Differin gel, known generically as Adapalene, is a popular prescription topical acne treatment. Developed and marketed by Galderma Laboratories, Differin was approved by the FDA in 1996 and has been used by millions of patients ever since.
Mainly developed for the treatment of acne vulgaris, Differin is also sometimes used to treat karatosis pilaris and other skin conditions.
Often, new users of Differin or people who are considering using it will have some questions about the product, which is why we’ve put together this page of frequently asked questions about Differin gel.
Is Differin a Retinoid?
Yes, Differin is a topical retinoid, along with Retin A and Tazorac. Retinoids are simply chemical compounds that are related to vitamin A, and vitamin A is crucial to the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Is Differin an Antibiotic?
No, Differin is not an antibiotic. It is a topical retinoid cream. Common antibiotics used to treat acne include Clindamycin, Dapsone, Erythromycin, Sulfacetamide, Minocycline, and Tetracyclines.
Is Differin a Steroid?
Although topical steroid creams, called corticosteroids, are sometimes used in the treatment of acne, Differin is not a steroid cream. Instead, it is a topical retinoid (chemically related to vitamin A).
Is Differin The Same As Adapalene?
Yes, Differin is simply the most common trade name of the generic Adapalene. In most countries Adapalene is known as Differin, while in Indian it is marketed as Adaferin.
Is Differin Safe While Breastfeeding?
Unfortunately, it is currently unknown whether Differin can be passed through mother’s milk during breastfeeding. Because of this lack of understanding, and the knowledge that high doses of vitamin A can be harmful to children, it’s probably best to avoid using Differin or other retinoids while breastfeeding.
Is Differin Safe During Pregnancy?
It is well known that higher-than-normal doses of vitamin A during pregnancy can be harmful to the unborn child. This is why the powerful retinoid Isotretinoin (Accutane) has such severe warnings to pregnant women associated with it.
Since Differin is also a retinoid, is should not be taken during pregnancy or if you plan on becoming pregnant. Even though it is a topical medication (applied to the skin), your body is still absorbing vitamin A from it, and this can harm your child.
For more information, see our page on acne treatments for pregnant women.
Is Differin Available Over The Counter?
No, Differin is available only with a prescription. This is true for all retinoids commonly used to treat acne, and is primarily because they can be dangerous is used improperly, or during pregnancy (see previous question).
If you are interested is using Differin to treat your acne, speak with a dermatologist and he can write you a prescription if he determines that it is an appropriate medication for you.
Is Differin an Anti-Aging Cream?
Although not the primary use, topical retinoids are sometimes utilized for their anti-wrinkle properties. The vitamin A helps smooth out skin and keeps it looking younger. However, if you are looking to use a retinoid to get rid of wrinkles, you may want to consider something more powerful with as Retin A.
Does Differin Exfoliate The Skin?
Yes, topically applied retinoids are exfoliants. This is part of the reason why they are useful for treating acne vulgaris; by sloughing off dead skin cells and preventing them from clogging pores and forming acne lesions.
