Differin

Name: Differin
SKU: Differin
Price: 26.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

£26.99

A once-daily retinoid gel for persistent acne. Differin contains adapalene 0.1% to help unclog pores and reduce spots.

✓ Adapalene without an antibiotic
✓ 45g gel pack
✓ Online assessment by a UK prescriber

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Quick Summary

Differin

Type of medicine

A topical retinoid gel formulated to treat mild to moderate acne in adults and young people aged 12 and over.

Active Ingredient

Adapalene – a topical retinoid that works by unclogging blocked pores, reducing skin inflammation, and regulating skin cell turnover to help clear and prevent acne breakouts.

Effective within

Noticeable results can typically be seen within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use, with further improvements developing as treatment continues.

Works by

Regulating skin cell turnover, unclogging blocked pores, and reducing inflammation to help clear existing acne breakouts and prevent new ones from forming.

Side effects

Commonly experienced side effects include dryness, redness, peeling, and mild irritation or stinging of the skin, which are most likely to occur during the early stages of treatment.

Not Suitable For

Not suitable for those with broken, sunburned, or notably irritated skin, individuals with a known sensitivity or allergy to adapalene or other retinoids, or women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Differin gel for acne

Differin 0.1% gel contains adapalene, a topical retinoid used for mild to moderate acne. It helps with blocked pores and inflamed spots on the face, chest or back. The pack listed here contains 45g of gel.

Differin or Epiduo?

Differin contains adapalene alone. Epiduo combines adapalene with benzoyl peroxide. Neither contains an antibiotic. Your prescriber will consider your acne, skin sensitivity and previous treatment before recommending an option.

Building a consistent routine

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry affected skin in the evening as prescribed. Improvement takes several weeks; treatment is usually reviewed after around three months. Using extra gel will not speed up results.

Dryness, redness and irritation can occur. Use gentle skincare and seek advice if irritation persists. Do not use Differin if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Explore all acne treatment options or read our guide to treating back acne. Your online assessment helps the prescriber check what is appropriate for you.

How should I take Differin?

Differin should be applied as a thin layer once every evening to clean, dry skin, ideally just before going to bed. Following the guidance of your healthcare professional or referring to the patient information leaflet for detailed instructions is strongly recommended. Application to broken, sunburned, or irritated skin should be avoided, and care should be taken to keep the gel away from the eyes, lips, and nose. Unlike some other acne treatments, Differin does not carry a risk of bleaching fabrics or bedding. Incorporating a daily moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen into your routine is advisable, as this treatment can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Should you have any concerns about using Differin or notice any unexpected effects during treatment, reaching out to your prescriber for advice is encouraged.

What ingredients are in Differin?

Differin contains one active ingredient, adapalene, a retinoid that works to unclog pores and reduce the inflammation associated with acne. Complementing this, the gel also includes a number of inactive ingredients such as carbomer, propylene glycol, and purified water, all of which play a role in maintaining the texture and stability of the formulation. A comprehensive list of all ingredients can be found in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication, which should always be consulted if you have any known allergies or sensitivities. Any questions or concerns regarding the contents of the product should be discussed with your healthcare professional before beginning treatment.

Warnings and precautions

Do not use if pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Avoid broken, eczematous or sunburned skin and contact with eyes, lips and nostrils. Limit sunlight and avoid UV lamps. Check other acne products with your prescriber; do not combine retinoids.

Possible side effects

Dryness, redness, burning and irritation can occur. Stop using the gel and contact your prescriber if irritation is severe. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty or swelling of the face, lips or throat.

Storage

Store below 25°C. Do not freeze. Keep out of children’s sight and reach and follow the expiry date on the pack.

FAQs

Differin frequently asked questions

Find out about results, moisturiser and managing irritation when starting Differin.

Differin treats acne by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and preventing new spots from forming.

Improvement takes several weeks. Arrange a review after around three months to check your progress. Contact your prescriber sooner if your acne worsens or treatment causes troublesome irritation.

Yes, using a moisturiser alongside Differin helps reduce dryness and keeps your skin barrier healthy.

Some people notice more spots or irritation when starting treatment, but worsening skin should not automatically be dismissed as “purging”. Speak to your prescriber if it persists; stop and seek advice for severe irritation.

No, Differin is a prescription-only acne treatment in the UK and should be used under medical supervision.

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