperature of no more than 25 degrees Celsius. When in contact with ultraviolet light or air, the medication does not lose its properties.

Differin cream effectively treats acne, as well as the first signs of skin aging