I have been using Differin for over a year now (around 14 months giver or take) and did not publish a review until now. If you want an in-depth review, read on. For the tl;dr version: it works, just stick with it. Btw, I was not paid for this nor was I sent this product (although they should be sending it, given how many tubes I've bought).
I had the MOST TERRIBLE acne. No, I'm not talking about a small tiny excuse of a blemish that your friend with great skin complains about when she has her "bad skin" days. My face was RED and PAINFUL. My cheeks were COVERED all the time, and I had no area on my face where acne wouldn't pop up. Nose, brows, chin, jaw, underneath the jaw, you name it. I had tried Curology and while my skin got amazing for the first 6 months, my acne returned with a VENGEANCE. I had tried so many things, clay masks, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, other AHAs and BHAs, sulfur, rosehip oil, and even supplements like zinc and milk thistle, you name it. Nothing worked at all. I was so so embarrassed of my skin, but I couldn't wear makeup either since makeup made my acne SO MUCH worse.
I heard about Differin and I figured "well, might as well give this a try cause it can't get any worse". Boy, I was wrong. It did get worse. Much worse. Suddenly I had SO much more acne and I felt like crap. I couldn't believe my skin could get worse, but it did. Differin was the only thing I was using so I knew this was it. I was depressed but I stuck with it, cause I wanted to test it for at least 4 months. I thought I might as well test the claim, since my skin is so bad already.
The first month was really really bad. It brought all underlying acne to the surface i.e. the purge phase. It did the purging for 3-4 months, but the first month was THE WORST. Not gonna lie to you, that first month will probably be the worst skin you've had in your life. Your skin will become SO SENSITIVE! Anticipate that! My skin has never been sensitive to products but while using this, my regular moisturizers and masks would sting like crazy (get stuff with no fragrance/alcohol or acids!). It didn't affect my skin in any other way, it just stung a lot. Oh, and I used to get my upper lip and brows waxed. Not with this you can't, the wax will tear off your skin since it gets much more sensitive. I learned the hard way. ONLY do threading!
However, after I waited out the terrible, terrible first month, I slowly began to see improvements. Marginal, though. I had acne, but I probably had just a tad less. And it continued that way, it kept improving. Eventually, my skin was so much clearer than before! I still had acne, mind you, it's not a miracle drug, but it was few and far in between. There would be times when I had no active acne, which was HUGE for me!! My face usually looked like a connect the dots game. However, I did hit a plateau. This worked phenomenally at reducing my ugly acne all over my face to a few zits here and there, however, my issue was deeper than that. Eventually, I went to a doctor and got on spironolactone.
Now, I am both on my Spiro and this. The combo of these two have made my skin so clear! I could have never imagined this day! I still need to use this, I have noticed my Spiro is not enough to keep zits at bay and if I skip a couple of nights putting on differin, new zits come up. I am so much happier now that I don't have zillions of gross zits on my face. I still get zits if I eat sugar or near my period but man, I am a long way from before! I have a few blemishes left over from before but I honestly don't care, my skin looks wayyy better. I can hide my blemishes with a sheer foundation of spot concealing if I want.
So if you've read till the end, the lesson is: be PATIENT and be realistic! Your acne did not appear overnight and will not disappear overnight. If you stick with this, it WILL work. However, your mileage may vary. My acne was extremely bad, so after I hit my "acne plateau" I went to the doctor. If your acne is not as bad, it's likely differin is all you need for clear skin! If you're on the fence, confused, depressed, frustrated and/or can't afford a doctor, it's worth a shot! Just be patient and gentle with your skin!
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From the manufacturer
 5% BPO Daily Cleanser |  10% BPO Acne Cleanser |  Dark Spot Corrector Serum |  0.1% Adapalene Gel |  Oil Absorbing Moisturizer |  Acne-Prone Skin Patches | |
|
Customer Reviews
|
12,331
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253
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2,453
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77,817
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6,756
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262
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Price
| $9.91 | $10.79 | $16.21 | $13.99 | $12.79 | $9.99 |
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Use for
| Deep Cleaning Pores | Quickly clearing acne | Reducing post-acne marks | Clearing, preventing acne | Hydrating sun protection | Shrinking imperfections |
|
Key ingredient
| 5% Benzoyl Peroxide | 10% Benzoyl Peroxide | 4% Niacinamide | 0.1% Adapalene | 5% Octisalate 7% Octocrylene | Salicylic Acid |
|
Target areas
| Face & Body | 10% Benzoyl Peroxide | Face | Face | Face | Face |
|
Skin type
| All Skin Types | Acne-prone | All Skin Types | Acne-prone | Oily Skin | All Skin Types |
| | — | — | — | — | — | — |
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Reviews with images
Anti-aging Skincare routine
At the ripe age of 58 I started a skincare routine for the first time in my life! After a whole bunch of research and YouTube videos I realized that a retinoid was essential for the healthy results I was trying to achieve.I chose to go with Differin because of the stability of the molecules to be able to wear it both day and night. I also liked the fact it was as close to the prescription strength without having the medical bill. The price point was also a nice bonus!These pictures are only 2 weeks apart! I don’t think I could have achieved these results without Differin as part of my routine!!
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
Style: Single-Dose PumpSize: 1.6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2024
Style: Single-Dose PumpSize: 1.6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
At the ripe age of 58 I started a skincare routine for the first time in my life! After a whole bunch of research and YouTube videos I realized that a retinoid was essential for the healthy results I was trying to achieve.
I chose to go with Differin because of the stability of the molecules to be able to wear it both day and night. I also liked the fact it was as close to the prescription strength without having the medical bill. The price point was also a nice bonus!
These pictures are only 2 weeks apart! I don’t think I could have achieved these results without Differin as part of my routine!!
I chose to go with Differin because of the stability of the molecules to be able to wear it both day and night. I also liked the fact it was as close to the prescription strength without having the medical bill. The price point was also a nice bonus!
These pictures are only 2 weeks apart! I don’t think I could have achieved these results without Differin as part of my routine!!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2018
Don't:
1) Don't use on raw EXFOLIATED skin. Wait a couple days after exfoliating.
2) Don't use a SUDSING cleansing soap prior. Use a mild hydrating Cleanser.
3) Don't use after getting your skin waxed or shaved.
4) Avoid hot water and steam before use.
5) Do NOT go stand in the sun after applying (retin works by thinning the top layer of your skin which is usually used for protection against the sun). Don't take your chances!
6) do not apply to eyelids or neck or other thin skin areas including the inside of your wrists. You can apply Vaseline to these areas if needed to protect them.
7) don't freak out if your face flakes and don't scrub the flakes off. Moisturizer is your friend.
8) don't scratch at your skin if itches or burns, stay calm, rinse it off with cool water. Apply a gentle cream and then apply a cool wash cloth. Consider diluting before using again.
9) don't assume because your neighbor next door can use twice a day on fresh scrubbed skin with no adverse effects, that the same will be true for you. Adverse skin reactions can take weeks or months to heal from.
10) do NOT apply generously all over your skin. Pea size only on face.
Do:
1) plan on using once or twice a week at first for the first month. Remember "sparingly" is your motto.
2) Have a natural moisture barrier on your face first. Be sure you have not scrubbed your skin raw or clean prior and make sure face is danp prior to applying.
3) if you have ultra sensitive skin, apply a gentle moisturizer FIRST before applying differin. Allow to dry before applying differin.
4) do apply a creamy moisturizer after if needed. Wait five minutes before you do.
5) do also apply sunscreen RELIGIOUSLY if you will be outdoors. So important!!!!
6) do research "purging" and what you can do to minimize or avoid it.
7) do remember that this product is a MEDICATION and not your typical OTC cream. Use sparingly and with caution.
8) do remember that moisture is your friend. After cleansing, avoid drying your skin with towels. Avoid air drying as well.
9) do remember that with this product "less is more". It is potent stuff! Once or twice a week treatments alone will make a difference.
10) keep a good repair Cream on hand in possible event of harsh reaction or irritated skin. I recommend "first aid beauty ultra repair cream". This stuff is amazing. Hydrocortisone cream can also be used.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: it takes 6-12 weeks of patient and measured use before seeing positive long term results for acne. It can take up to a year before seeing positive results for aged and wrinkled skin.
MY RESULTS:
I started out at a twice a week and had no reaction except for mild redness, itching and tingling the following two days afterwards. When I tried to increase to three days a week, I started having issues. The solution to this was to revamp my skin care routine (listed below). After that, I was able to switch pretty rapidly to nightly use. The GAME CHANGER was adding First Aid Ultra Hydrating Cream.
I've included my before and six week after photos. My acne is gone and my pores most definitely shrunk. I used the same room and lighting and I notice that my skin has become much brighter and lighter. My guess is in removing the thing top layer of skin, we no longer see the old tanned skin I had. So far, I am happy with the results.
I am 38 years old. My long term goal is to prevent deep wrinkles and shrink my pores and hopefully reduce white Milia bumps under my eyes as well as all random acne and age spots. I know from researching this can take months and years so I'm feeling patient.
MY CURRENT DIFFERIN APPLICATION:
My morning routine:
- CereVe Hydrating Cleanser
- After rinsing, I apply Timewise Vitamin C Serum with the added F acid.
- Then, I apply a thin layer of Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios with Mexoryl SX
OR CeraVe SPF 30.
*note: I believe the Vitamin C Serum helped with quicker skin cell turnover rate to prevent purging.
In the evenings:
- I double cleanse: first I use Yes To Coconuts Uktra Hydrating Creme Cleanser. After I rinse that off, I cleanse with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
- I allow skin to stay damp.
- I then apply a pea size amount of differin to my face (never on neck or eyelids).
- after about minutes, I follow that with First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.
- I apply CeraVe Skin renewing Serum to my eyes and neck and chest.
- note: I only use retin A products at night to decrease sun sensitivity. In the mornings, I use all my other acids and Vitamin C.
Be aware that most of the negative reviews on here are mostly due to user error and lack of knowledge in the product. There is no reason to have terrible breakouts or harm your skin. I'm horrified people are using this on their NECK right away. Poor skin! This is a potent product.
Good luck!
Some important things to know before starting....
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2018
Here is what I did to avoid the fate of purging and negative skin rashes.....Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2018
Don't:
1) Don't use on raw EXFOLIATED skin. Wait a couple days after exfoliating.
2) Don't use a SUDSING cleansing soap prior. Use a mild hydrating Cleanser.
3) Don't use after getting your skin waxed or shaved.
4) Avoid hot water and steam before use.
5) Do NOT go stand in the sun after applying (retin works by thinning the top layer of your skin which is usually used for protection against the sun). Don't take your chances!
6) do not apply to eyelids or neck or other thin skin areas including the inside of your wrists. You can apply Vaseline to these areas if needed to protect them.
7) don't freak out if your face flakes and don't scrub the flakes off. Moisturizer is your friend.
8) don't scratch at your skin if itches or burns, stay calm, rinse it off with cool water. Apply a gentle cream and then apply a cool wash cloth. Consider diluting before using again.
9) don't assume because your neighbor next door can use twice a day on fresh scrubbed skin with no adverse effects, that the same will be true for you. Adverse skin reactions can take weeks or months to heal from.
10) do NOT apply generously all over your skin. Pea size only on face.
Do:
1) plan on using once or twice a week at first for the first month. Remember "sparingly" is your motto.
2) Have a natural moisture barrier on your face first. Be sure you have not scrubbed your skin raw or clean prior and make sure face is danp prior to applying.
3) if you have ultra sensitive skin, apply a gentle moisturizer FIRST before applying differin. Allow to dry before applying differin.
4) do apply a creamy moisturizer after if needed. Wait five minutes before you do.
5) do also apply sunscreen RELIGIOUSLY if you will be outdoors. So important!!!!
6) do research "purging" and what you can do to minimize or avoid it.
7) do remember that this product is a MEDICATION and not your typical OTC cream. Use sparingly and with caution.
8) do remember that moisture is your friend. After cleansing, avoid drying your skin with towels. Avoid air drying as well.
9) do remember that with this product "less is more". It is potent stuff! Once or twice a week treatments alone will make a difference.
10) keep a good repair Cream on hand in possible event of harsh reaction or irritated skin. I recommend "first aid beauty ultra repair cream". This stuff is amazing. Hydrocortisone cream can also be used.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: it takes 6-12 weeks of patient and measured use before seeing positive long term results for acne. It can take up to a year before seeing positive results for aged and wrinkled skin.
MY RESULTS:
I started out at a twice a week and had no reaction except for mild redness, itching and tingling the following two days afterwards. When I tried to increase to three days a week, I started having issues. The solution to this was to revamp my skin care routine (listed below). After that, I was able to switch pretty rapidly to nightly use. The GAME CHANGER was adding First Aid Ultra Hydrating Cream.
I've included my before and six week after photos. My acne is gone and my pores most definitely shrunk. I used the same room and lighting and I notice that my skin has become much brighter and lighter. My guess is in removing the thing top layer of skin, we no longer see the old tanned skin I had. So far, I am happy with the results.
I am 38 years old. My long term goal is to prevent deep wrinkles and shrink my pores and hopefully reduce white Milia bumps under my eyes as well as all random acne and age spots. I know from researching this can take months and years so I'm feeling patient.
MY CURRENT DIFFERIN APPLICATION:
My morning routine:
- CereVe Hydrating Cleanser
- After rinsing, I apply Timewise Vitamin C Serum with the added F acid.
- Then, I apply a thin layer of Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios with Mexoryl SX
OR CeraVe SPF 30.
*note: I believe the Vitamin C Serum helped with quicker skin cell turnover rate to prevent purging.
In the evenings:
- I double cleanse: first I use Yes To Coconuts Uktra Hydrating Creme Cleanser. After I rinse that off, I cleanse with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
- I allow skin to stay damp.
- I then apply a pea size amount of differin to my face (never on neck or eyelids).
- after about minutes, I follow that with First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.
- I apply CeraVe Skin renewing Serum to my eyes and neck and chest.
- note: I only use retin A products at night to decrease sun sensitivity. In the mornings, I use all my other acids and Vitamin C.
Be aware that most of the negative reviews on here are mostly due to user error and lack of knowledge in the product. There is no reason to have terrible breakouts or harm your skin. I'm horrified people are using this on their NECK right away. Poor skin! This is a potent product.
Good luck!
Images in this review
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