We are aware that, skin is known as the largest organ in our human body as it almost covers every part of our body and is also responsible for one of the important sense known as ‘Touch’. Our skin consists of numerous cells and tissues to perform some specific functions in our human body. As it is nature’s rule, every living being falls sick at some point of time. Hence, every organ gets infected through some kind of disease or infections etc. The same rule applies to our skin organ also i.e. our skin also falls prey to various kinds of diseases oftenly.

And hence, every infection or disease has to be treated to get rid it on time to remain healthy. To treat such skin infections caused by acne and pimples, Differin 0.1 i.e. Adapalene gel has been manufactured. However, Adapalene is a gel used for the treatment of acne vulgaris pimples. Adapalene belongs to the third generation of retinoid class which is chemically related to Vitamin A and treats Acne Vulgaris.

The exact mechanism of action is not known but retinoids are widely used in the various skin treatments. This is because retinoids have the capacity to regulate various processes such as, cellular differentiation, keratinization, inflammatory processes and cell growth. Scientists believe that when Adapalene is applied to the skin it affects the growth of skin cells and thereby reduces the formation of pimples.

Generic Adapalene is applied on the skin of the affected person and gradually the gel clears all the skin problems. Differin gel contains 0.1 Adapalene in each gram of gel and is available in 15gm of tube. If moderate doses are given, it is also been observed that it can prove boon to treat Keratosis Pilaris and acne both.

However, Adapalene was approved by the FDA for treating acne in 1966.

Please consult your doctor for the exact applying method and prescription of the Differin medication.

This Adapalene gel has to be used in this particular way:

Step 1: Always wash your hands and the affected area completely with the soap or light cleaning lotion and water to make them clean before applying the gel.

Step 2: Pat it dry by wiping it clean with the moist cotton, towel or tissue and.

Step 3: Now, apply a thin layer of the gel on your affected area.

Step 4: Avoid applying too close near your eyes, nostrils, mouth, lips, mucous membranes etc.

Step 5: Gently massage the gel that you have applied, so that your skin soaks the medicine well.

Step 6: Again, wash your hands properly when you are finished applying the medicine.

Step 7: Remember, apply the gel once in a day usually at bed time.

Step 8: Avoid the gel contact with any eczematous, cuts or sunburned skin.

Step 9: There may be a worsening of acne during the first few weeks of therapy as the Adapalene promotes the growth of pimples that have begun to form but are not yet visible.

Step 10: Therefore treatment should not be stopped if acne appears to be worsening and you shall observe the beneficial effects by 8 to 12 weeks of time span.

The most common side effects of Adapalene are redness, burning, irritation, redness, dryness and itching of the skin as well as flares of acne in the first few weeks of the treatment. Most of these side effects lessen with continued use however if they are bothersome decreasing the frequency with which Adapalene is applied may reduce these side effects.

Adapalene may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sun and lead to sunburn. Excessive sun exposure should be avoided and sunscreens should be used over the treated areas, if exposure to the sun cannot be avoided. Adapalene should not be applied to sunburned skin cuts eyes nose or lips. And contact your doctor immediately and discuss with them the above common symptoms which become severe, or persist, or any other unusual symptoms occur. For a while stop the Differin gel when such situation arises.

Remember well that the excessive skin irritation may occur if Adapalene is used with other acne medications.

Differin Adapalene may interact with the cosmetics, soaps, face wash or any other cream which contains astringents, alcohol, lime, spices etc. in higher concentrations. Avoid using any such products as it may cause irritation to the skin rigorously. Also there are a number of drugs that can lead to acne or the formation of blemishes in some patients, such as Disulfuram or Antabuse, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, Immuran an immunosuppressant and even some thyroid medicines.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Overdose of the gel can cause discomfort, red skin and peeling of the skin.

Eating fried foods, French fries, chocolates or stress do not result in the formation of the acne. But still a balanced diet and a good relaxed sleep can help you a lot to get rid of acne as the production of more oil in your skin will get decreased.

Girls have to be very cautious and choosy about their make up products that they use on their skin. Try to avoid scented foundations, face powder, face creams, blushes or eye shadows which may cause irritation and clogging in the skin as it may contain Mica. So, less make up is recommended.

Boys are also advised to lather well before they shave. Use thinner, filmy shaving creams so that the razor will glide easily over the skin during shaving. Shave carefully to avoid any cuts.
However, using low amounts of benzoyl peroxide or sulfur will help to draw away excess oil from the skin.

Remember, the treatment of Differin Adapalene 0.1 gel may cause burning sensation, pruritus i.e. itching, dryness of the skin, erythema etc. Avoid using any other products along-with Differin, which can increase skin irritation.

If you miss an application of this medicine, apply it as soon as you remember. And, if it is almost the time of your next application, skip the missed application and continue to your regular dosing application. Do not over dose your applications in any case, as it may lead to serious skin conditions. Better, consult your doctor for the missed dosage.

Differin gel is used in the treatment of acne and Keratosis Pilaris both.

When the Adapalene Cream is applied to the skin, it gets absorbed deep inside pores that have been clogged by the accumulation of oil and bacteria. Then the cream clears this accumulation and also prevents the formation of fresh acne.

Similarly, it also treats Keratosis Pilaris, which is often misunderstood as acne. Keratosis Pilaris appears as rough pimples or bumps on the buttocks, upper arms, thighs, and other parts of the body. This is because of an excess production of a protein called Keratin that accumulates inside hair follicles to form numerous tiny red bumps on the skin surface, making it appear like acne.

Though it occurs commonly on the face, some people may find it on their back, chest, neck, shoulders, legs etc.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses also, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the Differin 0.1 medication.

Try to store the Adapalene gel ideally at room temperature between 68 – 77 degrees F and 20-25 degrees C in a dry place. Check Expiry date without fail. Keep all the gels away from women, newborns, children and pets. Also, keep it away from heat, dampness and direct light. Moisture or heat may cause the break down of the medicine. In any case, do not store the gels in the bathroom.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Differin:

1. Tell your doctor that if you have ever suffered or are suffering from some kind of mild or severe skin disease. Also acknowledge your doctor if you need to undergo any kind of skin surgery, so that the doctor can decide whether to continue taking Differin or stop it during the surgery.

2. Let your dermatologist doctor also know if you are in-taking or are planning to take any prescribed or non prescribed medicines, health supplements, vitamins or any OTC medications or any skin treatment etc. Avoid taking a diet which is very rich in Vitamin A, as it can be toxic.

3. Do not take this Differin, if you have any kind of allergy to it or to any ingredients and also inform your doctor about your particular allergy and get treated. Immediately stop applying the gel, if your skin gets sensitive and irritated after applying the medicine.

4. Do not forget to wash your face with a light cleaning lotion or mild soap and water before and after applying the gel. And always use a fresh cotton or pledget to apply the gel.

5. It is recommended that you do not wash your face more than 2-3 times a day as this may cause your pimples to burst and drive the bacteria’s into the pores and spread the infection. And take a shower after exercise without fail to dispel heat and moisture from your body. This will prevent bacteria from multiply. Use gentle scrubs while bathing.

6. Do not apply this gel to abrasions, sunburned or eczematous skin. And never squeeze or pick at your pimples, as it will cause infection, inflammation and scarring of the area.

7. Remember, the gel is for external use only. In case, if it gets into your eyes or other sensitive areas, immediately wash your hands and then wash your eyes or your sensitive parts with plenty of water. If the irritation persists, call your doctor immediately and get treated accordingly.

8. If you wish to use this gel in children, it is strictly recommended that the children use this gel only under medical supervision. However, the safety of using this gel by children below 12 has not been established.

9. Do not share your gel with others unless they are prescribed by the doctor themselves and avoid keeping any expired or leftover gel for future use. Also enquire your pharmacist regarding safe disposal methods for the gel.

10. Pregnant women or nursing mothers should consult their respective doctors, before using the Differin medication.

11. Use cotton garments more and avoid synthetic garments and those made of lycra, as they can trap heat and moisture against your skin, and may result in rapid growth of the bacteria.

12. Caution is recommended to avoid activities that will cause sunburn to your skin or any kind of damage to your skin. Over-exposure to the extreme hot, wind or cold weather, sunlight or sunlamps will produce severe results. Usage of sunscreens and protective clothing is recommended.

13. Please, take the medicine in the prescribed amount and do not overdose it or use it for the longer period of time. Overuse or frequent use shall not bring any quick positive results but may worse the condition.

14. This treatment can take around 8-10 weeks to show its full benefits by using this gel. And still if you don’t notice any improvements even after 3 weeks, contact your dermatologist and discuss about the further treatment. Do not discontinue on your own and consult your doctor before doing so to avoid further problems.

15. Remember, those who are using Differin gel may experience burning, scaling, dryness, erythema or itching during the initial course of therapy for the first 2 or 4 weeks. But these symptoms have been found to decrease with continued use of the gel.

16. And if any of your symptoms or side effects do not improve in few weeks or if they become worse and bothersome, check these conditions with your doctor immediately.