Differin Gel

Use Differin exactly as directed by your pharmacist, prescriber or the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Differin is for external skin use only. It is usually applied once daily at night before going to bed.

Wash the affected area gently and dry the skin fully before application. Apply a thin film of gel to the acne-affected area. Avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils, mouth, mucous membranes, broken skin, cuts, scrapes, eczema and sunburnt skin.

Wash your hands after applying the gel.

Do not use more than directed. Applying too much Differin will not clear acne faster and may increase redness, dryness, peeling, burning or irritation.

If irritation occurs, your clinician may advise applying it less often, using a suitable non-comedogenic moisturiser, pausing treatment briefly or stopping treatment.

Avoid excessive sunlight, sunbeds and UV lamps while using Differin. Use suitable sun protection, especially if your skin is sensitive or easily burns.

Other acne products may sometimes be used alongside Differin, but this should be clinically reviewed. If another acne treatment is used, it may need to be applied at a different time of day to reduce irritation.

If acne does not improve after a suitable trial, worsens, causes scarring, becomes painful or cystic, or significantly affects mood or confidence, seek clinical review.

Differin Gel contains adapalene as the active ingredient.

Each gram of gel contains adapalene 1mg, equivalent to 0.1% w/w.

Other ingredients include carbomer 940, propylene glycol, poloxamer 182, disodium edetate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, phenoxyethanol, sodium hydroxide and purified water.

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

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your specific medicine before use.

Some people experience side effects while using Differin. Common side effects can include dry skin, skin irritation, burning sensation and redness.

Uncommon side effects can include local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis, skin discomfort, sunburn, itching, peeling skin and acne flare-up.

Other reported side effects include pain or swelling of the skin, skin darkening, skin lightening, application-site burns, allergic contact reactions, eyelid irritation, eyelid redness, eyelid itching and eyelid swelling.

Mild irritation can happen when treatment is first started. Persistent, severe or worsening irritation should be reviewed.

Stop using Differin and seek urgent medical advice if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, severe rash, fainting, collapse or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Differin is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it if you are allergic to adapalene or any ingredient in the gel.

Do not use Differin if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using Differin, stop treatment and seek medical advice.

Differin may be used during breastfeeding only where clinically appropriate. It should not be applied to the chest during breastfeeding to avoid contact exposure to the infant.

Extra clinical review may be needed if you have very sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, sunburn, broken skin, severe acne, cystic acne, acne scarring, previous reactions to retinoids or if you are using other prescription or over-the-counter acne treatments.

Tell your clinician about all medicines and skincare products you use. This includes benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, retinoids, exfoliating acids, medicated cleansers, abrasive scrubs, steroid creams and cosmetic skin treatments.

Suitability depends on acne type, acne severity, affected areas, skin sensitivity, previous treatments, medical history, current medicines, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, allergy history and clinical assessment. Prescription medicine is supplied only where clinically appropriate.