GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Differin Gel (Differin Adapalene Gel) is an agent used in the management of acne that contains a retinoid. '.

If you think Differin Gel is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Differin cream or gel is a medicine used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris where comedones, papules and pustules predominate. Differin cream is best suited for use on dry and fair skin. It is appropriate for the treatment of acne of the face, chest, or back.

Differin gel can decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and allow the quick healing of the pimples that may develop. Differin belongs to a class of medication called retinoids.

Differin cream or gel contains the active ingredient adapalene, which is used for the treatment of acne.  Adapalene is a form of vitamin that works by reducing the growth of keratin surface skin cells that can block pores.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Differin Gel patient information leaflet.

Differin gel works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and inflammation.

Sebum is produced by glands under the surface of the skin called sebaceous glands. Sebum is a natural, oily substance needed to keep the skin supple and smooth. People who suffer from acne often produce too much sebum in their skin, which can mix with the dead keratin skin cells resulting to blocked pores. Blocked pores result in the formation of spots, blackheads and whiteheads. The application of Differin gel to the affected areas of the skin will help reduce the amount of keratin skin cells and unblock the pores and sebaceous glands, which will allow the sebum to escape. This results in the reduction of the inflammation, comedones, whiteheads, and spots.

Differin gel also increases the natural turnover of the skin cells to aid in the natural exfoliation of the outer layers of the skin. This action helps in keeping the pores unblocked, which results in the reduction of the formation of spots and blackheads.

Differin gel is beneficial in the reduction of the number of acne, blackheads, and skin spots. It is also effective in decreasing swelling and inflammation in the skin.

Differin gel is effective in keeping the skin supple and smooth. It effectively smooths and exfoliates the skin to keep the pores unblocked, thus reducing the formation of spots and blackheads.

It is still not fully established but Differin has been observed to be effective also in reducing wrinkles.

It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Differin Gel. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that Differin Gel is the right medication for you then the best thing to do is give it a try and judge the medication based on your own experiences. Reviews however should not be understated. Reading reviews can provide you with important advice and information that you may not have known, and can inform you on whether or not to start using Differin Gel. If you are unsure about starting a medication you should always consult with your healthcare provider first.

Check out some independent Differin gel user experiences below.

Differin Gel Before and After

It is necessary that before you use any over-the-counter product for self-treatment to read and follow all the directions on the information leaflet that comes with the product package. If you have any question about Differin gel, ask your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed Differin, ask them for advice on how to use the product.

Wash and dry your hands before applying Differin gel. Clean the affected area of the skin using a mild or soapless cleanser and pat the skin dry. Using your fingertips, apply a small amount of Differin in a thin layer, usually once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not apply the medication to the area of the inner lip or inside the nose or mouth. Do not apply Differin to cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.

Call your doctor if eye irritation develops while you are using this medication.

Your acne may appear worse during the first few weeks of use of this medication. It is because the medication is working on pimples that form inside the skin. It may take up to 8 to 12 weeks to notice results from the use of this medication.

Use Differin gel regularly to get the most benefit from it. Use it about the same time of each day to help you remember that you have to apply the cream or gel. Do not use a larger amount or use it more often than what is recommended by your doctor. Your skin will not improve any faster if you use this medication more often than what is recommended. It will only increase the risk of developing peeling, redness and pain.

Differin is available in different strengths and forms, such as cream or gel. The best type of medication for your use will depend on the condition of your skin and how you respond to the treatment. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse.

Differin gel is applied to the affected skin usually once a day.  The medicine should be used regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.

This medication is available in different strengths and forms. Use the best type of Differin depending on your skin condition and your response to the therapy.

When you apply Differin gel on your skin, a brief sensation of warmth or stinging may occur. During the first 2 to 4 weeks of using this medication, skin redness, dryness, scaling, itching, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur. These effects usually decrease with continued use. If any of the effects get worse, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may ask you to decrease how often you use Differin gel, change the strength, or ask you to stop using it.

Your doctor prescribed this medication because his judgment deems that the benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people who used this medicine did not experience any side effects.

Inform your doctor immediately if any of the rare but serious side effects occur: irritated skin, very red skin, an intense burning sensation, redness of the eyes, watering of the eyes, eyelid swelling, and skin discolouration.

A very serious allergic to this medicine very rarely occurs. However, immediately get emergency medical help if you notice any symptoms of serious allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, trouble breathing, and dizziness.

Before you start using Differin gel, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it, or to vitamin A-related drugs, or if you have other allergies. The inactive ingredient of this product may cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Before you start using Differin gel, tell your doctor your medical history, especially if you have had eczema.

Differin gel may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Limit your exposure to the sun while taking this medication. Weather extremes may also cause irritation to the skin. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when going outdoors. Let the skin recover from a sunburn before using Differin.

While using Differin gel, avoid waxing and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas.

Use Differin gel with caution if you have recently used products that contain sulfur, salicylic acid, or resorcinol. Wait until the effects of those products on your skin have decreased before you start using Differin.

During pregnancy, Differin gel should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risk with your doctor.

It is not known if this drug passed into breast milk. It is recommended that you consult first with your doctor before you start using Differin gel while breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are using before you start using Differin gel. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without the approval of your doctor.

Differin Gel UK Alpha XR

At the time of writing, Differin Gel is not available at Alpha XR. However, should you wish to purchase Differin Gel , you can do so at UK Meds. Additionally, if you would like to purchase more than one tube of Differin Gel, you can benefit from further savings at UK Meds.

Differin Gel Boots

At the time of writing, Differin Gel is not available at Boots. However, should you wish to purchase Differin Gel , you can do so at UK Meds. Additionally, if you would like to purchase more than one tube of Differin Gel, you can benefit from further savings at UK Meds.

Differin Adapalene Gel UK

You can safely buy Differin online at UK Meds. You will need to have first an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Differin is the right medication for your medical condition.