Differin Gel

What is Differin (Adapalene) gel?

Differin gel is a topical gel that is renowned for treating the symptoms of acne.

It contains a retinoid medicine called adapalene, which is a form of vitamin A and helps to increase skin cell turnover and reduce the growth of keratin skin cells that normally block the pores and cause acne.

You need a prescription to buy Differin gel online. It is suitable for adults and children over the age of 12.

What is Differin gel used to treat?

Differin is a popular treatment for acne symptoms. It is also available as Differin cream, which works in the same way as the gel, but may be more suitable for sensitive skin. The gel version is better suited to people who have oily skin as it dries faster.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly occurs on the face, neck, shoulders, chest or back. Although it can occur at any age, it is most likely to affect people going through puberty, as it is often caused by hormonal changes in the body.

Sometimes, acne will go away on its own. However, if it is severe or does not go away in time, many people are prescribed a medical treatment like Differin gel to help target the cause of the issue. Seeking medical attention for your acne helps to tackle the problem faster and also reduces the risk of scarring.

How does Differin gel work for acne?

Differin gel contains the active ingredient adapalene, which is a type of vitamin A. This gel works by reducing the growth of skin cells on the surface of the skin (keratin). These skin cells can block your pores along with a substance called sebum and cause acne.

Sebum is produced naturally by your sebaceous glands; it is an oily substance that helps to keep the skin supple and smooth. However, acne can often be the result of an overproduction of sebum, which mixes with the dead keratin skin cells and block the pores. When pores are blocked, they become inflamed, which can cause spots, blackheads and whiteheads to form.

Differin reduces the number of keratin skin cells, which helps to unclog the pores. This lets the sebum escape, which reduces inflammation and spots, whiteheads and blackheads.

Furthermore, Differin increases skin cell turnover, which further helps to exfoliate the skin’s natural layers and reduce the risk that the pores will become blocked again.

Who can use Differin gel?

Differin gel is not suitable for you if:

• You are allergic to adapalene or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine (please see the Ingredients tab for full details)
• You are pregnant
•  You are trying to get pregnant

You can read more about precautions to take while using Differin gel on the Warnings tab on this page.

As ever, you should read the patient information leaflet for a full list of reasons why this medicine may not be suitable for you to use.

Can you buy Differin gel over the counter?

No, Differin gel is not for sale over the counter. It must be prescribed by a doctor.

Can you buy Differin gel online in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Differin gel online in the UK, but you should only do so from regulated pharmacies, like Medicine Direct. This will ensure you buy only genuine and approved versions of any medicine you need.

Before you can order Differin gel from Medicine Direct, you will need to have an online consultation to make sure that this medicine is suitable for you. This involves filling out a confidential questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a registered pharmacist, doctor or prescriber, who will review your condition and answers to ensure this is the right treatment for you.

Differin gel alternatives

Differin cream is also available. This medicine also contains adapalene and works in the same way as the gel but is better suited to people with dry or sensitive skin.

A range of other topical acne treatments are also available to be ordered from Medicine Direct after an online consultation. These include:

• Acnecide gel
• Epiduo gel also contains the same active ingredient and is available to buy online from Medicine direct.
• Zineryt lotion
• Duac gel
• Finacea gel

We stock oral medications for acne too, including antibiotics like Erythromycin, Tetralysal and Minocycline.

Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel Indications and Dose

All of our prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Differin Gel.

How to use Differin gel

Always follow your doctor’s instructions when using any medication. Read the patient information leaflet for detailed instructions before you use Differin for the first time.

Differin gel is for external use only. Do not apply it internally or swallow the gel.

Apply Differin gel in the evening before you go to bed.

1. Wash the affected areas thoroughly with water before applying the gel.
2. Apply a thin film of gel to the affected areas with your fingertip. Rub it in gently.
3. Wash your hands after you have applied Differin gel.

Differin Gel Side Effects

The common side effects of Differin may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Burning sensation of the skin
• Dry skin
• Skin redness
• Skin irritation

Uncommon side effects may occur in up to 1 in 100 people:

• Acne
• Skin peeling
• Itching
• Sunburn
• Skin discomfort
• Local skin reaction (contact dermatitis)

Always read the patient information leaflet before you start using Differin gel for a full list of side effects. The leaflet will also provide guidance on what to do if you get any.

Differin Gel Warnings and Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking any other medication, including medicine you can buy without a prescription. They should also know if you are planning to take any other medicine while using Differin gel.

You can use other medicines to treat acne (containing erythromycin, clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide). However, these must be applied in the morning and Differin must be applied at night.

You can use cosmetic products as long as they do not cause dry skin or blackheads.

Precautions

If applying the gel to your face, avoid contact with the eyes, nostrils and mouth. If the gel accidentally gets into any of these areas, rinse thoroughly with warm water. If you suffer any vision problems or pain after this, seek medical attention.

Avoid exposure to sunlight and UV light (such as sunbeds) while using Differin gel.

Do not apply Differin gel to any areas of skin that have cuts or scrapes. It should also not be applied to areas affected by eczema.

Tell your doctor if you find that this gel makes your skin irritated or sensitive. You may need to use it less frequently, or even stop using it until your skin settles down.

Differin contains propylene glycol, which may cause skin irritation. It also contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate, which can cause allergic reactions.

Is it safe to use Differin Gel during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Do not use Differin gel if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

You will need to stop using this medicine if you become pregnant during treatment. Tell your doctor straight away if this happens.

You can use Differin gel while breastfeeding, but do not apply it to your chest to ensure the baby doesn’t come into contact with the medicine.

See the patient information leaflet for full details on warnings and precautions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Differin Gel Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Adapalene

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics