Differin Gel & Cream

Differin has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing soreness and irritation of the skin caused by mild to moderate acne.

It is used on the face, chest or back for acne, where the skin has lots of blackheads, spots and pimples. Differin is only absorbed into the body in very small amounts and has little effect, except on the surface of the skin. Vitamin A helps to control skin cell shedding, reducing blocked pores which causes acne.

How long you use Differin will depend on how quickly your acne improves. Your progress should be reviewed after 3 months of treatment.

Always use this medicine exactly as our doctors have told you.

1. Cleanse the affected area of skin well, rinse with warm water and gently pat dry.
2. Apply Differin at night before going to bed, with clean fingertips and rub in gently.
3. Wash your hands after using the gel.

Applying too much Differin or applying it more frequently will not help your acne clear up more quickly and may cause skin irritation and discomfort

If you forget to apply Differin don’t apply a double dose to make up for it, just apply the next dose at the usual time.

While many online retailers claim to supply genuine medicines, they may be unregulated, provided without a genuine Doctor consultation and potentially very dangerous.

You can rest assured, PrivateDoc is a fully registered digital health service. We have UK registered Doctors that review and assess every consultation. All the medicines we supply are 100% genuine and fully regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

If you accidentally swallow any Differin, seek immediate medical advice.

Differin should not be used:

• if you are under 12 years
• if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. If you fall pregnant while using Differin you should stop treatment and inform your GP as soon as possible
• if you are allergic to adapalene or any other ingredients in Differin
• on irritated skin, cuts, grazes, sunburn, broken skin or skin with eczema

Skin reactions

• If you experience sensitivity or irritation when applying Differin, our doctors may advise you to use less often or stop using until the symptoms subside
• Do not use on broken skin, eczema, cuts or scrapes
• Keep away from your eyes, lips, mouth or inside your nose, but if you should get Differin into these areas, wash immediately with plenty of water
• Avoid exposure to strong sunlight and UV light. Wear sunscreen or protective clothing over treated areas

Other medicines and skin treatments

• Acne products containing benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin or clindamycin can be used alongside Differin, but they should be applied in the morning and the Differin applied at night
• Cosmetics can be worn but avoid any that may cause blackheads or dry the skin

Breastfeeding

• Differin can be used while breastfeeding, but to avoid exposure to the infant you should not apply to your chest

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Dry skin
• Irritation of skin
• Burning sensation of the skin
• Redness of the skin

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Local skin reactions (contact dermatitis)
• Skin discomfort
• Sunburn
• Itching of skin
• Peeling of skin
• Flare up of acne

Frequency not known

• Allergic contact reaction
• Pain or swelling of skin
• Irritation redness, itching or swelling of eyelids

For complete details about all side effects always read the Patient Information Leaflet.