Closed Comedones Treatment: When Bumps Need an Acne Review
Persistent small bumps may be closed comedones or another skin condition. Learn what to report before choosing an acne medicine or another exfoliant.
Differin gel vs cream
Choosing between Differin cream and gel
Differin gel and cream both contain adapalene 0.1%. The difference is what the medicine is mixed with. The cream feels richer, while the gel contains different ingredients that may affect how your skin reacts. If your skin is dry or has reacted to either form before, tell your prescriber before switching.
The main difference
Both preparations contain adapalene 0.1%, a prescription acne medicine called a retinoid. The cream has a richer base; the gel has a different feel and ingredients. A cream may be considered when skin is dry, but neither preparation suits everyone. Previous irritation, allergies and the rest of your skincare routine help the prescriber choose. A switch should be agreed, especially if your skin is already sore.
Differin gel vs cream: what changes?
The 0.1% strength means there is 1mg of adapalene in each gram. Changing from gel to cream does not change that number. The other ingredients carry the medicine and affect how it spreads, feels and is tolerated. They can matter even when the active ingredient is familiar.
| Question | Gel | Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Adapalene 0.1% | Adapalene 0.1% |
| Feel | Gel preparation | Richer cream preparation |
| Dry skin | Discuss dryness and irritation with the prescriber | May be considered for dry skin |
| Ingredients | Includes propylene glycol and a preservative | Different base and preservatives |
| Pregnancy or planning pregnancy | Do not use | Do not use |
The gel prescribing information and cream prescribing information list the full ingredients. If you have a known ingredient allergy, ask the pharmacist to check the exact product rather than assuming a different texture will avoid it.
Adapalene helps keep pores from becoming blocked and reduces inflammation. It is not an antibiotic. A cosmetic moisturiser described as a cream is not Differin cream, and an over-the-counter retinol serum is not the same prescription medicine. Check the active ingredient and preparation on the tube, particularly if an online photograph looks familiar but the wording differs.
Dryness, oiliness and sensitive skin
A clinician may consider the cream if your skin is dry, although either form can cause redness, stinging or peeling. Tell them how your skin feels after washing and after applying the medicine. Even skin that gets oily during the day can be sore or sensitive.
For example, tell the prescriber if your cheeks feel tight after washing but your forehead becomes oily later. Explain whether the discomfort started before the medicine or after adding a cleanser or exfoliant. Those details are more useful than choosing a preparation from one skin-type label.
If you had a reaction, tell the prescriber what happened and how soon it started. Mild dryness is different from persistent stinging, swelling or a spreading rash. Have a suspected allergy or severe reaction assessed before trying another adapalene product.
The gel lists propylene glycol, which can irritate skin, and a preservative that may cause an allergic reaction. The cream has different ingredients, including preservatives that can also cause allergy. These details do not predict which preparation will suit you. They are a reason to have a known reaction checked against the full ingredient list by a pharmacist.
Before changing preparations
If you already have a prescription, check with your pharmacist or prescriber before switching. They need to know why you want to change and whether the original treatment has had a fair, comfortable trial. Do not apply both preparations or double the amount because one feels lighter.
- Show the name, strength and type on your current tube, not just a photograph of the brand name.
- List other products you apply, including cosmetic retinol, exfoliating acids and spot treatments.
- Explain missed applications and side effects, and ask what to stop using if a change is agreed.
Before you switch, ask which form to use, how often to put it on and when to check whether it is helping. If your skin is already sore, ask whether you should pause treatment first. Keep a note of any changes you agree with your prescriber.
Both preparations require a prescription in the UK. Information about buying Differin without a prescription in another country should not determine how you obtain it here. Use a registered pharmacy and keep the medicine in its original packaging. If an old tube has no readable label or the preparation is unclear, ask a pharmacist before using it.
Using the chosen treatment comfortably
Differin is usually applied as a thin film once in the evening to clean, dry acne-affected skin. Keep it away from the eyes, lips and other sensitive areas. Follow your own prescription. Extra gel or cream does not give quicker results and can make redness, peeling or discomfort worse.
Ask about a suitable moisturiser and keep washing gentle. Avoid adding another retinoid or several drying products at once. For some topical acne treatments, NICE acne guidance includes alternate-day or short-contact use at the start to reduce irritation. Your prescriber should explain whether and how this applies to your medicine.
Avoid too much sun or UV exposure and use suitable sun protection. Keep Differin off broken, sunburnt or eczematous skin. If soreness makes you skip applications, tell your prescriber how often that happens so they can judge whether the treatment is helping.
When you need advice sooner
Do not use either preparation during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy. Stop adapalene and speak to your prescriber if you become pregnant while using it. Tell them if you are breastfeeding so they can advise how to avoid contact with a baby, including avoiding application to the chest.
Severe irritation or a reaction suggesting allergy means stopping the product and getting medical advice. Do not dismiss painful burning, swelling or a spreading rash as a normal adjustment. Call 999 for breathing difficulty or sudden swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat.
Deep painful spots, scarring, an uncertain diagnosis or significant distress about acne may need GP or specialist assessment. A change of texture alone may not address the problem. A planned review around 12 weeks helps assess treatment, with earlier contact for worsening symptoms or side effects.
At review, explain both benefit and comfort. Fewer inflamed spots with persistent soreness is a different result from no change after many missed applications. Keep the dates of any switch or pause and describe what happened afterwards. This helps the clinician decide whether the preparation, application plan or treatment itself needs changing.
Asking about a different form of Differin
If you have been prescribed the cream and cannot get it, ask your pharmacist to check what is available. Tell them if you chose the cream because the gel stung or dried your skin. That history matters when the prescriber decides whether a switch to Differin gel is suitable.
Epiduo is a different medicine combination: it contains adapalene plus benzoyl peroxide. It is not another name for Differin cream. Our Epiduo and Differin comparison covers that ingredient choice. The acne treatment page explains the assessment and other options.
Your questions answered
Is the gel stronger than the cream?
Both Differin preparations discussed here contain adapalene 0.1%. The base differs, so how they feel and whether they suit you can differ too. Do not use texture or a faster-drying feel as a measure of strength.
Can I put gel on oily areas and cream on dry areas?
Do not create a two-product routine yourself. Explain the different areas to your prescriber and ask for one clear plan. Applying two adapalene products can make it harder to judge the amount used and the cause of irritation.
Does switching mean starting the treatment clock again?
A review should consider the whole treatment history: what you used, how regularly and why you changed. Agree the next review point. A change of base does not guarantee quicker improvement or explain every new spot.
Discuss an acne treatment that suits your skin
Bring the name and strength on your tube, the products you use alongside it and any reactions you have had to The Care Pharmacy’s acne consultation. Tell the prescriber if you are planning a pregnancy. They can advise whether to keep your current treatment, change it or have your skin examined.
Clinical reviewer
Mohammed Ismail Lakhi MPharm
Superintendent Pharmacist at The Care Pharmacy
GPhC Registration Number: 2072815
The Care Pharmacy is led by Superintendent Pharmacist Mohammed Ismail Lakhi MPharm. The pharmacy assesses individual suitability before prescribing or supplying prescription treatment. Your own clinician can explain how general guidance applies to your health, medicines and treatment plan.
