What is Differin?

Differin is an alternative to powerful but potentially dangerous acne medications like that Accutane and Retin-A. Differin has a stable chemical structure that makes it compatible with many other acne treatments and that minimizes undesirable side effects. It works the same way as Accutane and Retin-A but with far fewer side effects. When applied to the skin,only a small amount enters the bloodstream. This makes it safer for everyone, but especially for pregnant women. Sometimes Differin is combined with Benzoyl Peroxide if the ancne is anti-biotic resistant. Differin's effects are similar to those of retinol and Retin-A, and Accutane. All of these products desensitizes the skin to inflammation. Doctors often recommend combining Differin with other treatments to make it an even better weapon against acne. For example, the combination of Differin and the antibiotic clindamycin helps the skin absorb about twice as much clindamycin, killing far mor bacteria. Differin is also used with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel. A stronger concentration of benzoyl peroxide used with Differin. However, this is likely to cause burning, stinging, itching, and peeling. Also, there are doctors who recommend using both Differin and Retin-A. While this combination opens the skin, it can also cause dryness, so that there are always a small number of newly forming blemishes—unless the user follows a complete skin care routine including daily cleansing and use of moisturizer plus weekly exfoliation and microdermabrasion with a system like Exposed Skin Care. (Info from "Facing Acne")