Blackheads (scientifically, open comedones) are not the most terrible and unpleasant of skin problems, however, their unfortunate owners are sometimes ready to do anything to get rid of this decoration. First, lotions, masks and scrubs are used, but if there is no effect or it is temporary, it is the turn of heavy artillery.
One of these large-caliber weapons is Differin. Let's find out how well it works against blackheads and whether its use in this case - continuing the artillery analogy - is shooting sparrows from a cannon.
Effect of the drug
Under the influence of adapalene, sebaceous plugs in the pores dissolve, so its use helps to gradually cleanse the skin. With regular application, comedones are eliminated and complexion is evened out.
The use of the drug normalizes metabolic processes in the skin, has nourishing and protective effects, preventing the effects of negative factors.
Differin normalizes keratinization processes, preventing hyperkeratosis. It can be used as monotherapy for acne or in combination with other medications.
The beneficial effects on the skin are as follows:
- restoration of normal functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- elimination of oily shine;
- suppression of the inflammatory process;
- reducing the likelihood of scars and scars, because keratinization is normalized.
Differin peeling
There is an alternative way to use differin. It is not indicated in the instructions, but was discovered by buyers in practice.
Since Differin is active, it thins the skin and can be used as a retinoic peel.
This procedure will help the skin renew its upper layers . Peeling is recommended to be carried out in autumn or winter, when ultraviolet activity is reduced (to avoid the appearance of pigment spots after the procedure)
In order to peel, you need to apply Differin as usual, but 30 minutes after application, repeat with a thicker layer . After half an hour or an hour, you need to wash off the drug with warm water.
Over the next 2-3 days, the skin will be slightly tight, redness and peeling . But this is a natural process and it passes without consequences. Result: pores are tightened, the skin is cleared of blackheads, feels smooth to the touch, and looks radiant.
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.
Instructions for Differin (Method and dosage)
Gel Differin, instructions for use
Before applying the acne gel, you need to cleanse your face , so the therapeutic capabilities of the pharmaceutical drug will be much higher. However, you should not use alcohol or soap solutions for this; it is recommended to use washing gel . The ointment is applied in an even thin layer over the entire face (if Differin for blackheads is used) or selectively only on inflammatory elements to eliminate them, without rubbing.
The frequency of use is once a day; it is better to use the drug in the evening, before bedtime, since at night the reparative mechanisms of the skin are higher due to the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. The maximum effect from using the gel is usually observed after a month, but the full course of conservative therapy for getting rid of blackheads or acne lasts 3 months. The possibility of repeated sanitation with a pharmaceutical drug should be further discussed with a dermatologist.
Instructions for the cream
Like the gel, the acne and acne cream should be applied to cleansed and dry skin with light touches. You can use the cream both in the morning and in the evening. Avoid contact of the pharmaceutical drug with the red border of the lips, nasal mucosa and eye area, otherwise the possibility of developing local and systemic side effects increases significantly. The cream is used not only for the face, but also for the back, shoulders and chest area, if necessary (acne or other blemishes are common).
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.
Side effects
The effect of the drug on the skin cannot be called gentle and gentle. In the first days of use, severe skin irritation often occurs, the intensity of the discomfort sometimes resembling a burn.
In this case, the use of the drug is suspended for a day or two, and then treatment is continued in smaller doses.
In addition, at the initial stage of treatment, an exacerbation often occurs: many closed comedones break out and become inflamed.
Common side effects are:
- dry skin;
- peeling, sometimes very pronounced;
- redness;
- itching
Due to the fact that the upper stratum corneum of the skin is destroyed and it becomes thinner, in some patients, while using the drug, the healing of inflamed acne slows down, and noticeable scars form in their place.
During the treatment period, it is not recommended to be in the sun and sunbathe (there is a risk of age spots), and you should also use cosmetics with great caution: at this time, regular foundation can cause a painful skin reaction.
Back to the beginning of the article
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.
Generics
With all the advantages of differin, it has one drawback - its cost.
On average, a 30 gram tube costs 700 rubles .
As an alternative, there are analogues cheaper than Differin, their price starts from 400 rubles . For example, generics Klenzit, Adaklin and Adolen, as well as retinoic ointment.
Generics are medicines that are similar to the original drug , but for some reason are sold under different names. There are usually two reasons for this:
- The patent protection for the active substance has expired.
- Another manufacturer has the patent.
Under these conditions, the production of drugs and analogues is carried out under a compulsory license . That is, they are produced without the consent of the patent holder, under a different trade name.
These measures are aimed at ensuring that the patent holder does not abuse his exclusive right and that the required drug is produced in sufficient quantities for the population.
Generics, as a rule, are not inferior to the original drug, but are cheaper . Differin has three of them: Klenzit, Adaklin, Adolen , the composition of these analogues is identical to the main drug. Let's look at it in order.
Klenzit
The most popular of Differin gel analogues.
The active substance is presented in the same concentration as the original drug.
Klenzit is available in gel form. The similarity of the composition is striking: the components are the same and so is their quantity .
Side effects are also the same: in the first weeks, dry skin, burning sensation, itching and redness. The only difference between the drugs is that Klenzit is produced in India , while Differin is produced in France.
And, of course, the price: Klenzit costs about 500 rubles , the cost of the original drug is 200-300 rubles higher.
Patient reviews of the drug Klenzit are entirely positive; buyers note improvement in facial skin after the third use.
Some of those who used both drugs preferred Klenzit , precisely because of its greater efficiency.
Adaklin
An analogue of Differin cream. A relatively new generic, produced in India .
Cosmetologists recommend it for treatment for teenagers.
To achieve the effect, you need to use it for at least 4-8 weeks continuously . The composition and properties are similar to Clensite.
Adaklin's price is slightly lower: about 450 rubles . Buyers respond positively to the drug.
Some use the original drug as a course, and then carry out maintenance therapy with Adaclin.
Contraindication: children under 12 years of age.
Adolen
This is an analogue of Differin in Russia .
It is very difficult to find in pharmacies, even though it is a domestic drug. The properties are the same as those of previous analogues.
According to customer reviews, Adolen effectively combats the increased formation of comedones and normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
However, a significant disadvantage of this product can be considered its rare availability on sale.
Features of the drug use
Differin is designed for long-term treatment. On average, the course of therapy ranges from 8 to 12 months. The first significant results can be observed after 4-8 weeks. The occurrence of side effects in the first week of treatment should not be a reason to discontinue therapy. To eliminate itching and flaking, use a moisturizer or preparations with a healing effect (for example, Panthenol). Peeling is observed in 35% of patients, high intensity is recorded in less than 1% of people, and average intensity is observed in 6%. However, if you experience severe discomfort, you should consult a specialist. Perhaps he will adjust the frequency of use of the drug or replace it.
It is necessary to understand that the use of external agents in the treatment of therapy is always only part of a comprehensive treatment. General skin care rules must be followed. You should also make sure to make changes to your diet and follow a diet to avoid fatty and spicy foods. Otherwise, the use of Differin will not work.
IMPORTANT! Proper skin care involves the exclusion of such care products as scrubs, peelings - any cosmetic products that can damage the skin and cause additional inflammation.
The optimal time to treat acne with retinoids is from October to April. This is due to the fact that adapalene significantly increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, so its use in intense sunlight can cause pigmentation.
Absorption of adapalene when applied externally is low - 4%. Excretion from the body is carried out mainly through bile.
Differin does not interact with oxygen and is not destroyed by exposure to sunlight. It can be used simultaneously with other systemic and local drugs intended for the treatment of acne. The most common combinations are with clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide.
All mucous membranes must be protected from contact with the cream or gel. If it comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose, it is necessary to rinse the affected area repeatedly with running water.
The drugs are sold without a prescription. They should be stored at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees.
Drugs &mdash, synonyms
Above are analogues of Differin with a similar active ingredient . However, there are drugs that contain other substances, but the effect on the skin is similar to Differin. For example, Baziron and Skinoren.
Baziron
Can be used for inflammation, because it contains an antimicrobial complex.
Otherwise, the action is similar to Differin, and the price is within the same limits.
But, it is worth considering that Baziron has a more aggressive effect on the skin and more often causes serious irritation.
In this case, you need to stop using it and start using Differin.
Skinoren
It works thanks to azelaic acid.
But it is also capable of acting on acne, although, judging by customer reviews, it is less effective than Differin or generics.
Skinoren is recommended to be used continuously to maintain the effect. Stopping the medication may cause recurrence of the rash.
There are also other medicines based on vitamin A.
But they have a wider spectrum of action and do not always effectively help with acne .
For example, Retinoic ointment is more likely intended for rejuvenating aging, dry skin that is not prone to acne.
If the ointment is used by a teenager, then there is a risk of even greater blockage of the pores and deterioration of the facial skin, because the base of the ointment is Vaseline , and this is a fatty substrate that creates an impenetrable film.
Preparing the skin for product use
Anti-wrinkle cream with adapalene has an active effect on the skin. Before applying it, careful preparation is required to get the maximum benefit from the drug.
Before using the ointment, you must:
- cleanse the skin of cosmetics and various contaminants, using cosmetics with a low alkali content (foam, milk, washing gel);
- If possible, clean the dermis using additional devices (silicone brushes, technical devices) that provide an impeccable result;
- steam your face by holding it over a container of steam (you can also take a hot bath or shower, or make a compress with a towel soaked in hot water).
Before anti-wrinkle cream is applied, the skin must be thoroughly dried. You should not apply the drug to wet surfaces.
Overdose
A state of intoxication with active or auxiliary components is unlikely, since Differin has a low absorption capacity (only 4% of the applied amount of ointment or gel is absorbed into the microcirculation). In case of accidental oral use or application of the drug to damaged skin, prolonged uncontrolled use, the following symptoms may develop:
- dry skin;
- muscle pain;
- lacrimation;
- symptoms of vitamin A in particularly severe cases.
How to apply cream for wrinkles?
Applying the ointment helps to get rid of many problems that arise with age:
- dullness of facial skin;
- nasolabial folds;
- wrinkles on the forehead and under the lower eyelids;
- “crow’s feet” in the corners of the eyes;
- drooping corners of the lips;
- flabbiness of the epidermis;
- hyperpigmentation.
In combination with other products, the cream helps protect the skin from parasitic and microbial lesions and restores normal tone of the facial muscles.
After careful preparation, Adapalene is evenly distributed over the skin, moving in the direction of the massage lines (from the central part of the face to the sides). The product is applied in a medium layer (thick for deep wrinkles). There is no need to rub in the cream.
The drug is left to act for 40-60 minutes. After this time, it must be completely washed off using cool water. At the final stage of the procedure, a nourishing or moisturizing cream is applied to the face. It is best to use a product containing vitamins for the skin.
Additional recommendations
During the period of using ointment for facial and age-related folds on the face, it is important to adhere to some rules:
- Avoid contact of the product with mucous membranes and eyes.
- Avoid the parallel use of scrubs, cleansers containing ethyl alcohol, or any drying or irritating products.
- When outdoors, protect the epidermis from exposure to active sun.
It is necessary to take into account the following - the next day after using the cream with adapalene, the skin begins to turn red, and on the second day it begins to actively peel off. Such processes should be perceived as the norm and do not require the intervention of specialists. At this time, you should definitely use moisturizers that are suitable for your dermis type.
