Differin and Dry Skin: What Users Say

• che...
• February 2, 2020

For Acne "Skin type: oily + very, VERY acne prone. Summary of review: DON'T GIVE UP even though the purge sucks!! The Differin purge lasted for about 16 to 18 weeks for me, but keep in mind that everyone's skin is different. It was horrible. My skin was dry, and waves and waves of nodules and cystic acne would spring up overnight. But all of those side effects started to disappear around week ten. Pimples would still appear, but they would come and go and barely leave a mark since the PIH scars faded so quickly. I still have some discoloration from the purge, but overall my texture has evened out, I haven't had a single pimple since, and my skin has become less oily than when I started. So don't be discouraged! The results at the end will be so much better than dropping out midway during the purge finding new products. So yup, the purge sucks. But stick through it! The results will take some time, but it's so worth it! Good luck, and don't give up!"

• laz...
• February 16, 2020

For Acne "I’ve had severe cystic acne breakouts all over my face since the age of 18. I’ve tried every topical treatment, from cheaper drugstore washes to expensive ones from Sephora. I thought topicals would never work for me, and I thought I would have to just accept acne as a part of my life...until I tried Differin. I’ve had very minimal experience with dry skin side effects, but the effectiveness at getting rid of the acne itself was immediate. I use the gel as a full face mask and leave it on for 10 minutes. After that, I use oil-free, sensitive moisturizer. From other reviews, it seems like other people had a hard time when starting Differin? I didn’t experience this at all. Within a week, my skin was clearer, and new breakouts went away within a day or two. For me, the results were quick and painless. But my skin is built like steel and can withstand a lot. If there’s anyone else out there with very acne-prone, treatment-resistant skin like me, try this."

• Mat...
• November 13, 2011

For Acne "I started using this topical medicine a few weeks ago. Within the first 7-14 days, my skin was a bit dry and peeled a little bit. This is just the medicine beginning to work and exfoliating any dead skin cells. However, after about 2-3 weeks, I started to see a huge improvement in my skin. Before using, I had moderate acne, and now I would classify it as light. Make sure you use this medicine at night and wash it off in the morning. Also, after you put the medicine on your face at night, put a moisturizer on your face (preferably Cetaphil or CeraVe). During the day, do not expose yourself to prolonged sunshine as the affected areas will get red and feel greasy (not a pleasant look and feeling). This is a great medicine, but give it time."

• Cat...
• March 16, 2014

For Acne "Sophomore year of college, literally over a couple of weeks, I developed severe acne all over my cheeks. I went to the dermatologist, and they gave me Differin. I definitely would wake up and need to put lotion on my face because my face was visibly dry and had dead skin coming off. After about a month, I started seeing results and had fewer pimples on my face. After about 6 months, my face was clear, but I still had acne scars. I had treatments done at the dermatologist to help those. It's been 5 years, and now I get complimented for my skin all the time. It's great! Still using Differin every other week and Cetaphil face lotion every day."

• bee...
• March 27, 2017

For Acne "I used to have severely clogged pores as well as scarring from cysts, but once I was prescribed this cream, it cleared everything. When I first started using it, I found that it caused my skin to have extremely dry patches, and they would flake up. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, but I would avoid talking to people up close. If you honestly want it to work, you need patience! The first 2 months, you'll notice just a lot of flaking of skin, but after the 3rd month, my skin was clear, and I had a naturally clear complexion. I honestly never had such great confidence in my skin. I was able to stop wearing such heavy makeup foundation to cover up scars and moved on to BB creams or even nothing at all! The key is patience!"

• zap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2014

For Acne "I have had acne right after I got out of high school (which is weird, right?), and I have tried all kinds of stuff (proactive, Paula's Choice, and a long laundry list of other stuff) and none of it has really helped. I tried Differin, and I must say my skin is really smooth and has way less acne. I must admit when I first tried it, my skin didn't fare well with it and began to peel horribly. After reading a few posts from other people, I used a moisturizer first and then used Differin, and no longer did I have dry, peely skin. I used CeraVe cleanser and their AM and PM moisturizer, and now I can say my skin looks fantastic with Differin and CeraVe. Acne takes time to heal, and Differin will make a difference for you!"

• Adl...
• February 27, 2014

For Acne "I've had acne for about 12 years now since I was 13 years old. I have tried different things including Proactiv and Acne Free, along with some other prescription medications. Nothing ever cleared it 100 percent. I have been using Differin gel 0.03% for a little over two weeks now. At first, my face was dry and broke out worse than normal. The last few days, my face has gotten better, I have about 5 blemishes rather than 12 large cysts that I would normally have. I am hoping that the rest clear up soon. I notice my acne scars have gotten better looking as well since using Differin. I am super excited to see the coming weeks' progress."

• Rhi...
• January 6, 2015

For Acne "So far, so good! I've been using it on and off for a while, but now I've finally started using it regularly, it's really started to work! One tip, though: make sure you wash your hands properly after using it. I didn't, then rubbed my eyes (having put it on before bed) and got really dry skin on my eyelids, which was super painful!!!"

• how...
• December 21, 2019

For Acne "I’m 20 years old and have had breakouts since I was about 16. I don’t necessarily have acne, but very bad breakouts, mostly hormonal. I started doing research and found Differin gel. Now, the reviews were extremely scattered. I saw plenty of good and bad reviews. I went out and got this gel at my local Walmart. The first 1-2 weeks were completely fine, no difference in my skin at all. The 3-4 week mark hit, I was breaking out BAD. PAINFUL HUGE PIMPLES, and my skin was dry too. I kept pushing and continued to use it, even though my confidence was out the window, I even struggled with wanting to leave my house. I’m on the 8 week mark right now, and my skin looks pretty damn good. Scarring, a few active spots. I like this product A LOT. I’m not even at the full 12 weeks yet, and things are looking up for sure. If you have the patience to go through the terrible purging phase, then get this product. KEEP GOING, DO NOT STOP. IT WILL BE WORTH IT."

• Now...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2020

For Acne "My acne wasn’t that bad to start with. I had 2 basic pimples that were very stubborn and just weren’t going away. I went to a dermatologist and she gave me adapalene (Differin). What followed was a terrible purge that broke out in those areas around my jaw and cheekbone (where the two pimples were). I had never broken out before, and I was so frustrated. 3 months later, my skin hasn’t healed from those breakouts, and still new pimples form on my cheeks. My jaw is left with hyperpigmentation from the acne the gel caused (I have never scarred before). Not to mention, while using this product, my face has become extremely dry, and I look gaunt and older than when I first started. I heard all these miraculous things about adapalene, but it seems my skin reacted opposite. I will say my skin is pretty smooth and “brighter,” but it’s not worth the damage it did to my face."

• Acn...
• March 24, 2015

For Acne "I tried this medication when I was a teenager but did not stick with it because the irritation it caused me was unbearable. I wonder if it was because my acne was worse and my skin more sensitive at the time, but I can't remember how long I stuck with it. I started my current try with it about nine months ago. I had about one to two months of redness, itchiness, and a lot of skin flaking, but as soon as this wore off (which it did completely) as my skin adapted to it, I started noticing big improvements: I have had almost no blackheads, which were causing me a lot of scarring. For most of the month, I get no spots, and when I do, it's just a few, and they are MUCH smaller, less painful, and disappear quicker, and my skin overall looks clearer and more youthful."

• Mik...
• August 30, 2013

For Acne "I had clear skin all the way up to junior year. I became stressed out due to the workload and decided to buy products that contained chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. I even purchased a system, but I believe that it dried out my skin and produced an oil flare-up. My acne was considerably worse after 30 days. I got cystic pimples. I finally convinced my parents to seek me a dermatologist. I was prescribed Differin lotion (0.3% adapalene) along with minocycline 100 mg, twice a day. I wash my face now with Purpose gentle cleansing bar. The first week I only used Differin because my insurance had not cleared minocycline yet. I saw significant improvement. Almost my 3rd month and breakouts have ceased."

• Kab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2016

For Acne "I had too many pimples all over my face. They were little ones and blackheads as well. I live in one of the hottest countries in the world where the sun is available throughout the year. Sandstorms occur often, which made dirt stick to my face and produce more pimples. I went to the dermatologist, he prescribed Differin 0.1 and Bepanthen (whatever how it spells). I've been using Differin since August nightly before I sleep. Now in November, I literally have zero pimples on my face, and the redness is gone. I'm really satisfied. Literally, all you need is patience for results. Bepanthen was prescribed for me for the scars and as a moisturizer, since Differin dries the face (just a little). Even though I don't have AC, I highly recommend it."

• Anonymous
• June 4, 2020

For Acne "My acne returned when I turned 19 (I’m 29 yrs old now). Since then, I’ve had mild/moderate acne. I was just sick of having acne, so I gave Differin a go. The first 2 weeks, my skin didn’t form any new pimples, it was clear, with small spots, but my skin was very dry and irritated. By week 4/5, I had massive red irritated breakouts, my purge had begun. Several infected pores turned into a big spot. My routine: use hydrating serum, then apply an oil to my sensitive areas, such as around my eyes and nose. Followed by a pea-sized amount of Differin, I would wait for that to dry, then apply oil all over, then a moisturizer. I used a low pH cleanser. Week 6/7, my skin started to clear up, my forehead was clear. Week 8, I had a huge breakout on my chin and mouth. Some are reoccurring spots, I’m not sure if this is a 2nd phase of purging or ones that didn’t surface until now. I will continue with it up until the full 12 weeks, hoping this is the last of the purge!!"

• Zam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2019

For Acne "I am 34 years old and female. For the past 6ish years, I started getting breakouts. Sometimes they're terrible. I get painful deep pimples, cystic acne, and blackheads. About 7 months ago, I started realizing how bad my scarring was getting. NOTHING WORKED THAT I TRIED. Well, maybe for a few days it would work. But nothing ever consistently worked. I tried salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, all at different doses with moisturizer, toners, etc. Anyway, when I tried Differin, it did not start working for a few weeks. Maybe 2-3 weeks. But I kept doing it. Initially, the side effects are facial redness and skin flaking. I pushed through that part of it, and my breakouts STOPPED. Like completely stopped. I will start to get minor breakouts if I skip a few days of Differin. Once I begin again, it starts working again. I always use a good moisturizer in the morning when I wake up, and I apply the Differin at night. This stuff is awesome for acne, and it really works."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2016

For Acne "I've had a great experience with Differin gel. I was prescribed Differin for acne that got worse as an adult. When I was 31, the acne was so severe that I felt like a teenager. The first week was hard. My skin was very dry to the point where flakes would fall off when I touched my face. I used moisturizer in the morning and would still flake all day. After about a week, the dryness completely went away. I've been using this product for a few weeks now and have seen a HUGE difference in my skin. My acne is clearing up, and my skin has a smoothness that it has never had before. My skin is combination/oily, and it feels a little oilier now. I'm okay with that - with the smoothness of my skin, it looks dewy and clear."

• Joe...
• February 7, 2017

For Acne "It's been over a month using the over-the-counter. I posted previously. I had started out using once every three days and then went to every two days to make sure no issues. Skin got very dry at first. Apply each evening about two hours before going to bed. In the AM, I apply Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with Sunscreen SPF 35 and reapply as needed. Had several blackheads mature during the month. Some were under the skin surface. All gone. A few whiteheads. Skin has calmed down considerably. Skin seems healthier. No longer use Benzoyl Peroxide."

• Sen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2020

For Acne "I am 42 years old, and I have fair skin. Recently, I have had the worst acne rosacea outbreak I have ever had in my life. After a few months of antibiotics and Soolantra cream, the inflammation and new pimples were getting better. But, I still had rough, bumpy skin with lots of red hyperpigmentation where the acne has been. My dermatologist ordered azelaic acid, and I waited for over a month for it to come in at the pharmacy. It didn’t come, they claimed, because of Covid-19. I was furious and canceled my order. I decided to buy Differin to help skin turnover and prevent new pimples. My skin is so smooth! I have used it every night except 1 night for a month. The redness has improved, and if I get new pimples, they go away quickly. I never got the purge. I am wondering if antibiotics helped with that. Also, my skin seemed dry for a minute, but it was my skin getting ready to slough off. Overall, I believe the product is doing a fine job. I also use CeraVe day and night moisturizer recommended by my doctor."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2019

For Acne "The purge I experienced lasted in two different waves from the end of week 2 to week 6. Yikes. However, the acne from it was no worse than what I had been dealing with already on some of my worst breakouts. I seemed to be able to combat inflammation by using a benzoyl peroxide face wash and aloe vera gel as part of my routine. For me personally, dryness and skin flaking were far worse than the purge. It took about 7 weeks for my skin to adjust to adapalene, and even with two moisturizers layered on, I had the worst dryness and slight irritation. That said, once I hit 8 weeks, noticeable improvements started happening. About half of my comedones are gone, dryness is now manageable, and hyperpigmentation scars are starting to fade a little bit. I expect all of these areas to keep improving now that I'm getting closer to the 12-week mark. This was a process that had growing pains, but I am so glad to have stuck with it. Be patient, it will reward you!"

• Pin...
• December 15, 2017

For Acne "STICK TO IT!!!! I did and my skin looks amazing. At first, I saw more acne, especially whiteheads. I also got really dry skin, but I moisturized all the time and it relieved it. You can also get burning, irritating skin, but don't give up. Eventually, you see your skin clear, even-toned, and tighter. I also noticed some of my fine lines gone. I know you might want to give up, but DON'T. I'm 50 years old and I never had pimples until the past two years. Nothing worked. I went to the dermatologist, got prescription meds, but the only thing that worked was this product."

• Pei...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 4, 2017

For Acne "I started using Differin last January in 2016. It was prescribed by my dermatologist together with antibiotics, and I have to say - it's the best ever! I don't know if it was because of the antibiotics, but my acne healed in less than three months, and the only thing I had to worry about was the scars. The only (common) side effect I had was dry, scaly skin. The doctor told me it was fine during our second checkup, so he gave me moisturizer. (Side note: I've been moisturizing my face since I was young, but I didn't dare to aggravate my skin, so I stopped.) And I love the fact that Differin does not discolor clothing and bedsheets. Before this, I was using Duac, it was also beneficial to my acne, but it discolored my favorite bedsheet horribly!"

• Ver...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2016

For Acne "I have PCOS, and for the last two years, have struggled with hormonal acne. I went from rarely wearing makeup to feeling embarrassed without it. I noticed changes when I stressed less, but over-the-counter products were not working. My skin was very dry and had even started peeling. Also, I had huge cystic acne clustered on my cheeks, and after a few days of using Differin, they were gone. I didn't have the initial stage of my acne getting worse. My face is pimple-free after a week and a half. It actually has started clearing up my dark spots. (Note: I also take spironolactone daily for acne, as well as medroxyprogesterone for 10 days a month for PCOS.)"

• lay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2015

For Acne "I only started using Differin a week ago. It has made my skin very red, like in the first 3 days, I got a red rash-like thing below my lips and on my cheeks, and it burns. It also has made around my eyes very dry. I am going to start using it every second day for my skin to get used to it, but I really hope that it will work. Just give it time, people, and don't overuse or get worried if your skin becomes red because that is a side effect if you have sensitive skin."

• Ken...
• June 25, 2017

For Acne "This gel is amazing, if you didn't stick it out for a full 8 weeks with this, then you are missing out. This gel has a purge phase that lasted about 6 weeks for me with extremely dry, flaky skin, then very oily breakouts worse than what I was trying to cure, but I bought the moisturizer, which is a must, and stuck it out. I put this on at night after the moisturizer and wash it off in my morning shower. Do not leave this on your face and go out in the sun, it says so on the packaging and could cause chemical-like burns. I absolutely love this product!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 13, 2019

For Acne "I used Differin for about 1.5 years. The reason I started it was I had entered my 40s. I wanted something that would help with skin texture and some painful cystic acne. I never had a retinization period or experienced any purge, but now, after more than a year into it, I am calling it quits on the advice of my aesthetician and dermatologist, both of whom never recommended adapalene to their patients (I think that says something). It has dried out my skin to the point where my skin is overcompensating for the oil that is being stripped away (and I have naturally oily skin), thus making my pores look HUGE and oily. If you are over 30, I suggest not using this, as it will dry out aging skin, even with moisturizer. This stuff pretty much destroyed my moisture barrier over time, and now I'm left with trying to repair it and all the effects from it."