What kind of drug is this?
The product is available in the form of a cream or gel. The gel is absorbed into the skin faster and is therefore considered lighter and is better used for oily skin. The cream is more suitable for dry skin.
Despite the fact that the drug is sold in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription, consultation with a specialist is necessary before using it..
Gel and cream, which is intended to treat acne, is often used to combat wrinkles and other age-related changes.
Since the drug contains not retinoic acid itself, but its analogue, an increase in photosensitivity is excluded, so Differin can be used at any time of the day.
Differin can also be used as a peeling . It contains non-toxic alkali, therefore, with the help of the drug you can get rid of dead epithelial cells.
Differin has approximately the same effect as an anti-aging serum, and with regular use, even deep skin lesions are reduced, the complexion is refreshed, the tone is evened out, and age spots are lightened.
Cost and analogues
Structural substitutes for Adapalene are:
- Adaklin;
- Differin;
- Klenzit;
- Retasol;
- retinoic ointment;
- Adolen;
- Tazorac.
Adaklin is an Indian-made drug based on adapalene.
The price of classic ointment Adapalene 0.1% in a pharmacy is about 250 rubles. The cost of generics can reach up to 480-1050 rubles.
Is it effective in treating wrinkles?
The effectiveness of Differin against wrinkles is due to the following pharmacological properties of the drug:
- Exfoliating effect - dead skin cells are eliminated, resulting in an even and brighter overall skin tone.
- Penetrating into the epidermis, the active substance of the drug stimulates its own collagen production, which leads to increased skin elasticity and smooth out wrinkles.
Expert opinion
Shustova Olga Leonidovna
Obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category
Currently, interest in various anti-aging injections has subsided, this is due to the fact that these procedures are quite expensive, can lead to various complications, and also give the face a mask-like appearance. More and more women are trying to combat age-related changes using affordable and relatively safe means. One of these is Differin. This acne remedy also has a beneficial effect on aging skin, it effectively smoothes out wrinkles and restores lost tone to the skin. However, despite a lot of positive reviews, and the manufacturers’ assurances that the drug can be used for any skin type, a consultation with a cosmetologist would not hurt.
How to use and application technique
When using a cream with adapalene for wrinkles, you must apply it directly to problem areas, and to eliminate acne, apply it directly to the area of inflammation.
Important usage tips
The ointment is used according to the following algorithm:
- The procedure is carried out in the evening. The epidermis is first cleaned of impurities, cosmetics, and excess sebum with a soap solution.
- Remove excess moisture with a towel.
- Apply Adapalene in a uniform, thick layer without rubbing. In case of contact with the eyes, mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, quickly rinse them with plenty of water.
- Leave for 1-1.5 hours, then wash with warm water.
Excessive application of gel or cream does not lead to faster or better results.
Adapalene dries the skin very much, so it is used with caution in adolescence. The next day after application, hyperemia may begin, followed by photosensitivity and active peeling of the epithelium. During this period, it is prohibited to apply alcohol solutions to the face or use cosmetics. The use of moisturizer is allowed. To achieve a positive result from treatment with Adapalene, it is necessary to carry out at least 3 procedures with a break of 4 weeks.
To avoid the development of side effects from the use of the drug, it is necessary to use it correctly:
- It is not recommended to be in direct sunlight. You should avoid visiting solariums, rooms with a source of ultraviolet radiation, and sunbathing on the beach.
- It is forbidden to apply Adapalene after peeling. Otherwise, itching, hyperemia, and inflammation will appear.
- You can use cosmetics 10 hours after applying the cream.
- Adapalene should not be applied simultaneously with products containing sulfur ions, salicylates, or salicylic acid. They provoke the development of a cumulative effect.
Adaptal for wrinkles
Adapalene exhibits antioxidant properties. Thanks to this, it removes free radicals and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are necessary to restore the elasticity of the epidermis. Thanks to the ointment, you can fight various age-related changes:
- eliminate crow's feet around the eyes;
- get rid of deep nasolabial folds;
- even out facial tone;
- increase the tone of facial muscles;
- remove age-related pigmentation;
- eliminate wrinkles around the mouth, on the forehead, restore clear facial contours;
- tighten the skin on the neck and chin.
The medicine Adapalene helps well against wrinkles on the face.
Dermatologists call Adapalene an analogue of retinol. It helps smooth out facial skin, helps get rid of acne, and prevents infection of clogged pores.
Adapalene for peeling
The medication can be used as a cosmetic for peeling due to its drying effect. The drug removes excess moisture from the stratum corneum, causing peeling of dead tissue. When exposed to the dermis, the drug improves microcirculation of the subcutaneous tissue and stimulates cellular renewal of the epithelial layer.
The drug has a pronounced exfoliating effect, so it is rarely used for peeling in adolescents and people under 25 years of age.
Cleansing the skin and preventing acne
Regular procedures using Adapalene normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands and prevent clogging of pores with sebum. The product cleanses the pores from sebum and waste products of staphylococcus from the inside, narrows their lumen, and prevents the formation of acne.
The drug restores the water-electrolyte balance of the skin and helps cleanse it. At the same time, the active substance disinfects the epithelium, preventing the re-development of inflammation.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of Differin are:
- availability;
- Possibility of use at home at any convenient time;
- lasting results in eliminating small and medium wrinkles;
- significant reduction in the depth of deep wrinkles;
- prevention of wrinkles;
- smoothing scars;
- acne treatment;
- skin lightening.
The disadvantages of the drug are:
- insufficient clinical trial base;
- possible drying of the skin;
- frequent occurrence of allergic reactions;
- itching and redness of the skin.
If any undesirable effects occur, use of Differin should be stopped immediately and, if necessary, consult a doctor..
Contraindications and side effects
The external agent is contraindicated for use in the following cases:
- period of gestation and breastfeeding;
- severe skin irritation;
- when the integrity of the epidermis is violated;
- the presence of malignant neoplasms, tumors;
- children's age (under 12 years);
- individual intolerance;
- sensitive skin type.
The intense action of the active compound can lead to the development of negative effects:
- photosensitivity reactions;
- chemical burns;
- allergic reaction;
- skin soreness, discomfort;
- swelling at the application site.
Operating principle
The main effect of Differin cream or gel is the reduction of skin rashes, and smoothing wrinkles and reducing negative recurrent skin changes is a pleasant bonus.
The action of Differin is as follows:
- sebostatic;
- comedolytic;
- anti-comedogenic;
- anti-inflammatory.
Differin slows down the process of sebum production and unclogs pores . This improves the supply of oxygen to the skin and significantly facilitates the removal of toxic substances from the deep layers of the dermis.
NOTE!
In addition, Differin inhibits the action of enzymes that are involved in the production of components that contribute to inflammatory processes.
And also adapalene, which is part of the product, pushes the body to produce collagen, the deficiency of which manifests itself in sagging skin and wrinkles.
Composition of the drug and release form, should I choose a cream or ointment?
The main active ingredient is a synthetically produced retinoid - adapalene. It is a derivative of vitamin A, from which it gets its name.
In addition to adapalene, Differin contains excipients, and the set of these substances varies depending on the form of the drug:
- The gel, in addition to the main substance, contains propylene glycol, carbomer, sodium hydroxide and water.
- In addition to all the mentioned substances, glycerol, cyclomethicone and other auxiliary components are added to the cream.
As already mentioned, when choosing the form of the drug, you should take into account your skin type - cream is better for dry skin, and gel for oily skin.
When shown and photos of results before and after use
Differin is indicated in the following cases::
- acne;
- moderate and severe acne;
- poor complexion;
- frequent skin inflammations;
- age-related changes;
- dark spots;
- expression and age wrinkles.
Basic rules of application
Before using the drug, you must carefully read the instructions and make sure there are no contraindications. The loan needs to be tested for individual sensitivity to the components of the product.
To do this, apply a small amount of the drug to the back of the wrist or to the inner bend of the elbow . Leave the product to knock.
If after this period of time no negative reactions appear on the skin, then it can be safely applied to the face.
CAREFULLY!
When treating the skin, do not allow the drug to come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth.
If this does happen, you should immediately rinse the mucous membranes with plenty of running water.
Despite the fact that the increase in sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation when using Differin is minimal, experts still advise not to spend a lot of time in the sun while using the drug.
For the treatment of wrinkles, Differin is not recommended for use on an ongoing basis, as this can lead to excessive drying of the skin. It is better to use the drug in short courses with breaks.
DIFFERIN (gel)
I'm on French-made Differin gel.
Maybe because the French and I have a lot in common: for example, in both Russia and France there are no ugly women (for different reasons, however). ~~~ COMPOSITION AND ACTION~~~
As you can see, there is only one active ingredient, but it is very popular (it can also be found in other drugs), namely adapalene. Out of modesty, the manufacturer kept silent about the fact that this is a retinoid of the latest, fourth generation. I can’t help but quote the following excerpt from the instructions so that you can enjoy the simple and intelligible language, and at the same time learn how it all works.
If you were unable to distinguish pharmacodynamics from pharmacokinetics and break through absorption, excretion and Acne vulgaris, then I can offer my own understanding: in adolescents, due to hormonal changes, the fat balance of the skin is disturbed (acne is only a consequence), and adapalene normalizes it. But not right away, you need to be patient. There is a warning about this.
To be honest, I don’t really like such statements that in order for the effect to become noticeable, you need to take a full, long course. It still seems to me that they are taking money out of me. But in this case there is no deception. Improvements became noticeable even earlier than promised: after three weeks.
In general, if you do not pay attention to the sometimes overly abstruse style, the instructions make a favorable impression. Looks like they know their client. Pay attention to the lines underlined in red in the paragraph “overdose”.
~~~ PRICE ~~~
Now I don’t remember how much such a small 30-gram tube costs. Several hundred for sure. It seems like 600 something. Not to say it's not enough.
On the other hand, everyone understands that the demand for such products can be completely inelastic.
Besides the price, I also didn’t like the fact that the tube does not have a seal (even toothpaste has one, but this is some kind of medicine), but simply closes with a screw cap. However, the drug does not require special storage conditions. Maybe that's how it should be.
~~~ MANUFACTURER ~~~
As already proudly mentioned, France. Namely Galderma.
~~~ RECOMMENDATIONS ~~~
If you have clearly identified that you have acne, then try it. It helped my daughter. The main thing is to carefully read the instructions and follow the instructions: apply a little bit to clean skin, do not use together with products that cause dryness or irritation (alcohol-based, for example), avoid ultraviolet radiation, and so on.
They write that Differin should not be used before the age of 12. As I understand it, not because it is really “poisonous” for children. It just hasn't been researched. Each study probably costs money, and the main consumer is still teenagers, not children - so they considered it unnecessary to test on children.
If it comes (to triarii) to acne, then you will need another remedy, more “powerful”. I also bought Baziron from the same manufacturer. But about him another time.
PS If adapalene is a synthetic vitamin A, then what will happen to acne if you make a mask from raw liver?
PPS There will be no before and after photos. Somehow, you know, I didn’t dare come up with such a proposal. Take my word for it: it has gotten better, it has gotten a lot better.
What is better Differin or age-related cosmetics?
There can be no definite answer to this question; it all depends on the type and condition of the skin.
It must be said that Differin is best used for the initial signs of skin aging; this drug does not cope well enough with old wrinkles.
As for anti-aging cosmetics, they cost much more than Differin, however, they do not always live up to expectations. In any case, it is better to entrust the choice of a product for the treatment of wrinkles and age-related skin changes to a professional.
Drug compatibility
Adapalene is allowed for use during drug therapy with antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide. The effectiveness of ointment for external use is reduced when the application is used simultaneously on the same problem area. To achieve a positive therapeutic result, it is recommended to apply the products at least 8-10 hours apart. This approach will help avoid skin irritation.
Adapalene has comedolytic and anti-inflammatory effects.
The simultaneous use of Adapalene with:
- ethanol-containing drugs;
- abrasive oils;
- detergents;
- perfume;
- cosmetics;
- sulfur-containing drugs;
- resorcinol;
- preparations containing salicylic acid.