21 Sep 2025
- 8 Comments
TL;DR
- Differin is a retinoid gel or cream that contains adapalene, a proven acne fighter.
- It works by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation and normalising skin cell turnover.
- Start with a thin layer once daily in the evening; use sunscreen every morning.
- Common side‑effects are dryness, redness and mild peeling - they usually fade after 2‑4 weeks.
- In Australia you can buy Differin 0.1% over‑the‑counter; stronger 0.3% needs a prescription.
What is Differin and How It Works
If you’ve ever Googled "how to get rid of acne" you’ve probably seen the name Differin pop up. It’s not a fancy brand‑new cream - it’s been on the market for over a decade and is backed by solid dermatology research.
Differin’s active ingredient is adapalene, a third‑generation synthetic retinoid. Unlike earlier retinoids (like tretinoin), adapalene is far more stable in sunlight and less irritating, which is why it’s sold without a prescription in many countries, including Australia.
Adapalene targets three key processes that cause acne:
- Follicular hyper‑keratinisation - skin cells stick together too tightly, blocking the pore opening.
- Inflammation - the trapped sebum creates an environment for acne‑causing bacteria, leading to redness and swelling.
- Excess sebum production - adapalene helps the skin normalize oil output over time.
By gently nudging these processes back to normal, Differin reduces both comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads) and inflammatory breakouts (pimples, papules, pustules). Clinical trials consistently show a 30‑50% reduction in lesion count after 12 weeks of regular use.
Another advantage is the low risk of photosensitivity. You can still get sunburned, but you don’t need to stay indoors like you would with older retinoids. Sunscreen is still a non‑negotiable part of the routine, though.
Using Differin Safely: Step‑by‑Step Guide
Many newcomers panic at the thought of slathering a 'retinoid' on their face. The truth is, Differin is designed to be user‑friendly. Follow these steps for a smooth experience.
1. Prep Your Skin
- Wash your face with a gentle, sulfate‑free cleanser. Avoid scrubs that can compromise the barrier.
- Pat dry with a clean towel; the skin should be slightly damp, not wet.
2. Apply a Pea‑Sized Amount
- Use about a pea‑size amount for the whole face. More isn’t better - it only raises irritation risk.
- Dot the gel or cream onto your forehead, chin, each cheek and nose, then smooth gently.
3. Timing Matters
- Most dermatologists recommend applying Differin in the evening, after your nighttime cleanser.
- If you’re new, start every other night for the first two weeks, then move to nightly use.
4. Moisturise
- Wait 5‑10 minutes for Differin to absorb, then use a non‑comedogenic moisturizer.
- Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide work well to counter dryness.
5. Sunscreen is Mandatory
- Apply a broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, even on cloudy days.
- Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors for extended periods.
6. Managing Side‑Effects
It’s normal to see mild peeling, redness or a “purging” phase during the first 2‑4 weeks. If irritation becomes severe (e.g., intense burning, swelling, or oozing), pause application for a couple of days, then resume at a lower frequency.
For persistent dryness, consider a richer moisturizer or a barrier‑repair serum. Avoid using other strong actives (like benzoyl peroxide or AHAs) at the same time until your skin builds tolerance.
7. When to Expect Results
Visible improvement typically appears after 4‑6 weeks, with peak results around the 12‑week mark. Keep using Differin long‑term - acne is chronic, and maintenance helps prevent recurrence.
Choosing the Right Differin Product & Common FAQs
Differin comes in a few formulations. Picking the right one depends on your skin type, acne severity, and whether you have a prescription.
| Formulation | Strength | Typical Use | Availability (Australia) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Differin Gel | 0.1% | All skin types, especially oily or combination skin | OTC |
| Differin Cream | 0.1% | Dry or sensitive skin - cream offers extra hydration | OTC |
| Differin Gel | 0.3% | Moderate to severe acne, or if 0.1% isn’t enough | Prescription only |
Most Australians start with the 0.1% gel because it feels lighter on hot summer days. If you notice extreme dryness, switch to the cream version - the active concentration is identical, just the vehicle differs.
FAQ
- Can I use Differin with other acne products? Yes, but space them out. Apply Differin first, wait ten minutes, then use a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment or a salicylic acid serum if needed.
- Is Differin safe during pregnancy? Adapalene is classified as Category B in Australia, meaning animal studies show no risk but human data are limited. Discuss with your doctor before using.
- How long does a tube last? A 30g tube lasts roughly 2‑3 months when used once nightly.
- Will Differin fade my melanin spots? Indirectly, yes. By reducing inflammation, it can lessen post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation over time.
- Can I apply Differin in the morning? You can, but most users prefer evenings to avoid the sun‑exposure window and to pair with a nighttime moisturizer.
Next Steps for Different Scenarios
If you’re a complete beginner: Purchase the OTC 0.1% gel, follow the starter schedule (every other night), and set a reminder to apply sunscreen every morning.
If you’ve tried other topicals with limited success: Consider the 0.3% prescription strength - ask a pharmacist or doctor for a short‑term script and monitor closely.
If you have sensitive skin: Opt for the cream version, pair with a barrier‑supporting moisturizer, and keep the frequency low (2‑3 times a week) until tolerance builds.
Remember, consistency beats perfection. Acne improves steadily when you stick to the routine for at least three months. If you hit a plateau, re‑evaluate your diet, stress levels, and other skincare actives.
With the right product, proper usage, and a dose of patience, Differin can become a reliable ally in the battle against stubborn breakouts.
katerine rose
September 22, 2025i started using differin 0.1% gel last month and holy crap it actually worked. my blackheads are gone and my skin stopped looking like a crime scene. i was skeptical but now i’m obsessed. just use a tiny bit and moisturize like your life depends on it. also sunscreen non-negotiable. no cap.
Selma Cey
September 22, 2025people act like adapalene is some magic potion but it’s just another chemical that makes your skin peel. nature had it right - let your skin breathe. we’ve been sold this narrative that acne is a disease needing pharmaceutical intervention. maybe it’s just your body telling you to stop eating processed junk and sleep more.
Francis Pascoe
September 23, 2025i tried this thing for two weeks and my face looked like a red swamp. i thought i was doing it right. then i realized i was using it with a scrub and a vitamin c serum and a tea tree oil toner and a jade roller and a 10-step routine. i’m not a lab rat. i’m just trying to not look like a tomato. now i use it once a week with a ceramide cream and i’m not crying in the shower anymore. thanks for the info, but stop overcomplicating everything.
Richa Shukla
September 23, 2025differin is a big pharma scam to make you buy sunscreen every 2 hours. they made up acne to sell you creams. my grandma had acne in the 70s and she just washed her face with soap and water. also i think they put something in the water to make us all breakout. why else would everyone have acne now? 🤔
Chris Rowe
September 25, 2025lmao this post is 10 pages long. i just put cream on my face and it stopped lookin like a volcano. if you need a 7 step guide to use a gel then maybe you should just let your skin be. i used differin once and it burned. stopped. still have acne. still happy.
Sushmita S
September 27, 2025i used differin and my face felt like sandpaper 😭 but after 3 weeks my skin looked like a baby’s butt 🍼✨ best thing i ever did. now i’m addicted to moisturizer and sunscreen. don’t be scared, just go slow!
AnneMarie Carroll
September 27, 2025you people are missing the point. this isn’t about acne. it’s about control. corporations sell you the illusion of control over your body through topical creams while ignoring hormonal imbalances, stress, and systemic inflammation. you think a pea-sized amount of adapalene fixes your life? you’re just feeding the algorithm. i’ve been off everything for 8 months. my skin cleared. my mind did too. stop buying into the skincare industrial complex.
John K
September 28, 2025usa makes the best skincare. if you’re from australia and you can buy it without a doc that’s just lazy regulation. we have real science here. use the 0.3% if you want real results. also sunscreen is a must. no excuses. 🇺🇸💪🌞