Differin is a new generation synthetic retinoid. The active ingredient of the drug is adapalene, which has the ability to affect the follicular apparatus of the skin, as it eliminates hyperkeratosis, enhances exfoliation of the stratum corneum, and suppresses the development of comedones, including microcomedones. The drug affects both open and closed pores. It is available in two forms: cream and gel.
Manufacturer: Galderma laboratory, France. The main analogue of the drug is Klenzit (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, India).
Differin gel 0.1% 1 g (active ingredient adapalene 1 mg)
Auxiliary components: carbomer 980 (used for stabilization and thickening), propylene glycol (moisture-retaining, softening component), poloxamer 182 (surfactant), sodium edetate (complexing detoxifying agent), methyl parahydroxybenzoate and phenoxyethanol (preservatives), sodium hydrochloride (saline solution) , distilled water. Available in plastic tubes of 30 g, in cardboard packaging.
Differin cream 0.1% 1 g (active ingredient adapalene 1 mg)
Auxiliary components: carbomer 934P, polyethylene glycol-20 and glycerin (they are more viscous than the propylene glycol used in the gel, they are also used to retain moisture and soften), sodium edetate, natural perhydrosqualene (soothing component that restores the hydrolipid layer), methyl glucose sescistearate (emulsifier) , methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, phenoxyethanol (preservatives), cyclomethicone (cyclic silicone, ensures glide and good distribution of the product on the skin), sodium hydroxide solution 10%, distilled water. The cardboard package contains 1 plastic tube of 30g.
How does differin act on the skin?
The effect of the drug is multifaceted, it can be described as sebostatic (reduces the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands in the application area), comedolytic (promotes the dissolution of existing comedones) and anti-inflammatory.
The main mechanism of action is selective binding of the active substance to nuclear receptors of the skin. Thus, the receptors become not just busy, but working. The secretion of sebum and the proliferation of epidermal cells are controlled. The formation of comedones and keratinization also slows down (this is a process that takes place in the cells of the epidermis, the result of which is the deposition of keratin (protein substance) and fats in the stratum corneum, as a result of which the stratum corneum of the skin becomes strong). Thanks to this, the formation of a “shell” of keratinized cells does not occur, which makes it difficult for sebum to drain out and the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands are “uncorked.”
Adapalene is able to inhibit the production of cytokines, lipoxygenase, arachidonic acid and other inflammatory mediators, which reduces the inflammatory response in the area of application.
No photosensitizing (increasing skin reactivity in response to ultraviolet) effect of the drug was detected. No systemic effect of the drug was detected, because the drug practically does not enter the systemic circulation. Has a pronounced local therapeutic effect.
Efficacy of the drug
The chemical formula of salicylic acid is: C6H4 (OH) COOH. Alcohol compositions based on it have a pronounced anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial effect. Solutions are available for sale with different percentages of salicylic acid - from 1 to 10.
To understand why this particular substance is actively included in anti-acne formulations, let's study its main effects:
- dries out the skin, so that acne opens up quickly and disappears on its own;
- eliminates spots after acne due to deep penetration of the active substance into the epidermis, increased blood supply to the affected areas of the skin, as well as powerful tissue regeneration, ensuring their complete renewal;
- destroys all kinds of bacteria, which are the main cause of acne;
- regulating the production of sebum, therefore ensuring a matte appearance of the skin surface;
- cleansing and whitening, since the drug actively dissolves and discolors, for example, comedones (blackheads).
How to use Differin:
The cream or gel is applied to clean, dry skin at the desired site of action once a day, without rubbing. Depending on the severity of the process, the frequency of the procedure can increase to 2 times a day. After 5-8 weeks, the primary therapeutic effect can be assessed. The final result of treatment after 3-4 months of regular use of the drug.
The drug in the form of a cream is best used by patients with dry sensitive skin.
It is possible to use a course of treatment with Differin in patients with severe acne.
Synthetic retinoids as a local treatment can be used in monotherapy, as well as in combination with other drugs (antibiotics, oral retinoids, hormones).
Review of facial skin treatment products
You do not need a prescription to purchase anti-comedone cream or ointment at a pharmacy.
Sometimes hormonal medications are recommended. The drugs are selected individually, preferably after consultation with a dermatologist. It is important to identify the cause of excess comedones in order to select a cream or ointment.
Ichthyol ointment
An official medicine preparation based on resinous rocks. It has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and local irritant effect.
Indications for the use of ichthyol ointment:
- some gynecological diseases - salpingitis, metritis;
- inflammation in the prostate gland;
- erysipelas;
- burns;
- furunculosis;
- eczema;
- inflammation in the joints.
Ichthyol ointment for comedones is not prescribed, unlike creams. An exception is a boil on the face. The remedy will accelerate its maturation and breakthrough of the abscess. It will not help clear your skin of blackheads.
Zinc
The ointment is made on the basis of zinc oxide. A white dense mass with a consistency similar to a fatty cream. It has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect, reduces the process of exudation, and dries the skin.
Indications for use: diaper dermatitis, eczema, small wounds, rashes.
Zinc ointment for comedones only helps with exudation - blockage with the formation of a pimple. Stops the inflammatory process, dries and softens the skin, normalizes sebum production, which will reduce the likelihood of new acne.
For closed or open formations without signs of inflammation, the drug is ineffective; it is better to choose a cream.
Salicylic
Salicylic acid-based ointment is a keratolytic. When used topically, it has an aseptic effect and helps normalize lard production.
In high concentration, salicylic ointment exfoliates the top layer of skin. This allows you to use a 10% product as a cream for closed comedones on the face. Removing dead cells will allow the fat mass to be squeezed out without causing unnecessary damage. This procedure must be carried out by a doctor. Then cosmetic masks for hydration and nutrition are shown.
For open, non-inflamed comedones, the drug is ineffective. Salicylic acid will relieve inflammation during purulent processes - acne, and help cleanse and heal the wound. The cream is applied to the affected area 2 times a day. When open, it is better to use salicylic alcohol. It removes excess sebum and reduces the likelihood of acne. After the procedure, you need to wash off its remains with water, moisturize the skin on your forehead, nose, and chin with lotion.
Other
Zinnerit is a drug based on the antibiotic Erythromycin. Suppresses the bacterial flora that causes acne and helps normalize sebum production. It prevents the appearance of comedones, but does not remove existing ones.
You do not need a prescription to purchase Zinnerit. This is not a cream, but a liquid dosage form that is applied in a thin layer. No rinsing required.
Vishnevsky ointment suppresses bacterial flora and cleanses the wound of purulent masses. Indicated for furunculosis. Acne or comedones are not treated with it.
Tea tree oil and creams based on it are an antibacterial agent. Stops the inflammatory process and dries the skin. Not effective for mature closed or open but not inflamed comedones.
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Syntomycin paste or liniment - based on floramphenicol. Indicated for inflammatory and purulent processes. Not effective for removing blackheads.
Sulfur ointment - the main component upon contact with the skin is converted to sulfides. They have an antiseptic effect. Indicated in the treatment of mycoses and purulent processes. It is not used to treat non-inflamed open or closed comedones.
Baziron AS – reduces sebum production and has an anti-inflammatory effect. The cream is applied 4 times a day. According to reviews, it dries out the skin and can cause pigmentation.
Side effects of Differin:
The absence of a systemic effect of the drug when used locally eliminates its toxic effect on the body even with repeated use. A local skin reaction in the form of burning, redness, dryness and peeling is possible. Redness and burning go away on their own within a few hours after application, so it is recommended to apply the drug at night.
If the side effects are still severe, you can switch from daily use of the drug to application every 2-3 days. In most cases, this helps to comfortably tolerate the action of the main component - adapalene.
Interaction of Differin with other drugs:
No suppression or suppression of the action of differin has been established when used in combination with other drugs. However, when combined with other local drugs, a time interval of at least 1 hour must be observed. If the drug is used for local treatment of acne in combination with basiron, one of them is applied at night (usually Differin), and the other - in the morning.
How to use correctly
If you have not used a salicylic acid solution before, you should start using it with a 1% concentration. A high content of this substance (5 - 10%) will dry out the skin excessively, to which it will react with even more sebum secreted.
If you have single pimples, you can use this solution, but if their number on the face exceeds 30%, it would be best to undergo professional mechanical cleaning from a cosmetologist.
Using a cotton pad moistened with the selected solution of salicylic acid, wipe problem areas of the skin with rashes until a slight burning or tingling sensation appears, indicating the onset of the drug's effect.
If you are using a solution with a high concentration of acid, then after wiping the skin, you can rinse your face with cool water to slightly neutralize its effect. This should not be done when using low concentrations of the solution.
Do not rub such a solution into the skin surface too much to avoid possible burns to the epidermis!
There is also salicylic ointment available in pharmacies, which has an equally active effect and dries the skin very much, so you need to be careful with it and apply it pointwise, that is, only on pimples or boils.
Differin: reviews
Most patients note an improvement in skin structure, elimination of comedones, rashes and redness by the end of the first month of regular use of the drug. It should be noted that it is not recommended to interrupt the course of treatment with local retinoids, otherwise a relapse of the disease may occur.
So, about 3% of patients note an increase in acne formation after 2 months of taking the drug and its further discontinuation.
It should be noted that one of the unpleasant effects of all retinoids can be called an imaginary deterioration on the 15-21st day of using the product (this does not occur in everyone). The number of comedones and sebum secretion increases and, as a result, inflamed elements. However, with further application of the drug, these symptoms disappear.
Only 2% of patients report a lack of therapeutic effect after a full course of treatment with topical retinoids. A small number of people experience allergic reactions to one of the components of the drug (most often preservatives are allergens).
When the drug is contraindicated
It is not known in advance how the skin will react to this or that type of substance, so first test for an allergic reaction by applying a small amount of the composition to the epidermis in the wrist area. In order not to harm yourself, study the following contraindications for use:
- period of pregnancy and lactation;
- the appearance of peeling, irritation and itching, fraught with the formation of a burn with further use. In this case, you can replace the alcohol composition with a solution without alcohol, or use the ointment described above;
- You should not use this drug for very dry and thin epidermis, as you will dry it out even more and thin it.
When using this solution for a month, be sure to take a break for 2 weeks so that the skin does not get used to the active substance and stops reacting to it.
Salicylic acid must be sold in tinted glass bottles
Release forms
Salicylic acid against acne comes in several forms.
First of all, this is a 1% solution. The composition is simple - 10 grams of acid and 70% alcohol. The volume of the bottle can be 25 or 40 ml.
There is also a 2% solution, which already contains 20 grams of acid and the same percentage of alcohol. It is with these solutions that you need to treat your face to save yourself from this type of rash.
There are three more options - these are 3%, 5% and 10% solutions. We do not recommend using them, as such treatment can result in severe burns.
There is also salicylic acid, which comes in powder form. It costs literally pennies, but does not dissolve in water. Therefore, it should only be used as a solution in alcohol. However, here you can make a mistake in the dosage and burn the skin. Therefore, it is better not to use salicylic acid powder at home.
