What is the Differin cream for? The composition of this tool, its indications, form of release, contraindications and methods of application will be described in detail in this article. In addition, we will tell you about how this medication affects a person, whether there are side effects after using it, how much it should be applied, how much it costs and so on.
Forms of a medicinal product and its composition
Currently, in pharmacy chains you can find two different forms of the drug we are considering:
- 0.1% cream from black dots "Differin". The active element of this drug is adaptal. The medication also contains such auxiliary components as a solution (10%) of sodium hydroxide, methyl glucose sesquistearate, carbomer 934, sodium edetate, polyethylene glycol-20, phenoxyethanol, glycerin, cyclomethicone, natural perhydrosqualene, distilled water, methyl parahydroxybenzoate. Cream "Differin" is sold in pharmacies in tubes of 30 g, which are placed in cardboard boxes.
- 0.1% Differin gel. Its active substance is also adaptal. As for the additional elements, carbomer 980, phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, sodium hydrochloride, poloxamer 182, distilled water, sodium edetate and methyl parahydroxybenzoate are used as them. The gel comes on sale in plastic tubes of 30 g, which are placed in cardboard packs.
Pharmacological action of the drug
What is the medicine "Differin" (cream)? The instruction for this drug, which is enclosed in a cardboard package, contains information that adapalene (active substance) belongs to a new generation of synthetic retinoids. Specialists claim that it is a derivative of naphthoic acid.
It is impossible to ignore the fact that adapalene has anti-inflammatory, sebostatic, comedonolytic (or anti-comedogenic) properties.
The medication we are considering is able to easily affect follicular hyperkeratosis with simultaneous regulation of the process of desquamation and keratinization.
Cream from acne "Differin" has a pronounced comedonolytic activity and anti-comedogenic effect. In other words, it acts on closed and open comedones, and also prevents the formation and development of micro comedones.
The principle of action of the drug
The main mechanism of action of the drug is selective binding to the nuclear RA-gamma receptors of epidermal cells. This fact significantly distinguishes the Differin cream from the means of previous generations, which bound retinoids indiscriminately.
The described mechanism of the drug regulates the final differentiation of keratinocytes. This medication is able to normalize the process of keratinization and reduce the prerequisites for the formation of micro comedones.
Scientists have proved the pronounced anti-inflammatory effects of adapalene. The drug inhibits lipoxygenase, arachidonic acid and cytokines. It exhibits very high anti-inflammatory properties, which in terms of their effect are comparable only with the medicines “Indomethacin” and “Betamethasone”.
The active substance of the drug does not have a photosensitizing effect.
Pharmacokinetics of a medical product
Due to reduced systemic absorption, there is no information on the pharmacokinetics of the drug. Also, no systemic effects on the body were detected.
What indications for use does the drug have?
Differin gel and cream can be prescribed to patients in the following cases:
- with acne;
- in the presence of acne;
- with black dots on the face.
What contraindications for use does the drug have?
The gel and cream from the black dots "Differin" has no contraindications. However, it should not be used by those patients who have a high sensitivity to adapalene, as well as additional substances that are part of the medication. If you neglect this advice, then patients may experience skin allergic reactions. In this case, the use of the drug should be immediately abandoned.
Pharmaceutical drug "Differin" (cream): instructions for use
How should I use the medication we are considering? The Differin acne gel or acne cream is applied evenly to the affected areas of the skin. In this case, the drug should be thoroughly rubbed. Before applying the gel or cream, it is recommended to wash the skin first with a soap solution and then dry it thoroughly with a napkin.
Typically, a drug is prescribed once a day. Apply it to affected areas of the skin, preferably immediately before bedtime. As a result of such treatment, the therapeutic effect will not be long in coming.
Judging by practice, the result from the use of the drug "Differin" is observed after 4-8 weeks of therapy. More persistent improvement is noted approximately 3 months after the start of treatment.
In urgent need, a second course of drug therapy can be carried out. However, this should be done only on the recommendation of specialists.
The medicine “Differin” (cream), the composition of which would be presented to your attention at the very beginning of the article, is allowed to be used for dry and sensitive skin.
Is it possible to combine the drug with other agents?
Now you know what a medical device like Differin is. Cream or gel to choose for the treatment of dermatological diseases? Experts say that there is no difference between the named forms of the drug. However, most patients give preference to a cream. This fact is associated with the ease of use and a pleasant structure.
The Differin medication we are considering is indicated for the treatment of moderate to mild acne . As a rule, it is used as monotherapy. Although often acne of moderate severity is treated in combination with other local remedies (for example, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide , etc.). In addition, systemic drugs (for example, antiandrogens for oral administration, antibiotics) can also be included in therapy.
Overdose cases
Have there been cases of overdose with Differin? Due to the reduced systemic absorption, an overdose of this medication is impossible or unlikely.
Interaction with other medical devices
To date, no clinically significant interaction of the cream or gel "Differin" with its simultaneous use with benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin phosphate has been established.
Breastfeeding Time and Pregnancy
Is it possible to use the drug "Differin" during the period of gestation? Cream or gel during pregnancy are equally contraindicated. Also, a medication should in no case be used during breastfeeding, as it can harm the baby's health.
Side effects from the use of the medication
Can the Differin medication (acne cream) cause side effects? Reviews of those who periodically use this remedy say that sometimes the drug causes local reactions such as peeling of the skin and their redness. However, local allergies occur only if the gel or cream has been applied in excessive amounts. Therefore, for safety reasons, they should be used strictly according to the instructions.
Special instructions for the use of the drug
During the application of the gel or cream "Differin" it is necessary to avoid contact with the lips and eyes. If this still happened, then the mucous membranes should be washed immediately with warm water. If these rules are not followed, local allergic reactions in the form of redness and swelling are possible.
In some cases, while using the medication, the patient may show short-term irritation of the skin. In this case, therapy with this agent must be immediately interrupted. After the disappearance of signs of irritation, treatment can be continued.
When using the cream or gel "Differin" it is recommended to avoid active and prolonged exposure to the sun. Also, during the treatment period, you should abandon ultraviolet radiation (visiting a solarium). If these recommendations are not followed, mild skin irritation is possible.
During the period of use of the medicinal product, it is extremely undesirable to use cosmetic products that have drying or irritating properties. In addition, the use of perfumes and other ethanol-containing products should be abandoned.
To get a better therapeutic effect, some experts recommend using other acne treatments at the same time. In this case, the cream or gel "Differin" must be used once a day, before bedtime. In the morning, other drugs should be used (for example, 1% clindamycin lotion, 4% erythromycin lotion, as well as an aqueous solution of benzoyl peroxide, the concentration of which does not exceed 10%).
It is allowed to use makeup products and moisturizing cosmetics at the same time, which do not contribute to the formation of comedones.
Terms and conditions of storage of the local drug
According to experts, adapalene is an active substance that is resistant to light and oxygen. It is also chemically inactive.
The gel is recommended to be stored out of the reach of children at a temperature of no more than 25 degrees. Shelf life is three years.
As for the cream, it should also be stored in a darkened cabinet, where the air temperature does not exceed 25 degrees. Freezing this drug is prohibited. Otherwise, he will lose all his therapeutic properties. The shelf life of the drug is two years. After this period, the use of the product is strictly prohibited. The same goes for gel.
The drug "Differin" is available in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. However, it is not recommended for use for self-medication. Before use, you should always consult a doctor.
Cost of funds, its analogues
The price of the drug we are considering is quite high. So, for one tube of cream (30 g) you will have to pay about 750 Russian rubles. The cost of the gel is similar (sometimes it can be slightly higher).
If the drug "Differin" you can not afford, then it can be replaced with cheaper analogues. Among them, I want to highlight the Klenzit S gel. Its price is two times lower.
Reviews on the local drug
In general, reviews about the cream and gel "Differin" are positive. Patients claim that with proper use, it really eliminates acne, blackheads and black spots on the face. But, to avoid skin irritations, before using the product, you should always consult a dermatologist.