What should I do if Differin is not improving my acne?

Doctor's Answers 1

Differin cream or gel is a topical medication that is commonly prescribed for acne. The active ingredient is adapalene. Differin is particularly good for comedonal acne and individuals with many blackheads and whiteheads will often benefit from this treatment. It can also help with inflammatory acne.

If acne is not improving with the topical differin, it is good to get the acne reassessed. Acne that is inflammatory will often benefit more with topical or oral antibiotics. Sometimes, the duration of use of the differin may not have been sufficient to see the effect as it does take regular application and some time for comedones to clear.

If the differin does not improve, often other topical medications may be added for a synergistic effect on the acne. In more severe cases, oral medications may be needed to control the acne. It is best to see your doctor or dermatologist for a reevaluation so that the appropriate treatment and medications can be prescribed.

Similar Questions

What is the best acne treatment for recurrent breakouts at temple, jawline and chin?

I noticed that I tend to breakouts after holidays. Yes, weather and humidity changes can sometimes trigger breakouts. Stress/poor quality of sleep due to jet lag and time differences can also contribute. Speaking from personal experience here; I tend to break out much worse in Singapore than I did living in the UK. Went to national skin centre for consultation, and was given some watery creams and Cetaphil products to use. Hard to comment on what you were given, but from what you’ve described here, NSC doesn’t seem to have given you anything specifically for acne treatment.

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Human

Will I have to use Differin for life if I'm prone to comedones?

1) Is there such a thing as Differin dependence: No. 2) Will your acne worsen as you wean yourself off medication? Yes, that can happen. So first of all your medications have to be weaned off gradually and your doctor may overlap your oral medications with topical medications during this period to cut down or totally stop your oral medications. Treatment of comedonal acne isn't so straightforward; it can require a more holistic treatment for example, with changing your skin care and combination treatment with chemical peels and lasers.

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Dr Rachel Ho

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